Actuator and optical unit

Abstract

The invention provides an actuator and an optical unit. The actuator which can connect a lens unit and a sensor unit is miniaturized. An actuator (10) is capable of connecting a lens unit (3) having a lens setting portion (31) on which a lens (3a) is set and a first connecting portion (32) having a smaller diameter than the lens setting portion, and a sensor unit (4) having a large-diameter portion (41) having a larger diameter than the first connecting portion and a second connecting portion (42) having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion, the actuator is provided with: a movable body (120) having a first insertion opening (125) into which the first connection portion can be inserted from a first direction in the optical axis direction, and a second insertion opening (126) into which the second connection portion (42) can be inserted from a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a fixed body (110) that holds the movable body in a state of being rotatable about at least one of intersecting directions that intersect the optical axis direction as an axis of rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an actuator and an optical unit. Background Art

[0002] In the past, various optical units have been used. Among them, an optical unit including a lens unit, a sensor unit, and an actuator that can connect the lens unit and the sensor unit is used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical unit including: a movable body having an imaging module provided with a lens and an imaging element; and a fixed body that holds the movable body in a state where it can rotate with a direction intersecting the optical axis direction as a rotation axis. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-21332 Summary of the invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention In a conventional optical unit having a lens unit, a sensor unit, and an actuator capable of connecting the lens unit and the sensor unit, a unit to which the lens unit and the sensor unit are fixed is mounted on the actuator. For example, in the optical unit of Patent Document 1, a camera module provided with a lens and an image pickup element is mounted on a movable body constituting a part of the actuator. In such a structure having an actuator capable of connecting the lens unit and the sensor unit, an insertion port through which the entire lens unit or the sensor unit passes needs to be provided on the actuator, which tends to increase the size of the actuator, and thus the optical unit tends to increase the size of the actuator. Technical solutions to solve problems

[0005] The actuator of the present invention is capable of connecting a lens unit and a sensor unit, wherein the lens unit has a lens setting portion for setting a lens and a first connection portion with a diameter smaller than that of the lens setting portion, and the sensor unit has a large diameter portion with a diameter larger than that of the first connection portion and a second connection portion with a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion. The actuator comprises: a movable body having a first insertion port into which the first connection portion can be inserted from a first direction in the direction of an optical axis and a second insertion port into which the second connection portion can be inserted from a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a fixed body, which maintains the movable body in a state in which it can rotate with at least one of the intersecting directions intersecting the optical axis direction as a rotation axis. Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to miniaturize an actuator capable of connecting a lens unit and a sensor unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a lens unit, a sensor unit, and an actuator of an optical unit. Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 Front view of the actuator of the optical unit. Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A front view of the movable body of the actuator of the optical unit. Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 Front view of the fixed body of the actuator of the optical unit. Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 A perspective view of the movable body and gimbal mechanism of the actuator of the optical unit. Figure 7 is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA shows Figure 1 The movable body and gimbal mechanism of the actuator of the optical unit. Figure 8 is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line BB shows Figure 1 A fixed body, a movable body and a gimbal mechanism of an actuator of an optical unit. Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 1 A sectional view of an actuator of an optical unit as viewed from the front. Fig.10 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the lens unit, the sensor unit and the actuator of the optical unit as viewed from the side. Fig.11 It is shown in cross-section view Fig.10 Diagram of the sensor unit and actuator. Fig.12 Yes means Figure 1 1 is a side view of a lens unit, a sensor unit, and an actuator of an optical unit, and is a diagram showing the sensor unit and the actuator in a cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Below, use Figures 1 to 12An optical unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. In each figure, the Z-axis direction is the optical axis direction in which the optical axis AX extends, the X-axis direction is the direction intersecting the optical axis AX, in other words, the yaw axis direction, and the Y-axis direction is the direction intersecting the optical axis AX, in other words, the pitch axis direction. In addition, the direction pointed by the arrow in the Z-axis direction, i.e., the +Z direction, is the direction on the subject side, and the direction opposite to the direction pointed by the arrow, i.e., the -Z direction, is the direction on the subject side opposite to the subject side.

[0009] <Overall Structure of Optical Unit> First, the overall structure of the optical unit 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown, it has a housing 2. Figure 1 As shown, a lens unit 3 having a lens 3 a is arranged on the housing 2 .

[0010] In addition, on the housing 2, in addition to the lens unit 3, Figure 2 As shown, an actuator 10 and a sensor unit 4 are also provided. Figure 1 As shown, a hole 2a is provided on the housing 2, and the lens unit 3 is arranged on the housing 2 in such a way that the lens 3a can be seen from the hole 2a when viewed from the optical axis direction. The actuator 10 connects the lens unit 3 and the sensor unit 4, and is configured to displace the lens unit 3 in the housing 2.

