Optical actuator, camera module, and camera mounting device

Abstract

An optical actuator includes: an inner holder configured to hold a light path bending member; an outer holder configured to support the inner holder so as to be swingable about a first axis; and a driving section configured to swing the inner holder, the inner holder being supported at both end portions thereof in a direction parallel to the first axis by bearing sections so as to be rotatable relative to the outer holder, the driving section including an ultrasonic motor supported by the outer holder and a sandwiching section supported by the inner holder, the ultrasonic motor including a resonant vibrator, and the sandwiching section including a contact section in contact with the vibrator and in a fan shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to optical actuators, camera modules, and camera mounting devices. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, thin camera-mounted devices equipped with camera modules, such as smartphones or digital camcorders, were known. The camera module includes a lens section with one or more lenses and an imaging element that captures an image of a subject imaged through the lens section.

[0003] In addition, a camera module with a bending optical system has been proposed. This bending optical system uses a prism, which is a light path bending component provided in the front section of the lens section, to bend light from the subject along the first optical axis toward the second optical axis and guide the light to the lens section in the rear section (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera module that includes a shake correction device for correcting hand shakiness generated in the camera and an autofocus device for autofocusing. Such a camera module has both a shake correction actuator and an autofocus actuator as optical actuators.

[0005] The jitter correction actuators among these actuators include a first actuator and a second actuator that cause the prism to oscillate around two different axes. Specifically, the first actuator causes the prism to oscillate around an oscillation axis orthogonal to a plane including the first and second optical axes. The second actuator causes the prism to oscillate around an oscillation axis that coincides with the second optical axis.

[0006] When camera shake occurs, a shake correction actuator, under the control of the control unit, causes the prism to swing to correct the shake. Thus, the camera shake is corrected.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-92285 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] In camera modules like those described above, optical actuators with novel structures are required.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical actuator, a camera module, and a camera mounting device with a novel structure.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] One aspect of the optical actuator of the present invention includes:

[0015] The inner support can hold the components that bend in the optical path;

[0016] An outer support is provided to support the inner support in a manner that allows the inner support to swing about a first axis; and

[0017] The drive unit causes the inner support to swing.

[0018] The inner support is supported by bearings at both ends in a direction parallel to the first axis, allowing it to rotate relative to the outer support.

[0019] The drive unit has an ultrasonic motor supported on the outer support and a clamping part supported on the inner support.

[0020] An ultrasonic motor has a resonant oscillator.

[0021] The clamping part has a fan-shaped contact part that contacts the oscillator.

[0022] One form of the camera module of the present invention includes:

[0023] The aforementioned optical actuator;

[0024] An optical path bending component, held within an inner support of an optical actuator, bends incident light along a first direction toward a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and

[0025] A camera element is positioned on the second direction side, which is more advanced than the optical actuator.

[0026] One embodiment of the camera mounting device of the present invention includes: the camera module described above; and a control unit that controls the camera module.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] According to the present invention, an optical actuator, a camera module, and a camera mounting device with a novel structure can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the optical path bending module.

[0031] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the optical path bending module.

[0032] Figure 4 It is the main body of the base Figure 1The cross-sectional view along line X1-X1.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the inner support and the components assembled to the inner support.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the inner support and the components assembled to the inner support.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional view of the outer support and the components assembled onto the outer support.

[0036] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the outer support and the components assembled onto the outer support.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the outer support.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the drive unit.

[0039] Figure 11A This diagram illustrates an example of a camera mounting device equipped with a camera module.

[0040] Figure 11B This diagram illustrates an example of a camera mounting device equipped with a camera module.

[0041] Figure 12A This is a diagram of a car that serves as a camera mounting device equipped with a vehicle-mounted camera module.

[0042] Figure 12B This is a diagram of a car that serves as a camera mounting device equipped with a vehicle-mounted camera module. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the optical actuator, camera module, and camera mounting device of the following embodiments are examples of the optical actuator, camera module, and camera mounting device of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0044] [Implementation Method]

[0045] Reference Figures 1-10 The camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. After a general description of the camera module C, the structure of the optical path bending module 2, lens module 10, and imaging element module 11 included in the camera module C will be described. It should be noted that the optical actuator, camera module, and camera mounting device of the present invention may or may not include all of the structures described below.

[0046] <Camera Module>

[0047] Camera module C, for example, is mounted on smartphone M (see reference). Figure 11A and Figure 11B Portable phones, digital video cameras, laptops, tablets, portable game consoles, and slim camera mounts (vehicle cameras, etc.).

[0048] The following description will focus on the various parts constituting the camera module C of this embodiment, based on their assembled state within the camera module C. Furthermore, when describing the structure of the camera module C of this embodiment, the orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in each figure will be used.

[0049] For example, camera module C can be mounted in such a way that, when the camera mount is actually shooting, from the perspective of the photographer, the X direction is the left-right direction, the Y direction is the up-down direction, and the Z direction is the front-back direction. The light (incident light) from the subject is as follows: Figure 1 As shown by the dashed line α (also called the "first optical axis"), the light is incident on the reflector MR from the Z-direction + side (front side) to the optical path bending module 2. The reflector MR is an example of an optical path bending component. It should be noted that the optical path bending component can also be, for example, a prism.

[0050] The light incident on the reflector MR (the outgoing light) is as follows Figure 1 As shown by the single-dotted line β (also called the "second optical axis"), the light path is bent by the bending surface of the reflector MR and guided to the lens section 102 of the lens module 10, which is located further to the X-direction + side than the reflector MR.

[0051] Furthermore, the imaging element module 11 (see reference) is located further to the X-direction + side than the lens module 10. Figure 1 It captures an image of the object being photographed through the lens section 102.

[0052] In this embodiment, the direction from the Z-direction + side to the Z-direction - side (negative side) is an example of the first direction. Similarly, the direction from the X-direction - side to the X-direction + side is an example of the second direction. However, the first and second directions are not limited to the case of this embodiment. The first and second directions only need to be orthogonal to each other.

[0053] In this embodiment, the camera module C swings the mirror MR via the mirror swinging device S assembled to the optical path bending module 2.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera module C automatically focuses by displacing the lens section in the X direction using an AF device (not shown) assembled to the lens module 10. In other words, the lens module 10 has an automatic focusing function.

