Vibration type actuator, optical device, and electronic device

Abstract

The invention provides a vibration-type actuator, an optical device, and an electronic device. The vibration type actuator includes a vibrator including an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body, and a contact body in contact with the vibrator, the vibrator and the contact body moving relatively in a first direction. The vibration-type actuator includes: a base; a holding member configured to hold the vibrator, held on the base, having an inclined surface intersecting the first direction, and moving in the first direction in accordance with relative movement of the vibrator; and an output unit which is held on the base so as to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, is in contact with the inclined surface, and moves in accordance with the movement of the holding member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration-type actuator, an optical device, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Various structures of vibration type actuators using an electromechanical energy conversion element such as a piezoelectric element that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy are known. For example, a vibration type actuator is known that includes a contact body, a vibrator having two protrusions provided on the front surface of a flat elastic body and a piezoelectric element bonded to the back surface of the elastic body, and a pressing member that presses the two protrusions against the contact body. The back surface of the elastic body herein refers to a surface on which no protrusions described below are formed.

[0003] In the vibration type actuator, a predetermined AC voltage (hereinafter, also referred to as a driving voltage) is applied to the electromechanical energy conversion element to generate an elliptical motion or a circular motion at the front end of each of the two protrusions in a plane including a direction connecting the two protrusions and a protrusion direction of the protrusions. Therefore, the contact body receives a friction driving force from the two protrusions (vibrators), and the vibrator and the contact body are able to move relative to each other in the direction connecting the two protrusions (hereinafter, also referred to as undergoing "relative movement").

[0004] The vibration-type actuator obtains power from such relative movement to drive the driven body. For example, in the vibration-type actuator discussed in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2023-19753, a tension spring is configured with a shaft provided on a holding member for holding the vibrator as a fulcrum, a protrusion as a load point, and a spring placement portion formed on a pressure member engaged with the shaft as a force point. The vibrator is urged by the tension spring based on the principle of a lever and is pressed against the contact body. The output unit formed on the holding member is engaged with the driven body, thereby transmitting the driving force of the vibration-type actuator to the driven body.

[0005] However, in the vibration-type actuator discussed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-19753, since the vibrator has two protrusions and a rectangular shape that is long in one direction, the direction of the output motion (output direction) is limited to the long side direction of the vibrator. In addition, since the relative movement between the vibrator and the contact body is used as the output, the output movement amount is limited to the relative movement amount. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure advantageously provides a vibration-type actuator having improved design flexibility. The present disclosure also advantageously provides an optical device and an electronic device including a vibration-type actuator having improved design flexibility.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a vibration-type actuator includes a vibrator and a contact body, wherein the vibrator includes an electromechanical energy conversion element and an elastomer, the contact body contacts the vibrator, and the vibrator and the contact body move relative to each other in a first direction. The vibration-type actuator includes: a base; a holding member, which is constructed to hold the vibrator, is held on the base, has an inclined surface intersecting the first direction, and moves in the first direction with the relative movement of the vibrator; and an output unit, which is held on the base in a manner capable of moving in a second direction intersecting the first direction, contacts the inclined surface, and moves with the movement of the holding member.

[0008] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vibration-type actuator according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2A is an isometric projection diagram of a vibration-type actuator according to a first exemplary embodiment, Figure 2B is its front view, Figure 2C is its AA cross-section diagram, Figure 2D This is its BB cross-section diagram.

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating a vibration mode according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4A is a bottom view of a vibration-type actuator that generates a Y-direction output according to a first exemplary embodiment, Figure 4B This is the enlarged bottom picture.

[0013] Figure 5A is a bottom view of a vibration type actuator driven to the left side of the drawing. Figure 5B is a bottom view of the vibration-type actuator driven to the right of the drawing, illustrating the generation of force by the vibration-type actuator configured to produce a Y-direction output according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 6A is an isometric projection diagram of a vibration-type actuator configured to produce a Z-direction output according to a first exemplary embodiment, Figure 6B is its enlarged front view, Figure 6C It is a front view of a vibration-type actuator driven to the right side of the drawing, and illustrates the generation of force by the vibration-type actuator.

[0015] Fig. 7Ais a bottom view of a vibration-type actuator according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7B This is the enlarged bottom image. Figure 7C It is a bottom view of a vibration-type actuator driven to the left side of the drawing, illustrating the generation of force by the vibration-type actuator.