[0011] <Lens unit> The lens unit 3 of this embodiment is connected to the actuator 10, and in the state of being connected to the actuator 10, is also connected to the sensor unit 4. Figure 2 As shown, the lens unit 3 of this embodiment has: a lens setting portion 31 where the lens 3a is set; and a first connection portion 32 having a smaller diameter than the lens setting portion 31. The first connection portion 32 is connected to the actuator 10 and is also connected to the sensor unit 4.

[0012] <Sensor Unit> The sensor unit 4 of this embodiment includes: a large diameter portion 41 having an imaging element 41a; and a second connection portion 42 connected to the first connection portion 32. Here, the first connection portion 32 is cylindrical, and the second connection portion 42 is also cylindrical. And, in a state where the first connection portion 32 is connected to the actuator 10, the outer peripheral portion of the first connection portion 32 is embedded in the inner peripheral portion of the second connection portion 42, so that the first connection portion 32 and the second connection portion 42 are connected. The imaging element 41a is connected to the flexible substrate 41b.

[0013] <Actuator> like Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the actuator 10 of the present embodiment includes: a fixed body 110 fixed to the housing 2; and a movable body 120 connected to the lens unit 3 and the sensor unit 4 and capable of displacement relative to the fixed body 110. Figures 6 to 8 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 , the actuator 10 of the present embodiment includes a gimbal mechanism 130 connected to a fixed body 110 and a movable body 120 .

[0014] The fixed body 110 holds the movable body 120 in a state where it can rotate with at least one of the directions intersecting the optical axis direction, such as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, as the rotation axis through the gimbal mechanism 130. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the actuator 10 of the present embodiment includes a driving mechanism 140, which includes a magnet 141, a coil 142, and a flexible substrate 143, and generates a driving force for rotating the movable body 120 relative to the fixed body 110. In addition, as the flexible substrate 143, there are a flexible substrate 143A, a flexible substrate 143B, and a flexible substrate 143C that connect the coils 142 to each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 Flexible substrate 143D etc. connected to terminal 144 as shown.

[0015] <Movable body> like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Fig. 9 As shown, the movable body 120 has: a first surface 121 and a second surface 122 which are parallel to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and are opposite to each other; and a third surface 123 and a fourth surface 124 which are parallel to the optical axis direction, orthogonal to the first surface 121 and the second surface 122 and are opposite to each other. In addition, a magnet 141A as the magnet 141 is provided on the first surface 121, a magnet 141C as the magnet 141 is provided on the second surface 122, a magnet 141B as the magnet 141 is provided on the third surface 123, and a magnet 141D as the magnet 141 is provided on the fourth surface 124.

[0016] In addition, if Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the movable body 120 has: a first insertion port 125, which can insert the first connection part 32 from a first direction in the optical axis direction (a direction from the +Z direction side toward the -Z direction side); and a second insertion port 126, which can insert the second connection part 42 from a second direction opposite to the first direction (a direction from the -Z direction side toward the +Z direction side). By displacing the movable body 120 to which the lens unit 3 and the sensor unit 4 are connected relative to the fixed body 110, the lens unit 3 and the sensor unit 4 are also displaced relative to the fixed body 110.

[0017] <Fixed body> like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Fig. 9 As shown, the fixed body 110 has: a first opposite surface 111 facing the first surface 121; a second opposite surface 112 facing the second surface 122; a third opposite surface 113 facing the third surface 123; and a fourth opposite surface 114 facing the fourth surface 124. Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the movable body 120 is disposed in a region surrounded by the first opposing surface 111, the second opposing surface 112, the third opposing surface 113, and the fourth opposing surface 114 of the fixed body 110. Fig. 9 As shown, a coil 142A is provided as the coil 142 on the first relative surface 111, a coil 142C is provided as the coil 142 on the second relative surface 112, a coil 142B is provided as the coil 142 on the third relative surface 113, and a coil 142D is provided as the coil 142 on the fourth relative surface 114.

[0018] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, the fixed body 110 is provided with a flexible substrate arrangement groove 115 which is recessed inwardly when viewed from the optical axis direction and is used to arrange the flexible substrate 143 along. By providing the flexible substrate arrangement groove 115, it is possible to suppress the situation where the flexible substrate 143 moves when the movable body 120 is displaced relative to the fixed body 110 and the flexible substrate 143 interferes with the movable body 120, etc.