[0055] Furthermore, the lens section 102 of the lens module 10 is a so-called zoom lens capable of handling wide-angle shooting (short focal length) to telephoto shooting (long focal length). In this embodiment, the camera module C, through a zoom device (not shown) assembled to the lens module 10, moves the lens section 102 to a position in the X direction corresponding to wide-angle or telephoto shooting. In other words, the lens module 10 has a zoom function.

[0056] (Optical path bending module)

[0057] The optical path bending module 2 will now be described. The optical path bending module 2 includes a base 3, a reflector MR, and a reflector swinging device S.

[0058] (Base)

[0059] Reference Figures 1-3 The base 3 will be described. The base 3 is an example of a fixed-side component. The base 3 has a base body 31 and a rear side plate 36.

[0060] (Base body)

[0061] The base body 31 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or non-magnetic metal. The base body 31 is a box-shaped component with a partial opening. Light from the subject side can enter the interior space of the base body 31 through the opening (upper opening 316) on the Z-direction + side. The base 3 described above is used to house the mirror swing device S, which will be described later.

[0062] Specifically, the base body 31 has: a lower side wall portion 311, a left side wall portion 312a, a right side wall portion 313b, a front side wall portion 314, and an upper side wall portion 315. In addition, the base body 31 has an upper opening portion 316, a front opening portion 317, a rear opening portion 318, and a lower opening portion 321.

[0063] (Lower side wall)

[0064] The lower sidewall 311 is a rectangular plate parallel to the XY plane. The lower sidewall 311 forms the bottom of the base body 31. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the left and right direction refers to the left and right direction when viewing the optical path bending module 2 from the X direction + side with the Z direction + side as the top. Thus, the Y direction + side corresponds to the left side, and the Y direction - side corresponds to the right side. Furthermore, in the optical path bending module 2, the X direction + side corresponds to the front side, and the X direction - side corresponds to the rear side. Also, in the optical path bending module 2, the Z direction + side corresponds to the top side, and the Z direction - side corresponds to the bottom side.

[0065] (Left side wall)

[0066] The left side wall portion 312a is plate-shaped and is a rectangular plate parallel to the XZ plane. The left side wall portion 312a extends from the left end of the lower side wall portion 311 toward the Z-direction + side (upper side). The lower end of the left side wall portion 312a is connected to the left end of the lower side wall portion 311.

[0067] (Right side wall)

[0068] The right side wall portion 313b is plate-shaped and is a rectangular plate parallel to the XZ plane. The right side wall portion 313b extends from the right end of the lower side wall portion 311 toward the Z-direction + side (upper side). The lower end of the right side wall portion 313b is connected to the right end of the lower side wall portion 311.

[0069] (Front side wall)

[0070] The front sidewall portion 314 is a rectangular plate parallel to the YZ plane. The left end of the front sidewall portion 314 is connected to the front end of the left sidewall portion 312a. The right end of the front sidewall portion 314 is connected to the front end of the right sidewall portion 313b. Furthermore, the lower end of the front sidewall portion 314 is connected to the front end of the lower sidewall portion 311. The upper end of the front sidewall portion 314 is connected to the front end of the upper sidewall portion 315, which will be described later.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the left power supply terminal 92 and the right power supply terminal 93 of the power supply unit 9, which will be described later, are fixed on the rear side of the front side wall 314.

[0072] (Upper side wall)

[0073] The upper sidewall 315 is a rectangular plate parallel to the XY plane. The upper sidewall 315 is positioned higher than the lower sidewall 311 and is opposite to the lower sidewall 311 in the vertical direction (Z direction) with a predetermined gap.

[0074] The left end of the upper side wall portion 315 is connected to the upper end of the left side wall portion 312a. The right end of the upper side wall portion 315 is connected to the upper end of the right side wall portion 313b. The front end of the upper side wall portion 315 is connected to the upper end of the front side wall portion 314.

[0075] (Upper opening)

[0076] The upper opening 316 is located at the center of the upper sidewall portion 315. The upper opening 316 is formed by a generally rectangular through hole that penetrates the upper sidewall portion 315 in the vertical direction (Z direction). Incident light enters the optical path bending module 2 through the upper opening 316.

[0077] (Front opening)

[0078] The front opening 317 is located at the center of the front sidewall portion 314. The front opening 317 is formed by a rectangular through hole that penetrates the front sidewall portion 314 in the X direction (front-back direction). Incident light, after being bent by the reflector MR, enters the lens module 10 through the front opening 317.

[0079] (Rear opening)

[0080] A rear opening 318 is provided at the rear end of the base body 31. Specifically, the rear opening 318 is a rectangular opening defined by the rear end of the left side wall portion 312a, the rear end of the right side wall portion 313b, the rear end of the upper side wall portion 315, and the rear end of the power supply portion 9 (specifically, the FPC 90) described later. The rear opening 318 is covered by the rear side plate 36.

[0081] (Rear panel)

[0082] The rear side plate 36 is a plate-shaped part parallel to the YZ plane. The rear side plate 36 covers the rear opening 318 from the rear. The rear side plate 36 is fixed to the rear end of the left side wall 312a, the rear end of the right side wall 313b, and the rear end of the upper side wall 315 by means of adhesive or other fixing methods.

[0083] <Mirror Swinging Mechanism>

[0084] Next, the mirror oscillation device S will be described. The mirror oscillation device S causes the mirror MR to oscillate along a first axis A1 (refer to...) parallel to the Y direction. Figure 3 The mirror swings around the center. Such a mirror swinging device S is arranged in the receiving space of the base 3.

[0085] The mirror swinging device S includes an inner support 4, an outer support 5, a swinging support 63, a drive unit 8, and a power supply unit 9.

[0086] In the mirror swing device S, the inner bracket 4 is a component used to support the mirror MR. The inner bracket 4 is supported on the base 3 by the outer bracket 5.

[0087] The outer support 5 supports the inner support 4 via the swing support 63. The inner support 4 can swing about the first axis A1 relative to the outer support 5.

