Vibrating device and internal vibrator

Abstract

A vibration device is provided with: an internal vibration body capable of increasing the amplitude of vibration; 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; and 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 an outer vibrating body that is positioned on the outer side of the inner vibrating body in a second direction intersecting the first direction and surrounds the inner vibrating body. The external vibrating body includes: a first connecting portion connected to the light-transmitting body; and a second connection part which is configured so as to extend in a direction away from the translucent body along the second direction with respect to the first connection part, and which attenuates vibration. And a cylinder portion extending in the first direction and having a first end portion connected to the first connection portion and a second end portion connected to the second connection portion. The vibration device includes a suppression unit configured to suppress a difference between a deformation amount of the first end portion and a deformation amount of the second end portion caused by vibration generated by the piezoelectric element. The suppression portion is located between the light-transmitting body and the second connection portion in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vibration devices and internal vibrating bodies. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens unit comprising: a cylindrical lens barrel forming an inner receiving space for accommodating and holding lenses; and a lens group assembled within the inner receiving space of the lens barrel, wherein multiple lenses are arranged in a stacked manner along the optical axis. In the lens unit of Patent Document 1, elastic members are inserted between the lenses and / or between the lenses and the lens barrel or side members to absorb deformation in the optical axis direction of the lenses.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-109381 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] If the lens unit of Patent Document 1 is used in a device that removes raindrops by vibration, the vibration will be attenuated by the elastic member, and sometimes it will be unable to remove foreign objects attached to the lens.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vibration device and an internal vibrator that can remove foreign matter attached to a light-transmitting body while suppressing deformation of the light-transmitting body.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The vibration device of one embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0011] An internal vibrating body that can amplify vibrations;

[0012] A piezoelectric element connected to one end of the internal vibrating body in a first direction, the piezoelectric element being capable of generating vibration; and

[0013] 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

[0014] An external vibrating body is located outside the internal vibrating body in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and surrounds the internal vibrating body.

[0015] The external vibrating body includes:

[0016] A first connecting portion, which is connected to the light-transmitting body; and

[0017] The second connecting portion is configured to extend relative to the first connecting portion in a second direction away from the light-transmitting body and to dampen vibrations; and

[0018] A cylindrical portion extending along the first direction, having a first end connected to the first connecting portion and a second end connected to the second connecting portion.

[0019] in,

[0020] The vibration device includes a suppression section configured to suppress the difference between the deformation of the first end and the deformation of the second end caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element.

[0021] The suppression portion is located between the light-transmitting body and the second connecting portion in the first direction.

[0022] One embodiment of this disclosure has an internal vibrator that can connect a piezoelectric element capable of generating vibration at one end in a first direction, and a light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction connected at the other end in the first direction, and is surrounded by an external vibrator located outside a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein...

[0023] The internal vibrating body has:

[0024] The pedestal portion is configured to be connectable to the light-transmitting body in the first direction and to be connectable to the external vibrating body in the second direction; and

[0025] The first part extends from the pedestal portion along the first direction in a direction away from the light-transmitting body.

[0026] At least one of the pedestal portion and the first portion includes a protrusion that projects from the pedestal portion or the first portion in the second direction.

[0027] The effects of the invention

[0028] According to this disclosure, a vibration device capable of removing foreign matter attached to a light-transmitting body while suppressing deformation of the light-transmitting body, and an internal vibrator capable of realizing the vibration device, can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vibration device having an internal vibrator according to a scheme disclosed herein.

[0030] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0032] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the first modified example of the vibration device.

[0033] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second modified example of the vibration device.

[0034] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the third modified example of the vibration device.

[0035] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 The figure shows the simulation results of the deformation distribution of the vibration device.

[0036] Figure 8 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fourth modified example of the vibration device.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the simulation results of the deformation distribution of a vibration device without a damping element. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The various schemes disclosed herein are explained.

[0039] The vibration device of the first embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0040] An internal vibrating body that can amplify vibrations;

[0041] A piezoelectric element connected to one end of the internal vibrating body in a first direction, the piezoelectric element being capable of generating vibration; and

[0042] 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

[0043] An external vibrating body is located outside the internal vibrating body in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and surrounds the internal vibrating body.

