Blade drive device

Abstract

The blade drive device (101) has a rotating component (3); multiple blade components (2) that rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating component (3); and a drive mechanism (DM) that rotates the rotating component (3). As the rotating component (3) rotates, the multiple blade components (2) rotate respectively, thereby changing the size of the opening (AP) formed by the multiple blade components (2). The drive mechanism (DM) is configured to have a shape memory alloy wire (SA) and a oscillating drive body (7). The drive body (7) has a movable side wire fixing part (7W) that fixes one end of the shape memory alloy wire (SA) and an actuating part (7P) for rotating the rotating component (3). The distance (DS1) between the oscillation center (PC) of the drive body (7) and the actuating part (7P) is larger than the distance (DS2) between the oscillation center (PC) and the movable side wire fixing part (7W).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to blade drive devices. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, there are known blade driving devices that use shape memory alloy wire to rotate a ring member (rotating member) to actuate multiple blades, thereby changing the diameter of the opening of an aperture formed by the multiple blades (see Patent Document 1). In this device, the shape memory alloy wire is configured to have an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion extending circumferentially along the ring member, and a folded-back portion connecting the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-148842 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in the aforementioned device, in order to achieve the desired amount of rotation of the ring component, a long shape memory alloy wire with a folded-back section is required.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a blade drive device that can shorten the length of the shape memory alloy wire used to rotate the rotating component.

[0006] Methods for solving problems One embodiment of the blade drive device disclosed herein includes: a fixed-side component; a rotating component capable of rotating relative to the fixed-side component; a plurality of blade components rotatably supported on the fixed-side component and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating component; and a drive mechanism that rotates the rotating component, wherein the plurality of blade components rotate with the rotation of the rotating component, thereby changing the size of the opening formed by the plurality of blade components. The drive mechanism is configured to have a shape memory alloy wire and a oscillating drive body. The drive body has a movable side wire fixing portion for fixing one end of the shape memory alloy wire and an actuating portion for rotating the rotating component. The distance between the oscillation center of the drive body and the actuating portion is greater than the distance between the oscillation center and the movable side wire fixing portion.

[0007] Invention Effects The aforementioned blade drive device can shorten the length of shape memory alloy wire. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a blade drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2This is an exploded perspective view of the blade drive mechanism.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the cover component and the blade component.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a top view of the blade assembly and the rotating assembly.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of the blade drive device.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a bottom perspective view of the rotating component, return spring, intermediate component, conductive component, and drive mechanism.

[0014] Figure 7 These are top and bottom perspective views of the conductive components and drive mechanism.

[0015] Figure 8 These are the top and bottom views of the middle component.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a bottom view of the blade assembly, rotating components, and drive mechanism.

[0017] Figure 10 These are the top and bottom views of the reset mechanism.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the lens body and the blade drive device.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of a blade drive device according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a bottom view of a blade drive device according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, the blade drive device 101 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the blade drive device 101, which functions as a variable aperture device. Specifically, Figure 1 The image above is a perspective view of the blade drive device 101 with the aperture AP formed by the six blade components 2 in its most open state. Figure 1 The central image and the lower image are top perspective views of the blade drive device 101 when the aperture opening AP is in its minimum open state. Additionally, Figure 1 The image below is a perspective view of the blade drive device 101 mounted on the lens body LS from above. Furthermore, in Figure 1 For clarity, the open AP is marked with a dotted pattern.

[0022] exist Figure 1 In this system, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. Figure 1 In the diagram, the X1 side of the blade drive device 101 corresponds to the front side (front face) of the blade drive device 101, and the X2 side corresponds to the rear side (back face) of the blade drive device 101. Additionally, the Y1 side of the blade drive device 101 corresponds to the left side of the blade drive device 101, and the Y2 side corresponds to the right side of the blade drive device 101. Furthermore, the Z1 side of the blade drive device 101 corresponds to the upper side (subject side) of the blade drive device 101, and the Z2 side corresponds to the lower side (image sensor side) of the blade drive device 101. The same applies to other diagrams.

[0023] In the example diagram, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure below, the blade drive device 101 is configured to be mounted on the upper side (subject side) of the lens body LS, which is a fixed lens, and functions as a variable aperture device. Alternatively, the blade drive device 101 can also be configured to be mounted on the upper side (subject side) of a movable lens that moves in the optical axis direction via an autofocus function, and functions as a variable aperture device. In this case, the movable lens may also be a lens included in a lens drive device that has a camera image correction function based on image sensor shifting. Furthermore, the blade drive device 101 may be configured to move together with the movable lens. Alternatively, the blade drive device 101 may also be configured to be mounted inside a lens drive device with a periscope actuator, and functions as a variable aperture device.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the blade drive device 101 includes a cover component 1, a blade component 2, a rotating component 3, a return spring 4, an intermediate component 5, a conductive component 6, a drive body 7, a fixed-side metal component 8, a flexible metal component 9, a housing component 10, and a shape memory alloy wire SA.

