Vibration device

Abstract

The invention provides a vibration device capable of removing foreign matters attached to a light-transmitting body. A vibration device is provided with: a substantially cylindrical inner vibrator capable of increasing vibration and extending in a first direction; a piezoelectric element which is connected to one end of the internal vibrating body in the first direction, and which is capable of generating vibrations; a translucent body connected to the other end of the internal vibrating body in the first direction, the translucent body having an optical axis extending in the first direction; and a substantially cylindrical outer vibrating body disposed so as to surround the inner vibrating body and extending in the first direction, the outer vibrating body having: a first connection part connected to the light-transmitting body; a damping part extending toward the outside of the translucent body in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the first connecting part, the damping part being configured so as to damp vibration; and a tube part that connects the first connection part and the attenuation part, the tube part extending in the first direction, the tube part being disposed at a distance from the internal vibrating body in the second direction, and at least one of the attenuation part and the tube part having non-axisymmetric properties with respect to the optical axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vibration devices. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vibration device comprising a non-balanced mechanism formed by removing a portion of the mass or partially adding mass to at least one of a light-transmitting body, a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body, a spring portion and a vibrating body.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6819846 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the vibration device of Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in removing foreign matter attached to the light-transmitting body.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vibration device capable of removing foreign matter attached to a light-transmitting body.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] A vibration device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a generally cylindrical inner vibrator capable of amplifying vibration and extending along a first direction; a piezoelectric element connected to one end of the inner vibrator in the first direction, the piezoelectric element being capable of generating vibration; a light-transmitting body connected to the other end of the inner vibrator in the first direction, the light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction; and a generally cylindrical outer vibrator disposed to surround the inner vibrator and extending along the first direction, the outer vibrator comprising: a first connecting portion connected to the light-transmitting body; an attenuating portion extending outward of the light-transmitting body relative to the first connecting portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, configured to attenuate vibration; and a cylindrical portion connecting the first connecting portion and the attenuating portion, the cylindrical portion extending along the first direction, the cylindrical portion being disposed at a distance from the inner vibrator in the second direction, at least one of the attenuating portion and the cylindrical portion having non-axisymmetric relative to the optical axis.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a vibration device capable of removing foreign matter attached to a light-transmitting body can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic perspective view showing a vibration device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of line II-II.

[0015] Figure 3 Viewed from below Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional diagram obtained from a vibrating device.

[0016] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view of the external vibrating body of the vibration device.

[0017] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0018] Figure 6A yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the external vibrating body of the vibration device, excluding the fixed part.

[0019] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A schematic bottom view of the external vibrating body excluding the fixed part.

[0020] Figure 6C It is along Figure 6A A schematic cross-sectional view of the VIC-VIC line.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a vibration device.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an example Figure 1 A graph showing the displacement of the lens surface of the vibrating device.

[0023] Figure 9A This is an example Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the inherent vibration of the internal vibrating body of the vibration device.

[0024] Figure 9B This is an example Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the inherent vibration (mode A) of the external vibrating body of the vibration device.

[0025] Figure 9C This is an example Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the inherent vibration (mode B) of the external vibrating body of the vibration device.

[0026] Figure 10AThis is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of an external vibrating body, excluding the fixed part.

[0027] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A schematic bottom view of the external vibrating body excluding the fixed part.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration device of modified Example 1.

[0029] Figure 12A It means Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the external vibrating body of the vibration device, excluding the fixed part.

[0030] Figure 12B It is along Figure 12A A cross-sectional view of the XIIB-XIIB line.

[0031] Figure 13 It means Figure 11 A schematic perspective view of an example configuration of a vibration device.

[0032] Figure 14 This is an example Figure 11 A graph showing the displacement of the lens surface of the vibrating device.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration device of modified example 2.

[0034] Figure 16 This is an example Figure 15 A graph showing the displacement of the lens surface of the vibrating device.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of the vibration device in modified example 3.

[0036] Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XVIII-XVIII lines. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Various solutions of the present invention are described.

[0038] The vibration device of the first aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0039] A roughly cylindrical internal vibrating body that amplifies vibrations and extends along the first direction;

[0040] A piezoelectric element connected to one end of the internal vibrating body in the first direction, the piezoelectric element being capable of generating vibration;

[0041] A light-transmitting body, connected to the other end of the internal vibrating body in the first direction, the light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction; and

[0042] A generally cylindrical outer vibrating body is configured to surround the inner vibrating body and extends along the first direction.

[0043] The external vibrating body has:

[0044] The first connecting part is connected to the light-transmitting body;

[0045] An attenuation portion, extending outward from the light-transmitting body along a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the first connecting portion, is configured to attenuate vibration; and

[0046] A cylindrical portion that connects the first connecting portion and the attenuation portion, the cylindrical portion extending along the first direction.

[0047] The cylindrical portion and the internal vibrating body are arranged at a distance from each other in the second direction.

[0048] At least one of the attenuation portion and the cylindrical portion is non-axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis.

[0049] The vibration device of the second aspect of the present invention is based on the vibration device of the first aspect.

[0050] From the cross-sectional view along the optical axis,

[0051] The attenuation section has a first attenuation section and a second attenuation section located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0052] The thickness of the first attenuation portion in the first direction is different from the thickness of the second attenuation portion in the first direction.

[0053] The vibration device of the third embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0054] From the cross-sectional view along the optical axis,

[0055] The cylindrical portion has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0056] The thickness of the first cylindrical portion in the second direction is different from the thickness of the second cylindrical portion in the second direction.

[0057] The vibration device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of the third embodiment.

[0058] The cylindrical portion has a first component and a second component.

[0059] The first cylindrical section is formed by a portion of the first component.

[0060] The second cylindrical section is composed of another part of the first component and the second component.

[0061] In the second cylindrical section, the second component is located inside the first component.

[0062] The vibration device of the fifth aspect of the present invention is based on the vibration device of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0063] Both the attenuation section and the cylindrical section are non-axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

[0064] The vibration device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of the fifth embodiment.

[0065] From the cross-sectional view along the optical axis,

[0066] The attenuation section has a first attenuation section and a second attenuation section located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0067] The cylindrical portion has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0068] The first attenuation section and the first cylindrical section are located on one side of the optical axis, and the second attenuation section and the second cylindrical section are located on the other side of the optical axis.

[0069] The thickness of the first attenuation portion in the first direction is greater than the thickness of the second attenuation portion in the first direction.

[0070] The thickness of the first cylindrical portion in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the second cylindrical portion in the second direction.

[0071] The vibration device of the seventh embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of any one of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0072] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the attenuation portion has a first attenuation portion and a second attenuation portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0073] The materials constituting the first attenuation part and the materials constituting the second attenuation part are different.