[0016] Fig. 8A is a bottom view of a vibration-type actuator according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8B is the enlarged bottom picture. Figure 8C It is a bottom view of a vibration-type actuator driven to the left side of the drawing, illustrating the generation of force by the vibration-type actuator.

[0017] Fig. 9A is a top view schematically illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus using a vibration-type actuator according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9B is its block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects and to the drawings.

[0019] In a translationally movable vibration type actuator, the vibrator has two protrusions and has a rectangular shape that is long in one direction, so that the direction of the output motion (output direction) is limited to the longitudinal direction of the vibrator. In addition, since the relative movement between the vibrator and the contact body is used as the output, the output movement amount is limited to the relative movement amount. Therefore, the inventors considered a method for improving the design flexibility of the vibration type actuator. As a result, they found that by providing a cam member having an inclined surface and an output unit in contact with the inclined surface to a retaining member that retains the vibrator, an output in a second direction can be obtained, and the second direction intersects with the first direction that is the relative movement direction of the vibrator.

[0020] In other words, in the configuration of the present disclosure, the driving direction and the output direction can be converted by a mechanism as described below. First, the vibrator moves in a first direction, and a holding member holding the vibrator moves with the movement of the vibrator. The output unit in contact with the inclined surface of the holding member is held on the base in a movable manner in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Thus, the output unit moves in the second direction with the movement of the holding member. This makes it possible to obtain an output in a direction different from the driving direction, thereby providing a vibration actuator with improved design flexibility.

[0021] Furthermore, conventionally, the size of the vibration-type actuator in the driving direction is preferably set larger than the driving amount of the vibrator. Even in a configuration for driving a very small amount, switching the output direction reduces the size of the vibration-type actuator in the output direction.

[0022] Hereinafter, a configuration example of the present disclosure will be described in detail as an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] The first exemplary embodiment is an example in which the present disclosure is applied to a reciprocating vibration type actuator, and will refer to Figure 1 as well as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D Explain the details. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vibration-type actuator 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2A is an isometric projection diagram of the vibration type actuator 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The relative movement direction of the vibrator 2 will be defined as the X direction, the pressing direction will be defined as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions will be defined as the Y direction.

[0024] The elastic body 3 includes a rectangular main body 3c and a plurality of (in this article, two places×two places=four) extensions 3b extending from a plurality of positions (in this article, two places) in the X direction of the main body 3c. The plurality of (in this article, four) extensions 3b are different in position in the X direction of the main body 3c and in positions perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. It can also be said that the extensions 3b protrude from a plurality of positions (in this article, four positions) of the main body 3c.

[0025] The piezoelectric element 4 as an electromechanical energy conversion element is fixed to the elastic body 3 with an adhesive or the like. A flexible printed board (not shown) is fixed to the piezoelectric element 4 on the opposite side of the elastic body 3. These components form the vibrator 2. The piezoelectric element 4 and the flexible printed board are fixed with an anisotropic conductive paste or an anisotropic conductive film that allows current to flow only in the Z direction.

[0026] The material of the elastic body 3 is preferably a material with low vibration damping, such as metal or ceramic. In the manufacture of the elastic body 3, the protrusion 3a may be provided integrally by press molding or cutting, or the protrusion 3a may be produced separately and then fixed to the elastic body 3 by welding, adhesion, etc. A plurality of protrusions 3a may be provided as in the present exemplary embodiment, or only one protrusion 3a may be provided.

[0027] The piezoelectric element 4 is made of lead zirconate titanate. Alternatively, the piezoelectric element 4 may be mainly made of a lead-free piezoelectric material such as barium titanate or sodium bismuth titanate. Electrode patterns are formed on both sides of the piezoelectric element 4, and power is supplied from a flexible printed board. The vibrator 2 is composed of an elastic body 3, a piezoelectric element 4, and a flexible printed board.

[0028] The vibrator 2 is pressed into contact with the contact body 7 by the pressing mechanism described below, and the vibrator 2, the holding member 5, the pressing spring 6 and the second guide member 11 can move integrally in the X direction by the elliptical motion of the vibrator 2 described below. The flexible printed board is fixed to the holding member 5 with a double-sided tape or the like.

[0029] The contact body 7 is fixed to the first guide member 9 by the adsorption force of the rubber 8. The rubber 8 also plays a role of vibration reduction, making it difficult for vibration to be transmitted from the vibrator 2 to the first guide member 9. The contact body 7, the first guide member 9 and the rubber 8 can be fixed by adhesion or screwing. The contact body 7 is made of a highly wear-resistant metal, ceramic, resin or a composite material thereof. In particular, from the viewpoint of wear resistance and mass productivity, a material obtained by nitriding stainless steel such as SUS420J2 is preferred. The first guide member 9 is also fixed to a base 13 as a fixing member with a screw 12.

