Optical element driving device, camera module, and camera mounting device

Abstract

The optical element driving device includes: a movable portion; a drive unit that has an ultrasonic motor including a laminated body in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements are laminated, and that drives the movable unit in a predetermined direction; and a shaft portion extending in a predetermined direction and disposed facing the laminated body, the driving portion having two contact portions that are in contact with the laminated body and the shaft portion and are disposed on the laminated body so as to sandwich the shaft portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical element driving device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, camera modules were known to be mounted on thin camera mounts such as smartphones. These camera modules were known to include an optical element drive mechanism that provided zoom functionality for magnifying or reducing the size of the subject image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure comprising: a fixed lens into which light from a subject enters; two movable lenses into which light, after being bent by the fixed lens, enters; and a lens drive unit for moving the two movable lenses in the direction of the optical axis.

[0004] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of miniaturizing optical element driving devices, the use of ultrasonic motors containing piezoelectric elements as driving sources for movable lenses is being investigated. Among ultrasonic motors, for example, composite resonant ultrasonic motors with multiple piezoelectric elements stacked are known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Such ultrasonic motors can move the movable lens by simultaneously generating two types of resonance (buckling resonance and stretching resonance).

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-36416

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-186073 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, in such an ultrasonic motor, there needs to be a part on the optical element drive side that receives the vibration of the ultrasonic motor. Therefore, a structure is desired that ensures stable contact between the part receiving the vibration and the ultrasonic motor.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical element driving device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device that enable stable contact between an ultrasonic motor and a part receiving the vibration of the ultrasonic motor.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] The optical element driving device of the present invention includes: a movable part that houses an optical element; a driving part having an ultrasonic motor and driving the movable part in a predetermined direction, the ultrasonic motor including a laminate having a plurality of plate-shaped elements including piezoelectric elements stacked on the laminate; and a shaft extending along the predetermined direction and disposed opposite to the laminate.

[0014] The aforementioned drive unit has two contact portions that contact the aforementioned laminate and the aforementioned shaft portion, and are disposed on the aforementioned laminate in such a way that they clamp the aforementioned shaft portion.

[0015] The camera module of the present invention includes: the optical element driving device described above; an element part including an optical element held in the movable part; and an imaging part for capturing an image of a subject imaged by the element part.

[0016] The camera mounting device of the present invention is a camera mounting device that serves as an information device or a transmission device, comprising: the camera module described above; and a shooting control unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module described above.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, the ultrasonic motor and the part receiving the vibration of the ultrasonic motor can be made into stable contact. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1A This is a diagram representing a smartphone equipped with a camera module.

[0020] Figure 1B This is a diagram representing a smartphone equipped with a camera module.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram that simply illustrates a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram that simply illustrates the structure of the camera module in the first embodiment as viewed from the side.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view showing the drive unit and shaft unit.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view showing the drive unit.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact area between the drive unit and the shaft.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the contact area and shaft from the - side in the X direction.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the storage section of the camera module provided in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 This is an exploded 3D view of the storage section.

[0029] Figure 10A It is a three-dimensional view showing the pressure section of the force-applying part.

[0030] Figure 10B This diagram shows the contact area between the pressurizing part and the ultrasonic motor.

[0031] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view showing the contact area between the shaft and the rolling element.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a diagram representing the guide and retaining section.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the retaining portion of the rolling part of the guide retaining part.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a diagram representing the guide support section.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the function of the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the shaft portion of a modified example.

[0037] Figure 17A This is a diagram showing a car equipped with a camera module.

[0038] Figure 17B This is a diagram showing a car equipped with a camera module. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 This is a diagram that simply illustrates the camera module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a diagram that simply illustrates the structure of the camera module 1 in the first embodiment as viewed from the side.

[0040] Camera module 1, for example, is mounted on smartphone M (see reference). Figure 1A , Figure 1B Thin camera mount devices for mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, tablets, portable game consoles, vehicle cameras, etc.

[0041] When describing the structure of the camera module 1 in this embodiment, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used. The common orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is also used in the figures described later. When the camera module 1 is actually used for shooting via the camera mounting device, it is mounted, for example, with the X direction as the left-right direction, the Y direction as the up-down direction, and the Z direction as the front-back direction. Light from the subject enters from the Z-direction plus side of the camera module 1 and is bent and guided towards the Y-direction plus side from the incident portion. By reducing the thickness of the camera module 1 in the Z direction, the camera mounting device can be made thinner.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the camera module 1 includes a frame 10, a reflection drive unit 20, a lens unit 30, a shooting unit 40, a lens drive unit 60, an axis unit 80, and a drive control unit 100.