[0074] The vibration device of the eighth embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of any one of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0075] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the cylindrical portion has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0076] The materials constituting the first cylindrical section and the materials constituting the second cylindrical section are different.

[0077] The vibration device of the ninth aspect of the present invention is based on the vibration device of any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0078] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the external vibrator has a first external vibrator and a second external vibrator located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0079] When the amplitude of the first external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element is larger than the amplitude of the second external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element, the second external vibrating body is located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the first external vibrating body.

[0080] The vibration device of the tenth embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of any one of the first to ninth embodiments.

[0081] The internal vibrating body is axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

[0082] The vibration device of the 11th embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of any one of the 1st to 10th embodiments.

[0083] The piezoelectric element is axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

[0084] The vibration device of the 12th embodiment of the present invention is based on the vibration device of any one of the 1st to 11th embodiments.

[0085] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the external vibrator has a first external vibrator and a second external vibrator located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0086] When the amplitude of the first external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element is greater than the amplitude of the second external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element, the wiring is connected to the piezoelectric element from a position where the distance from the second external vibrating body is less than the distance from the first external vibrating body.

[0087] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, substantially identical components are labeled with the same reference numerals. For illustrative purposes, the dimensions of elements in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated, and are not necessarily limited to a scale like a bar.

[0088] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the following uses terms such as "up," "down," "right," "left," and "side" to indicate direction, assuming a state of normal use, but this does not mean to limit the state of use of the vibration device disclosed herein.

[0089] In the accompanying drawings described below, for reference, mutually orthogonal X-axis and Z-axis are schematically shown. In the following description, the respective axes are referred to only as X-direction or Z-direction, including both opposite directions (e.g., -X-direction and +X-direction).

[0090] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vibration device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II in the diagram. Figure 3 Viewed from below Figure 1 The three-dimensional diagrams obtained from the vibrating device. In these diagrams, the direction along the optical axis L of the light-transmitting body of the vibrating device is defined as the Z direction (or the first direction), and the radial direction of the imaginary circle centered on the optical axis L in the plane orthogonal to the Z direction is defined as the X direction (or the second direction).

[0091] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the vibration device 1 includes an internal vibrating body 7, a piezoelectric element 9, a lens (an example of a light-transmitting body) 5, and an external vibrating body 3.

[0092] <Internal Vibrating Body 7>

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, the internal vibrating body 7 is a generally cylindrical body extending along the first direction Z. The piezoelectric element 9 is located at one end of the internal vibrating body 7 in the first direction Z (at... Figure 2 The lower end is connected to the lens 5. The other end of the lens 5 in the first direction Z of the internal vibrating body 7 is connected to the lens 5. Figure 2 The upper end is connected. Lens 5 has an optical axis L extending along the first direction Z. The vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9 is transmitted to lens 5 via the internal vibrator 7, causing lens 5 to vibrate. As a result, foreign objects such as water droplets or mud adhering to lens 5 are removed.

[0094] The internal vibrator 7 is configured to amplify the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9. The internal vibrator 7 is made of, for example, a metallic material or ceramic. Examples of metallic materials constituting the internal vibrator 7 include stainless steel, aluminum, iron, titanium, and duralumin. The surface of the internal vibrator 7 may also undergo surface treatments such as oxidation or aluminum anodizing to improve the adhesion of the adhesive. For example, by surface treatment, the surface of the internal vibrator 7 can be made black, thereby preventing the reduction in optical performance caused by diffuse reflection of light.

[0095] In this embodiment, as an example, the internal vibrator 7 is a generally cylindrical shape extending along the first direction Z and located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L. The internal vibrator 7 includes an upper portion 71 that contacts the lens 5, a lower portion 72 on which the piezoelectric element 9 is mounted, and an intermediate portion 73 that connects the upper portion 71 and the lower portion 72.

[0096] The upper portion 71 has a cylindrical plate-like portion 711 and a protrusion 712 that protrudes from the plate-like portion 711 toward the optical axis L and toward a second direction X intersecting the first direction Z. The protrusion 712 is, for example, annular in a top-view perspective observed from the first direction Z. The peripheral portion (lower edge) of the lens 5 is supported by the inner surface of the plate-like portion 711 and the upper surface of the protrusion 712. Specifically, at the lower edge of the lens 5, the lower surface of the lens 5 contacts the upper surface of the protrusion 712, and the side surface of the lens 5 contacts the inner surface (inner periphery) of the plate-like portion 711. The lower portion 72 is configured to vibrate with the piezoelectric element 9, and the plate thickness of the lower portion 72 is greater than that of the upper portion 71 and the intermediate portion 73. This facilitates more efficient transmission of the vibration of the piezoelectric element 9 to the lens 5. The intermediate portion 73 has a generally S-shaped cross-sectional shape. The middle part 73 is configured to support the upper part 71 and transmit the vibration of the lower part 72 to the upper part 71.

[0097] The upper portion 71, the lower portion 72, and the middle portion 73 can be formed integrally or independently. The maximum dimension (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum external dimension") of the middle portion 73 in the second direction X is larger than the maximum external dimension of the upper portion 71, and the maximum external dimension of the lower portion 72 is larger than the maximum external dimension of the middle portion 73. As a result, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 9 can be efficiently transmitted to the lens 5.

[0098] <External Vibrating Body 3>

[0099] The external vibrator 3 is configured to prevent the vibration of the internal vibrator 7 from being released outside the lens 5, and to efficiently transmit the vibration to the lens 5. As an example, the external vibrator 3 is configured to cover the entire internal vibrator 7, thus protecting the internal vibrator 7 from external influences. The external vibrator 3 is made of, for example, metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, iron, titanium, or duralumin, or resin.

[0100] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view of the external vibrating body of the vibration device. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0101] like Figures 1-5As shown, the outer vibrator 3 is a generally cylindrical body extending along the first direction Z. The outer vibrator 3 has a through hole extending over the entire range of the first direction Z and having a circular cross-section. The outer vibrator 3 is arranged to surround the inner vibrator 7. That is, the inner vibrator 7 is located inside the through hole of the outer vibrator 3.

[0102] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the external vibrator 3 comprises a generally cylindrical upper cylindrical body 41 and a generally prismatic (in this case, a generally quadrangular prism) lower cylindrical body 42. The upper cylindrical body 41 is located above the lower cylindrical body 42 (on the lens 5 side). The maximum external dimension of the upper cylindrical body 41 is smaller than the maximum external dimension of the lower cylindrical body 42.