[0030] Next, the linear guide mechanism of the present exemplary embodiment will be described. The first guide member 9 and the second guide member 11 are respectively provided with two rolling grooves 9a and two rolling grooves 11a to clamp the two balls 10. Therefore, when the vibration-type actuator 1 is driven, the balls 10 roll in the rolling grooves 9a and 11a, so that the vibrator 2, the retaining member 5, the pressure spring 6 and the second guide member 11 can move smoothly in the X direction. The material of the first guide member 9 and the second guide member 11 may preferably be hard so as to receive pressure through the two rolling grooves 9a and the two rolling grooves 11a, respectively. In addition, from the viewpoint of machinability, the material is preferably metal, in particular stainless steel.

[0031] The groove 13c provided on the base 13 and the tilt restricting portion 11c provided on the second guide member 11 are fitted together loosely, that is, with a certain amount of clearance, so as to restrict the rotation around the X axis. The base 13 is composed of two fixing portions 13a and a connecting portion 13b connecting the two fixing portions 13a, and the fixing portion 13a is provided with a screw hole and a stopper for fixing the first guide member 9 and a hole for fixing the base 13 to an external component. The groove 13c is formed in a part of the connecting portion 13b in the X direction. From the viewpoint of workability and sliding performance, the base 13 is made of resin.

[0032] The flexible printed board is fixed to the coupling portion 13b. The coupling portion 13b also has a function of storing a bent portion of the flexible printed board that moves in a bent manner as the vibrator 2 and the holding member 5 move.

[0033] Next, we will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe vibration mode excited in vibrator 2 is described. In the present exemplary embodiment, an AC voltage is applied to piezoelectric element 4 via a flexible printed board to excite standing waves (out-of-plane bending vibrations) having different phases in vibrator 2, thereby generating composite vibrations of these out-of-plane bending vibrations.

[0034] Mode A as the first vibration mode is a primary out-of-plane bending vibration mode in which two nodes appear in the X direction parallel to the long side direction of the vibrator 2. By vibrating in mode A, the two protrusions 3a are displaced in the Z direction as the pressurizing direction. Mode B as the second vibration mode is a secondary out-of-plane bending vibration mode in which three nodes appear in the Y direction approximately parallel to the short side direction of the vibrator 2. By vibrating in mode B, the two protrusions 3a are displaced in the X direction.

[0035] The vibrations of these modes A and B are combined to allow the two protrusions 3a to perform elliptical or circular motions in the XZ plane. When the contact body 7 is pressed against the protrusion 3a, a friction force is generated in the X direction to generate a driving force (thrust) that moves the vibrator 2 relative to the contact body 7. In the present exemplary embodiment, since the contact body 7 is fixed to the base 13 as described above, the vibrator 2 moves in the X direction.

[0036] In order to effectively drive the vibration-type actuator 1, it is preferable to support the vibrator 2 without hindering the vibration (displacement) of the two vibration modes excited in the vibrator 2. For this reason, it is desirable to support the vibrator 2 near the nodes of the two vibration modes. Therefore, two convex portions 5a are provided on the holding member 5 to pressurize and hold the vibrator 2 at the common node of the two vibration modes excited in the vibrator 2. In addition, the vibrator 2 is positioned by the stopper portion 5b provided on the holding member 5, which makes it possible to make the two convex portions 5a contact the vibrator 2 near the nodes of the two vibration modes.

[0037] The convex portion 5a not only presses the vibrator 2, but also holds the vibrator 2 by friction in the X direction and the Y direction. The maximum value of the static friction between the convex portion 5a and the vibrator 2 is always greater than the reaction force received by the vibrator 2 when the contact body 7 is driven, so that the vibrator 2 does not move relative to the holding member 5. This makes it possible to perform precise driving. Figure 2D As shown, the stopper 5b has a notch 5e on the upper side. If a strong force is applied due to a drop impact or the like, the notch 5e collides with the first guide member 9 to serve as a stopper to prevent the ball 10 from falling off the rolling grooves 9a and 11a.