[0043] The drive control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM and expands it in the RAM, and cooperates with the expanded program to centrally control the lens drive unit 60. As a result, the drive control unit 100 drives the lens unit 30 housed in the housing 10. Consequently, the camera module 1 performs stepless optical zoom and autofocus. The housing 10, lens drive unit 60, shaft unit 80, and drive control unit 100 correspond to the "optical element drive device" of the present invention.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in camera module 1, incident light L1 is incident onto the frame 10 via a reflection drive unit 20. The reflection drive unit 20 includes a reflective frame 21, a reflector 22, and a reflection drive control unit 23. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the reflective frame 21 is disposed adjacent to the end of the frame 10 on the - side in the Y direction. The reflector 22 is disposed inside the reflective frame 21 and reflects the incident light L1 as reflected light L2 back to the frame 10. The reflection drive control unit 23 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the orientation of the reflector 22.

[0045] Furthermore, the reflector 22 in this embodiment has two rotation axes (not shown) extending along the X and Y directions. In the reflection drive unit 20, under the control of the reflection drive control unit 23, the reflector 22 rotates around these rotation axes. As a result, the camera module 1 has a shake correction function (OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) function) that optically corrects the shaking (vibration) generated during shooting to reduce image distortion.

[0046] The reflected light L2 that enters the frame 10 is output to the imaging unit 40 via the lens 30 housed in the frame 10.

[0047] The imaging unit 40 is disposed on the outer side of the Y-direction of the frame 10, and is configured such that reflected light L2 is incident through the lens unit 30. The imaging unit 40 includes an imaging element and a substrate (not shown).

[0048] The imaging element is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor. The imaging element is mounted on a substrate and electrically connected to wiring on the substrate via bonding wires. The imaging element captures an image of the subject imaged by the lens section 30 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the subject image.

[0049] Additionally, a printed wiring board (not shown) is electrically connected to the substrate of the imaging unit 40. Power is supplied to the imaging element and electrical signals of the subject image captured by the imaging element are output via this printed wiring board. These electrical signals are output to the imaging control unit 200 provided in the camera mounting device. The imaging control unit 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and processes the image information obtained from the camera module 1. The imaging control unit 200 can be mounted on the camera mounting device, but it can also be built into the camera module 1.

[0050] In addition, the frame 10 houses the lens section 30, the lens drive section 60, and the shaft section 80, and has, for example, a cuboid shape as a whole.

[0051] The lens section 30 is disposed in the region within the frame 10 through which the reflected light L2 from the reflection drive section 20 passes. The lens section 30 has a first lens unit 31, a second lens unit 32, a third lens unit 33, and a fourth lens unit 34 arranged in the Y direction. The first lens unit 31, the second lens unit 32, the third lens unit 33, and the fourth lens unit 34 respectively house lenses. The lens corresponds to the "optical element" of the present invention.

[0052] The first lens unit 31 is positioned at the upstream side of the incident direction of the reflected light L2 (towards the + side of the Y direction) and is fixed to the frame 10.

[0053] The second lens unit 32 is disposed downstream of the first lens unit 31 in the incident direction and is held in the frame of the lens drive unit 60. The second lens unit 32 is movable in the Y direction via the lens drive unit 60.

[0054] The third lens unit 33 is disposed downstream of the second lens unit 32 in the incident direction and is held in the frame of the lens drive unit 60. The third lens unit 33 is movable in the Y direction via the lens drive unit 60.

[0055] The second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 can be configured, for example, to be guided in the Y direction by a guide shaft extending in the Y direction, or to be able to move on a track extending in the Y direction.

[0056] The fourth lens unit 34 is located on the downstream side of the incident direction and is fixed to the frame 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the lenses in the first to fourth lens units 31 to 34 can be assembled into the frame 10 during the manufacture of the optical element driving device, or they can be assembled into the frame 10 during the manufacture of the camera module 1 from the lens driving unit 60.

