Lens moving mechanism

Abstract

A lens moving mechanism (1) capable of miniaturizing and simplifying a structure. The lens moving mechanism (1) includes: a lens support portion (2) having a circumferential surface with a certain curvature at least on the inner or outer side in the radial direction, having a portion capable of rotating in the circumferential direction around the optical axis, and supporting a lens (3) so that the lens (3) moves in the direction of the optical axis as the portion rotates; and a driving portion (5) provided at a position opposite to the lens support portion (2) in the radial direction. The driving portion (5) includes: a piezoelectric element (551, 561) that is elongated by energization; and a pressing portion (552, 562) provided to be linked to the piezoelectric element (551, 561) and provided so as to be capable of abutting against the circumferential surface of the lens support portion (2). The piezoelectric element (551, 561) is elongated by energization, and the pressing portion (552, 562) is pressed so as to have a circumferential component with respect to the circumferential surface of the lens support portion (2), and the lens support portion (2) is capable of rotating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lens moving mechanism for a built-in camera or a small camera in a smartphone. Background Technology

[0002] A camera may include, for example, a lens moving mechanism for achieving autofocus. As a prior art lens moving mechanism, an example is the lens moving mechanism (lens barrel) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-284876. In this prior art, the lens is moved along the optical axis by a rotary motor. Therefore, it is difficult to miniaturize the mechanism, and the structure is complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0004] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a lens moving mechanism that can be miniaturized and has a simple structure.

[0005] Solution for solving the problem

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lens moving mechanism comprises: a lens support portion having a circumferential surface with a certain curvature at least on its inner or outer radial side, having a portion capable of circumferential rotation about an optical axis, and supporting the lens such that the lens moves along the optical axis direction as the portion rotates; and a driving portion disposed radially opposite to the lens support portion, the driving portion comprising: a piezoelectric element that extends when energized; and a pressing portion configured to be linked to the piezoelectric element and disposed such that it can abut against the circumferential surface of the lens support portion, wherein energizing the piezoelectric element causes it to extend, thereby pressing the pressing portion in a manner having a circumferential component relative to the circumferential surface of the lens support portion, thereby enabling the lens support portion to rotate.

[0007] Alternatively, the lens support may include: a rotating cylinder that is substantially cylindrical, which rotates along the circumferential direction at a certain position in the optical axis direction; and a retractable cylinder that is substantially cylindrical, which is adjacent to the rotating cylinder on its inner or outer side. The rotating cylinder has an oblique groove extending in the optical axis direction and in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction on its surface opposite to the retractable cylinder. The front end of the pressing part of the drive unit is located opposite to the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder, which is opposite to the adjacent side of the retractable cylinder. The retractable cylinder has a guide protrusion located in the oblique groove of the rotating cylinder. When the drive unit is energized, the piezoelectric element is extended, thereby pressing the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder in the circumferential direction by the front end of the pressing part. The rotational force can be converted into a force in the optical axis direction by the oblique groove and the guide protrusion, and the retractable cylinder can be moved along the optical axis direction.

[0008] Alternatively, the lens support may include: a rotating cylinder that is substantially cylindrical, which rotates along the circumferential direction at a certain position in the optical axis direction; and a retractable cylinder that is substantially cylindrical, which is adjacent to the rotating cylinder on the inner or outer side of the diameter. The retractable cylinder has an oblique groove extending along the optical axis direction and in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction on the surface opposite to the rotating cylinder. The front end of the pressing part of the drive unit is located opposite to the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder and the retractable cylinder on the side opposite to the adjacent side. The rotating cylinder has a guide protrusion located in the oblique groove of the retractable cylinder. When the drive unit is energized, the piezoelectric element is extended, thereby pressing the circumferential surface of the retractable cylinder in the circumferential direction by the front end of the pressing part. The rotational force can be converted into a force in the optical axis direction by the guide protrusion and the oblique groove, and the retractable cylinder can be moved along the optical axis direction.