[0103] In this embodiment, the external vibrator 3 includes a first connecting portion 31, a cylindrical portion 32, an attenuation portion 33, a second connecting portion 34, and a fixing portion 35. The upper portions 351 of the first connecting portion 31, the cylindrical portion 32, the attenuation portion 33, the second connecting portion 34, and the fixing portion 35 are all cylindrical, forming an upper cylindrical body 41. The lower portion 352 of the fixing portion 35 forms a lower cylindrical body 42.

[0104] The first connecting portion 31 is connected to the lens 5. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 31 is located on the upper end side of the external vibrating body 3 and is cylindrical, extending along the first direction Z. Figure 2 As shown, the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) of the first connecting part 31 is in contact with the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the internal vibrator 7. The first connecting part 31 is connected to the lens 5 by means of the internal vibrator 7. In addition, the first connecting part 31 can be fixed to the lens 5, and can be connected to the lens 5 by means of the internal vibrator 7 or without means of the internal vibrator 7 (for example, by means of adhesive only).

[0105] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the outer surface of the first connecting portion 31 is covered by the cover member 8. The cover member 8 is configured to cover the outer and upper surfaces of the first connecting portion 31, the upper end of the internal vibrator 7 (in this case, the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 711), and the periphery of the upper surface 53 of the lens 5. The cover member 8 is, for example, a resin member or a metal member. By configuring the cover member 8 to connect the first connecting portion 31 and the lens 5, the first connecting portion 31 and the lens 5 can be connected more reliably, and moisture or foreign matter on the lens 5 is less likely to enter the interior of the external vibrator 3.

[0106] The cylindrical portion 32 is located below the first connecting portion 31 (on the piezoelectric element 9 side). The cylindrical portion 32 is positioned between the first connecting portion 31 and the attenuation portion 33 in the first direction Z, connecting the first connecting portion 31 and the attenuation portion 33. The cylindrical portion 32 is cylindrical and extends along the first direction Z. Figure 2 As shown, in a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the cylindrical portion 32 is arranged such that it is spaced apart from the internal vibrator 7 in the second direction (radial) X and surrounds the outer periphery of the internal vibrator 7. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the first connecting portion 31. As a result, a step is formed on the inner surface of the external vibrator 3, and a gap is formed between the outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion 32 and the internal vibrator 7. Since the thickness (wall thickness) of the cylindrical portion 32 is smaller than the thickness (wall thickness) of the fixing portion 35, the cylindrical portion 32 has spring-like characteristics. The cylindrical portion 32 may also include an inclined portion whose diameter gradually increases as it approaches the attenuation portion 33.

[0107] The attenuation section 33 extends from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 32 outward along the second direction X towards the outside of the lens 5. The attenuation section 33 is configured to attenuate the vibrations generated by the piezoelectric element 9. Since the thickness (wall thickness) of the attenuation section 33 is smaller than the thickness (wall thickness) of the fixing portion 35, the attenuation section 33 has spring-like characteristics. The attenuation section 33 is arranged such that it is spaced apart from the internal vibrator 7 in the second direction X and surrounds the outer periphery of the internal vibrator 7. The upper surface of the attenuation section 33 is, for example, annular and located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L.

[0108] In this embodiment, the attenuation portion 33 and the cylindrical portion 32 of the external vibrator 3 are respectively non-axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis L. With this structure, the amplitude of the lens 5, which is connected to the first connecting portion 31 of the external vibrator 3, can be tilted during vibration. The specific non-axisymmetric structure will be described later. In this specification, "tilting the amplitude of the lens 5" means forming regions on the upper surface 53 of the lens 5 where the lens 5 vibrates with a larger amplitude and regions where the lens 5 vibrates with a smaller amplitude.

[0109] The second connecting portion 34 connects the attenuation portion 33 and the fixing portion 35. The second connecting portion 34 is cylindrical and extends downward (in this case, in the -Z direction) from the periphery of the attenuation portion 33. The second connecting portion 34 is integrally formed with the attenuation portion 33, for example. Using the second connecting portion 34, the attenuation portion 33 and the fixing portion 35 can be arranged at a distance from each other in the first direction Z.

[0110] The fixing part 35 is located closer to the piezoelectric element 9 than the attenuation part 33, and is connected to the attenuation part 33 via the second connecting part 34. The fixing part 35 is configured to suppress vibrations propagating to the components connected to the fixing part 35 (e.g., the housing and lens assembly housing the imaging element). The thickness of the fixing part 35 (the thickness in the second direction X) is greater than the thickness of other parts of the external vibrating body 3.

[0111] As described above, the fixing part 35 has a cylindrical upper portion 351 and a quadrangular prism-shaped lower portion 352. Figure 2 and Figure 4In the example shown, the second connecting portion 34 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 351 of the fixing portion 35. In detail, the inner surface of the lower end of the second connecting portion 34 contacts the outer surface of the upper portion 351 of the fixing portion 35 (e.g., with the help of an adhesive), and the lower surface of the second connecting portion 34 contacts the upper surface of the lower portion 352 of the fixing portion 35.

[0112] A larger volume of the fixing part 35 results in better suppression of its vibration. However, when miniaturizing the vibration device 1, it is difficult to simply increase the size of the fixing part 35. In this embodiment, the lower portion 352 of the fixing part 35 has a generally quadrangular prism shape. With this configuration, the volume of the fixing part 35 can be increased without increasing the size of the vibration device 1. For example, the volume of a 25mm × 25mm cube is larger than the volume of a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 25mm. The outer vibrator 3 is made of a material with a lower Young's modulus than that of the inner vibrator 7. With this configuration, the vibration attenuation achieved by the attenuation part 33 can be increased.

[0113] In the external vibrating body 3, the maximum width (maximum external dimension) of the first connecting portion 31 in the second direction (radial) X is smaller than the maximum external dimension of the cylindrical portion 32. The maximum external dimension of the cylindrical portion 32 is smaller than the maximum external dimension of the attenuating portion 33. The maximum external dimensions of the attenuating portion 33 and the second connecting portion 34 are approximately the same, and smaller than the maximum external dimension of the fixing portion 35. With this structure, the portion of the external vibrating body 3 located on the lens 5 side is more prone to vibration, and the vibration of the lower portion 352 of the fixing portion 35 is suppressed.

[0114] In this embodiment, only the first connecting portion 31 located at the upper end of the outer vibrating body 3 is connected to the inner vibrating body 7 or the lens 5. The portions of the outer vibrating body 3 located below the first connecting portion 31 (here, the cylinder portion 32, the attenuation portion 33, the second connecting portion 34, and the fixing portion 35) do not contact the inner vibrating body 7. With this structure, the amplitude of the lens 5 can be tilted more efficiently without significantly impairing the axisymmetry of the vibration (vibration along the first direction Z) of the inner vibrating body 7.