[0088] When the drive unit 8 is in the control unit 13 (refer to) Figure 1When driven under the control of the device, the inner support 4 swings relative to the outer support 5 about the first axis A1. The outer support 5 is supported on the base 3 by a support mechanism (not shown), so the inner support 4 swings relative to the base 3 about the first axis A1. Consequently, the reflector MR supported on the inner support 4 also swings relative to the base 3 about the first axis A1. The specific structure of each component of the reflector swinging device S will be described below.

[0089] (Inner support)

[0090] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The inner support 4 will be described. The inner support 4 is an example of a movable side component, which holds the reflector MR.

[0091] The inner support 4 has a mounting portion 41, a left side plate portion 41a, a right side plate portion 42b, and a rear side plate portion 43. Additionally, the inner support 4 has a left side shaft portion 44a, a right side shaft portion 45b, an inner fixing portion 46, and a magnet mounting portion 47. The inner support 4 has a symmetrical shape.

[0092] (Loading section)

[0093] The mounting portion 41 is rectangular plate-shaped. The mounting portion 41 is inclined such that it is positioned further downwards (towards the Z direction) from the rear end (the end on the X-direction side) towards the front end (the end on the X-direction + side). Therefore, the front end of the mounting portion 41 is located further downwards than the rear end of the mounting portion 41. The upper surface of the mounting portion 41 is a mounting surface for arranging the reflector MR. In this embodiment, the inclination direction of the mounting portion 41 is parallel to the tangent direction of the circle centered on the first axis A1.

[0094] (Left side panel)

[0095] The left side plate portion 41a is plate-shaped and parallel to the XZ plane. The left side plate portion 41a extends upward from the left end of the mounting portion 41.

[0096] (Right side panel)

[0097] The right side plate portion 42b is plate-shaped and parallel to the XZ plane. The right side plate portion 42b extends upward from the right end of the mounting portion 41.

[0098] (Rear panel)

[0099] The rear side plate 43 is a plate-shaped part parallel to the YZ plane when the inner support 4 is not swinging. The left end of the rear side plate 43 is connected to the rear end (X-direction side end) of the left side plate 41a. The right end of the rear side plate 43 is connected to the rear end of the right side plate 42b. The lower end of the rear side plate 43 is connected to the rear end of the mounting part 41.

[0100] (Left side of the shaft)

[0101] The left-side shaft portion 44a is a component used to support the inner ring of the left-side bearing 631a in the swing support portion 63, which will be described later. The left-side shaft portion 44a is provided on the outer side (Y direction + side) of the left-side plate portion 41a. The left-side shaft portion 44a extends from the outer side of the left-side plate portion 41a to the left (Y direction + side).

[0102] (Right side of the shaft)

[0103] The right-side shaft portion 45b is a component used to support the inner ring of the right-side bearing 632b in the swing support portion 63, which will be described later. The right-side shaft portion 45b is provided on the outer side (Y-direction side) of the right-side plate portion 42b. The right-side shaft portion 45b extends to the right (Y-direction side) from the outer side of the right-side plate portion 42b. The central axis of the left-side shaft portion 44a and the central axis of the right-side shaft portion 45b are on the same straight line. The central axes of the left-side shaft portion 44a and the right-side shaft portion 45b coincide with the first shaft A1.

[0104] In this embodiment, the left bearing 631a and right bearing 632b in the swing support 63 described later are supported by the left shaft portion 44a and the right shaft portion 45b, so the inner support 4 can swing with good accuracy and stability around the first axis A1.

[0105] (Inner fixing part)

[0106] The inner fixing part 46 is the part that fixes the clamping part 80 of the drive part 8, which will be described later. The inner fixing part 46 is provided on the lower surface of the mounting part 41. The inner fixing part 46 is provided at a position that can fix the clamping part 80 to the center of the lower surface of the mounting part 41 in the Y direction.

[0107] (Magnet Configuration Department)

[0108] The magnet mounting section 47 is a component for mounting the magnet 83 of the drive section 8, which will be described later. The magnet mounting section 47 is located at the left end of the rear side of the rear panel section 43. The magnet mounting section 47 is formed by a recess with a Y-direction + side opening. By employing this structure of the magnet mounting section 47, the inner support 4 can reliably hold the magnet 83 of the drive section 8. As a result, it is possible to suppress the situation where the magnet 83 of the drive section 8 detaches from the inner support 4 when the inner support 4 swings.

[0109] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a simulated magnet arrangement section, similar to the magnet arrangement section 47, is provided at the right end of the rear side surface of the rear panel section 43. This simulated magnet arrangement section is a component used to make the inner support 4 have a symmetrical shape from left to right. No magnet is provided in this simulated magnet arrangement section. However, it is also possible to provide a simulated magnet of the same weight as the magnet 83 in this simulated magnet arrangement section. If such a structure of arranging simulated magnets is adopted, the weight balance of the inner support 4 in the left and right directions is better.

[0110] (External support)

[0111] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 7-9 The outer support 5 will be described. The outer support 5 is an example of a fixed side component. The inner support 4 is supported by the swing support 63 described later, so that the inner support 4 can swing about the first axis A1.

[0112] The outer support 5 is a box-shaped structure with an opening at the top (Z direction + side). The outer support 5 has a receiving space 5c for accommodating the inner support 4.

[0113] In this embodiment, the outer support 5 is supported on the base 3 by a support mechanism (not shown) in a state where it cannot displace relative to the base 3. However, it is also possible that the outer support 5 is supported on the base 3 by a support mechanism (not shown) in a state where it can displace relative to the base 3. In this case, the outer support 5 may also be supported on the base 3 by a support mechanism in a state where it can swing about an axis parallel to the X-axis or Z-axis. When the outer support 5 displaces relative to the base 3, the outer support 5 is equivalent to an example of a movable side component.

[0114] The outer bracket 5 has an inclined plate portion 501, a left side plate portion 502a, a right side plate portion 503b, a front side plate portion 504, a rear side plate portion 505, and a lower side plate portion 506. In addition, the outer bracket 5 has a front opening portion 507, a left side bearing retaining portion 508a, a right side bearing retaining portion 509b, a fixing portion 514, and a component placement portion 515.

[0115] (Inclined section)

[0116] The inclined plate portion 501 is plate-shaped and covers the receiving space 5c from below. The inclined plate portion 501 is inclined such that it is located further down (Z direction - side) from the rear end to the front end. As a result, the front end of the inclined plate portion 501 is located at a position lower than the rear end of the inclined plate portion 501.