[0025] Cover component 1 is a component that forms part of the housing HS, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing HS is formed together with the intermediate component 5 and the housing component 10 by being joined with the intermediate component 5 by adhesive or welding. In the example shown, the cover component 1 is a ring-shaped flat plate component formed of a synthetic resin such as polyimide, having an opening 1K. The cover component 1 may also be formed of metal.

[0026] Blade component 2 is a component that constitutes the aperture. In the example shown, blade component 2 is a flat plate-shaped component formed from synthetic resins such as polyimide, for example... Figure 2 As shown, it includes first blade components 2A to sixth blade components 2F. First blade components 2A to sixth blade components 2F have the same shape and the same size. Furthermore, blade components 2 can also be formed of metal.

[0027] The rotating component 3 is a component that rotates via a drive mechanism DM, which serves as the opening and closing mechanism of an aperture, and is configured to be able to rotate around... Figure 1 The rotation axis RX shown rotates. In the example shown, the rotating component 3 is a component made of synthetic resin with an opening 3K, including an annular portion 3N. Alternatively, the rotating component 3 can also be made of metal.

[0028] The return spring 4 is the component that applies force to the rotating part 3. In the example shown, the return spring 4 is a torsion spring (torsion coil spring), such as... Figure 2 As shown, when the rotating component 3 rotates around the rotation axis RX in the direction indicated by arrow AR1, a restoring force is generated, causing the rotating component 3 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow AR2.

[0029] Intermediate component 5 is a component that supports the drive mechanism DM. In the example shown, intermediate component 5 is a component formed by injection molding using synthetic resin, and together with cover component 1 and housing component 10, it constitutes housing HS.

[0030] The drive mechanism DM is used to rotate the rotating component 3 about the rotation axis RX. In the example shown, the drive mechanism DM is configured to include a drive body 7, a fixed-side metal component 8, a flexible metal component 9, and a shape memory alloy wire SA. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the drive mechanism DM includes a first drive mechanism DM1 and a second drive mechanism DM2, configured to rotate the rotating component 3 in the direction indicated by arrow AR1 to reduce the aperture opening AP.

[0031] The shape memory alloy wire SA is an example of a shape memory actuator, constituting the drive mechanism DM. In the illustrated example, the shape memory alloy wire SA includes a right-side wire SAR constituting the first drive mechanism DM1 and a left-side wire SAL constituting the second drive mechanism DM2. The shape memory alloy wire SA heats up when current flows through it and contracts accordingly. The drive mechanism DM utilizes the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA to rotate the rotating component 3.

[0032] The conductive component 6 is used to supply current to the shape memory alloy wire SA. In the example shown, the conductive component 6 is made of a metal such as iron. Furthermore, the conductive component 6 is a component partially embedded within the intermediate component 5, including the first conductive component 6A to the third conductive component 6C.

[0033] The drive body 7 is a component constituting the drive mechanism DM. In the example shown, the drive body 7 includes a right drive body 7R constituting the first drive mechanism DM1 and a left drive body 7L constituting the second drive mechanism DM2. Specifically, the drive body 7 is a cam (a mechanical element that changes the direction of motion) formed of metal, configured to oscillate about the swing axis AX, and has: a movable side wire fixing part 7W, which fixes one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA; an actuating part 7P, which transmits force to the rotating part 3 to rotate the rotating part 3; and a supported part 7S, which is a shaft part 5F provided on the fixed side part FB (intermediate part 5) as a support part SP (see reference). Figure 5 The central support (as shown in the central view) is capable of swinging; and the extension 7E is located between the actuating part 7P and the supported part 7S. A through part 7H is formed in the supported part 7S for the shaft part 5F to pass through. More specifically, the right drive body 7R is configured to swing about the right swing axis AXR, and has a right movable side wire fixing part 7WR, a right actuating part 7PR, a right supported part 7SR, and a right extension 7ER. The left drive body 7L is configured to swing about the left swing axis AXL, and has a left movable side wire fixing part 7WL, a left actuating part 7PL, a left supported part 7SL, and a left extension 7EL. Furthermore, the drive body 7 may be partially formed of metal and partially formed of synthetic resin. For example, the drive body 7 may also have a movable side wire fixing part 7W formed of metal and an actuating part 7P formed of synthetic resin.