[0044] The external vibrating body includes:

[0045] A first connecting portion, which is connected to the light-transmitting body; and

[0046] The second connecting portion is configured to extend along the second direction away from the light-transmitting body and dampen vibrations; and

[0047] A cylindrical portion extending along the first direction, having a first end connected to the first connecting portion and a second end connected to the second connecting portion.

[0048] in,

[0049] The vibration device includes a suppression section configured to suppress the difference between the deformation of the first end and the deformation of the second end caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element.

[0050] The suppression portion is located between the light-transmitting body and the second connecting portion in the first direction.

[0051] The vibration device of the second embodiment of this disclosure is based on the vibration device of the first embodiment.

[0052] The internal vibrating body includes:

[0053] A pedestal portion, which is connected to the light-transmitting body in the first direction and to the first end portion in the second direction; and

[0054] The first part extends from the pedestal portion along the first direction in a direction away from the light-transmitting body.

[0055] The suppression part is located in at least one of the cylindrical part, the pedestal part, and the first part.

[0056] The vibration device of the third embodiment of this disclosure is based on the vibration device of the second embodiment.

[0057] The suppression portion includes at least one of a first protrusion protruding from the cylindrical portion in the second direction, a second protrusion protruding from the pedestal portion in the second direction, and a third protrusion protruding from the first portion in the second direction.

[0058] The vibration device of the fourth embodiment of this disclosure is based on the vibration device of the third embodiment.

[0059] The first protrusion is located at a distance from the first end greater than the distance from the second end, and its coefficient of linear expansion is smaller than that of the external vibrating body.

[0060] The vibration device of the fifth embodiment of this disclosure is based on the vibration device of any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0061] The linear expansion coefficient of the internal vibrating body is smaller than that of the external vibrating body, and the Young's modulus of the internal vibrating body is larger than that of the external vibrating body.

[0062] The vibration device of the sixth embodiment of this disclosure is based on the vibration device of any one of the embodiments 1 to 5.

[0063] The vibration device includes a resin guide member located at the end of the light-transmitting body in the second direction, and the first connecting portion is connected to the light-transmitting body via the guide member.

[0064] The vibration device of the seventh embodiment of this disclosure is based on the vibration device of any one of the second to sixth embodiments.

[0065] The suppression part is composed of a component that is different from the internal vibrator or the external vibrator.

[0066] The vibration device of the eighth embodiment of this disclosure is based on the vibration device of any one of the embodiments 1 to 7.

[0067] The cylindrical portion includes a counterweight member capable of imparting non-axisymmetric properties to the cylindrical portion or the first portion relative to the optical axis.

[0068] The vibration device of the ninth embodiment of this disclosure is capable of connecting a piezoelectric element capable of generating vibration to one end in the first direction, and a light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction to the other end in the first direction, and being surrounded by an external vibrating body located outside the second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein...

[0069] The internal vibrating body has:

[0070] The pedestal portion is configured to be connectable to the light-transmitting body in the first direction and to be connectable to the external vibrating body in the second direction; and

[0071] The first part extends from the pedestal portion along the first direction in a direction away from the light-transmitting body.

[0072] At least one of the pedestal portion and the first portion includes a protrusion that projects from the pedestal portion or the first portion in the second direction.

[0073] The vibration device of the tenth aspect of this disclosure can be connected to a piezoelectric element capable of generating vibration at one end in a first direction, and to a light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction at the other end in the first direction, and surrounded by an external vibrating body located outside a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein...

[0074] The internal vibrating body has:

[0075] The pedestal portion is configured to be connected to the light-transmitting body in the first direction and to be connected to the external vibrating body in the second direction;

[0076] The first part extends from the pedestal portion along the first direction in a direction away from the light-transmitting body; and

[0077] A stiffening portion, provided in at least one of the pedestal portion and the first part, is configured such that the stiffness of the pedestal portion or the first part is greater than the stiffness of the external vibrating body.

[0078] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates one aspect of the present invention. The description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses. The drawings are schematic, and the dimensions and proportions shown may not correspond to reality.