[0009] Alternatively, the drive unit may integrally include a first drive body located on one side of the lens support portion in the circumferential direction and a second drive body located on the other side of the lens support portion in the circumferential direction, wherein the first drive body and the second drive body respectively include the piezoelectric element and the pressing portion.

[0010] Alternatively, the pressing portion of the first driving body and the pressing portion of the second driving body may be formed such that the front ends of the two parts facing each other on the circumferential surface are farther than the base ends.

[0011] Alternatively, a support body may be provided that is radially adjacent to the aforementioned lens support portion and does not rotate in the aforementioned circumferential direction, and a plurality of the aforementioned drive portions may be fixed to the aforementioned support body at certain intervals in the circumferential direction. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic illustration of the structure of a lens moving mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, and shows an exploded perspective view of the structural components arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the aforementioned lens movement mechanism.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the lens support portion recessed into the aforementioned lens moving mechanism.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the lens support protruding in the aforementioned lens moving mechanism.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the drive unit of the aforementioned lens moving mechanism.

[0017] Figure 6 This shows the lens support recessed into the aforementioned lens moving mechanism, with the side view of the support removed.

[0018] Figure 7 This shows the lens support protruding in the aforementioned lens moving mechanism, and the side view of the support has been removed. Detailed Implementation

[0019] A lens moving mechanism 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, "optical axis direction," "circumferential direction," "radial direction," "inner radial direction," and "outer radial direction" refer to the overall orientation of the lens moving mechanism 1 unless otherwise specified. That is, the direction of rotation about the optical axis direction of the lens moving mechanism 1 is the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction is the radial direction.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the overall system. The top of the diagram shows the camera's orientation towards the subject, and the bottom shows the orientation of the camera's imaging element. Figure 1 The left-hand side shows part of the lens moving mechanism 1 in this embodiment. Figure 1 In the diagram, the portion shown on the right is the aperture mechanism X, which limits the light emitted during imaging. Furthermore, the aperture mechanism X is not directly related to this invention and will not be described in detail below.

[0021] In the lens moving mechanism 1 of this embodiment, autofocus is achieved by moving the lens along the optical axis within the camera (a part related to camera function in a camera built into a smartphone, etc.). This lens moving mechanism 1 is a so-called "telescopic type" that allows the lens support 2, which is essentially cylindrical in shape and consists of the rotating cylinder 21 and the advance / retreat cylinder 22 described later, to move forward and backward along the optical axis. Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 This shows the lens support 2 in the recessed state. Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 The lens support 2 is shown protruding. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In the diagram, since the support 4 is removed, the drive unit 5 is shown floating, but the drive unit 5 is actually fixed to the support 4.

[0022] The lens moving mechanism 1 of this embodiment mainly includes a lens support 2, a lens 3 (here referring to the lens supported by the lens support 2, excluding lenses disposed outside the lens moving mechanism 1), a support body 4, and a drive unit 5. The lens support 2 has a circumferential surface with a certain curvature at least on its inner or outer side. The lens support 2 has a portion capable of circumferential rotation about the optical axis. The lens support 2 supports the lens 3 for forming an image of captured light by the imaging element of the camera, so that the lens 3 moves along the optical axis direction as the rotatable portion rotates.

[0023] The lens support 2 includes a substantially cylindrical rotating cylinder 21 (corresponding to the rotatable portion described above) that rotates circumferentially at a certain position in the optical axis direction, a substantially cylindrical advancing / retreating cylinder 22 adjacent to the rotating cylinder 21 on its inner radial side, and a cover portion 23. The rotating cylinder 21 has oblique grooves 211 formed on its inner surface, at least opposite to the advancing / retreating cylinder 22, extending in a direction inclined relative to the optical axis direction, more specifically, in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction and the circumferential direction (excluding the horizontal portions 2111 at both ends described later). In this embodiment, the oblique grooves 211 are slits that penetrate radially through the rotating cylinder 21. Furthermore, multiple (three in this embodiment) oblique grooves 211 of the same shape are formed in the rotating cylinder 21 at certain intervals (60 degrees in this embodiment) in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the end of the oblique groove 211 on one side (subject side) along the optical axis and the end of the adjacent oblique groove 211 on the other side (image element side) along the optical axis are located at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction. However, this is not the only possibility; the two ends may be separated in the circumferential direction or overlap each other.