[0058] The lens driving unit 60 is provided correspondingly to the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, respectively. Under the control of the aforementioned driving control unit 100, each of the corresponding second lens unit 32 and third lens unit 33 can move independently. The lens driving unit 60 is respectively disposed in the region between the + side wall of the frame 10 in the X direction and the lens unit, and in the region between the - side wall of the frame 10 in the X direction and the lens unit. That is, one lens driving unit 60 is provided on each side of the optical axis of the frame 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, the lens driving unit 60 on the + side in the X direction drives the second lens unit 32 in the Y direction, and the lens driving unit 60 on the - side in the X direction drives the third lens unit 33 in the Y direction. That is, the lens driving units 60 on the + side and - side in the X direction correspond to the "driving unit" of the present invention.

[0060] In this embodiment, each lens driving unit 60 has a substantially identical shape. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, only the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the second lens unit 32 will be described, and the description of the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the third lens unit 33 will be omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each lens driving unit 60 is symmetrically arranged in the X and Y directions. Therefore, the + and - sides of the direction corresponding to the lens driving unit 60 of the third lens unit 33 are opposite to the + and - sides of the direction corresponding to the lens driving unit 60 of the second lens unit 32. Additionally, in the following description, the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 will be referred to as movable lenses.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the lens drive unit 60 includes an ultrasonic motor 61 and a contact part 62, and is arranged opposite to the shaft part 80. Additionally, the lens drive unit 60 is provided with a frame supporting the movable lens, a magnet part for detecting the position of the frame, etc. The structure of the frame and magnet part, etc., is the same as known structures.

[0062] The ultrasonic motor 61 has a composite resonant structure and is fixed to the frame of the lens drive unit 60, etc. The ultrasonic motor 61 is composed of a laminated body 63, which has multiple piezoelectric elements made up of rectangular plate-shaped components stacked on top of each other. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in each piezoelectric element constituting the laminate 63, the first piezoelectric element 63A of the first and second layers from the + side in the X direction has a through hole.

[0063] Furthermore, the second piezoelectric element 63B, other than the first piezoelectric element 63A with a through hole, is configured to include an electrode portion. The electrode portion is connected to an electrode terminal (not shown), which is connected to a substrate (not shown) disposed on the frame 10. Thus, the second piezoelectric element 63B is energized and vibrates. Specifically, the second piezoelectric element 63B simultaneously generates both Y-direction vibration (buckling resonance) and X-direction vibration (stretching resonance).

[0064] In addition, the first piezoelectric element 63A with the through hole does not include an electrode portion, thus becoming a dummy element that is not used for driving.

[0065] The storage portion 63C is formed by the through hole portion of the first piezoelectric element 63A and the space portion formed by the second piezoelectric element 63B in the third layer from the + side in the X direction.

[0066] The storage section 63C is a space for storing the contact section 62, and four of them are provided in the first piezoelectric element 63A (see also...). Figure 5 The four storage sections 63C are located at positions corresponding to the four vertices of a rectangle centered on the center point of the first piezoelectric element 63A.

[0067] In addition, the stacked body 63 is arranged such that the surface of the storage part 63C is located on the X-direction + side, and the short side of the rectangle formed by the four storage parts 63C is parallel to the Z-direction.

[0068] The contact portion 62 is, for example, a spherical component made of a metal such as ceramic, and is housed in each storage portion 63C in such a way that it contacts the laminate 63 (the second piezoelectric element 63B of the third layer) and the shaft portion 80. The contact portion 62 is bonded within the storage portion 63C by, for example, an adhesive.

[0069] There are a total of four contact portions 62 corresponding to four storage portions 63C. The two contact portions 62 arranged in the Z direction are also called contact portion groups. In this embodiment, the contact portions 62 are respectively stored in the four storage portions 63C arranged as described above, so there are two contact portion groups arranged in the Y direction.

[0070] The shaft portion 80 is a shaft component extending along the Y direction, supported on the frame 10 opposite to the laminate 63. The shaft portion 80 holds the movable lens via a frame that supports the movable lens. The Z-direction position of the central axis of the shaft portion 80 is the position where it is sandwiched between the two contact portions 62 of each contact portion group (see also...). Figure 7 In other words, the two contact portions 62 are arranged on the laminate 63 in such a way that they sandwich the shaft portion 80.

[0071] Specifically, viewed from the X direction, the two contact portions 62 are arranged in an area overlapping with the shaft portion 80, and are positioned symmetrically along the axis that encloses the central axis of the shaft portion 80. Thus, the two contact portions 62 are arranged such that the contact pressure (force in the X direction and the Z direction) with the shaft portion 80 is equal to that of each other.