[0079] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 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, an external vibrating body 3, and a suppression part 10. The piezoelectric element 9 is connected to one end of the internal vibrating body 7 in a first direction (e.g., the Z direction). A wiring 16 is connected to the piezoelectric element 9, and a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 9 via the wiring 16. The lens 5 is connected to the other end of the internal vibrating body 7 in the first direction Z. The lens 5 has an optical axis L extending along the first direction Z. The vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9 is transmitted to the lens 5 via the internal vibrating body 7, causing the lens 5 to vibrate. As a result, foreign objects such as water droplets or mud adhering to the lens 5 are removed.

[0080] In this plan, such as Figure 2 As shown, the vibration device 1 includes a lens assembly 15 located inside the internal vibrating body 7. When viewed along the first direction Z, the lens assembly 15 is located at a position overlapping the optical axis L of the lens 5. The lens assembly 15 is configured to perform image-capable optical performance as an imaging element when combined with the lens 5. For example, the lens assembly 15 has multiple lenses and is supported by a lens barrel.

[0081] 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 be treated with 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.

[0082] In this embodiment, as an example, the internal vibrator 7 is cylindrical and positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L. "Cylinder shape" includes, for example, a cylindrical or rectangular shape. The internal vibrator 7 includes a pedestal portion 71 that contacts the lens 5, a first portion 72 extending from the pedestal portion 71 in a direction away from the lens 5 along a first direction Z, a second portion 73 on which the piezoelectric element 9 is mounted, and a third portion 74 connecting the first portion 72 and the second portion 73. The pedestal portion 71, the first portion 72, and the second portion 73 have a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction Z. The pedestal portion 71, the first portion 72, the second portion 73, and the third portion 74 can be formed integrally or separately.

[0083] The pedestal portion 71, for example, has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape that intersects the first direction Z in a second direction (e.g., radially relative to the optical axis L, including the X direction) along its length. The pedestal portion 71 is configured such that its dimension in the second direction is larger than that of the first portion 72. The end 711 of the pedestal portion 71 in the first direction Z, which is farther from the piezoelectric element 9, is connected to the lens 5, and the end 712 of the pedestal portion 71, which is closer to the piezoelectric element 9, is connected to the first portion 72. The end 713 of the pedestal portion 71 in the second direction, which is farther from the optical axis L, is connected to the external vibrator 3, and the end 714 of the pedestal portion 71, which is closer to the optical axis L, is positioned opposite the inner lens assembly 15 with a gap.

[0084] Part 1 72 and Part 2 73 are configured to vibrate together with the piezoelectric element 9. Part 3 74 has a generally S-shaped cross-section. Part 3 74 is configured to support Part 1 72 and transmit the vibration of Part 2 73 to Part 1 72.

[0085] The internal vibrator 7 can be configured as follows. In this way, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 9 can be efficiently transmitted to the lens 5.

[0086] • The thickness of the plate of part 2 73 (i.e., the dimension in the first direction Z) is greater than the width of part 1 72 and the width of part 3 74.

[0087] • The maximum external dimension of Part 3 74 (i.e., the maximum dimension in the second direction) is larger than the maximum external dimension of Part 1 72.

[0088] • The maximum external dimensions of Part 2, 73 are larger than the maximum external dimensions of Part 3, 74.

[0089] 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 be located radially (hereinafter referred to as radial) outside the internal vibrator 7 relative to the optical axis L, and to surround the internal vibrator 7, in other words, to cover the entire internal vibrator 7, thereby 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.

[0090] The external vibrator 3 includes a first connecting portion 31, a cylindrical portion 32, and a second connecting portion 33. In this embodiment, the external vibrator 3 has a cylindrical shape and includes a fixing portion 35. The first connecting portion 31, the cylindrical portion 32, the second connecting portion 33, and the fixing portion 35 can be formed integrally or separately.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the first connecting portion 31 is connected to the lens 5. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 31 is indirectly connected to the lens 5 via a resin guide member 53 located at the radially outer end of the lens 5, but it can also be directly connected to the lens 5 without using the guide member 53. Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting portion 31 has a main body portion 311 and a protrusion portion 312. The main body portion 311 is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 32 in the first direction Z and extends along the second direction to a position closer to the optical axis L than the cylindrical portion 32. The protrusion portion 312 protrudes from the end of the main body portion 311 in the second direction that is closer to the optical axis L towards the lens 5. A portion of the main body portion 311 is opposed to the pedestal portion 71 of the internal vibrator 7 in the first direction Z. The guide member 53 is sandwiched between the protrusion portion 312 and the pedestal portion 71 in the first direction Z. Thus, the connection between the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7 is maintained.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, the cylindrical portion 32 extends along the first direction Z and has a first end portion 321 connected to the first connecting portion 31 and a second end portion 322 connected to the second connecting portion 33. As an example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the cylindrical portion 32 is configured to have a cylindrical shape and surround the inner vibrator 7 around the optical axis L. The cylindrical portion 32 has an inner diameter larger than the first connecting portion 31, and a step is formed on the inner surface of the outer vibrator 3. A gap is formed between the cylindrical portion 32 and the portion of the inner vibrator 7 other than the base portion 71. The cylindrical portion 32 has a smaller thickness and thinner wall thickness compared to the fixing portion 35, and therefore has spring-like characteristics.