[0115] The first connecting portion 31, the cylindrical portion 32, the attenuating portion 33, the second connecting portion 34, and the fixing portion 35 can be formed integrally or independently. Alternatively, as shown in the figure, the first connecting portion 31, the cylindrical portion 32, the attenuating portion 33, and the second connecting portion 34 can be formed integrally and independently relative to the fixing portion 35. By forming at least the cylindrical portion 32 and the attenuating portion 33 integrally, non-axisymmetric properties can be imparted to the vibration of the lens 5 more efficiently.

[0116] <Lens 5>

[0117] Lens 5 is, for example, made of glass. Figure 2As shown, the upper surface 53 of the lens 5 has a convex shape, and for example, a waterproof coating and an anti-reflective coating (AR coating) are applied to its surface. The lower surface (optical imaging plane side) of the lens 5 is composed of a flat portion 51 and a recessed portion 52. The peripheral portion of the upper surface 53 of the lens 5 is connected to the cover member 8, for example, using an adhesive. The flat portion 51 is connected to the upper portion 71 of the internal vibrator 7, for example, using an adhesive.

[0118] <Piezoelectric Element 9>

[0119] The piezoelectric element 9 is configured to have a piezoelectric body and electrodes, and is capable of generating vibration. The piezoelectric body may be made of, for example, barium titanate (BaTiO3), lead zirconate titanate (PZT: PbTiO3·PbZrO3), lead titanate (PbTiO3), lead metaniobate (PbNb2O6), or bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O3). 12 It is constructed from suitable piezoelectric ceramics such as (K, Na)NbO3 or suitable piezoelectric single crystals such as LiTaO3 or LiNbO3. The electrodes are made of materials such as Ni, Ag, or Au.

[0120] like Figure 2 As shown, the piezoelectric element 9 is located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L. From a top-view perspective observed along the first direction Z, the piezoelectric element 9 appears, for example, to be annular. The piezoelectric element 9 is connected to the lower portion 72 of the internal vibrator 7, for example, using an adhesive.

[0121] Adhesives are disposed between the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7, between the piezoelectric element 9 and the internal vibrator 7, between the cover member 8 and the lens 5, and between the internal vibrator 7 and the external vibrator 3. The adhesive is, for example, made of epoxy resin. By using an adhesive with a high Young's modulus, the transmission loss of vibration between the two components can be reduced.

[0122] <Non-axisymmetric construction of external vibrating bodies>

[0123] The following is for reference Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 6C The non-axisymmetric structure of the external vibrating body is described in detail. Figure 6A It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing the external vibrating body after the fixed part has been removed. Figure 6B Viewed from below Figure 6A The bottom view obtained from the external vibrating body shown. Figure 6C It is along Figure 6A A schematic cross-sectional view of the VIC-VIC line.

[0124] like Figure 6AAs shown, in a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the attenuation section 33 includes a first attenuation section 331 and a second attenuation section 332 located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L. The thickness t1 of the first attenuation section 331 in the first direction Z is different from the thickness t2 of the second attenuation section 332 in the first direction Z.

[0125] In this embodiment, the thickness t1 of the first attenuation portion 331 is greater than the thickness t2 of the second attenuation portion 332. As an example, the upper surface of the lens 5 side of the first attenuation portion 331 in the first direction Z and the upper surface of the second attenuation portion 332 are located on approximately the same plane (in this case, a plane orthogonal to the first direction Z). On the other hand, the lower surface of the piezoelectric element 9 side of the first attenuation portion 331 in the first direction Z is located closer to the piezoelectric element 9 (near the -Z side) than the lower surface of the second attenuation portion 332.

[0126] The attenuation section 33 is composed of a thick-walled section 33a and a thin-walled section 33b having a thickness t2. The thick-walled section 33a is thicker than the thin-walled section 33b. Here, the thick-walled section 33a includes a portion having a thickness t1 and a connecting portion located outside this portion and connected to the second connecting section 34. The width of the thick-walled section 33a in the second direction X in the first attenuation section 331 (w1 in the first part Q1) is larger than the width of the thick-walled section 33a in the second attenuation section 332 (w2 in the second part Q2). The width w2 of the thick-walled section 33a in the second part Q2 is, for example, approximately the same as the thickness of the second connecting section 34 in the second direction X. Figure 6B In the example shown, the thick-walled portion 33a extends in the circumferential direction. The width of the thick-walled portion 33a in the second direction X is configured such that it gradually decreases in the circumferential direction from the first portion Q1 to the second portion Q2, with the first portion Q1 in the first attenuation portion 331 being the largest and the second portion Q2 in the second attenuation portion 332 opposite to the first portion Q1 being the smallest.

[0127] like Figure 6A As shown, the cylindrical portion 32 includes a first cylindrical portion 321 and a second cylindrical portion 322 positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L in a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L. The first cylindrical portion 321 is located on the same side as the first attenuation portion 331 with respect to the optical axis L, and the second cylindrical portion 322 is located on the same side as the second attenuation portion 332 with respect to the optical axis L. In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the thickness s1 of the first cylindrical portion 321 in the second direction X is different from the thickness s2 of the second cylindrical portion 322 in the second direction X.

[0128] In this embodiment, the thickness s1 of the first cylindrical portion 321 is smaller than the thickness s2 of the second cylindrical portion 322. Figure 6CIn the example shown, the thickness of the cylinder 32 in the second direction X is configured such that the thickness gradually increases from the first part R1 to the second part R2 along the circumferential direction, with the first part R1 in the first cylinder 321 being the smallest and the second part R2 in the second cylinder 322 being the largest relative to the first part R1.

[0129] As an example, the first part R1 of the cylinder 32 is close to the first part Q1 of the attenuation part 33 (located in the same orientation when viewed from the optical axis L), and the second part R2 of the cylinder 32 is close to the second part Q2 of the attenuation part 33. With such a structure, by combining the non-axisymmetric properties of the cylinder 32 and the attenuation part 33, amplitude adjustment becomes easier.

[0130] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the external vibrator 3 includes a component located on one side (-X side) of the optical axis L. Figure 2 The first external vibrating body 3L (on the left side) and the other side (+X side) located on the optical axis L. Figure 2 The second external vibrator 3R (located on the right side) is shown in the image. The first external vibrator 3L includes a first damping section 331 and a first cylindrical section 321. The second external vibrator 3R includes a second damping section 332 and a second cylindrical section 322.