[0072] When the second piezoelectric element 63B is energized, two vibrations are generated simultaneously, producing a vibration at the contact portion 62 that traces an elliptical trajectory inclined in the tilt direction (a direction having X and Y components). This vibration creates a frictional force in the tilt direction between the contact portion 62 and the shaft portion 80, thus allowing the ultrasonic motor 61 to apply a thrust to the frame, moving it along the optical axis (Y direction). This enables the movable lens to move in the Y direction.

[0073] In this embodiment configured as described above, there are two contact portions 62 that contact the laminate 63 and the shaft portion 80 and are disposed on the laminate 63 in a manner that clamps the shaft portion 80. As a result, the two contact portions 62 and the shaft portion 80 can be stably contacted, and thus the movable lens can be stably moved along the direction (Y direction) in which the shaft portion 80 extends.

[0074] For example, if the structure has a part (such as a plate) that receives vibrations from the contact part on the side wall of the frame, the contact position of the contact part may shift due to interference, making it difficult to move the movable lens stably. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately manage the mounting angle of the plate, etc.

[0075] In contrast, in this embodiment, two contact portions 62 are provided in such a way that they clamp the shaft portion 80, so the contact position of the contact portions 62 is difficult to shift, and the movable lens can be moved stably.

[0076] Furthermore, the contact portion group consisting of two contact portions 62 is arranged in a plurality of configurations in the Y direction (predetermined direction), making it more difficult for the contact position of the contact portion 62 to shift, thereby further improving the stable movement of the movable lens.

[0077] Furthermore, the laminate 63 has a receiving portion 63C for housing the contact portion 62 in the part opposite to the shaft portion 80, thus enabling accurate positioning of the contact portion 62. As a result, it can make contact with the shaft portion 80 with high precision, thereby further improving the stable movement of the movable lens.

[0078] In addition, the laminate 63 includes a first piezoelectric element 63A with a through hole and a second piezoelectric element 63B with an electrode portion, so the laminate 63 can be integrally formed from the piezoelectric elements.

[0079] Furthermore, the contact portion 62 is spherical, and therefore the contact surface of the contact portion 62 that contacts the shaft portion 80 is spherical. As a result, compared to a structure with sharp edges on the contact surface, the contact portion 62 and the shaft portion 80 can make smooth contact, thus making the shaft portion 80 less prone to wear.

[0080] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in the frame 10 of the second embodiment, in addition to the lens part 30, the lens driving part 60, and the shaft part 80, a storage part 90 is also provided to store a portion of the lens driving part 60 and the shaft part 80. The structure of the lens driving part 60 and the shaft part 80 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, the storage part 90 has a housing 91, an electrode part 92, a force-applying part 93, a rolling part 94, and a guide part 95.

[0082] The housing 91 is a storage portion for the lens drive portion 60 and a part of the shaft portion 80 in the storage portion 90, and is configured as a box-shaped structure with an opening on the - side in the X direction. In addition, the housing 91 also houses a part of the electrode portion 92, the rolling portion 94, and the guide portion 95.

[0083] Holes 91A for the shaft portion 80 to pass through are formed on the side walls of the housing 91 in the Y direction. In addition, mounting portions 91B for mounting the force-applying portion 93 are provided on both sides of the holes 91A in the Z direction of the housing 91.

[0084] Electrode 92 is an electrode for energizing the ultrasonic motor 61, and includes a first electrode 92A, a connecting portion 92B, and a second electrode 92C. The first electrode 92A is the electrode that contacts the substrate (not shown) of the camera module 1. The connecting portion 92B connects the first electrode 92A and the second electrode 92C. The first electrode 92A and the connecting portion 92B are disposed on the outside of the housing 91 (see reference). Figure 8).

[0085] The second electrode 92C is an electrode that contacts the surface of the second piezoelectric element 63B in the X direction on the - side, and is a portion of the electrode section 92 disposed in the housing 91. A hole 92D is formed in the central portion of the second electrode 92C.

[0086] The force-applying part 93 is an elastic body (e.g., a spring) used to apply force to the ultrasonic motor 61 toward the shaft 80. The force-applying part 93 has a main body part 93A, a mounting part 93B, and a pressure part 93C.