[0024] The advance / retractable cylinder 22 is configured to be connected by an anti-rotation member 7 (in this embodiment, such as...) between itself and a portion of the support body 4 located on the inner diameter side of the advance / retractable cylinder 22. Figure 2 The sphere shown is positioned in a groove extending along the optical axis and cannot rotate. Figure 2 As shown, the anti-rotation member 7 is positioned circumferentially at the same location as the drive unit 5. Since the anti-rotation member 7 is located within the diameter of the position where the pressing force of the pressing units 552 and 562 (described later) reaches the rotating cylinder 21, the advance / retractable cylinder 22 can move stably along the optical axis. The advance / retractable cylinder 22 has a guide protrusion 221 that protrudes radially from its outer circumferential surface. The guide protrusion 221 is located in the inclined groove 211 (see reference) entering the rotating cylinder 21. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7Due to this positional relationship, the guide protrusion 221 abuts against the inner side of the rotating cylinder 21 along the extension direction of the inclined groove 211 and moves in the optical axis direction. The circumferential tilt angle of the inclined groove 211 relative to the rotating cylinder 21 is constant when viewed radially. Therefore, the relationship between the rotation amount of the rotating cylinder 21 and the movement amount of the advance / retractor cylinder 22 in the optical axis direction can be kept constant. Furthermore, by making the circumferential tilt angle of the inclined groove 211 relative to the rotating cylinder 21 gentler or steeper, the ratio of the rotation amount of the rotating cylinder 21 to the movement amount of the advance / retractor cylinder 22 in the optical axis direction can be changed, and the desired movement amount of the lens 3 can be achieved. Three guide protrusions 221 are formed at a certain interval (60 degrees in this embodiment) in the circumferential direction.

[0025] By structuring the lens support 2 as described above, the rotating cylinder 21 is driven by the drive unit 5 (described later) along... Figure 1 When the direction 21M is rotated as shown, the circumferentially moving inclined grooves 211 guide the circumferentially immovable guide protrusions 221 in the optical axis direction. Accompanying this, the advance / retractor cylinder 22 moves along the optical axis direction ( Figure 1 The movement is in the direction shown (22M). Inside the advance / retractor 22, a lens 3 and a frame-shaped lens support 6 supporting the lens 3 are disposed. Although not described in detail, the lens support 6 is equipped with an image stabilization mechanism. By causing the lens 3 to move slightly in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis in response to hand shake, the image imaged on the imaging element is less prone to shaking. Therefore, in this embodiment, the advance / retractor 22 is essentially cylindrical because its outer circumferential surface is circular and its interior is hollow. However, regarding the inner circumferential surface, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it does not have a circumferential surface, but has a surface on which the lens support 6 can be mounted. An aperture mechanism X is provided on the portion of the advance / retractor 22 near the subject. A cover portion 23 is fitted to the end of the advance / retractor 22 near the subject. Furthermore, an O-ring 8 is provided between the rotating cylinder 21 and the advance / retractor 22. This prevents moisture or dust from entering between the rotating cylinder 21 and the advance / retractor 22.