[0093] like Figure 2As shown, the second connecting portion 33 is configured to extend from the second end 322 of the cylindrical portion 32 along the second direction away from the lens 5 and to attenuate the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9. The second connecting portion 33 has a smaller thickness and thinner wall thickness compared to the fixing portion 35, and therefore has spring-like characteristics.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing part 35 extends from the end of the second connecting part 33 that is farther from the cylindrical part 32 in the second direction, along the first direction Z in a direction away from the lens 5. As an example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the fixing part 35 has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the fixing part 35 is configured to include a node that suppresses vibrations of less than 1 / 100th of the deformation of the lens 5, thereby suppressing vibrations propagating to components connected to the fixing part 35 (e.g., the housing and lens assembly that house the imaging element).

[0095] Lens 5, in cooperation with lens assembly 15, forms an optical imaging surface and is disposed on the outermost layer of the optical system Ps composed of lens 5 and lens assembly 15. Lens 5 is made of glass, and its upper surface is convex, coated with a waterproof coating and an anti-reflective coating (AR coating). The optical imaging surface side of lens 5 includes a flat portion 51 and a recessed portion 52, with the recessed portion 52 located approximately at the center of lens 5 and the flat portion 51 located around the recessed portion 52.

[0096] 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 and LiNbO3. The electrodes are made of, for example, Ni, Ag, or Au.

[0097] 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, as a ring.

[0098] The guide member 53 and the first connecting portion 31, the lens 5 and the base portion 71, the piezoelectric element 9 and the second portion 73, and the base portion 71 and the first protrusion 11 (described later) are connected, for example, by an adhesive. 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 members can be reduced.

[0099] The suppression part 10 is configured to suppress the difference between the deformation of the first end portion 321 and the deformation of the second end portion 322 caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9, and is located between the lens 5 and the second connecting part 33 in the first direction Z. In other words, the suppression part 10 is configured to adjust the stiffness of the external vibrator 3 and the internal vibrator 7, and suppress the strain caused by the difference in thermal deformation between the second connecting part 33 and the first connecting part 31 of the external vibrator 3.

[0100] In this plan, such as Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the suppressing portion 10 includes a first convex portion 11 , a second convex portion 12 and a third convex portion 13 .

[0101] A first protrusion 11 is provided on the cylindrical portion 32. For example, the first protrusion 11 is integrally provided with the cylindrical portion 32 from the first end portion 321 of the cylindrical portion 32 to the center in the first direction Z of the cylindrical portion 32. The first protrusion 11 protrudes from the radially inner portion of the cylindrical portion 32 toward the optical axis L along the second direction. The first protrusion 11 has approximately the same dimensions as the pedestal portion 71 in the first direction Z. The top end of the first protrusion 11 is connected to the end portion 713 of the pedestal portion 71. The end portion of the first protrusion 11 on the first end portion 321 side in the first direction Z is connected to the first connecting portion 31. The first protrusion 11 is configured such that its dimension in the second direction is smaller than that of the cylindrical portion 32.

[0102] A second protrusion 12 is provided on the base portion 71. For example, the second protrusion 12 is integrally provided with the base portion 71 from the end 711 of the base portion 71 to a distance not exceeding the center of the base portion 71 in the first direction Z. One end of the second protrusion 12 in the first direction Z is connected to the lens 5, for example, via an adhesive. The end 121 of the second protrusion 12 that is farther from the lens 5 in the first direction is inclined such that it approaches the lens 5 in the first direction Z as it approaches the optical axis L in the second direction. The second protrusion 12 is configured such that its dimension in the second direction is smaller than that of the base portion 71.