[0038] The pressurizing mechanism of the present exemplary embodiment will be described. The holding member 5 that pressurizes and holds the vibrator 2 is disposed below the vibrator 2. The material of the holding member 5 is metal or resin, but from the viewpoint of workability and sliding performance, a resin material is preferred. Two pressurizing fulcrums 5c provided to the holding member 5 and two engaging portions 11b provided to the second guide member 11 engage with each other so as to be rotatable in the Y-axis direction. The pressurizing spring 6 is provided between the holding member 5 and the second guide member 11. The pressurizing spring 6 is a tension coil spring, but is illustrated in a simple cylindrical shape rather than a spiral shape in the accompanying drawings. The convex portion 5a is located approximately in the center of the X direction between the pressurizing fulcrum 5c and the pressurizing spring 6, and contacts the vibrator 2. Pressure in the Z direction is applied to the vibrator 2 based on the lever principle, with the pressurizing fulcrum 5c serving as a fulcrum, the spring placement portion 5d serving as a force point, and the convex portion 5a serving as a load point. The vibrator 2 is crimped with the contact body 7 by pressure.

[0039] Will refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The output switching mechanism of this exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 4A This is a bottom view of the vibration type actuator 1 that generates an output in the Y-axis direction by a 2 mm driving amount in the X-axis direction. Figure 4B It is an enlarged bottom view of the cam member 14 in the bottom view. The side of the protrusion 3a forming the elastic body 3 in the Z direction is defined as the upper side, and the view seen from the lower side is defined as the bottom view. The output conversion mechanism according to this exemplary embodiment is composed of the cam member 14, the contact plate 14e and the output unit 15.

[0040] The cam member 14 is formed integrally with the back side of the holding member 5, wherein the side where the protrusion 5a and the stopper 5b of the holding member 5 are formed is the front side. The cam member 14 has a triangular shape with the vertex protruding in the Z direction. The cam member 14 is configured so as to be embedded in the base 13.

[0041] The cam member 14 having the inclined surface 14d is preferably configured in such a manner as to be located within the holding member 5 in the Y direction and the X direction. In other words, the length of the cam member 14 in the Y direction is preferably smaller than that of the holding member 5, and is located within the area occupied by the holding member 5. More preferably, in a plane including the Y direction and the X direction, the length of the cam member 14 in the Y direction and the X direction is smaller than that of the holding member 5, and is located within the projection area of ​​the holding member 5. With this configuration, even if the cam member 14 is provided, the size of the vibration-type actuator 1 does not become larger, and the shape remains small.

[0042] The cam member 14 is formed on the holding member 5 at a position which is the center in the X direction of the holding member 5 and at a position in the Y direction such that the bottom side 14a of the cam member 14 is aligned with the long side of the holding member 5 on the lower side of the drawing. The oblique side 14c is drawn at an angle A1 from the bottom side 14a, thereby forming an inclined surface 14d in a manner protruding in the Z direction. The material of the cam member 14 is metal or resin, but is preferably the same material as the material of the holding member 5 from the viewpoint of easy processing.

[0043] The output unit 15 is composed of a contact ball 15a, a shaft 15b and a contact ball receiving portion 15c. The contact ball receiving portion 15c is formed on the shaft 15b, and the contact ball 15a is fixed to the shaft 15b using an adhesive material. Alternatively, the contact ball 15a can be rotatably fixed so that it can roll in the moving direction. From the viewpoint of sliding performance, the contact ball 15a is preferably a sphere, and a magnetic material with weak magnetic force such as a ferrite magnet can be used. The output unit 15 may not use the contact ball 15a and the contact ball receiving portion 15c, but from the viewpoint of sliding performance, it can be integrally formed by rounding the end of the shaft. From the viewpoint of durability, the shaft 15b is preferably made of metal such as SUS304 and SUS420J2.

[0044] The contact plate 14e is fixed using an adhesive material so that the maximum surface of the contact plate 14e completely contacts the inclined surface 14d of the cam member 14. The contact plate 14e is made of a magnetic metal such as SUS430 and SUS410. The contact ball 15a may be made of a magnetic metal, and the contact plate 14e may be made of a magnet so that the output unit 15 including the contact ball 15a contacts the inclined surface 14d including the contact plate 14e by a magnetic force. Alternatively, the contact plate 14e may not be provided to the contact portion, but a force may be applied to the shaft 15b by a compression spring so that the inclined surface 14d of the cam member 14 is in direct contact with the contact ball 15a of the output unit 15, thereby causing friction drive.