[0026] Here, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the two ends of the inclined groove 211 are configured as horizontal portions 2111 along the circumferential direction. By positioning the guide protrusion 221 of the advance / retractor 22, described later, at this horizontal portion 2111 as shown, even if the drive unit 5 experiences a slight deviation in the rotation of the rotating cylinder 21 (i.e., the circumferential movement distance of the rotating cylinder 21) due to sliding between, for example, the pressing portions 552 and 562 of the drive unit 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21, the advance / retractor 22 can be held at a certain position in the optical axis direction by positioning the guide protrusion 221 at the horizontal portion 2111. By configuring the horizontal portion 2111 in this way, the lens 3 can be prevented from tilting in the optical axis direction, and the lens support 2 can operate stably.

[0027] The support body 4 includes an inner peripheral portion 41 and an outer peripheral portion 42 disposed outside the inner peripheral portion 41. The inner peripheral portion 41 of the support body 4 is arranged such that it is radially adjacent to the lens support portion 2 and does not rotate. The lens support portion 2 sinks relative to the support body 4 as it moves toward the optical axis (see reference). Figure 3 ) or protrusion (refer to) Figure 4 ).

[0028] The drive unit 5 is positioned radially opposite the lens support unit 2. In this embodiment, multiple (three in this embodiment) drive units 5 are fixed to the support body 4 at circumferential intervals (60 degrees in this embodiment). Figure 5 As shown, the drive unit 5 includes a base 51, a buffer 52, a guide pin 53, a retainer 54, a first drive body 55, and a second drive body 56. The first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56 respectively include: piezoelectric elements 551 and 561, which extend when energized; and pressing parts 552 and 562, which are configured to abut against the peripheral surface of the lens support 2 (in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21) that is linked with the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561.

[0029] The base 51 is the portion fixed to the support 4. In this embodiment, the base 51 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the retainer 54 is disposed inside it so that it can move back and forth with respect to the base 51 (the lens moving mechanism 1 as a whole can move radially). The first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56, which are symmetrically shaped, are fixed to the retainer 54. That is, the drive part 5 integrally includes the first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56. The buffer part 52 is disposed between the base 51 and the retainer 54. The buffer part 52 extends and retracts as the retainer 54 moves. In this embodiment, the buffer part 52 is made of a rubber plate. The guide pin 53 passes through the base 51 along the optical axis. An elongated hole 57 extending in the front-rear direction with respect to the base 51 is formed in the retainer 54 and the buffer part 52, and the guide pin 53 passes through the elongated hole 57. Therefore, the retainer 54, the first drive body 55, and the second drive body 56 can move back and forth relative to the base 51 within the range formed by the elongated hole 57.

[0030] The first drive body 55 is located on one side of the lens support 2 in the circumferential direction. The second drive body 56 is located on the other side of the lens support 2 in the circumferential direction. The first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56 each include: piezoelectric elements 551 and 561, which extend when energized with a positive voltage and shorten when energized with a reverse voltage; and pressing parts 552 and 562, which are configured to abut against the circumferential surface of the lens support 2 (in this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 21) that are linked with the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the pressing parts 552 and 562 abut against the outer circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 21 when the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 are not energized, but they can also be configured to abut against the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 only when they are energized with a positive voltage (when they extend).

[0031] Piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 are hexahedral (cubic) in shape and are fixedly embedded in retainer 54. Pressing portions 552 and 562 are plate-shaped ceramic pieces, one side of which is bonded to the opposing surfaces of each piezoelectric element 551 and 561 to form an integral unit. Furthermore, pressing portions 552 and 562 are not fixed to retainer 54 and can move relative to retainer 54 as piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 extend and retract. At the front end of pressing portions 552 and 562, there are enlarged portions 5521 and 5621 with increased thickness. That is, the main body of pressing portions 552 and 562 is integrally formed with enlarged portions 5521 and 5621. In this embodiment, the enlarged portions 5521 and 5621 have a circular cross-sectional shape. The enlarged portions 5521 and 5621 are located opposite the circumferential surface (outer circumferential surface in this embodiment) of the rotating cylinder 21, opposite to the adjacent side of the advancing / retreating cylinder 22. The enlarged portions 5521 and 5621 are located opposite the lower region of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21 that does not overlap with the inclined groove 211.