[0019] <Gimbal Mechanism> like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the gimbal mechanism 130 includes: a rotating member 136 having a frame-shaped top plate 131 passing through the movable body 120 and four legs 132 extending from the top plate 131 in the optical axis direction; and a support portion 134 engaged with the legs 132 to support the legs 132 in a rotatable state. Here, the rotating member 136 includes: Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first leg portions 132A and 132B protrude inwardly from the top plate 131 and extend along the optical axis direction; and Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second leg portions 132C and 132D protrude outward from the top plate 131 and extend along the optical axis. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first support portions 134A and 134B are fixed to the movable body 120 and support the first leg portions 132A and 132B in a rotatable state; and Figure 8 As shown, the second support parts 134C and 134D are fixed to the fixed body 110 and support the second leg parts 132C and 132D in a rotatable state.

[0020] That is, the support portion 134 is provided on a first straight line ( Figure 3 and a second straight line ( BB line) extending from the position between the first surface 121 and the fourth surface 124 to the position between the second surface 122 and the third surface 123 as viewed from the optical axis. Figure 3 The two parts of the movable body 120 on the extension line of the AA straight line. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in the figure, each support part 134 has the same structure, and is in a U-shape in which an engaging part 134a having a concave part 135 engaged with a convex part 133 provided on each leg part 132 and a fixed part 134b fixed to the fixed body 110 or the movable body 120 face each other, and the gimbal mechanism 130 supports the rotating member 136 by the elastic force of the U-shaped support part 134, and holds the movable body 120 so as to be rotatable relative to the fixed body 110. That is, the gimbal mechanism 130 of this embodiment is composed of the top plate 131 and the rotating member 136 of the leg part 132 having high rigidity, and the support part 134 having a U-shape and being easily bent.

[0021] <Drive Mechanism> The driving mechanism 140 of this embodiment includes: a magnet 141A and a coil 142A disposed at a position opposite to the magnet 141A; a magnet 141B and a coil 142B disposed at a position opposite to the magnet 141B; a magnet 141C and a coil 142C disposed at a position opposite to the magnet 141C; and a magnet 141D and a coil 142D disposed at a position opposite to the magnet 141D. Here, the magnet 141A, the magnet 141B, the magnet 141C, and the magnet 141D have the same structure, and the coil 142A, the coil 142B, the coil 142C, and the coil 142D have the same structure. Among them, the magnet 141A and the coil 142A, the magnet 141C and the coil 142C constitute a pitch axis swing mechanism. In addition, the magnet 141B and the coil 142B, the magnet 141D and the coil 142D constitute a yaw axis swing mechanism.

[0022] Below, refer to Figures 10 to 12 , the optical unit 1 of this embodiment will be further described from the viewpoint of the actuator 10. As described above, the actuator 10 of this embodiment can connect the lens unit 3 and the sensor unit 4. Figures 10 to 12As shown, the lens unit 3 that can be connected to the actuator 10 of this embodiment is a lens unit having a first connecting portion 32 with a diameter L2 that is smaller than the diameter L1 of the lens setting portion 31 where the lens 3a is set. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the sensor unit 4 that can be connected to the actuator 10 of this embodiment is a sensor unit having a large diameter portion 41 with a diameter L3 and a second connection portion 42 with a diameter L4, wherein the diameter L3 is larger than the diameter L2 of the first connection portion 32, and the diameter L4 is smaller than the large diameter portion 41.

[0023] In addition, if Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the actuator 10 of this embodiment includes a movable body 101, and the movable body 120 includes: a first insertion port 125 into which the first connection portion 32 can be inserted from a first direction D1 in the optical axis direction (a direction from the +Z direction side toward the -Z direction side); and a second insertion port 126 into which the second connection portion 42 can be inserted from a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 (a direction from the -Z direction side toward the +Z direction side). In addition, as described above, a fixed body 110 is provided, which holds the movable body 120 in a state in which it can rotate with at least one direction of the intersecting directions intersecting the optical axis direction as a rotation axis.

[0024] The actuator 10 of the present embodiment has such a structure that the opening diameter L5 of the first insertion port 125 is equal to the diameter L2 of the first connection portion 32, and the opening diameter L6 of the second insertion port 126 is equal to the diameter L4 of the second connection portion 42. If the structure is not the same as the present embodiment, but the lens unit 3 and the sensor unit 4 are connected and then mounted on the actuator 10, it is necessary to provide a hole portion having a larger diameter than the diameter L1 of the lens setting portion 31 and the diameter L3 of the large diameter portion 41 on the actuator 10, resulting in an increase in the size of the movable body 120, and further the actuator 10 and the optical unit 1. The actuator 10 of the present embodiment can be miniaturized by adopting the above structure.

[0025] The actuator 10 of this embodiment will be described from another perspective. In the actuator 10 of this embodiment, the diameter of the first insertion port 125 is smaller than the diameter of the lens setting portion 31 of the lens unit 3, and the diameter of the second insertion port 126 is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion 41 of the sensor unit 4. Therefore, the diameters of the first insertion port 125 and the second insertion port 126 can be reduced, and the actuator 10 can be particularly miniaturized.