[0103] A third protrusion 13 is provided in the first portion 72. For example, the third protrusion 13 is integrally provided with the first portion 72 from the end of the first portion 72 connected to the pedestal portion 71 in the first direction Z to approximately the third portion 74. The third protrusion 13 protrudes from the end 714 of the first portion 72 in the second direction away from the optical axis L. One end of the third protrusion 13 in the first direction Z is connected to the end 712 of the pedestal portion 71. The third protrusion 13 is configured such that its dimension in the second direction is smaller than that of the first portion 72.

[0104] The vibration device 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0105] The vibration device 1 includes an internal vibrating body 7, a piezoelectric element 9, a lens 5, an external vibrating body 3, and a suppression part 10. The internal vibrating body 7 is configured to amplify vibration. The piezoelectric element 9 is configured to be connected to one end of the internal vibrating body 7 in a first direction and is capable of generating vibration. The lens 5 is connected to the other end of the internal vibrating body 7 in the first direction and has an optical axis L extending along the first direction. The external vibrating body 3 is configured to be located outside the internal vibrating body 7 in a second direction intersecting the first direction and surrounds the internal vibrating body 7. The external vibrating body 3 includes a first connecting portion 31, a second connecting portion 33, and a cylindrical portion 32. The first connecting portion 31 is connected to the lens 5. The second connecting portion 33 is configured to extend along the second direction away from the lens 5 and attenuate vibration. The cylindrical portion 32 extends along the first direction and has a first end portion 321 connected to the first connecting portion 31 and a second end portion 322 connected to the second connecting portion 33. The suppression part 10 is configured to suppress the difference between the deformation of the first end 321 and the deformation of the second end 322 caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9, and is located between the lens 5 and the second connecting part 33 in the first direction. With this structure, thermal stress and vibration stress applied to the lens 5 can be suppressed. As a result, a vibration device 1 can be realized that can remove foreign objects attached to the lens 5 while suppressing the deformation of the lens 5.

[0106] The external vibrating body 3 is mostly made of aluminum alloy with a large coefficient of linear expansion, which is prone to thermal deformation. Because the radial deformation of the second connecting portion 33 is large, the radial deformation of the second end portion 322 of the cylinder 32 is relatively large. Due to this difference in deformation, a force is applied to the lens 5 in a direction that causes the lens 5 to warp, sometimes resulting in cracks in the lens 5. In the vibration device 1, the difference in deformation between the first end portion 321 and the second end portion 322 of the cylinder 32 can be suppressed by the suppression portion 10. In other words, the suppression portion 10 adjusts the stiffness of the external vibrating body 3 and the internal vibrating body 7, adjusting the imbalance between the deformation on the lens 5 side of the cylinder 32 and the deformation on the second connecting portion 33 side of the cylinder 32.

[0107] The internal vibrator 7 includes a base portion 71 and a first portion 72. The base portion 71 is connected to the lens 5 in a first direction and to a first end portion 321 in a second direction. The first portion 72 extends from the base portion 71 in the first direction away from the lens 5. The suppression portion 10 is located in the barrel portion 32, the base portion 71, and the first portion 72. With this structure, the thermal stress and vibration stress applied to the lens 5 can be suppressed more reliably. As a result, a vibration device 1 can be realized that can remove foreign objects attached to the lens 5 while suppressing deformation of the lens 5.

[0108] The suppression portion 10 includes a first protrusion 11, a second protrusion 12, and a third protrusion 13. The first protrusion 11 protrudes radially from the cylindrical portion 32. The second protrusion 12 protrudes radially from the base portion 71. The third protrusion 13 protrudes radially from the first portion 72. With this structure, thermal stress and vibration stress applied to the lens 5 can be suppressed more reliably. As a result, a vibration device 1 can be realized that removes foreign matter attached to the lens 5 while suppressing deformation of the lens 5.