[0117] The inclined plate portion 501 is positioned lower than the mounting portion 41 of the inner support 4. The inclination angle of the inclined plate portion 501 relative to the X direction is the same as the inclination angle of the mounting portion 41 relative to the X direction. In other words, the upper surface of the inclined plate portion 501 is parallel to the lower surface of the mounting portion 41. The upper surface of the inclined plate portion 501 and the lower surface of the mounting portion 41 are positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction with a predetermined gap. A space is provided between the upper surface of the inclined plate portion 501 and the lower surface of the mounting portion 41 for arranging the drive portion 8, which will be described later.

[0118] (Left side panel)

[0119] The left side plate 502a is a plate-shaped part parallel to the XZ plane and covers the receiving space 5c from the left side (Y direction + side). A portion of the left side plate 502a is connected to the left end of the inclined plate 501. The left side plate 502a is positioned further to the left (Y direction + side) than the left side plate 41a of the inner support 4. The left side plate 502a and the left side plate 41a of the inner support 4 are opposite each other in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0120] (Right side panel)

[0121] The right-side plate portion 503b is a plate-shaped structure parallel to the XZ plane and covers the receiving space 5c from the right side (Y direction). A portion of the right-side plate portion 503b is connected to the right end of the inclined plate portion 501. The right-side plate portion 503b and the left-side plate portion 502a are positioned opposite each other in the Y direction with a predetermined gap. The right-side plate portion 503b is located further to the right (Y direction) than the right-side plate portion 42b of the inner support 4. The right-side plate portion 503b and the right-side plate portion 42b of the inner support 4 are opposite each other in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0122] (Front side panel)

[0123] The front panel 504 is a plate-shaped part parallel to the YZ plane and covers the receiving space 5c from the front (X direction + side). The left end of the front panel 504 is connected to the front end of the left side panel 502a. The right end of the front panel 504 is connected to the front end of the right side panel 503b. The front side surface of the front panel 504 is opposite to the rear side surface of the front sidewall 314 in the base body 31 in the X direction with a predetermined gap.

[0124] (Rear panel)

[0125] The rear side plate 505 is a plate-shaped part parallel to the YZ plane and covers the receiving space 5c from the rear (X direction side). The left end of the rear side plate 505 is connected to the rear end (X direction side end) of the left side plate 502a. The right end of the rear side plate 505 is connected to the rear end of the right side plate 503b. The rear side plate 505 is connected to the rear end (upper end) of the inclined plate 501.

[0126] (Lower side panel)

[0127] The lower side plate portion 506 is a plate-shaped component, and the front end (lower end) of the inclined plate portion 501 is connected to the lower end of the front side plate portion 504 in the X direction. The rear end of the lower side plate portion 506 is connected to the front end (lower end) of the inclined plate portion 501. The front end of the lower side plate portion 506 is connected to the lower end of the front side plate portion 504.

[0128] (Front opening)

[0129] A front opening 507 is located at the center of the front panel 504. The front opening 507 is a rectangular through-hole that penetrates the front panel 504 in the X direction (front-to-back direction). The front opening 507 overlaps with the front opening 317 of the base body 31 in the X direction. Incident light, bent by the reflector MR, passes through the front opening 507 and the front opening 317 and is incident on the lens module 10.

[0130] (Left-side bearing retaining section)

[0131] The left bearing retaining part 508a is a component used to retain the left bearing 631a of the swing support part 63 described later. The left bearing retaining part 508a is provided on the inner side (Y-direction side) of the left plate part 502a. Specifically, the left bearing retaining part 508a is formed by a recess provided on the inner side of the left plate part 502a. The outer ring of the left bearing 631a is fixed to the left bearing retaining part 508a by means of bonding or other fixing methods.

[0132] (Right bearing retainer)

[0133] The right bearing retainer 509b is a component used to retain the right bearing 632b of the swing support 63 described later. The right bearing retainer 509b is provided on the inner side (the side of the Y direction + side) of the right plate portion 503b. Specifically, the right bearing retainer 509b is formed by a recess provided on the inner side of the right plate portion 503b.

[0134] The right bearing retainer 509b is opposite the left bearing retainer 508a in the Y direction. The outer ring of the right bearing 632b is fixed to the right bearing retainer 509b by means of bonding or other fixing methods.

[0135] (Fixed part)

[0136] The fixing part 514 is the part that fixes the ultrasonic motor 81 of the drive part 8, which will be described later. The fixing part 514 is provided at the rear end (the end on the X-direction side) of the upper surface of the inclined plate part 501.

[0137] (Component Configuration Department)

[0138] The component placement section 515 is used to place the position detection element 82 of the drive section 8. The component placement section 515 is formed by a through hole provided in the left side plate section 502a. This through hole extends through the left side plate section 502a in the Y direction. The component placement section 515 is opposite to the magnet placement section 47 of the inner bracket 4 in the Y direction.

[0139] (Swing support section)

[0140] The swing support 63 is an example of a bearing, used to support the inner bracket 4 on the outer bracket 5 in a state that allows it to swing about the first axis A1. The swing support 63 has a left bearing 631a and a right bearing 632b.

[0141] (Left bearing)

[0142] The left-side bearing 631a is a component that supports the left end of the inner support 4 in a manner that allows the left end (the end in the Y direction + side) of the inner support 4 to rotate relative to the outer support 5. The left-side bearing 631a is a so-called radial bearing. The central axis of the left-side bearing 631a coincides with the first axis A1.

[0143] The left-side bearing 631a includes: an inner ring having an inner raceway on its outer circumferential surface, an outer ring having an outer raceway on its inner circumferential surface, and a plurality of rolling elements (e.g., balls) that are freely disposed between the inner and outer raceways. Alternatively, the rolling elements may be held by retainers. The inner ring of the left-side bearing 631a is, for example, fixed to the left-side shaft portion 44a of the inner support 4 by an interference fit. The outer ring of the left-side bearing 631a is fixed to the left-side bearing retainer 508a of the outer support 5.