[0045] The cam member 14 formed integrally with the retaining member 5 is driven in the X direction together with the vibrator 2. The driving amount is not limited and can be adjusted as needed. The contact plate 14e attached to the inclined surface 14d of the cam member 14 is attracted by a weak magnetic force and contacts the inclined surface 14d, and the weak magnetic force is at a level that does not allow the contact ball 15a of the output unit 15 to separate. The contact ball 15a in contact with the inclined surface 14d of the cam member 14 slides up and down on the inclined surface 14d. The shaft 15b having the contact ball 15a attached to the contact ball receiving portion 15c is engaged with two connecting portions 13e provided on the base 13 in a manner movable in the Y direction. The shaft 15b transmits the force of the contact ball 15a moving up and down on the inclined surface 14d in the Y direction. In order to stabilize the sliding of the output unit 15, it is preferred to set two connecting portions 13e, but the number of connecting portions is not limited to two. The output transmission mechanism (not shown) is fixed to the shaft 15b and generates an output to the driven body. For example, the output transmission mechanism is a mechanism in which a hollow portion that is slidable using the shaft 15b as a guide is prepared and the hollow portion moves linearly. Therefore, by using the mechanism of the cam member 14 and the output unit 15, the driving force in the X direction (first direction) of the holding member 5 can be converted into the driving force in the Y direction (second direction intersecting the first direction). In the present exemplary embodiment, an example is described in which the first direction as the driving direction and the second direction as the output direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. However, the first direction and the second direction may form an acute angle.

[0046] Figure 5A 1 is a bottom view of the vibration-type actuator 1 , and illustrates the direction of the force generated by the vibration-type actuator 1 when the holding member 5 moves to the left side of the drawing. Figure 5B 1 is a bottom view of the vibration type actuator 1, illustrating the direction of the force generated by the vibration type actuator 1 when the holding member 5 moves to the right side of the drawing. As shown in the figure, the direction of relative movement of the vibrator 2 and the contact body 7 will be defined as the driving direction, and the moving direction of the shaft 15b of the output unit 15 will be defined as the output direction. Figure 5A When the shaft 15b is driven in the direction shown, the contact ball 15a of the output unit 15 contacts the inclined surface 14d of the cam member 14 and moves in the output direction toward the upper side of the drawing. Figure 5B When driven in the direction shown, the shaft 15 b moves in the output direction, which is toward the lower side of the drawing, via the contact ball 15 a of the output unit 15 that contacts the inclined surface 14 d of the cam member 14 .

[0047] The use of the output conversion mechanism makes it possible to convert the output direction only to the Y-axis direction without changing the driving direction. The angle A1 at which the inclined surface 14d of the cam member 14 intersects the X direction is set to 45° to form an isosceles right triangle. Therefore, the lengths of the two sides of the cam member 14, namely the base 14a and the height 14b, except for the hypotenuse 14c, become equal. As a result, the drive amount is equal to the output amount, so that when the drive is 1mm in the left and right directions, the vibration-type actuator 1 generates an output of 1mm in the up and down directions. By configuring the output conversion mechanism inside the vibration-type actuator 1, the miniaturization of the vibration-type actuator 1 can be achieved without being enlarged due to the output conversion mechanism.

[0048] The output direction is not limited to the Y direction, but may also be the Z direction.

[0049] Fig. 6A is an isometric projection of a vibration-type actuator 1 according to a first modification of the vibration-type actuator 1 of the present exemplary embodiment. In the isometric projection, the driving amount is 2 mm in the X direction, and the output direction is the Z direction. The cam member 14 is arranged on the side of the holding member 5 .

[0050] Figure 6B is an enlarged front view of the cam member 14, Figure 6C 1 is a front view of the vibration-type actuator 1 , and illustrates the direction of force generated by the vibration-type actuator 1 when the holding member 5 moves to the right side of the drawing.

[0051] The cam member 14 is formed in a triangular shape so that when the surface on which the convex portion 5a and the stopper portion 5b of the holding member 5 are formed is defined as the front side, the holding member 5 extends in the Y direction, and the cam member 14 is integrally formed on the front side in a protruding shape in the Z direction. The cam member 14 is configured so as to be fitted into the base 13. The cam member 14 is formed on the holding member 5 at a position which is the center of the holding member 5 in the X direction and in the Y direction at a position such that the front side of the holding member 5 and the bottom side 14a of the cam member 14 are aligned with the extension of the holding member 5 in the Y direction. The oblique side 14c is drawn at an angle A1 from the bottom side 14a, thereby forming an inclined surface 14d in a protruding manner in the Z direction.

[0052] Based on the same principle as the above-described configuration for output in the Y direction, the driving force of the holding member 5 in the X direction can be converted into the driving force in the Z direction by a mechanism using the cam member 14 and the output unit 15 .