[0109] By thickening the first end portion 321 of the cylindrical portion 32 using the first protrusion 11, the deformation amount on the first end portion 321 side is increased, thereby eliminating the imbalance between the deformation amount on the second end portion 322 side. By thickening the end portion of the pedestal portion 71 on the lens 5 side using the second protrusion 12, the contact area between the internal vibrator 7 and the lens 5 is increased, thereby improving the stiffness of the pedestal portion 71 relative to the force in the direction that warps the lens 5. By thickening the first portion 72 using the third protrusion 13, the first portion 72 is additionally supported by a support member in the direction that warps the lens 5, thereby improving the stiffness of the first portion 72 relative to the force in the direction that warps the lens 5. That is, the second protrusion 12 and the third protrusion 13 constitute at least a portion of the stiffness portion that improves the stiffness of the internal vibrator 7.

[0110] The vibration device 1 includes a resin guide member 53 located at the end of the lens 5 in a second direction. The first connecting portion 31 is connected to the lens 5 via the guide member 53. With this configuration, compared to the case where a metal member is used to hold the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7 together, the stress applied to the lens 5 can be suppressed.

[0111] The internal vibrating body 7 of the vibration device 1 includes a pedestal portion 71, a first portion 72, and a suppression portion 10. The pedestal portion 71 is configured to be connected to the lens 5 in a first direction and to the first end portion 321 in a second direction. The first portion 72 extends from the pedestal portion 71 in a direction away from the lens 5 along the first direction. The suppression portion 10 is provided in at least one of the pedestal portion 71 and the first portion 72, and is configured to suppress the difference between the deformation of the first end portion 321 and the deformation of the second end portion 322 caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9. In other words, an internal vibrating body 7, which can connect a piezoelectric element 9 capable of generating vibration at one end in the first direction, and a lens 5 having an optical axis L extending along the first direction at the other end in the first direction and is surrounded by an external vibrating body 3 located outside a second direction intersecting the first direction, has a pedestal portion 71 and a first portion 72. At least one of the pedestal portion 71 and the first portion 72 includes a protrusion (e.g., a second protrusion 12 and / or a third protrusion 13) protruding from the pedestal portion 71 or the first portion 72 in the second direction. Alternatively, an internal vibrating body 7, which can connect a piezoelectric element 9 capable of generating vibration at one end in the first direction, and a lens 5 having an optical axis L extending along the first direction at the other end in the first direction and is surrounded by an external vibrating body 3 located outside a second direction intersecting the first direction, has a pedestal portion 71, a first portion 72, and a stiffening portion. The pedestal portion 71 is configured to be connected to the lens 5 in the first direction and to the external vibrating body 3 in the second direction. The first part 72 extends from the base portion 71 in a direction away from the lens 5 along a first direction. A stiffening portion is provided in at least one of the base portion 71 and the first part 72, configured such that the stiffness of the base portion 71 or the first part 72 is greater than the stiffness of the external vibrating body 3. With this structure, when the internal vibrating body 7 is applied to the vibrating device 1, the thermal stress and vibration stress applied to the lens 5 of the vibrating device 1 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to realize an internal vibrating body 7 of the vibrating device 1 that can remove foreign matter attached to the lens 5 while suppressing deformation of the lens 5. The stiffening portion is not limited to being composed of the second protrusion 12 and the third protrusion 13; it is also possible that the internal vibrating body 7 is formed of a material with a Young's modulus greater than that of the external vibrating body 3, and a part or all of the internal vibrating body 7 constitutes the stiffening portion.

[0112] The vibration device 1 can be configured as follows.

[0113] The suppression portion 10 may be located in at least one of the cylindrical portion 32, the pedestal portion 71, and the first portion 72. For example, the suppression portion 10 may include at least one of the first protrusion 11, the second protrusion 12, and the third protrusion 13. Each protrusion may be configured such that, when approximating the correlation of the radial dimension (in other words, the wall thickness) with respect to the optical axis L direction, at least at one point, the wall thickness of the imaging side (in other words, the side closer to the lens 5 relative to the center of the first direction Z) is greater than the wall thickness of the imaging element side (in other words, the side farther from the lens 5 relative to the center of the first direction Z).