[0131] In this embodiment, the external vibrator 3 is configured such that, due to the non-axisymmetry of the attenuation portion 33 and the cylindrical portion 32, the amplitude of the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9 is larger in the first external vibrator 3L than in the second external vibrator 3R. For example, from a top-view perspective observed along the first direction Z, the amplitude of the external vibrator 3 during vibration has an inclination such that it gradually decreases from the first portion Q1, R1 towards the second portion Q2, R2. This allows the amplitude of the lens 5 connected to the first connecting portion 31 to be tilted. Specifically, it allows the amplitude of the region on the surface of the lens 5 located on the side of the first external vibrator 3L to be larger than the amplitude of the region located on the side of the second external vibrator 3R.

[0132] <Configuration of Vibration Device>

[0133] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the vibration device 1. For example, the vibration device 1 is configured such that the second external vibrator 3R with a relatively smaller amplitude is located on the upper side in the vertical direction compared to the first external vibrator 3L with a relatively larger amplitude. With this configuration, the amplitude of the first point P1 located on the lower side in the vertical direction can be made larger than the amplitude of the second point P2 located on the upper side in the vertical direction on the surface of the lens 5.

[0134] Point P1, for example, is a point on the exposed surface of lens 5 near the thickest part of attenuation section 33 and the thinnest part of barrel section 32 (close to part 1, Q1, R1). Point P2, for example, is a point on the exposed surface of lens 5 near the thinnest part of attenuation section 33 and the thickest part of barrel section 32 (close to part 2, Q2, R2). "Exposed surface of lens 5" refers to the portion of the upper surface of lens 5 exposed from the external vibrator 3, the internal vibrator 7, and the cover member 8.

[0135] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the magnitude (displacement amount) of the displacement along the line connecting point 1 P1 and point 2 P2 on the exposed surface of lens 5. According to... Figure 8 It can be seen that the displacement (i.e., the amplitude of lens 5) gradually increases from point 2 P2 toward point 1 P1. When the vibration device 1 is configured in such a way that the amplitude of the surface of lens 5 gradually increases in the direction of gravity G (vertically downward), foreign objects on the surface of lens 5 are more likely to slip off.

[0136] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the wiring 100 is connected to the piezoelectric element 9 at a distance from the second external vibrator 3R that is less than the distance from the first external vibrator 3L, and a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 9 via the wiring 100. By connecting the wiring 100 from the side of the second external vibrator 3R with smaller amplitude in this way, it is possible to suppress wire breakage of the wiring 100 and noise caused by the vibration of the wiring 100.

[0137] <Adjustment of the frequency of the natural vibration of external vibrator 3>

[0138] The dimensions of the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 can be adjusted to impart the desired tilt to the amplitude of the lens 5.

[0139] Figure 9A It is a schematic cross-sectional view that only illustrates the inherent vibration of the internal vibrating body. Figure 9B and Figure 9C These are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating only the natural vibrations of an external vibrating body. In these figures, solid lines represent the stationary state, and dashed lines represent the vibration state (the state with the largest amplitude).

[0140] like Figure 9A As shown, the internal vibrator 7 and the lens 5 vibrate in the first direction Z according to the expansion and contraction of the lower part 72 of the letter S-shape when not connected to the external vibrator. The resonant frequency is, for example, 22kHz to 29kHz.

[0141] On the other hand, the inherent vibration of only the external vibrating body 3 may have, for example, the following: Figure 9B and Figure 9C The two modes shown are A and B. (As shown...) Figure 9BAs shown, mode A is a mode in which the amplitude of the first external vibrator 3L, which includes the first damping section and the first cylindrical section, is smaller than the amplitude of the second external vibrator 3R, which includes the second damping section and the second cylindrical section. Figure 9C As shown, mode B is a mode in which the amplitude of the first external vibrating body 3L is larger than the amplitude of the second external vibrating body 3R. By adjusting the natural vibration frequencies (resonant frequencies) of these modes A and B, it is possible to make any mode resonate with the natural vibration of the internal vibrating body 7. Figure 9A Coupling. Thus, the desired tilt of the lens 5 can be imparted without increasing the resonant resistance of the internal vibrating body 7.

[0142] The frequencies of the inherent vibration modes A and B of the external vibrator 3 can be adjusted, for example, by the elasticity of the damping section 33 and the cylinder 32. The elasticity of the damping section 33 and the cylinder 32 can be adjusted, for example, by... Figure 6A Adjust the parameters and materials shown below.

[0143] t1, t2: Thicknesses of the first attenuation section 331 and the second attenuation section 332 in the first direction Z.

[0144] w1: Width of the thick-walled portion 33a of the attenuation portion 33

[0145] s1, s2: Thickness of the first cylindrical section 321 and the second cylindrical section 322 in the second direction X.

[0146] h: Height in the Z direction of cylinder 32

[0147] u: The distance along the second direction X between the outer surface of the cylinder 32 and the outer surface of the attenuation part 33.

[0148] In this embodiment, the frequency of mode B is adjusted to a value that is close to the resonant frequency of the internal vibrator 7 (e.g., approximately 26 kHz) compared to the frequency of mode A. As an example, the frequency of mode A can be adjusted to 19.1 kHz, and the frequency of mode B can be adjusted to 29.6 kHz. Thus, in the vibration device 1, the natural vibration of mode B of the external vibrator 3 (…) Figure 9C The vibration is coupled with the inherent vibration of the internal vibrator 7. In this case, the amplitude of the first external vibrator 3L, which has a thicker attenuation section and a thinner cylindrical section, is larger than the amplitude of the second external vibrator 3R, which has a thinner attenuation section and a thicker cylindrical section. Therefore, the amplitude of the region of the lens 5 located on the side of the first external vibrator 3L can be made larger than the amplitude of the region of the lens 5 located on the side of the second external vibrator 3R.

[0149] (Effect)

[0150] The vibration device 1 can achieve the following effect.

[0151] The vibration device 1 includes: a generally cylindrical inner vibrator 7 extending along a first direction; a piezoelectric element 9 connected to one end of the inner vibrator 7 in the first direction Z; a light-transmitting body (here, a lens 5) connected to the other end of the inner vibrator 7 in the first direction Z, the light-transmitting body having an optical axis L extending along the first direction Z; and a generally cylindrical outer vibrator 3 extending along the first direction Z. The outer vibrator 3 is arranged to surround the inner vibrator 7. The outer vibrator 3 includes: a first connecting portion 31 connected to the light-transmitting body; an attenuating portion 33 extending outward of the light-transmitting body relative to the first connecting portion 31 along a second direction X intersecting the first direction Z; and a cylindrical portion 32 connecting the first connecting portion 31 and the attenuating portion 33, and extending along the first direction Z. The cylindrical portion 32 is arranged at a distance from the inner vibrator 7 in the second direction X. At least one of the attenuating portion 33 and the cylindrical portion 32 is non-axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

[0152] According to the above structure, since at least one of the attenuation portion 33 and the cylindrical portion 32 of the external vibrator 3 is non-axisymmetric, the amplitude of the light-transmitting body surface during vibration can be tilted. Therefore, foreign matter attached to the light-transmitting body surface can be removed more effectively. In addition, by suppressing the imbalance of stress acting on the internal vibrator 7 during vibration, the deterioration of impedance can be suppressed.