[0034] The fixed-side metal component 8 is a component constituting the drive mechanism DM. In the example shown in the figure, the fixed-side metal component 8 includes a right fixed-side metal component 8R constituting the first drive mechanism DM1 and a left fixed-side metal component 8L constituting the second drive mechanism DM2.

[0035] In the example diagram, such as Figure 2As shown, one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed to the drive body 7, and the other end is fixed to the fixed-side metal component 8. That is, one end of the right-side wire SAR is fixed to the right drive body 7R, and the other end is fixed to the right fixed-side metal component 8R. Additionally, one end of the left-side wire SAL is fixed to the left drive body 7L, and the other end is fixed to the left fixed-side metal component 8L. Specifically, a movable side wire fixing part 7W is formed in the drive body 7 for fixing one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA, and a fixed side wire fixing part 8W is formed in the fixed-side metal component 8 for fixing the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SA. More specifically, a right movable side wire fixing part 7WR is formed in the right drive body 7R for fixing one end of the right-side wire SAR, and a right fixed side wire fixing part 8WR is formed in the right fixed-side metal component 8R for fixing the other end of the right-side wire SAR. In addition, a left movable side line fixing part 7WL is formed on the left drive body 7L for fixing one end of the left side line SAL, and a left fixed side line fixing part 8WL is formed on the left fixed side metal part 8L for fixing the other end of the left side line SAL.

[0036] In addition, in the example shown, the shape memory alloy wire SA is configured such that the middle part between one end and the other end does not contact other components and becomes straight when energized. However, it can also be configured such that the middle part contacts other components and does not become straight when energized.

[0037] In this embodiment, the drive body 7 is fixed to one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA by bending a portion of the drive body 7, which is formed of a metal plate, to clamp one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA. Therefore, the movable side wire fixing part 7W becomes a clamping part that holds one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA. Similarly, the fixed side metal member 8 is fixed to the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SA by bending a portion of the fixed side metal member 8, which is formed of a metal plate, to clamp the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SA. Therefore, the fixed side wire fixing part 8W becomes a clamping part that holds the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SA. Furthermore, the fixing of the drive body 7 or the fixed side metal member 8 to the shape memory alloy wire SA can be achieved by welding, or it can be reinforced by welding.

[0038] The flexible metal component 9 is a component constituting the drive mechanism DM, and is formed, for example, from a metal plate such as a copper alloy. Specifically, the flexible metal component 9 is a component for supplying current to the shape memory alloy wire SA, and includes a left flexible metal component 9L and a right flexible metal component 9R. In the example shown, the flexible metal component 9 has a fixed side portion 9F fixed to the conductive component 6, a movable side portion 9M fixed to the drive body 7, and an elastic arm portion 9G connecting the fixed side portion 9F and the movable side portion 9M. Specifically, the left flexible metal component 9L has a left fixed side portion 9FL, a left movable side portion 9ML, and a left elastic arm portion 9GL, and the right flexible metal component 9R has a right fixed side portion 9FR, a right movable side portion 9MR, and a right elastic arm portion 9GR.

[0039] Housing component 10 is a component that forms part of the enclosure HS, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing HS is formed together with the cover component 1 and the intermediate component 5 by being joined with the intermediate component 5 using adhesive or welding. In the example shown, as Figure 2 As shown, the housing component 10 is a cylindrical component formed of a synthetic resin such as LCP (liquid crystal polymer) and has an opening 10K. Specifically, the housing component 10 has an annular plate-shaped portion 10M and a cylindrical portion 10C extending from the outer edge of the plate-shaped portion 10M along the rotation axis RX.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover component 1, blade component 2, rotating component 3, return spring 4, and intermediate component 5 are assembled by engaging the engaging portions of each component with the engaged portions. Specifically, the cover component 1 has six circular first through holes 1H1 and six rounded rectangular second through holes 1H2 as engaged portions. The six blade components 2 each have a circular first through hole 2H1 and a rounded rectangular second through hole 2H2 as engaged portions. The rotating component 3 has six protrusions 3P protruding upward from the upper surface of the annular portion 3N as engaging portions. In addition, the intermediate component 5 has six protrusions 5P protruding upward from its upper surface as engaging portions. Furthermore, the engaging portions (protrusions) and engaged portions (through holes) in the example can be replaced by engaged portions (through holes) and engaging portions (protrusions), respectively. Alternatively, the through holes can also be notches.

[0041] More specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line DL1, the six protrusions 5P of the intermediate component 5 are configured to be inserted into the first through hole 2H1 of the blade component 2 and the first through hole 1H1 of the cover component 1, respectively. They are approximately immobile relative to each other within the first through hole 2H1 and the first through hole 1H1. Furthermore, as... Figure 2As shown by the dashed line DL2, the protrusion 3P of the rotating component 3 is configured to be inserted into the second through hole 2H2 of the blade component 2 and the second through hole 1H2 of the cover component 1, respectively, and can move relative to the second through hole 2H2 and the second through hole 1H2 respectively inside the second through hole 2H2 and the second through hole 1H2.