[0032] The first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56 are disposed opposite to each other. The relative direction of the first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56 is along the circumferential direction of the lens moving mechanism 1. The pressing part 552 of the first drive body 55 and the pressing part 562 of the second drive body 56 are formed such that their front ends, which are opposite each other on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21, are farther than their base ends. Figure 5As shown, the two pressing portions 552 and 562 are arranged in an inverted V shape. When a positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561, the elongation directions 551M and 561M are as indicated by the arrows in the figure, and are directed towards the center of symmetry of the two pressing portions 552 and 562 constituting the inverted V shape. When a reverse voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561, the shortening direction is opposite to the elongation direction. Furthermore, when the energizing is stopped, the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 return to their original shape before elongation. Due to the elongation of the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561, the pressing portions 552 and 562 move in the same direction. By periodically energizing, the pressing portions 552 and 562 can be driven at a frequency corresponding to the energizing interval, and the pressing portions 552 and 562 (specifically, the enlarged portions 5521 and 5621) can be pressed intermittently relative to the rotating cylinder 21 at a period corresponding to this frequency.

[0033] Furthermore, it is not necessary to apply a reverse voltage to the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561; a positive voltage can also be applied intermittently. For example, when applying a reverse voltage, a positive voltage can be applied to the piezoelectric element 551 of the first drive body 55, while simultaneously applying a reverse voltage to the piezoelectric element 561 of the second drive body 56. This shortens the piezoelectric element 561, thus separating the pressing portion 562 of the second drive body 56 from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21. Therefore, compared to the pressing portion 562 remaining in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21, the pressing portion 562 is less likely to become a resistance to the rotation of the rotating cylinder 21. Conversely, when a positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 561 of the second drive body 56, a reverse voltage is simultaneously applied to the piezoelectric element 551 of the first drive body 55.

[0034] As the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 elongate, the pressing portions 552 and 562 (enlarged portions 5521 and 5621) exert a circumferential component on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21. Therefore, the circumferential force (frictional force) during pressing can reach the rotating cylinder 21. Thus, the pressing portions 552 and 562 (enlarged portions 5521 and 5621) continuously push the rotating cylinder 21 circumferentially according to the energizing cycle. Consequently, the rotating cylinder 21 rotates. Energizing each of the plurality of (three in this embodiment) drive portions 5 occurs simultaneously. That is, the plurality of (three in this embodiment) drive portions 5 are driven synchronously. Therefore, since rotational force can be generated simultaneously at multiple positions (three locations in this embodiment) circumferentially on the rotating cylinder 21, smooth rotation is possible. At least the portions pressed by the pressing portions 552 and 562 on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21 have a certain curvature. Therefore, the rotational force of the rotating cylinder 21 generated by the pressing force of the pressing parts 552 and 562 can be kept constant, achieving stable rotation. When the rotating cylinder 21 rotates, the rotational force is converted into a force in the direction of the optical axis through the inclined groove 211 and the guide protrusion 221, and the advancing and retreating cylinder 22 moves along the optical axis. When the first drive body 55 is driven by applying a positive voltage (while the second drive body 56 is driven by applying a reverse voltage), the rotating cylinder 21 rotates in one direction; when the second drive body 56 is driven by applying a positive voltage (while the first drive body 55 is driven by applying a reverse voltage), the rotating cylinder 21 rotates in the opposite direction. As a result, the lens 3 can be brought closer to or away from the shooting element, thereby enabling focusing on the shooting element and achieving an autofocus function.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the lens moving mechanism 1 includes: a lens support 2, which has a circumferential surface with a certain curvature at least on its inner or outer side, and has a portion (rotating cylinder 21) capable of rotating circumferentially about the optical axis, and supports the lens 3 so that the lens 3 moves along the optical axis direction as the portion (rotating cylinder 21) rotates; and a drive 5, which is disposed in a radial position opposite to the lens support 2, the drive 5 including: piezoelectric elements 551 and 561, which extend when energized; and pressing portions 552 and 562, which are configured to be linked with the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 and are disposed in such a way that they can abut against the circumferential surface of the lens support 2. When the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 are extended by energizing, the pressing portions 552 and 562 are pressed in such a way that they have a circumferential component relative to the circumferential surface of the lens support 2, thereby enabling the lens support 2 to rotate.