[0153] In this specification, "generally cylindrical" simply means having a hole extending along the extension direction (here, the first direction Z), and includes generally cylindrical, generally square, etc. The cross-section of the through hole in the generally cylindrical body is, for example, a perfect circle, an ellipse, or a generally circular shape. The shape of the generally cylindrical body can be cylindrical or a generally polygonal prism, such as a quadrangular prism. The generally cylindrical body may also include a hammer-shaped portion or a stepped portion whose cross-sectional shape expands or contracts along the first direction Z. At least the portions of the internal vibrator 7 and the external vibrator 3 located on the lens 5 side are preferably generally cylindrical. This allows for the desired tilting of the amplitude on the surface of the lens 5 while suppressing unwanted vibrations.

[0154] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the attenuation section 33 has a first attenuation section 331 and a second attenuation section 332 located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L. The thickness t1 of the first attenuation section 331 in the first direction Z and the thickness t2 of the second attenuation section 332 in the first direction Z are different. With this structure, it is possible to give the attenuation section 33 non-axisymmetric properties while making the appearance of the vibration device 1 symmetrical.

[0155] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the cylindrical portion 32 has a first cylindrical portion 321 and a second cylindrical portion 322 located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L. The thickness s1 of the first cylindrical portion 321 in the second direction X and the thickness s2 of the second cylindrical portion 322 in the second direction X are different. With this structure, it is possible to give the cylindrical portion 32 non-axisymmetric properties while making the appearance of the vibrating device 1 symmetrical.

[0156] Both the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 are non-axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis. The attenuation section 33 mainly participates in the vibration along the first direction Z, and the cylindrical section 32 mainly participates in the vibration along the second direction X. Therefore, since both the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 are non-axisymmetric, by setting the magnitude, direction, position, etc. of the non-axisymmetry of these two sections respectively, it is easy to impart the desired tilt to the amplitude of the lens 5.

[0157] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the first attenuation portion 331 and the first cylindrical portion 321 are located on one side of the optical axis L, and the second attenuation portion 332 and the second cylindrical portion 322 are located on the other side of the optical axis L. The thickness t1 of the first attenuation portion 331 in the first direction Z is greater than the thickness t2 of the second attenuation portion 332 in the first direction Z. The thickness s1 of the first cylindrical portion 321 in the second direction X is smaller than the thickness s2 of the second cylindrical portion 322 in the second direction X. By making the direction of the non-axisymmetry (in this case, the relationship of thickness) of the cylindrical portion 32 opposite to the direction of the non-axisymmetry of the attenuation portion 33, the following effect can be obtained.

[0158] The inventors have discovered that, relying solely on the non-axisymmetry of the attenuation section 33, it is sometimes difficult to impart the desired tilt to the amplitude of the lens 5. If the thickness t1 of the first attenuation section 331 is too small, the amplitude of the lens 5 during vibration may not reach its maximum at the end on the side of the first attenuation section 331. In other words, the position of the maximum displacement point of the lens 5 will shift from the end of the lens 5 towards the optical axis L (refer to...). Figure 16 On the other hand, if the thickness t1 of the first attenuation portion 331 is too large, the vibration transmitted to the fixing portion 35 side (opposite to lens 5) will increase, and the vibration efficiency will decrease when assembling the camera assembly. In contrast, if the barrel portion 32 is non-axially symmetric in the direction opposite to the attenuation portion 33, the displacement of the end of lens 5 on the side of the first attenuation portion 331 can be larger (e.g., maximum) (see reference). Figure 8 Therefore, it is possible to impart the desired tilt to the amplitude of lens 5 while suppressing the decrease in vibration efficiency.

[0159] In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis L, the external vibrator 3 has a first external vibrator 3L and a second external vibrator 3R positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L. When the amplitude of the first external vibrator 3L, caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9, is larger than the amplitude of the second external vibrator 3R, the second external vibrator 3R is located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the first external vibrator 3L. With this structure, the amplitude of the lens 5 surface is larger in the lower vertical direction than in the upper vertical direction. Therefore, it is easier to cause foreign objects attached to the surface of the light-transmitting body to slide off through vibration. If the amplitude of the lens 5 surface has an inclination that gradually increases along the direction of gravity G, it can further promote the sliding off of foreign objects.

[0160] When the amplitude of the first external vibrating body 3L caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9 is larger than the amplitude of the second external vibrating body 3R caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9, the wiring 100 is connected to the piezoelectric element 9 at a position where the distance from the second external vibrating body 3R is smaller than the distance from the first external vibrating body 3L. With this structure, wire breakage of the wiring 100 and noise caused by the vibration of the wiring 100 can be suppressed.

[0161] The internal vibrating body 7 is axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis. Due to this structure, since the internal vibrating body 7 does not have a non-axisymmetric construction, unwanted vibrations caused by the construction of the internal vibrating body 7 are less likely to occur. Therefore, the superposition of unwanted vibrations of the internal vibrating body 7 can be further suppressed. Consequently, impedance deterioration can be further suppressed. Furthermore, by minimizing the bias of stress acting on the internal vibrating body 7 during vibration, impedance deterioration can be further suppressed.

[0162] The piezoelectric element 9 is axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis L. Due to this structure, unwanted vibrations caused by the construction of the piezoelectric element 9 are less likely to occur. Therefore, the superposition of unwanted vibrations from the internal vibrating body 7 can be suppressed. Consequently, impedance deterioration can be further suppressed.

[0163] The vibration device 1 can be configured as follows.

[0164] exist Figure 6B In the example shown, the thick-walled portion 33a of the attenuation portion 33 extends circumferentially throughout the entire area of ​​the first attenuation portion 331, but it can also be like... Figure 10A and Figure 10B As illustrated, the thick-walled portion 33a is located only in a part of the first attenuation portion 331. In this example, from a top viewpoint observed from the -Z direction, the thick-walled portion 33a includes an arcuate portion along a part of the outer edge of the first attenuation portion 331.

[0165] The dimensions of the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 can also be adjusted. Figure 4 ), making the mode A of the external vibrating body 3 ( Figure 9B The inherent vibration of the first external vibrator 3L is coupled with the inherent vibration of the internal vibrator 7. In this case, the amplitude of the first external vibrator 3L is smaller than the amplitude of the second external vibrator 3R. Such a structure can be achieved, for example, by reducing the height h of the cylindrical section 32.