[0087] The main body 93A is configured to cover the opening of the housing 91. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 10A As shown, the mounting portion 93B is configured to extend from both ends of the main body portion 93A in the Y direction toward the X direction plus side, and is provided at a position corresponding to the mounting portion 91B of the housing 91. A hole 93D is formed in the mounting portion 93B, and the mounting portion 91B is hooked into the hole 93D (see also...). Figure 8 The force-applying part 93 is installed on the housing 91.

[0088] like Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, the pressure-applying part 93C is used to apply pressure to the ultrasonic motor 61, and it is configured to protrude from the center of the X-direction side surface of the main body part 93A. The pressure-applying part 93C is located at a position corresponding to the hole 92D of the second electrode 92C, and contacts the second piezoelectric element 63B of the ultrasonic motor 61 by passing through the hole 92D. Thus, the ultrasonic motor 61 can be pressurized by the pressure-applying part 93C, thereby applying force to the ultrasonic motor 61 toward the shaft part 80.

[0089] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the rolling part 94 comprises a plurality of rolling ball components 94A arranged such that the shaft portion 80 is sandwiched between the rolling part 62 and the rolling part 94. The rolling part 94 has a total of 22 ball components 94A. The plurality of ball components 94A are arranged in two groups (ball groups). The two ball groups are arranged such that the shaft portion 80 is sandwiched between both sides in the Z direction, and a portion of the ball components 94A in each ball group are positioned to contact the shaft portion 80.

[0090] The guide section 95 guides the rolling section 94 and has a guide holding section 951 and a guide support section 952.

[0091] The guide retaining part 951 is a retaining portion of the guide part 95 that holds multiple ball components 94A, and is configured to cover the multiple ball components 94A from the - side in the X direction. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the portion of the guide holding portion 951 on the - side in the X direction corresponding to the shaft portion 80 is a recess 951A that is recessed along the shaft portion 80.

[0092] like Figure 13 As shown, a guide recess 951B, which is elliptical in shape and extends along the Y direction, is formed on the X-direction + side of the guide holding portion 951. Two guide recesses 951B are provided such that they sandwich the portion corresponding to the recess 951A from both sides in the Z direction. A ball bearing assembly of a rolling portion 94 is disposed within each guide recess 951B.

[0093] The guide recess 951B is configured such that its length in the X direction is sufficient to accommodate two ball bearing components 94A, and its length in the Y direction is sufficient to accommodate multiple (approximately six) ball bearing components 94A.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a hole 951C is formed in the portion of the guide recess 951B corresponding to the recess 951A. The ball bearing 94A, positioned corresponding to the hole 951C, is configured to protrude beyond the wall of the recess 951A towards the shaft portion 80. Therefore, the ball bearing can contact the shaft portion 80 through the hole 951C. That is, the guide recess 951B is configured to include a region R1 where the ball bearing 94A faces the shaft portion 80 and a region R2 where the ball bearing 94A does not face the shaft portion 80.

[0095] like Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, the guide support 952 is disposed on the X-direction + side of the guide retaining part 951 to support the rolling part 94. A partition 953 is provided on the portion of the guide support 952 corresponding to the guide recess 951B to separate the plurality of ball components 94A of the ball set into two rows.

[0096] The partition 953 is configured to separate the region R1 in the guide recess 951B where the ball component 94A faces the shaft 80 and the region R2 where the ball component 94A does not face the shaft 80. As a result, the multiple ball components can roll along the ellipse of the guide recess 951B.

[0097] By configuring the guide portion 95 in this way, when the driving force from the ultrasonic motor 61 is transmitted to the shaft portion 80 and a force is applied to the shaft portion 80 to move in the Y direction, the ball component in contact with the shaft portion 80 rolls in the Y direction.

[0098] Specifically, such as Figure 15As shown, when a force is applied to the shaft portion 80 to move it in the direction of arrow A, a rolling force is applied to the inner ball members 94A in each ball assembly of the rolling portion 94 in the direction of arrow A. Therefore, even the ball members 94A that are not in contact with the shaft portion 80 are subjected to a rolling force due to being pressed by the ball members 94A that are rolling through contact with the shaft portion 80. As a result, the multiple ball members 94A of the ball assembly surround within the guide recess 951B. That is, the guide recess 951B is configured to allow the multiple ball members 94A to roll while surrounding the guide recess.