[0053] As described above, conventionally, the output direction is limited to the same direction as the driving direction. However, in an exemplary embodiment, an output conversion mechanism that converts the output direction to the Y direction or the Z direction without changing the driving direction is used to improve design flexibility.

[0054] Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the vibration-type actuator 1 , setting the Y direction or the Z direction in which the size of the vibration-type actuator 1 is small as the output direction allows the size of the vibration-type actuator 1 in the output direction to be minimized.

[0055] In the linear vibration type actuator of the present disclosure, the method for generating elliptical or circular motion on the contact surface is not limited to the above method. For example, vibration of a flexural vibration mode different from the above mode may be combined, or vibration of a longitudinal vibration mode that expands and contracts an elastic body in the longitudinal direction may be combined with vibration of a flexural vibration mode.

[0056] Any driving method may be used as long as the method generates an elliptical or circular motion on the contact surface by combining a vibration mode in which the contact surface is displaced in the moving direction of the contact body and a vibration mode in which the contact surface is displaced in the pressing direction, and the method has a common node for pressing and holding.

[0057] As a second exemplary embodiment, reference will be made to 7A to 7C The description form is different from the configuration example of the vibration-type actuator according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 The structure shown in FIG. 1 is different from that shown in FIG. 1 , in which the cam member 14 provided on the retaining member 5 is constructed as follows 7A to 7C The other components of this exemplary embodiment are the same as the corresponding components of the above-described first exemplary embodiment, and thus their description will be omitted, and the last two digits of the reference numerals will be made the same. This exemplary embodiment is configured to obtain an output greater than a driving force. Fig. 7A This is a bottom view of a vibration actuator that generates output in the Y-axis direction by driving 2 mm in the X-direction. Figure 7B is an enlarged bottom view of the cam member 114, Figure 7C is a bottom view of a vibration-type actuator driven to the left side of the drawing, illustrating the force generated by the vibration-type actuator.

[0058] The present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a case where the angle A101 of the inclined surface 114d provided on the cam member 114 is set to approximately 27. Any inclined surface angle greater than 0 and less than 45 is applicable to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0059] The angle A101 of the inclined surface 114d provided on the cam member 114 is set to about 27 degrees to form a right triangle. Therefore, the base 114a: height 114b = 2:1, and when the holding member 105 is in Figure 7CWhen the output unit 115 in contact with the inclined surface 114d of the cam member 114 moves 0.5 mm in the output direction toward the upper side of the drawing when the driving direction of the cam member 114 moves 1 mm. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first exemplary embodiment described above moves in the opposite direction to the left side of the drawing in the same manner, and thus its description will be omitted. In other words, a speed reduction mechanism is realized in which the movement amount is halved and the thrust is doubled.

[0060] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a configuration is achieved that provides a thrust greater than the driving force. Therefore, when a thrust greater than that in the first exemplary embodiment is desired, the thrust can be increased without changing the size of the vibration-type actuator 1 .

[0061] As a third exemplary embodiment, reference will be made to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The description form is different from the configuration example of the vibration-type actuator according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 The structure shown in FIG. 1 is different from that shown in FIG. 1 , in which the cam member 14 provided on the retaining member 5 is constructed as follows Figures 8A to 8C As shown. The other components of this exemplary embodiment are the same as the corresponding components of the first exemplary embodiment described above, so their description will be omitted and the last two digits of the reference numerals will be made the same. This exemplary embodiment is configured to obtain an output direction movement amount that is greater than the drive direction movement amount. Fig. 8A This is a bottom view of a vibration actuator that generates output in the Y-axis direction by driving 2 mm in the X-direction. Figure 8B is an enlarged bottom view of the cam member 214, Figure 8C is a bottom view of a vibration-type actuator driven to the left side of the drawing, illustrating the force generated by the vibration-type actuator.