[0026] In addition, if Fig.11 and Fig.12As shown, the actuator 10 of this embodiment has a contact portion 126a at the second insertion port 126 against which the second connection portion 42 contacts when the second connection portion 42 is inserted into the second insertion port 126 from the second direction D2. The actuator 10 of this embodiment has such a structure, so that the position of the sensor unit 4 relative to the movable body 120 in the optical axis direction can be accurately positioned.

[0027] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, in the actuator 10 of the present embodiment, the sensor unit 4 has the fitting portion 42a into which the first connection portion 32 of the lens unit 3 fits. Therefore, the actuator 10 of the present embodiment can accurately position the position of the lens unit 3 in the optical axis direction relative to the sensor unit 4 by adopting such a structure. In addition, as described above, in the actuator 10 of the present embodiment, since the abutment portion 126a is provided at the second insertion port 126, the position of the lens unit 3 in the optical axis direction relative to the movable body 120 can also be accurately positioned.

[0028] Finally, the present invention will be fully described below. (1) An actuator capable of connecting a lens unit and a sensor unit, wherein the lens unit has a lens setting portion for setting a lens and a first connection portion with a diameter smaller than that of the lens setting portion, and the sensor unit has a large diameter portion with a diameter larger than that of the first connection portion and a second connection portion with a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, the actuator comprising: a movable body having a first insertion port into which the first connection portion can be inserted from a first direction in the direction of an optical axis and a second insertion port into which the second connection portion can be inserted from a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a fixed body which maintains the movable body in a state in which it can rotate with at least one of the intersecting directions intersecting the direction of the optical axis as a rotation axis. (2) In the actuator described in (1) above, the diameter of the first insertion port is smaller than the diameter of the lens setting portion, and the diameter of the second insertion port is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion. (3) The actuator described in (1) or (2) above includes a contact portion against which the second connecting portion contacts when the second connecting portion is inserted into the second insertion port from the second direction. (4) An optical unit includes: the actuator according to any one of (1) to (3) above; the lens unit; and the sensor unit. (5) In the optical unit described in (4) above, the sensor unit has a fitting portion into which the first connecting portion fits. Explanation of symbols

[0033] 1 optical unit, 2 frame, 2a hole portion, 3 lens unit, 3a lens, 4 sensor unit, 10 actuator, 31 lens setting portion, 32 first connection portion, 41 large diameter portion, 41a image pickup element, 41b flexible substrate, 42 second connection portion, 42a fitting portion, 110 fixed body, 111 first opposing surface, 112 second opposing surface, 113 third opposing surface, 114 fourth opposing surface, 115 flexible substrate configuration groove, 120 movable body, 121 first surface, 122 second surface, 123 third surface, 124 fourth surface, 125 first insertion port, 126 second insertion port, 126a contact portion, 130 gimbal mechanism, 131 top plate, 132 leg portion, 132A first leg portion, 132B first leg, 132C second leg, 132D second leg, 133 convex portion, 134 supporting portion, 134a engaging portion, 134b fixing portion, 134A first supporting portion, 134B first supporting portion, 134C second supporting portion, 134D second supporting portion, 135 concave portion, 136 rotating component, 140 driving mechanism, 141 magnet, 141A magnet, 141B magnet, 141C magnet, 141D magnet, 142 coil, 142A coil, 142B coil, 142C coil, 142D coil, 143 flexible substrate, 143A flexible substrate, 143B flexible substrate, 143C flexible substrate, 143D flexible substrate, 144 terminal, AX optical axis.

Claims

1. An actuator capable of connecting a lens unit and a sensor unit, wherein the lens unit has a lens setting portion for setting a lens and a first connection portion with a smaller diameter than the lens setting portion, and the sensor unit has a large diameter portion with a larger diameter than the first connection portion and a second connection portion with a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion, characterized in that: have: a movable body having a first insertion port through which the first connecting portion can be inserted from a first direction in the optical axis direction, and a second insertion port through which the second connecting portion can be inserted from a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as A fixed body holds the movable body in a state where the movable body can rotate about at least one direction among intersecting directions intersecting the optical axis direction as a rotation axis.

2. The actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that The diameter of the first insertion port is smaller than the diameter of the lens setting portion, The diameter of the second insertion port is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion.

3. The actuator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The actuator includes an abutment portion against which the second connection portion abuts when the second connection portion is inserted into the second insertion port from the second direction.

4. An optical unit, characterized in that: have: The actuator according to claim 1 or 2; the lens unit; and The sensor unit.

5. The optical unit according to claim 4, characterized in that The sensor unit has a fitting portion into which the first connecting portion fits.

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