[0099] exist Figure 15 In the example shown, in the rolling section 94, the ball sets on the - side in the Z direction rotate in the direction of arrow B1, and the ball sets on the + side in the Z direction rotate in the direction of arrow B2. Furthermore, when a force is applied to the shaft section 80 to move it in the direction opposite to arrow A, the rotation direction of each ball set in the rolling section 94 is... Figure 15 The example shown is in the opposite direction.

[0100] According to the second embodiment configured as described above, the rolling portion 94 sandwiches the shaft portion 80 between itself and the contact portion 62, thereby reducing the frictional resistance of the surface on the rolling portion 94 side of the shaft portion 80. As a result, the movement of the movable lens becomes smoother.

[0101] Furthermore, the guide section 95 guides the rolling of the rolling section 94, thus enabling the rolling of the rolling section 94 to roll smoothly.

[0102] Furthermore, in the guide section of the guide section 95, multiple ball components 94A roll around while rotating, so it is not necessary to ensure the stroke of the ball components 94A based on the driving amount (movement amount) of the shaft section 80. As a result, a compact structure can be achieved.

[0103] In addition, the partition 953 separates the area R1 where the ball component 94A is opposite to the shaft portion 80 and the area R2 where the ball component 94A is not opposite to the shaft portion 80, so that multiple ball components 94A can be accurately surrounded within the guide recess 951B.

[0104] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the shaft portion 80 is configured as a cylinder, but the present invention is not limited to this and may not be configured as a cylinder.

[0105] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the shaft portion 80 can also be configured in a D-shape in cross-section. Specifically, the opposing surface 80A of the shaft portion 80 to the contact portion 62 is configured to be flat. The opposing surface 80B of the shaft portion 80 to the rolling portion 94 is configured to be arc-shaped.

[0106] However, if the shaft 80 is cylindrical, the contact surface with the contact portion 62 of the ultrasonic motor 61 is an arc surface, so the shaft 80 may rotate due to contact with the contact portion 62. When the shaft 80 rotates, wear powder that easily accumulates in the sliding part of the shaft 80 may be scattered.

[0107] In contrast, since the opposing surface 80A of the shaft portion 80 and the contact portion 62 is flat, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the shaft portion 80 due to contact with the contact portion 62. As a result, it is possible to suppress the scattering of wear powder caused by the rotation of the shaft portion 80.

[0108] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the guide portion 95 has a partition portion 953, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the guide support portion 952 has a groove configured such that the ball component 94A can be surrounded, the partition portion 953 may not be provided as long as the guide portion 95 can guide the rolling of the ball component 94A.

[0109] In addition, in the second embodiment described above, the guide portion 95 is a structure in which a plurality of ball bearing components 94A are surrounded, but the present invention is not limited to this and may not be a structure in which a plurality of ball bearing components 94A are surrounded.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, two contact portion groups are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. There may be three or more contact portion groups, or there may be only one contact portion group.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the number of first piezoelectric elements 63A with through holes (receiving portion 63C) is two, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of first piezoelectric elements with through holes can be appropriately adjusted according to the depth of the receiving portion.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contact portion 62 is housed in the housing portion 63C, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may also be adhered to the surface of the piezoelectric element of the first layer of the laminate 63. In this case, the piezoelectric element of the first layer may not be a dummy element.

[0113] In addition, in the above embodiments, the laminate is composed of a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element, but the present invention is not limited to this and may also be configured to include elements other than piezoelectric elements.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contact surface between the contact portion and the shaft portion is configured as a spherical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this and may not be configured as a spherical shape.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the drive control unit, the reflection drive control unit, and the shooting control unit are respectively provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least two of the drive control unit, the reflection drive control unit, and the shooting control unit may also be constituted by one control unit.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, a smartphone as a portable terminal with a camera was described as an example of a camera-mounted device equipped with a camera module 1. However, the present invention can be applied to camera-mounted devices having a camera module and an image processing unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module. The camera-mounted device includes an information device and a transmission device. Information devices include, for example, mobile phones with cameras, laptops, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, webcams, drones, and vehicle-mounted devices with cameras (e.g., rear-view cameras, dashcams). Transmission devices include, for example, automobiles and drones.