[0062] The present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a case where the angle A201 of the inclined surface 214d provided on the cam member 214 is set to approximately 64. Any angle of the inclined surface 214d greater than 45 and less than 90 is applicable to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0063] The angle A201 of the inclined surface 214d provided on the cam member 214 is set to about 64 degrees, and forms a right triangle. Therefore, the base 214a: height 214b = 1:2, and when the holding member 205 is in Figure 8C When the output unit 215 in contact with the inclined surface 214d of the cam member 214 moves 1 mm in the driving direction shown in the figure, the output unit 215 moves 2 mm in the output direction toward the upper side of the figure. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The same manner as the first exemplary embodiment described is shifted in the direction opposite to the left side of the drawing, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the output direction movement amount can be made larger than the drive direction movement amount. Therefore, when it is desired to make the output direction movement amount larger than the output direction movement amount in the first exemplary embodiment, the output direction movement amount can be increased without changing the size of the vibration-type actuator 1. In addition, when the same output direction movement amount as the output direction movement amount in the first exemplary embodiment is desired, the drive direction movement amount becomes half of the output direction movement amount, thereby making it possible to further reduce the size of the vibration-type actuator 1 in the X direction.

[0065] For example, a vibration-type actuator can be used to drive a lens in an imaging apparatus as an example of an optical device. In a fourth exemplary embodiment, an imaging apparatus that uses a vibration-type actuator to drive a lens arranged in a lens barrel will be described as an example.

[0066] Fig. 9A 700 is a top view schematically illustrating the construction of the imaging device 700. The imaging device 700 includes a camera body 730, and the camera body 730 is equipped with an imaging element 710 and a power button 720. The imaging device 700 also includes a lens barrel 740, which includes a first lens group (not shown) as an example of an optical element, a second lens group 320, a third lens group (not shown), a fourth lens group 340, and vibration-type actuators 620 and 640. The lens barrel 740 is replaceable as an interchangeable lens. The lens barrel 740 suitable for an imaged object can be attached to the camera body 730. In the imaging device 700, the second lens group 320 and the fourth lens group 340 are driven by two vibration-type actuators 620 and 640, respectively.

[0067] Although the detailed structure of vibration type actuator 620 is not shown, vibration type actuator 620 includes vibration type actuator and the driving circuit used by vibration type actuator. In lens barrel 740, rotor is configured so that its radial direction is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. In vibration type actuator 620, rotor rotates around the optical axis, and via gears etc. (not shown), the rotation output of contact body is converted into linear motion in the optical axis direction, so that the second lens group 320 is moved in the optical axis direction. Vibration type actuator 640 has a structure similar to vibration type actuator 620, and the fourth lens group 340 is moved in the optical axis direction.

[0068] Fig. 9B7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the imaging device 700. The lens barrel 740 includes a first lens group 300, a second lens group 320, a third lens group 330, a fourth lens group 340, and a light quantity adjustment unit 350 disposed at a predetermined position on the optical axis inside the lens barrel 740. Light that has passed through the first lens group 300 to the fourth lens group 340 and the light quantity adjustment unit 350 forms an image on the imaging element 710. The imaging element 710 converts the optical image into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal, and the output is transmitted to the camera processing circuit 750.

[0069] The camera processing circuit 750 performs amplification, gamma correction, etc. on the output signal from the imaging element 710. The camera processing circuit 750 is connected to a central processing unit (CPU) 790 via an automatic exposure (AE) gate 755, and is also connected to the CPU 790 via an automatic focus (AF) gate 760 and an AF signal processing circuit 765. The video signal subjected to predetermined processing in the camera processing circuit 750 is transmitted to the CPU 790 via the AE gate 755, the AF gate 760, and the AF signal processing circuit 765. The AF signal processing circuit 765 extracts a high frequency component from the video signal to generate an evaluation signal used for AF, and supplies the generated evaluation signal to the CPU 790.

[0070] The CPU 790 is a control circuit that controls the overall operation of the imaging device 700 and generates a control signal for exposure determination and focusing from the acquired video signal. The CPU 790 controls the driving of the vibration type actuators 620 and 640 and the meter 630 to adjust the positions of the second lens group 320, the fourth lens group 340 and the light amount adjustment unit 350 in the optical axis direction so that a determined exposure and an appropriate focusing state can be obtained. Under the control of the CPU 790, the vibration type actuator 620 moves the second lens group 320 in the optical axis direction, the vibration type actuator 640 moves the fourth lens group 340 in the optical axis direction, and the light amount adjustment unit 350 is driven and controlled by the meter 630.

[0071] The position of the second lens group 320 driven by the vibration type actuator 620 in the optical axis direction is detected by the first linear encoder 770, and the detection result is notified to the CPU 790, so that feedback is provided to the driving of the vibration type actuator 620. Similarly, the position of the fourth lens group 340 driven by the vibration type actuator 640 in the optical axis direction is detected by the second linear encoder 775, and the detection result is passed to the CPU 790, so that feedback is provided to the driving of the vibration type actuator 640. The position of the light amount adjustment unit 350 in the optical axis direction is detected by the aperture encoder 780, and the detection result is notified to the CPU 790, so that feedback is provided to the driving of the meter 630.