[0144] (Right-side bearing)

[0145] The right-side bearing 632b is a component that supports the right end of the inner support 4 (the end on the Y-direction side) in a manner that allows the right end of the inner support 4 to rotate relative to the outer support 5. The right-side bearing 632b is a so-called radial bearing. The central axis of the right-side bearing 632b coincides with the first axis A1.

[0146] The right-side bearing 632b includes: an inner ring having an inner raceway on its outer circumferential surface, an outer ring having an outer raceway on its inner circumferential surface, and a plurality of rolling elements (e.g., balls) that are freely disposed between the inner and outer raceways. Alternatively, the rolling elements may be held by retainers. The inner ring of the right-side bearing 632b is, for example, fixed to the right-side shaft portion 45b of the inner support 4 by an interference fit. The outer ring of the right-side bearing 632b is fixed to the right-side bearing retainer portion 509b of the outer support 5.

[0147] In this embodiment, the inner support 4 is supported relative to the outer support 5 by a radial bearing, thus suppressing the tilting of the swing center of the inner support 4 relative to the first axis A1. As a result, the inner support 4 can swing with good precision.

[0148] (Drive Department)

[0149] The drive unit 8 is used to swing the inner support 4 relative to the outer support 5 about a first axis A1. The drive unit 8 is disposed between the inner support 4 and the outer support 5. The drive unit 8 is arranged along the lower surface of the mounting portion 41 in the inner support 4 and the upper surface of the inclined plate portion 501 in the outer support 5. This configuration of the drive unit 8 contributes to the miniaturization of the optical path bending module 2.

[0150] like Figure 10 As shown, such a drive unit 8 includes a clamping part 80, an ultrasonic motor 81, and a position detection element 82 (see reference). Figure 8 ), and magnet 83 (see reference) Figure 5 ).

[0151] (Interlocking section)

[0152] The clamping part 80 has a bracket 801 and a pair of contact parts 802, 803. The bracket 801 is made of, for example, metal, ceramic, or synthetic resin, and is a component for fixing the pair of contact parts 802, 803. In this embodiment, the bracket 801 is a cuboid. However, the shape of the bracket 801 is not limited to that of this embodiment. The bracket 801 is fixed to the inner fixing part 46 of the inner bracket 4 by means of bonding or other fixing methods.

[0153] The pair of contact portions 802 and 803 are, for example, plate-shaped metal. In this embodiment, the pair of contact portions 802 and 803 are fan-shaped when viewed from the Y direction, with a portion having arcuate portions 802a and 803a.

[0154] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a sector refers to a shape having an arc-shaped outer profile centered at at least a predetermined center point. In this embodiment, the predetermined center point exists on the first axis A1. That is, the arc portions 802a and 803a are formed by an arc centered on the predetermined center point existing on the first axis A1. However, it is also possible that the predetermined center point is offset from the first axis A1.

[0155] When the inner support 4 swings around the first axis A1, the arcuate portions 802a and 803a of the pair of contact portions 802 and 803 move along the arc centered on the first axis A1. With this structure, it is possible to miniaturize the pair of contact portions 802 and 803 while ensuring stable contact between the pair of contact portions 802 and 803 and the oscillators 812 and 813 of the resonant portion 810 throughout the entire swing stroke of the inner support 4.

[0156] A pair of contact portions 802 and 803 are fixed to the bracket 801 at their upper ends (ends on the Z-direction + side). Contact portions 802 and 803 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-direction. Contact portion 802 is located to the left (Y-direction + side) of contact portion 803.

[0157] These two contact portions 802 and 803 respectively contact the transducers 812 and 813 of the ultrasonic motor 81, which will be described later. Specifically, the transducer 812 contacts the left side (the side of the + side in the Y direction) of the contact portion 802. The transducer 813 contacts the right side (the side of the - side in the Y direction) of the contact portion 803.

[0158] By configuring the clamping part 80 as described above, a thrust in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the first axis A1 is applied from the ultrasonic motor 81 (specifically, the vibrator 812, 813) to the clamping part 80 (specifically, a pair of contact parts 802, 803). Furthermore, the inner support 4 oscillates around the first axis A1 based on this thrust.

[0159] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the clamping part 80 has a pair of contact parts 802 and 803. However, the number of contact parts in the clamping part 80 is not particularly limited. For example, the clamping part 80 may have only one of the pair of contact parts 802 and 803 (that is, one contact part). In this case, the position of the contact part can be adjusted appropriately.

[0160] (Ultrasonic motor)

[0161] The ultrasonic motor 81 is a drive source that generates a driving force to cause the inner support 4 to swing about the first axis A1. The ultrasonic motor 81 is fixed to the fixing part 514 in the outer support 5. The ultrasonic motor 81 is arranged along the upper surface of the inclined plate part 501.

[0162] In the following description of the ultrasonic motor 81, the direction of the intersection line between the upper surface of the inclined plate portion 501 and the plane parallel to the XZ plane will be defined as the U direction (see reference). Figure 9The U-direction + side is the direction from the rear end (the end of the X-direction - side) of the inclined plate portion 501 towards the front end (the end of the X-direction + side). The U-direction - side is the direction from the front end (the end of the X-direction + side) of the inclined plate portion 501 towards the rear end (the end of the X-direction - side). It should be noted that the U-direction is also the tangent direction of the circle centered on the first axis A1.

[0163] In addition, the normal direction of the upper surface of the inclined plate 501 is set to the V direction (refer to...). Figure 9 The V-direction + side is the direction from the lower side (Z-direction - side) of the inclined plate 501 toward the upper side (Z-direction + side). The V-direction - side is the direction from the upper side (Z-direction + side) of the inclined plate 501 toward the lower side (Z-direction - side).

[0164] The ultrasonic motor 81 has a resonant part 810, a pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816, and a first electrode 817.

[0165] (Resonance section)

[0166] The resonant portion 810 is formed of, for example, a conductive material, and resonates with the vibration of a pair of piezoelectric elements 815, 816 to convert the vibrational motion into linear motion in a predetermined direction (the U direction in this embodiment). The resonant portion 810 is arranged along the U direction (in other words, along the tangent of the circle centered on the first axis A1).