[0166] The non-axisymmetry of the attenuation section 33 and / or the cylindrical section 32 is not limited to the case where the thickness (wall thickness) is different. Alternatively, it is also possible that only one of the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 is non-axisymmetric.

[0167] (Variation example)

[0168] The following describes modified examples of the vibration device. Based on the following modified examples 1 to 3, and... Figure 2 Similarly, the vibration device 1 shown can tilt the amplitude of the lens without compromising the axisymmetry of the internal vibrating body.

[0169] <Variation Example 1>

[0170] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vibration device of modified Example 1. Figure 12A It means Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the external vibrating body of the vibration device, excluding the fixed part. Figure 12B It is along Figure 12A A cross-sectional view of the XIIB-XIIB line. Figure 13 It means Figure 11 A perspective view of an example configuration of a vibration device. Figure 14 This is an example Figure 11 A graph showing the displacement of the lens 5 surface of the vibrating device.

[0171] In the vibration device 1a, the cylinder portion 32 is non-axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis L. Specifically, the thickness s2 of the second cylinder portion 322 is greater than the thickness s1 of the first cylinder portion 321. On the other hand, the attenuation portion 33 is axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis L. The thickness t of the attenuation portion 33 is, for example, approximately uniform over the entire circumference.

[0172] In this variation, such as Figure 12A and Figure 12BAs shown, the cylindrical portion 32 has a main portion 324 integrally formed with the attenuation portion 33 and a counterweight member 325. The main portion 324 has a substantially uniform thickness s1 over its entire circumference, for example. The counterweight member 325 is located inside the main portion 324 in the second cylindrical portion 322 and contacts the inner surface of the main portion 324. The counterweight member 325 is, for example, a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the first direction Z. The thickness s2 of the second cylindrical portion 322 in the second direction X is the combined thickness of the main portion 324 and the counterweight member 325. Therefore, it is larger than the thickness s1 of the first cylindrical portion 321 by an amount greater than the thickness of the counterweight member 324.

[0173] The material of the counterweight 325 can be the same as that of the attenuation part 33, or it can be a different type of material. The elastic modulus of the material of the counterweight 325 can also be greater than that of the material of the attenuation part 33. As a result, tilting can be imparted to the amplitude of the lens 5 more efficiently.

[0174] In the illustrated example, the counterweight member 325 is positioned within the overall height range of the main part 324 in the first direction Z. For example... Figure 12A As shown, the counterweight member 325 and the main portion 324 extend along the first direction Z to the upper surface of the attenuation portion 33. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 32 does not have the characteristics shown. Figure 2 The inclined portion is shown. Furthermore, the height of the counterweight member 325 in the first direction Z can also be smaller than the height of the main part 324.

[0175] In this modified example, the vibration device 1a is configured such that the amplitude of the second external vibrator 3R, including the second cylinder portion 322, is smaller than the amplitude of the first external vibrator 3L, including the first cylinder portion 321. In this case, as... Figure 13 As shown, the vibration device 1a is configured such that the second external vibrating body 3R is positioned above in the vertical direction. Thus, for example, as... Figure 14 As shown, the amplitude of the vibration can be gradually increased from the second point P2 at the upper end of the lens 5 toward the first point P1 at the lower end of the lens 5. The first point P1 can be, for example, a point on the exposed surface of the lens 5 that is close to the center point in the circumferential direction of the counterweight member 325.

[0176] In this modified example, the first cylindrical section 321 is formed by a portion of the main section (also referred to as the "first component") 324, and the second cylindrical section 322 is formed by the other portion of the main section 324 and a counterweight component (also referred to as the "second component") 325. The counterweight component 325 is located inside the main section 324. The material of the counterweight component 325 may be the same as or different from the material of the main section 324. With this structure, it is possible to give the cylindrical section 32 non-axisymmetric properties while maintaining the appearance of the vibrating device 1 symmetrical. Furthermore, with... Figure 2Compared to the vibration device 1, the attenuation section 33 (first attenuation section 331) can be thinned. Therefore, vibrations propagating from the attenuation section 33 to the fixing section 35 can be attenuated. Furthermore, other components such as the counterweight member 325 can be omitted, allowing for localized variations in the thickness of the cylinder (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0177] <Variation Example 2>

[0178] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vibration device in variation 2. Figure 16 This is an example Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the displacement of the lens surface of the vibrating device.

[0179] In the vibration device 1b, the attenuation section 33 is non-axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis L. For example, with Figure 2 Similarly, in the vibration device 1 shown, the thickness t1 of the first damping section 331 is greater than the thickness t2 of the second damping section 332. The damping section 33, for example, is similar to... Figure 6B or Figure 13 The structure illustrated in B also has a thick-walled portion 33a and a thin-walled portion 33b. On the other hand, the cylindrical portion 32 is symmetrical about the optical axis L. The thickness s of the cylindrical portion 32 is, for example, approximately uniform over the entire circumference. With such a structure, it is possible to give the attenuation portion 33 non-axial symmetry while making the appearance of the vibrating device 1 symmetrical.

[0180] In this modified example, the vibration device 1b is configured such that the amplitude of the first external vibrator 3L, including the first damping section 331, is larger than the amplitude of the second external vibrator 3R, including the second damping section 332. In this case, the vibration device 1b, for example, uses the first portion Q1 of the first damping section 331 ( Figure 6B The second part Q2 of the second attenuation section 332 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction. Figure 6B It is configured in a way that places it on the upper side in the vertical direction. Thus, for example, as... Figure 16 As shown, the amplitude of point P1 at the lower end is made larger than the amplitude of point P2 at the upper end of lens 5.

[0181] exist Figure 16 In the example shown, on the exposed surface of lens 5, the point of maximum displacement P3 is located closer to point 2 P2 than point 1 P1. If the first attenuation portion 331 is further thickened, the point of maximum displacement P3 can be brought closer to point 1 P1. However, if the attenuation portion 331 is thickened, the vibration transmitted from the attenuation portion 33 to the fixing portion 35 below it tends to increase, and the vibration efficiency may sometimes decrease. Therefore, in this modified example, the thickness t1 of the first attenuation portion 331 is adjusted so that, while ensuring vibration efficiency, the point of maximum displacement P3 is brought as close as possible to point 1 P1 (the lower end of lens 5) to facilitate the sliding off of foreign objects.

[0182] Furthermore, the vibration device 1b can also be configured such that the amplitude of the first damping part 331 is smaller than the amplitude of the second damping part 332. Such a structure can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the dimensions such as reducing the height h of the cylinder part 32.

[0183] <Variation Example 3>

[0184] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of the vibration device in variation 3. Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the XVIII-XVIII line.