[0072] Another configuration of the present disclosure may be an electronic device including the vibration type actuator related to the first to third exemplary embodiments and a member driven by the vibration type actuator. For example, the electronic device may be a factory automation (FA) device or an office automation (OA) device.

[0073] The disclosure of this exemplary embodiment includes the following configurations:

[0074] 1. A vibration type actuator, comprising a vibrator and a contact body, wherein the vibrator comprises an electromechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body, the contact body contacts the vibrator, the vibrator and the contact body move relative to each other in a first direction, and the vibration type actuator comprises:

[0075] abutment;

[0076] a holding member configured to hold the vibrator, held on the base, having an inclined surface intersecting the first direction, and moving in the first direction along with the relative movement of the vibrator; and

[0077] An output unit is held on the base so as to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, contacts the inclined surface, and moves along with the movement of the holding member.

[0078] 2. The vibration-type actuator according to Configuration 1, wherein the inclined surface has a length in the second direction that is smaller than that of the holding member and is located within a region occupied by the holding member.

[0079] 3. The vibration-type actuator according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein, in a plane including the first direction and the second direction, the length of the inclined surface in the first direction and the second direction is smaller than that of the holding member and is located within a projection area of ​​the holding member.

[0080] 4. The vibration-type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the output unit is in contact with the inclined surface through at least one of a magnet and a spring.

[0081] 5. The vibration-type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the inclined surface forms an angle of 45° with the first direction.

[0082] 6. The vibration-type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein an angle formed by the inclined surface and the first direction is greater than 0° and less than 45°.

[0083] 7. The vibration-type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein an angle formed by the inclined surface and the first direction is greater than 45° and less than 90°.

[0084] 8. The vibration-type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0085] 9. The vibration-type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the vibrator is rectangular, and a long-side direction of the vibrator is the same as the first direction.

[0086] 10. The vibration-type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the elastic body has two protrusions, and the protrusions and the contact body are in contact with each other.

[0087] 11. An optical device comprising:

[0088] A vibration type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 10; and

[0089] An optical element and an imaging element, at least one of the optical element and the imaging element is driven by the vibration-type actuator.

[0090] 12. An electronic device comprising:

[0091] Components; and

[0092] The vibration type actuator according to any one of configurations 1 to 10 is configured to drive the member.

[0093] According to the present disclosure, a vibration-type actuator having improved design flexibility can be provided. In addition, according to the present disclosure, an optical device and an electronic device including a vibration-type actuator having improved design freedom can be provided.

[0094] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A vibration type actuator, comprising a vibrator and a contact body, wherein the vibrator comprises an electromechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body, the contact body contacts the vibrator, the vibrator and the contact body move relative to each other in a first direction, and the vibration type actuator comprises: abutment; a holding member configured to hold the vibrator, held on the base, having an inclined surface intersecting the first direction, and moving in the first direction along with the relative movement of the vibrator; and An output unit is held on the base so as to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, contacts the inclined surface, and moves along with the movement of the holding member.

2. The vibration type actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The inclined surface has a length in the second direction that is smaller than that of the holding member and is located within a region occupied by the holding member.

3. The vibration type actuator according to claim 2, wherein: In a plane including the first direction and the second direction, the inclined surface has a length smaller than that of the holding member in the first direction and the second direction and is located within a projection area of ​​the holding member.

4. The vibration type actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The output unit contacts the inclined surface through at least one of a magnet and a spring.

5. The vibration type actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The inclined surface forms an angle of 45° with the first direction.

6. The vibration type actuator according to claim 1, wherein: An angle formed by the inclined surface and the first direction is greater than 0° and less than 45°.

7. The vibration type actuator according to claim 1, wherein: An angle formed by the inclined surface and the first direction is greater than 45° and less than 90°.

8. The vibration-type actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The first direction and the second direction are substantially orthogonal to each other.

9. The vibration type actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The vibrator is rectangular, and the long side direction of the vibrator is the same as the first direction.

10. The vibration type actuator according to claim 1, wherein The elastic body has two protrusions, and the protrusions and the contact body are in contact with each other.

11. An optical device comprising: The vibration type actuator according to claim 1; and An optical element and an imaging element, at least one of the optical element and the imaging element is driven by the vibration-type actuator.

12. An electronic device comprising: member; and A vibration-type actuator according to claim 1 configured to drive the member.

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