[0167] When the resonant part 810 vibrates based on the vibration of a pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816, a driving force in the U direction (U direction + side or U direction - side) acts from the resonant part 810 onto the clamping part 80 (specifically, a pair of contact parts 802 and 803). As a result, the clamping part 80 oscillates about the first axis A1. Consequently, the inner support 4, to which the clamping part 80 is fixed, oscillates about the first axis A1.

[0168] The resonant part 810 has at least two resonant frequencies (a first resonant frequency and a second resonant frequency), and deforms with different actions relative to each resonant frequency. In other words, the overall shape of the resonant part 810 is set in a way that deforms with different actions relative to the two resonant frequencies.

[0169] The different actions are the action of applying a force to the clamping part 80 in one direction of the U direction (e.g., U direction + side) and the action of applying a force to the clamping part 80 in another direction of the U direction (e.g., U direction - side). In other words, the different actions are the action of swinging the inner support 4 in a first direction with the first axis A1 as the center and the action of swinging the inner support 4 in a second direction.

[0170] Such a resonant part 810 has a body 811, a pair of oscillators 812 and 813, and an energized part 814.

[0171] The trunk 811 is roughly rectangular in shape.

[0172] A pair of oscillators 812 and 813, corresponding to an example of the first and second oscillators, extend forward (U direction + side) from the front end of the torso 811. In this embodiment, the pair of oscillators 812 and 813 are plate-shaped and integrally formed with the torso 811.

[0173] A pair of oscillators 812 and 813 have a shape that is symmetrical about a plane parallel to the UV plane (XZ plane). Oscillators 812 and 813 are adjacent in the Y direction with a specified gap. Oscillator 812 is positioned to the left (Y direction + side) of oscillator 813.

[0174] The base ends of a pair of oscillators 812 and 813 are connected to the front end (the end on the + side in the U direction) of the body 811. The front ends of the pair of oscillators 812 and 813 are both free ends. The front end of oscillator 812 contacts the left side of contact portion 802. The front end of oscillator 813 contacts the right side of contact portion 803. It should be noted that if the clamping portion 80 has only one of the pair of contact portions 802 and 803 (that is, one contact portion), the front end of oscillator 812 contacts the left side of that one contact portion, and the front end of oscillator 813 contacts the right side of that one contact portion.

[0175] In this embodiment, the resonant section 810 has a pair of oscillators 812 and 813. However, the number of oscillators in the resonant section 810 is not particularly limited. For example, the resonant section 810 may have only one of the pair of oscillators 812 and 813 (that is, one oscillator). In this case, the position of the oscillator can be adjusted appropriately.

[0176] The energized part 814 extends from the rear end (U-direction side end) of the torso 811 toward the U-direction side. The energized part 814 is fixed to the fixing part 514 in the outer bracket 5 by means of adhesive bonding or other fixing methods. Furthermore, the energized part 814 is connected to a designated terminal of the right-side power supply terminal part 93 of the power supply part 9 (described later) via a right-side connecting part (not shown). The end of this power supply path connected to the energized part 814 constitutes the second electrode (not shown) of the ultrasonic motor 81.

[0177] (Piezoelectric element)

[0178] A pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 are plate-shaped vibrating elements, for example, made of ceramic. Each of the piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 vibrates when a high-frequency voltage is applied. The piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 are arranged adjacent to each other in the V direction. Piezoelectric element 815 is positioned above piezoelectric element 816 (V direction + side).

[0179] A pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 clamp the body 811 of the resonant part 810 from the V direction. Therefore, the pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 are electrically connected to the resonant part 810 (body 811).

[0180] (First electrode)

[0181] The first electrode 817 has a clamping portion 818 that clamps a pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 from the V direction. The pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 are electrically connected to the first electrode 817 (clamping portion 818). Thus, the pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816, the resonant portion 810, and the first electrode 817 are electrically connected to each other.

[0182] Furthermore, the first electrode 817 has an electrode portion 819 to which a voltage is applied. The electrode portion 819 is electrically connected to the terminal of the right power supply terminal portion 93 of the power supply unit 9, which will be described later, via a right-side connecting portion (not shown). When a voltage is applied to the electrode portion 819, the first electrode 817 applies a voltage to a pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 via a clamping portion 818.

[0183] (Position detection element and magnet)

[0184] The position detection element 82 is disposed in the element placement section 515 of the outer bracket 5. The position detection element 82 is connected to the power supply terminal of the power supply section 9, which is described later.

[0185] Furthermore, magnet 83 is a cuboid. This magnet 83 is magnetized in the Z direction. Magnet 83 is fixed to the magnet mounting section 47 of the inner support 4.

[0186] The position detection element 82 is positioned further along the Y-direction + side than the magnet 83. The position detection element 82 and the magnet 83 are positioned opposite each other in the Y-direction with a predetermined gap. The position detection element 82 detects the magnetic flux (also referred to as "position-related information") of the magnet 83 and transmits the detected value to the control unit 13 mounted on the sensor substrate 12.

[0187] Specifically, in this embodiment, the position detection element 82 detects changes in magnetic flux through its detection surface in the Y direction. The magnet 83 and the position detection element 82 are configured such that the magnetic flux through the position detection element 82 in the Y direction is zero when the inner support 4 is not swinging (also referred to as the "reference state of the inner support"). When the inner support 4 swings from the reference state about the first axis A1, the magnetic flux through the position detection element 82 changes in the X direction.

[0188] Control Unit 13 (refer to) Figure 1 Based on the detection value received from the position detection element 82, the position of the magnet 83 (that is, the inner support 4) around the first axis A1 is determined.

[0189] (Regarding the operation of the drive unit)

[0190] In the drive unit 8 with the structure described above, when voltage is applied to the ultrasonic motor 81 via the power supply unit 9 (described later) under the control of the control unit 13, a pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 vibrate. When the frequency of the vibration generated by the pair of piezoelectric elements 815 and 816 corresponds to the first resonant frequency set in the resonant unit 810, the resonant unit 810 applies a force to the clamping unit 80 in the U direction (e.g., the U direction + side). As a result, the inner support 4 swings relative to the outer support 5 in the first direction about the first axis A1.