[0185] In the vibration device 1c, the materials of the first attenuation section 331 and the first cylindrical section 321 are different from the materials of the second attenuation section 332 and the second cylindrical section 322. Both the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 can be symmetrical with respect to the optical axis L. With this structure, it is possible to make the appearance of the vibration device 1 symmetrical while giving the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 non-axisymmetric properties.

[0186] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 In the example shown, the external vibrator 3, excluding the fixing part 35, is formed from two materials. Specifically, the first connecting part 31, the cylindrical part 32 (first cylindrical part 321), the damping part 33 (first damping part 331), and the second connecting part 34 constituting the first external vibrator 3L are made of the first material. The first connecting part 31, the cylindrical part 32 (second cylindrical part 322), the damping part 33 (second damping part 332), and the second connecting part 34 constituting the second external vibrator 3R are made of a second material different from the first material.

[0187] The first and second materials can be selected, for example, materials with different elastic moduli (Young's modulus). As an example, if the elastic modulus of the second material is greater than that of the first material, the amplitude of the second external vibrator 3R made of the second material is smaller than the amplitude of the first external vibrator 3L made of the first material. In this case, the vibration device 1c is configured, for example, with the second external vibrator 3R positioned vertically above the first external vibrator 3L.

[0188] Furthermore, in this modified example, both the damping section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 are composed of two materials, but it is also possible to use only two materials to constitute either the damping section 33 or the cylindrical section 32. Additionally, in this modified example, the elastic modulus of the first material and the elastic modulus of the second material are different, but for example, their density or mechanical Q value could also be different. Moreover, as long as at least one of the damping section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 can be given non-axisymmetric properties, there are no particular limitations on the type, quantity, arrangement, or proportion of the materials used.

[0189] The structure of the vibration device of the present invention is not limited to that described in reference. Figures 1 to 18 The structure described above. In these figures, the attenuation part 33 and the cylindrical part 32 are integrally formed, but these attenuation parts 33 and the cylindrical part 32 can also be composed of independent components.

[0190] The non-axisymmetry of the attenuation section 33 and the cylindrical section 32 can also be achieved by combining any of the above-described structures. For example, it is also possible to locally differ the material and thickness of the attenuation section 33 and / or the cylindrical section 32.

[0191] By appropriately combining any of the various embodiments or variations described above, their respective effects can be achieved. Furthermore, it is possible to combine embodiments with each other, or to combine different embodiments with different examples, and it is also possible to combine features from different embodiments or examples.

[0192] The invention has been described in various embodiments with a certain degree of detail, but the disclosure of these embodiments may vary in structural details, and the combination and order of elements of each embodiment may be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as required.

[0193] The vibration device of the present invention can remove foreign objects attached to a light-transmitting body, and therefore can be applied to camera units, etc.

[0194] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0195] 1. 1a, 1b, 1c, Vibration device; 3. External vibrator; 3L, First external vibrator; 3R, Second external vibrator; 5. Lens; 7. Internal vibrator; 8. Cover component; 9. Piezoelectric element; 31. First connecting part; 32. Cylindrical part; 33. Attenuation part; 33a. Thick-walled part; 33b. Thin-walled part; 34. Second connecting part; 35. Fixing part; 41. Upper cylindrical body; 42. Lower cylindrical body; 51. Planar part; 52. 53. Recess; 71. Upper part; 72. Lower part; 73. Middle part; 100. Wiring; 321. First cylindrical part; 322. Second cylindrical part; 324. Main part; 325. Counterweight component; 331. First attenuation part; 332. Second attenuation part; 711. Plate-shaped part; 712. Protrusion; L. Optical axis; Q1, Q2. Parts of the attenuation part; R1, R2. Parts of the cylindrical part; P1. First point; P2. Second point.

Claims

1. A vibration device, wherein, The vibration device has the following features: A roughly cylindrical internal vibrating body that amplifies vibrations and extends along the first direction; A piezoelectric element connected to one end of the internal vibrating body in the first direction, the piezoelectric element being capable of generating vibration; A light-transmitting body, which is connected to the other end of the internal vibrating body in the first direction, the light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction; as well as A generally cylindrical outer vibrating body is configured to surround the inner vibrating body and extends along the first direction. The external vibrating body has: The first connecting part is connected to the light-transmitting body; The attenuation portion extends outward from the light-transmitting body along a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the first connecting portion, and is configured to attenuate vibration. as well as A cylindrical portion that connects the first connecting portion and the attenuation portion, the cylindrical portion extending along the first direction. The cylindrical portion and the internal vibrating body are arranged at a distance from each other in the second direction. At least one of the attenuation portion and the cylindrical portion is non-axisymmetric with respect to the optical axis.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein, From a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, The attenuation section has a first attenuation section and a second attenuation section located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. The thickness of the first attenuation portion in the first direction is different from the thickness of the second attenuation portion in the first direction.

3. The vibration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, From a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, The cylindrical portion has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. The thickness of the first cylindrical portion in the second direction is different from the thickness of the second cylindrical portion in the second direction.

4. The vibration device according to claim 3, wherein, The cylindrical portion has a first component and a second component. The first cylindrical section is formed by a portion of the first component. The second cylindrical section is composed of another part of the first component and the second component. In the second cylindrical section, the second component is located inside the first component.

5. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Both the attenuation section and the cylindrical section are non-axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

6. The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein, From a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, The attenuation section has a first attenuation section and a second attenuation section located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. The cylindrical portion has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. The first attenuation section and the first cylindrical section are located on one side of the optical axis, and the second attenuation section and the second cylindrical section are located on the other side of the optical axis. The thickness of the first attenuation portion in the first direction is greater than the thickness of the second attenuation portion in the first direction. The thickness of the first cylindrical portion in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the second cylindrical portion in the second direction.

7. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the attenuation portion has a first attenuation portion and a second attenuation portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. The materials constituting the first attenuation part and the materials constituting the second attenuation part are different.

8. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the cylindrical portion has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. The materials constituting the first cylindrical section and the materials constituting the second cylindrical section are different.

9. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the external vibrator has a first external vibrator and a second external vibrator located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. When the amplitude of the first external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element is larger than the amplitude of the second external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element, the second external vibrating body is located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the first external vibrating body.

10. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The internal vibrating body is axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

11. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The piezoelectric element is axially symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

12. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, In a cross-sectional view along the optical axis, the external vibrator has a first external vibrator and a second external vibrator located symmetrically with respect to the optical axis. When the amplitude of the first external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element is greater than the amplitude of the second external vibrating body caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element, the wiring is connected to the piezoelectric element from a position where the distance from the second external vibrating body is less than the distance from the first external vibrating body.

Images