[0036] According to this structure, by extending the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561, the pressing parts 552 and 562 are pressed in a manner that has a circumferential component relative to the outer periphery of the lens support 2, thereby enabling the lens support 2 to rotate. The main structure for rotation only requires the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 and the pressing parts 552 and 562, thus enabling a smaller and simpler structure compared to the drive of existing rotary motors.

[0037] Furthermore, the lens support 2 includes a cylindrical rotating cylinder 21 that rotates circumferentially at a certain position along the optical axis, and a cylindrical advancing / retreating cylinder 22 adjacent to the rotating cylinder on either the inner or outer side. The rotating cylinder 21 has an oblique groove 211 extending along both the optical axis and the circumferential direction on its surface opposite to the advancing / retreating cylinder 22. The front ends (enlarged portions 5521 and 562) of the pressing portions 552 and 562 of the driving unit 5 are located on the side adjacent to the rotating cylinder 21 and the advancing / retreating cylinder 22. In opposite positions on the circumferential surfaces, the advance / retractor 22 has a guide protrusion 221 located in the inclined groove 211 of the rotating cylinder 21. When the drive unit 5 is energized, the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 are extended, thereby pressing the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder 21 in the circumferential direction through the front ends (enlarged portions 5521 and 5621) of the pressing portions 552 and 562. The rotational force can be converted into a force in the direction of the optical axis through the inclined groove 211 and the guide protrusion 221, and the advance / retractor 22 can be moved along the optical axis.

[0038] According to this structure, by utilizing the inclined groove 211 of the rotating cylinder 21 and the guide protrusion 221 of the advancing and retreating cylinder 22 to convert the rotational force into a force in the direction of the optical axis, the force generated by the elongation of the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 can be effectively used to move the advancing and retreating cylinder 22 along the direction of the optical axis.

[0039] Furthermore, the lens support 2 includes a cylindrical rotating cylinder 21 that rotates circumferentially at a certain position along the optical axis, and a cylindrical advancing / retracting cylinder 22 adjacent to the rotating cylinder 21 on either the inner or outer side. The advancing / retracting cylinder 22 has oblique grooves extending along the optical axis and intersecting the circumferential direction on its surface opposite to the rotating cylinder 21. The front ends (enlarged portions 5521 and 5621) of the pressing portions 552 and 562 of the drive unit 5 are located adjacent to the rotating cylinder 21 and the advancing / retracting cylinder. The rotating cylinder 21, located at opposite positions on opposite sides of the adjacent circumferential surfaces of the advancing and retreating cylinder 22, has a guide protrusion in the inclined groove of the advancing and retreating cylinder 22. When the driving part 5 is energized, the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 are extended, thereby pressing the circumferential surface of the advancing and retreating cylinder 22 in the circumferential direction through the front ends (enlarged parts 5521 and 5621) of the pressing parts 552 and 562. The rotational force can be converted into a force in the direction of the optical axis through the guide protrusion and the inclined groove, and the advancing and retreating cylinder 22 can be moved along the optical axis.

[0040] According to this structure, by utilizing the inclined groove of the advance and retreat cylinder 22 and the guide protrusion 221 of the rotating cylinder 21 to convert the rotational force into a force in the direction of the optical axis, the force generated by the elongation of the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 can be effectively used to move the advance and retreat cylinder 22 along the direction of the optical axis.