[0191] On the other hand, when the frequency of vibration generated by a pair of piezoelectric elements 815, 816 corresponds to the second resonant frequency set in the resonant section 810, the resonant section 810 applies a force to the clamping section 80 in the opposite direction (e.g., U-direction). As a result, the inner support 4 swings relative to the outer support 5 in the second direction with the first axis A1 as the center.

[0192] (Power Supply Department)

[0193] Reference Figures 2-4 The power supply unit 9 will be described below. The power supply unit 9 is a component used to supply power (apply voltage) to the drive unit 8. Specifically, the power supply unit 9 supplies power to the position detection element 82 of the drive unit 8 and the ultrasonic motor 81 of the drive unit 8.

[0194] Such a power supply unit 9 has an FPC 90, a left power supply terminal 92, a right power supply terminal 93, a left connecting part (not shown), and a right connecting part (not shown).

[0195] (FPC)

[0196] The FPC90 is a flexible printed circuit board that is connected to the power supply (not shown, hereinafter referred to as "power supply") of the camera mounting device. The FPC90 is a roughly rectangular board.

[0197] Such an FPC90 has an outer terminal portion 901, an inner first terminal portion 902, and an inner second terminal portion 903.

[0198] (Outer terminal section)

[0199] An outer terminal portion 901 is provided at the left end of the FPC90. In this embodiment, the outer terminal portion 901 has a plurality of terminals. Each of these terminals is connected to a power source and to the ultrasonic motor 81 and the position detection element 82.

[0200] (Inner first terminal part)

[0201] An inner first terminal portion 902 is located at the left end of the front end of the FPC 90. In this embodiment, the inner first terminal portion 902 has multiple terminals. These terminals are connected to the outer terminal portion 901 via wiring (not shown) provided in the FPC 90. The inner first terminal portion 902 is a terminal for supplying power to the position detection element 82.

[0202] (Second inner terminal section)

[0203] An inner second terminal portion 903 is located at the right end of the front end of the FPC 90. In this embodiment, the inner second terminal portion 903 has multiple terminals. These terminals are connected to, for example, the outer terminal portion 901 via wiring (not shown) provided in the FPC 90. The inner second terminal portion 903 is a terminal for supplying power to the ultrasonic motor 81.

[0204] (Left side power supply terminal section)

[0205] The left power supply terminal 92 forms part of a conductive path connecting the inner first terminal 902 of the FPC 90 to the position detection element 82. The left power supply terminal 92 is fixed to the left end (the end on the + side of the Y direction) of the rear side of the front sidewall 314 by means of adhesive or other fixing methods. The left power supply terminal 92 supplies power to the position detection element 82 through a left connecting part (not shown).

[0206] (Right-side power supply terminal section)

[0207] The right-side power supply terminal 93 forms part of a conductive path connecting the inner second terminal 903 of the FPC 90 to the ultrasonic motor 81. The right-side power supply terminal 93 is fixed to the right end (the end on the + side in the Y direction) of the rear side of the front sidewall 314 by means of adhesive or other fixing methods. The right-side power supply terminal 93 supplies power to the ultrasonic motor 81 through a right-side connecting part (not shown).

[0208] [Lens Module]

[0209] The lens module 10 is positioned further to the X-direction + side than the optical path bending module 2. Light from the subject... Figure 1 As shown by the single-dotted line α (also known as the "first optical axis"), the light is incident from the Z direction + side onto the reflector MR of the optical path bending module 2.

[0210] Light incident on the reflector MR, such as Figure 1 As shown by the single-dotted line β (also called the "second optical axis"), the light path is bent by the bending surface of the reflector MR and guided to the lens section 102 of the lens module 10, which is located further back than the reflector MR (that is, on the X-direction + side).

[0211] The lens module 10 includes a cover 101, a base (not shown), a lens section 102, and an AF device (not shown). The cover 101 can be integrated with the cover of the optical path bending module 2 (the base body 31 in this embodiment) or it can be a separate entity.

[0212] The lens section 102 is disposed in a receiving space between the cover and the base, held in place by a lens guide (not shown). The lens section 102 includes a lens barrel 103 and one or more lenses 104 held in the lens barrel 103. The lens section 102 is supported on the base by the lens guide in a manner that allows it to be displaced in the X direction.

[0213] The AF device is a drive unit that moves the lens unit 102 in the X direction for the purpose of automatic focusing. It should be noted that the structure of the AF device is not particularly limited. For example, it can be an AF device that converts the rotational motion of a motor (not shown) into linear motion in the X direction through a conversion mechanism, and moves the lens unit 102 in the X direction.

[0214] [Camera Component Module]

[0215] The image sensor module 11 is positioned further along the X-direction + side than the lens section 102. The image sensor module 11 is configured to include, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor. The image sensor of the image sensor module 11 captures an image of the subject imaged through the lens section 102 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the captured image. The sensor substrate 12 is electrically connected to the image sensor module 11, and provides power to the image sensor module 11 and outputs the electrical signal of the captured image through the image sensor module 11. Such an image sensor module 11 can employ a conventionally known structure.

[0216] (The function and effects of this implementation method)

[0217] According to this embodiment with the structure described above, it is possible to provide an optical actuator, camera module, and camera mounting device with a new structure.

[0218] (Postscript)

[0219] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This diagram represents a car V, which is a camera mounting device equipped with a vehicle camera module VC (Vehicle Camera). Figure 12A This is the front view of car V. Figure 12B This is a rear perspective view of vehicle V. The vehicle V is equipped with the camera module C described in the embodiment, which serves as an in-vehicle camera module VC. Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown, the vehicle-mounted camera module VC is mounted, for example, facing forward on the windshield or facing backward on the tailgate. This vehicle-mounted camera module VC is used for rear-view monitoring, dashcams, collision avoidance control, and autonomous driving control, among other applications.

[0220] In addition, the optical actuator of the present invention includes the following components as a basic structure (hereinafter referred to as the "basic structure"):

[0221] The inner support can hold the components that bend in the optical path;

[0222] An outer support is provided to support the inner support in a manner that allows the inner support to swing about a first axis; and

[0223] The drive unit causes the inner support to swing around the first axis.

[0224] Alternatively, the optical actuator of the present invention may have the basic structure described above, as well as the following structure (hereinafter referred to as "additional structure 1"):

[0225] The inner support is supported by bearings at both ends in the direction parallel to the first axis, i.e., the first direction, and is able to rotate relative to the outer support.