[0117] Figure 17A , Figure 17B This diagram shows a car V, which is a camera mounting device that is equipped with a vehicle camera module VC (Vehicle Camera). Figure 17A This is the front view of car V. Figure 17B This is a rear perspective view of vehicle V. The vehicle V is equipped with camera module 1 as described in the embodiment, which serves as an in-vehicle camera module VC. Figure 17A and Figure 17B As shown, the vehicle-mounted camera module VC can be mounted forward on the windshield or rearward on the trunk door. This vehicle-mounted camera module VC is used for rear monitoring, dashcams, collision avoidance control, and autonomous driving control, among other applications.

[0118] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely examples illustrating specific implementations of the present invention, and the scope of the invention should not be limited by them. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit or main features. For example, the shape, size, number, and material of the parts described in the above embodiments are merely examples and can be appropriately modified.

[0119] The entire contents of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Application No. 2023-222348, filed on December 28, 2023, are incorporated into this application.

[0120] Production availability

[0121] The optical element driving device of the present invention is useful as an optical element driving device, camera module, and camera mounting device that enables stable contact between an ultrasonic motor and a part receiving the vibration of the ultrasonic motor.

[0122] Symbol Explanation

[0123] 1—Camera module, 10—Frame, 20—Reflection drive unit, 21—Reflection frame, 22—Reflector, 23—Reflection drive control unit, 30—Lens unit, 31—First lens unit, 32—Second lens unit, 33—Third lens unit, 34—Fourth lens unit, 40—Shooting unit, 60—Lens drive unit, 61—Ultrasonic motor, 62—Contact part, 63—Laminated body, 63A—First piezoelectric element, 63B—Second piezoelectric element, 63C—Storage part, 80—Shaft part, 90—Collection part 91—Housing, 91A—Hole, 91B—Mounting part, 92—Electrode part, 92A—First electrode, 92B—Connecting part, 92C—Second electrode, 92D—Hole, 93—Force-applying part, 93A—Main body part, 93B—Mounted part, 93C—Pressure-applying part, 93D—Hole, 94—Rolling part, 94A—Ball component, 95—Guide part, 951—Guide holding part, 951A—Recess, 951B—Guide recess, 951C—Hole, 952—Guide support part, 953—Separation part.

Claims

1. An optical element driving device, characterized in that, have: The movable part houses the optical components; A drive unit having an ultrasonic motor that drives the movable part in a predetermined direction, the ultrasonic motor comprising a laminate of multiple plate-shaped elements including piezoelectric elements; and The shaft portion extends along the predetermined direction and is disposed opposite to the laminated body. The aforementioned drive unit has two contact portions that contact the aforementioned laminate and the aforementioned shaft portion, and are disposed on the aforementioned laminate in such a way that they clamp the aforementioned shaft portion.

2. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple contact portion groups, consisting of the two contact portions mentioned above, are arranged in the predetermined direction.

3. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned laminated body has a receiving portion for receiving the aforementioned contact portion in the portion opposite to the aforementioned shaft portion.

4. The optical element driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A through hole is formed in at least the surface layer of the aforementioned laminate. At least a portion of the aforementioned storage section is the space portion of the aforementioned through hole.

5. The optical element driving device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned laminate includes a first piezoelectric element having the aforementioned through hole and a second piezoelectric element including an electrode portion.

6. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface between the aforementioned contact portion and the aforementioned shaft portion is spherical.

7. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a rolling part that can roll, which is configured to sandwich the shaft part between itself and the contact part.

8. The optical element driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also has a guide part to guide the rolling of the aforementioned rolling part.

9. The optical element driving device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The aforementioned rolling part has multiple ball components, The guide portion of the plurality of ball components of the guide portion includes the area where the ball components are opposite to the shaft portion, and is configured to allow the plurality of ball components to roll around while being rotated.

10. The optical element driving device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The guide portion has a partition portion configured to separate the area where the ball component faces the shaft portion and the area where the ball component does not face the shaft portion.

11. The optical element driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The opposing surfaces of the aforementioned shaft portion and the aforementioned contact portion are configured to be flat. The opposing surfaces of the aforementioned shaft and the aforementioned rolling portion are configured as arcs.

12. A camera module, characterized in that, have: The optical element driving device according to claim 1; The component section includes an optical element held in the aforementioned movable portion; and The imaging unit captures an image of the subject formed by the aforementioned element unit.

13. A camera mounting device, which is an information device or a transmission device, characterized in that, have: The camera module of claim 12; and The shooting control unit processes the image information obtained from the aforementioned camera module.

Images