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown, the first protrusion 11 can also be configured to protrude radially away from the optical axis L from the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion 32. With this configuration, the radial dimension of the second connecting portion 33 can be increased.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, the first protrusion 11 can also be configured to be located at a position where the distance from the first end portion 321 is greater than the distance from the second end portion 322. Figure 5 In the vibration device 1, the first protrusion 11 is located between the second portion 73 of the inner vibrating body 7 and the cylindrical portion 32 in the radial direction, and is formed by a component different from that of the outer vibrating body 3. The first protrusion 11 is configured such that its dimension in the second direction is larger than that of the cylindrical portion 32, and its coefficient of linear expansion is smaller than that of the outer vibrating body 3. For example, the outer vibrating body 3 (e.g., the cylindrical portion 32 and the second connecting portion 33) is formed of aluminum alloy, and the first protrusion 11 is formed of stainless steel (SUS). With this configuration, the radial deformation of the portion of the cylindrical portion 32 where the first protrusion 11 is formed can be suppressed. As an example, Figure 5 The first protrusion 11 is configured such that its dimension in the second direction is larger than that of the cylindrical portion 32.

[0116] like Figure 6 As shown, the third protrusion 13 can also be configured to include two protrusions 131 and 132. Figure 6 In the vibration device 1, a protrusion 131 is provided at the end of the first part 72 connected to the base part 71 in the first direction Z, extending to a range not exceeding the center of the first part 72 in the first direction Z. Another protrusion 132 is provided at a position closer to the third part 74 than the center of the first part 72 in the first direction Z.

[0117] Figure 7 The middle shows Figure 6 The simulation results of the deformation distribution of the vibration device 1. Figure 9 The simulation results of the deformation distribution of the vibration device 100 without the suppression section 10 are shown. Figure 9In the vibration device 100, the outer vibrator 103 does not have the first protrusion 11, and the inner vibrator 107 does not have the second protrusion 12 and the third protrusion 13. In the... Figure 7 and Figure 9 When compared, in the vibration device 1, the difference in deformation between the first end 321 and the second end 322 of the cylinder 32 is smaller than that in the vibration device 100. That is, the difference in deformation between the first end 321 and the second end 322 caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element 9 can be suppressed by the suppression part 10.

[0118] Even without the third protrusion 13, the same effect as the third protrusion 13 can be achieved by forming a rounded corner or a C-surface chamfer at the curved portion of the first part 72. That is, the first part 72 can be added with the function of a support member that supports the force in the direction that causes the lens 5 to warp.

[0119] Alternatively, the vibration device 1 can be configured such that the coefficient of linear expansion of the internal vibrating body 7 is smaller than that of the external vibrating body 3, and the Young's modulus of the internal vibrating body 7 is larger than that of the external vibrating body 3. With this configuration, a vibration device 1 can be realized that has both the ability to suppress the deformation of the lens 5 and the ability to remove foreign objects attached to the lens 5.

[0120] The damping part 10 can also be made of a different component than the internal vibrator 7 or the external vibrator 3. By making such a configuration, the manufacturing cost of the vibration device 1 can be reduced.

[0121] The cylindrical portion 32 may also include a counterweight member 60 capable of imparting non-axisymmetry to the cylindrical portion 32 or the first portion 72 relative to the optical axis L. Figure 8 In the vibration device 1, the counterweight member 60 is provided in the radially inner portion of the cylindrical part 32, extending from the first protrusion 11 along the first direction Z to the second connecting part 33. As an example, the counterweight member 60, when viewed along the first direction Z, is approximately semi-circular in shape and has approximately the same radial dimension. The counterweight member 60 can be formed of the same material as the external vibrator 3, or it can be formed of a different type of material. With this configuration, the amplitude of the lens 5 can be tilted without compromising the axial symmetry of the internal vibrator 7. "Tilting the amplitude of the lens 5" means forming areas on the surface 54 of the lens 5 where the lens 5 vibrates with a larger amplitude and areas where the lens 5 vibrates with a smaller amplitude. Figure 8 In the vibration device 1, the wiring 16 is connected to the piezoelectric element 9 from the side of the cylinder 32 where the counterweight member 60 is located. As a result, it is possible to suppress wire breakage of the wiring 16 and noise caused by the vibration of the wiring 16.