[0041] In addition, the drive unit 5 integrally includes a first drive body 55 located on one side of the lens support 2 in the circumferential direction and a second drive body 56 located on the other side of the lens support 2 in the circumferential direction. The first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56 respectively include the piezoelectric elements 551 and 561 and the pressing parts 552 and 562.

[0042] According to this structure, the lens support 2 can be rotated in one direction and in the opposite direction by a single drive unit 5.

[0043] Furthermore, the pressing portions 552 and 562 of the first driving body 55 and the pressing portions 552 and 562 of the second driving body 56 are formed such that the front ends (enlarged portions 5521 and 5621) of the parts facing each other on the circumferential surface are farther than the base ends.

[0044] According to this structure, the first drive body 55 and the second drive body 56 can be configured without interleaving.

[0045] In addition, a support body 4 is provided that is radially adjacent to the lens support 2 and does not rotate in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of the drive parts 5 are fixed to the support body 4 at a certain interval in the circumferential direction.

[0046] According to this structure, multiple drive units 5 are fixed to the support body 4 at certain intervals in the circumferential direction, thereby allowing the lens support unit 2 to rotate smoothly.

[0047] According to this embodiment of the structure described above, the lens moving mechanism 1, which can be miniaturized and has a simple structure, can be improved.

[0048] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner, and appropriate design modifications can be made within the scope of the invention's intent. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary in all respects and do not limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims rather than by the foregoing description. Moreover, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0049] For example, the drive unit 5 may be provided on the lens support 2 (rotation side) instead of on the support body 4 (fixed side). In this case, the drive unit 5 is configured to press the support body 4. In addition, the drive unit 5 rotates together with the lens support 2. Furthermore, even if the drive unit 5 is provided on the support body 4 (fixed side), it may be provided at a position radially inward relative to the lens support 2, contrary to the above embodiment.

[0050] Furthermore, the radial inward and outward relationship between the rotating cylinder 21 and the advancing / retreating cylinder 22 can also be reversed compared to the above embodiment. However, in the case of a configuration reversed from the above embodiment, the components disposed inside the advancing / retreating cylinder 22 need to be such that they do not interfere with the positional relationship of the rotating cylinder 21.

[0051] In addition, although the radial inward and outward relationship between the rotating cylinder 21 and the advancing and retreating cylinder 22 is the same as in the above embodiment, a slanted groove can also be formed in the advancing and retreating cylinder 22 and a guide protrusion can be formed in the rotating cylinder 21.

[0052] Alternatively, the rotating cylinder 21 and the advancing / retreating cylinder 22 can be integrated into a single unit, forming a cylinder that rotates while advancing / retreating. In this case, an oblique groove is formed in the lens support portion 2, which includes the integrally formed cylinder, and a guide protrusion is formed in the support body 4. The drive unit 5 is configured to press the lens support portion 2 in the circumferential direction.

[0053] Furthermore, even if instead of the oblique groove 211 in the above embodiment, a protrusion extending along the optical axis and intersecting the circumferential direction is formed in the lens support 2, and instead of the guide protrusion 221 in the above embodiment, a portion that can slide relative to the protrusion is formed, the same lens support 2 as in the above embodiment can be moved along the optical axis.

[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0055] 1. Lens Movement Mechanism