[0226] Alternatively, the optical actuator of the present invention may have the basic structure described above, as well as the following structure (hereinafter referred to as "additional structure 2"):

[0227] The drive unit has an ultrasonic motor supported on the outer support and a clamping part supported on the inner support.

[0228] An ultrasonic motor has a resonant oscillator.

[0229] The clamping part has a fan-shaped contact part that contacts the oscillator.

[0230] Alternatively, the optical actuator of the present invention may have the basic structure described above, as well as the following structure (hereinafter referred to as "additional structure 3"):

[0231] The bearing section includes:

[0232] The inner ring has an inner ring raceway on its outer circumference surface;

[0233] The outer ring has an outer ring raceway on its inner circumferential surface; and

[0234] Multiple rolling elements are arranged freely between the inner and outer rings.

[0235] It should be noted that the present invention only requires having the above-described basic structure and at least one of the above-described additional structures 1 to 3. Alternatively, the present invention may have the above-described basic structure and a structure formed by appropriately combining the above-described additional structures 1 to 3.

[0236] The entire disclosure of the description, drawings and abstract included in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 119,001, filed November 30, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0237] Industrial applicability

[0238] The optical actuator and camera module of the present invention can be mounted on thin camera mounting devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, and vehicle cameras.

[0239] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0240] C Camera Module

[0241] 2. Optical path bending module

[0242] 3. Base

[0243] 31. Base Body

[0244] 311 Lower side wall portion

[0245] 312a Left side wall

[0246] 313b Right side wall

[0247] 314 Front sidewall

[0248] 315 Upper sidewall

[0249] 316 Upper opening

[0250] 317 Front opening

[0251] 318 Rear opening

[0252] 321 Lower opening

[0253] 36 Rear side panel

[0254] MR mirror

[0255] S-shaped mirror oscillation device

[0256] 4. Inner support

[0257] 41. Loading section

[0258] 41a Left side plate

[0259] 42b Right side plate

[0260] 43 Rear side panel

[0261] 44a Left side shaft

[0262] 45b Right side shaft

[0263] 46 Inner fixing part

[0264] 47 Magnet Configuration Department

[0265] 5. External support

[0266] 5c storage space

[0267] 501 Inclined Plate Section

[0268] 502a Left side panel

[0269] 503b Right side plate

[0270] 504 Front side panel

[0271] 505 rear side panel

[0272] 506 Lower side panel

[0273] 507 Front opening

[0274] 508a Left side bearing retainer

[0275] 509b Right-side bearing retaining part

[0276] 514 Fixing part

[0277] 515 Component Configuration Department

[0278] 63. Swing support section

[0279] 631a Left-side bearing

[0280] 632b Right-side bearing

[0281] 8 Drive Unit

[0282] 80 clamping section

[0283] 801 stent

[0284] 802, 803 contact part

[0285] 802a, 803a arc section

[0286] 81 Ultrasonic Motor

[0287] 810 Resonance Section

[0288] 811 Torso

[0289] 812, 813 oscillators

[0290] 814 Power Supply Department

[0291] 815 and 816 piezoelectric elements

[0292] 817 First Electrode

[0293] 818 Clamping Part

[0294] 819 Electrode Section

[0295] 82 Position Detection Element

[0296] 83 magnets

[0297] 9 Power Supply Department

[0298] 90FPC

[0299] 901 Outer Terminal Section

[0300] 902 Inner First Terminal

[0301] 903 Inner Second Terminal

[0302] 92 Left side power supply terminal section

[0303] 93 Right side power supply terminal section

[0304] 10 Lens Modules

[0305] 101 Cover

[0306] 102 Lens Section

[0307] 103 Lens tube

[0308] 104 Lens

[0309] 11 Camera element module

[0310] 12 Sensor substrate

[0311] 13 Control Department

[0312] A1 First Axis

[0313] V Cars

[0314] VC vehicle-mounted camera module

[0315] M smartphone

Claims

1. An optical actuator comprising: The inner support has a plate-shaped mounting portion including an upper surface and a lower surface, and is capable of holding a light path bending component configured to cause light incident in the Z direction to exit in the X direction on the upper surface; An outer support has an inclined plate portion and a pair of side plates, the pair of side plates supporting the inner support in a manner that allows the inner support to swing about a first axis parallel to the Y direction. The inclined plate portion is disposed between the pair of side plates in the Y direction and, together with the pair of side plates, forms a receiving space for accommodating the inner support; and The drive unit causes the inner support to swing. The inner support is rotatably supported at both ends of the outer support by bearings at both ends in the Y direction. The drive unit has an ultrasonic motor supported on the outer bracket and a clamping part supported on the inner bracket. The upper and lower surfaces of the plate-shaped mounting portion extend parallel to the Y direction and inclined relative to the X and Z directions. The upper surface of the inclined plate extends parallel to the Y direction and obliquely relative to the X and Z directions, opposite the lower surface of the plate-shaped mounting portion, and forming an oblique gap between them. The ultrasonic motor has a resonant section including a resonant oscillator, the resonant section being disposed in the inclined gap on the upper surface of the inclined plate portion. The clamping part is disposed in the inclined gap and has a fan-shaped contact part that contacts the oscillator.

2. The optical actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic motor has a pair of vibrators. The clamping portion has a pair of contact portions that respectively contact each of the pair of oscillators.

3. The optical actuator as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The contact portion has an arc portion formed by an arc centered on the center point on the first axis.

4. The optical actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The oscillator is configured such that it is tangent to a circle centered on the first axis. When the oscillator resonates, a driving force in a direction parallel to the tangent acts from the oscillator onto the contact portion.

5. The optical actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The bearing portion includes: The inner ring has an inner ring raceway on its outer circumference surface; The outer ring has an outer ring raceway on its inner circumferential surface; and Multiple rolling elements are arranged freely between the inner ring and the outer ring.

6. A camera module, comprising: The optical actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5; An optical path bending component, which is held within the inner support of the optical actuator; and A camera element is positioned further forward in the X direction than the optical actuator.

7. A camera mounting device, comprising: The camera module as claimed in claim 6; and The control unit controls the camera module.

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