[0122] By appropriately combining any of the various solutions or variations, their respective effects can be achieved. Furthermore, any combination of solutions or embodiments is possible, as is any combination of solutions and embodiments, and features from different solutions or embodiments can also be combined.

[0123] This disclosure 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 changed without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0125] 1. Vibration device; 3. External vibrator; 5. Lens; 7. Internal vibrator; 71. Base; 711, 712, 713, 714. End; 72. First part; 73. Second part; 74. Third part; 9. Piezoelectric element; 10. Suppression part; 11. First protrusion; 12. Second protrusion; 121. End; 13. Third protrusion; 131, 132. Protrusion; 15. Lens assembly; 16. Wiring; 31. First connecting part; 311. Main body; 312. Protrusion; 32. Cylindrical part; 321. First end; 322. Second end; 33. Second connecting part; 35. Fixing part; 51. Flat part; 52. Recess; 53. Guide member; 54. Surface; 60. Counterweight member.

Claims

1. A vibration device, comprising: An internal vibrating body that can amplify vibrations; A piezoelectric element connected to one end of the internal vibrating body in a first direction, the piezoelectric element being capable of generating vibration; as well as 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 An external vibrating body is located outside the internal vibrating body in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and surrounds the internal vibrating body. The external vibrating body includes: A first connecting portion, which is connected to the light-transmitting body; and The second connecting portion is configured to extend along the second direction away from the light-transmitting body and dampen vibrations; and A cylindrical portion extending along the first direction, having a first end connected to the first connecting portion and a second end connected to the second connecting portion. in, The vibration device includes a suppression section configured to suppress the difference between the deformation of the first end and the deformation of the second end caused by the vibration generated by the piezoelectric element. The suppression portion is located between the light-transmitting body and the second connecting portion in the first direction.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein, The internal vibrating body includes: A pedestal portion, which is connected to the light-transmitting body in the first direction and to the first end portion in the second direction; and The first part extends from the pedestal portion along the first direction in a direction away from the light-transmitting body. The suppression part is located in at least one of the cylindrical part, the pedestal part, and the first part.

3. The vibration device according to claim 2, wherein, The suppression portion includes at least one of a first protrusion protruding from the cylindrical portion in the second direction, a second protrusion protruding from the pedestal portion in the second direction, and a third protrusion protruding from the first portion in the second direction.

4. The vibration device according to claim 3, wherein, The first protrusion is located at a distance from the first end greater than the distance from the second end, and its coefficient of linear expansion is smaller than that of the external vibrating body.

5. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The linear expansion coefficient of the internal vibrating body is smaller than that of the external vibrating body, and the Young's modulus of the internal vibrating body is larger than that of the external vibrating body.

6. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The vibration device includes a resin guide member located at the end of the light-transmitting body in the second direction, and the first connecting portion is connected to the light-transmitting body via the guide member.

7. The vibration device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The suppression part is composed of a component that is different from the internal vibrator or the external vibrator.

8. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The cylindrical portion includes a counterweight member capable of imparting non-axisymmetric properties to the cylindrical portion or the first portion relative to the optical axis.

9. An internal vibrator, wherein a piezoelectric element capable of generating vibration is connected to one end in a first direction, and a light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction is connected to the other end in the first direction, and the internal vibrator is surrounded by an external vibrator located outside the second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein... The internal vibrating body has: The pedestal portion is configured to be connected to the light-transmitting body in the first direction and to be connected to the external vibrating body in the second direction; as well as The first part extends from the pedestal portion along the first direction in a direction away from the light-transmitting body. At least one of the pedestal portion and the first portion includes a protrusion that projects from the pedestal portion or the first portion in the second direction.

10. An internal vibrator, wherein a piezoelectric element capable of generating vibration is connected to one end in a first direction, and a light-transmitting body having an optical axis extending along the first direction is connected to the other end in the first direction, and the internal vibrator is surrounded by an external vibrator located outside the second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein... The internal vibrating body has: The pedestal portion is configured to be connected to the light-transmitting body in the first direction and to be connected to the external vibrating body in the second direction; The first part extends from the pedestal portion along the first direction in a direction away from the light-transmitting body; as well as A stiffening portion, provided in at least one of the pedestal portion and the first part, is configured such that the stiffness of the pedestal portion or the first part is greater than the stiffness of the external vibrating body.

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