[0056] 2 Lens Support

[0057] 21 Rotary Cylinder

[0058] 211 Incline trough

[0059] 2111 Horizontal section

[0060] Rotation direction of the 21M rotating cylinder

[0061] 22 advance and retreat cylinders

[0062] 221 guide protrusion

[0063] 22M forward and reverse cylinder movement direction

[0064] 23 covers

[0065] 3 lenses

[0066] 4 Supports

[0067] 41 Inner Peripheral Section

[0068] 411 Outer Wall Section

[0069] 412 inner wall part

[0070] 42 Peripheral Department

[0071] 5 Drive Unit

[0072] 51 base

[0073] 52 Buffer Section

[0074] 53 guide pins

[0075] 54 retainer

[0076] 55 First Driving Unit

[0077] 551 piezoelectric element

[0078] 551M Elongation Direction

[0079] 552 Pressing Part

[0080] 5521 Pressing part front end, enlarged part

[0081] 56 Second driving body

[0082] 561 piezoelectric element

[0083] 561M Elongation Direction

[0084] 562 Pressing Part

[0085] 5621 The front end of the pressing part, the enlarged part

[0086] 57 long holes

[0087] 6-lens support

[0088] 7 spheres

[0089] 8O ring

[0090] M represents the elongation direction (piezoelectric element)

[0091] X-ray aperture mechanism

Claims

1. A lens moving mechanism, characterized in that, have: A lens support portion has a circumferential surface with a certain curvature at least on its inner or outer radial side, has a portion capable of circumferential rotation about the optical axis, and supports the lens such that the lens moves along the optical axis as this portion rotates; and The drive unit is located radially opposite the lens support unit. The drive unit includes: Piezoelectric elements that elongate when energized; and The pressing part is configured to be linked to the piezoelectric element and is arranged in such a way that it can abut against the peripheral surface of the lens support. By applying electricity to elongate the piezoelectric element, the pressing part can be pressed in a manner that has a circumferential component relative to the circumferential surface of the lens support, thereby enabling the lens support to rotate. The drive unit integrally includes a first drive body located on one side of the lens support in the circumferential direction and a second drive body located on the other side of the lens support in the circumferential direction. The first driving body and the second driving body respectively include the piezoelectric element and the pressing part. The pressing portion of the first driving body and the pressing portion of the second driving body are formed such that their front ends, which are opposite each other on the circumferential surface, are farther than their base ends.

2. The lens moving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The lens support includes: Essentially a cylindrical rotating cylinder, which rotates circumferentially at a certain position along the optical axis; and Essentially a cylindrical advancing and retreating cylinder, it is adjacent to the rotating cylinder on either the inner or outer side of the diameter. The rotating cylinder has oblique grooves extending along the optical axis and intersecting the circumferential direction on the surface opposite to the advancing and retracting cylinder. The front end of the pressing part of the driving unit is located opposite the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder, which is opposite to the adjacent side of the advancing and retracting cylinder. The advancing and retreating cylinder has guide protrusions located in the inclined groove of the rotating cylinder. When the drive unit is energized, the piezoelectric element extends, thereby pressing the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder in the circumferential direction through the front end of the pressing part. The rotational force can be converted into a force in the direction of the optical axis through the inclined groove and the guide protrusion, and the advancing and retreating cylinder can be moved along the optical axis.

3. The lens moving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The lens support includes: Essentially a cylindrical rotating cylinder, which rotates circumferentially at a certain position along the optical axis; and Essentially a cylindrical advancing and retreating cylinder, it is adjacent to the rotating cylinder on either the inner or outer side of the diameter. The advancing / retarding cylinder has oblique grooves extending along the optical axis and intersecting the circumferential direction on the surface opposite to the rotating cylinder. The front end of the pressing part of the driving unit is located opposite the circumferential surface of the rotating cylinder, which is opposite to the adjacent side of the advancing / retarding cylinder. The rotating cylinder has guide protrusions located in the inclined groove of the advancing and retracting cylinder. When the drive unit is energized, the piezoelectric element extends, thereby pressing the circumferential surface of the advance and retraction cylinder in the circumferential direction through the front end of the pressing part. The rotational force can be converted into a force in the direction of the optical axis through the guide protrusion and the inclined groove, and the advance and retraction cylinder can be moved along the optical axis.

4. The lens moving mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A support body is provided that is radially adjacent to the lens support portion and does not rotate in the circumferential direction. The plurality of drive units are fixed to the support body at intervals in the circumferential direction.

5. A camera module, characterized in that, It has a lens moving mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A terminal device, characterized in that, It has a lens moving mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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