[0042] Here, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The detailed description of the positional relationships of the cover component 1, the blade component 2, the rotating component 3, and the intermediate component 5 is provided. Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the cover component 1 and the blade component 2. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the diagram, for clarity, the six protrusions 3P of the rotating component 3 are represented by dashed lines, and the six protrusions 5P of the intermediate component 5 are represented by dashed lines. Specifically, Figure 3 The top left and bottom left images show the state of the cover component 1 without the blade component 2 installed. Figure 3 The upper right and lower right images show the state of the cover component 1 with the blade component 2 installed. Furthermore, the upper left image corresponds to the upper right image, and the lower left image corresponds to the lower right image. Additionally, the upper left and upper right images show the aperture opening AP at its maximum open state, while the lower left and lower right images show the aperture opening AP at its minimum open state. Figure 4 This is a top view of the blade component 2 and the rotating component 3. Specifically, Figure 4 The image above is a top view of the rotating component 3 without the blade component 2 installed. Figure 4 The central view and the lower view are top views of the rotating component 3 with the blade component 2 installed. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the central diagram and the diagram below, for clarity, the six protrusions 5P of the central component 5 are indicated by dashed lines. Additionally, Figure 4 The top and center images show the aperture (AP) at its maximum opening. Figure 3 The top left and top right images correspond to each other. Additionally, Figure 4 The image below shows the aperture opening (AP) at its minimum open state, compared to... Figure 3 The lower left and lower right images correspond to each other. Additionally, Figure 4 The dotted areas marked in the central diagram represent the overlapping and contacting portions of two adjacent blade components 2.

[0043] More specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown in the lower right figure, when the rotating component 3 is viewed from below, it rotates clockwise relative to the rotation axis RX from... Figure 3When the rotation angle θ1 is rotated as shown in the upper right figure, the protrusion 3P of the rotating component 3 moves to the right in the figure within the second through hole 1H2 of the cover component 1 and the second through hole 2H2 of the second blade component 2B. Therefore, the second blade component 2B swings around the corresponding protrusion 5P in the direction indicated by arrow AR3.

[0044] That is, such as Figure 4 As shown in the figure below, when the rotating component 3 is viewed from above, it rotates counterclockwise relative to the rotation axis RX from Figure 4 When the rotation angle θ1 is rotated as shown in the central figure, the protrusion 3P of the rotating component 3 moves to the left in the second through hole 2H2 of the second blade component 2B. Therefore, the second blade component 2B swings around the corresponding protrusion 5P in the direction shown by arrow AR4.

[0045] The same applies to the first blade component 2A, the third blade component 2C, the fourth blade component 2D, the fifth blade component 2E, and the sixth blade component 2F. As a result, the aperture opening AP is reduced to its minimum open state.

[0046] Next, refer to Figures 5-8 The path of the current flowing through the shape memory alloy wire SA is explained. Figure 5 This is a lower perspective view of the blade drive device 101. Specifically, Figure 5 The image above is a lower perspective view of the blade drive device 101 with the housing component 10 installed. Figure 5 The central view is a lower perspective view of the blade drive device 101 with the housing component 10 removed. Figure 5 The image below is a perspective view of the blade drive unit 101 with the intermediate component 5 further removed. Figure 6 This is a bottom perspective view of the rotating component 3, the return spring 4, the intermediate component 5, the conductive component 6, and the drive mechanism DM. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the conductive component 6 and the drive mechanism DM when they are combined. Specifically, Figure 7 The image above is a three-dimensional view of the conductive component 6 and the drive mechanism DM from above. Figure 7 The image below is a three-dimensional view of the conductive component 6 and the drive mechanism DM. Figure 8 This is a diagram of intermediate component 5. Specifically, Figure 8 The image above is a top view of the middle component 5. Figure 8 The image below is a bottom view of the middle component 5. Furthermore, in Figure 8 For clarity, the middle component 5 is marked with a dotted pattern.

[0047] like Figure 6As shown, the rotating component 3 has two protrusions 3T protruding downward from the lower surface of the annular portion 3N. The two protrusions 3T constitute a bearing portion RP that bears the force (pressing pressure) generated by the drive mechanism DM. In the example shown, the bearing portion RP is configured to contact the actuating portion 7P of the drive body 7. However, the bearing portion RP may also be configured not to contact the actuating portion 7P of the drive body 7. In this case, for example, another oscillating drive body may be sandwiched between the bearing portion RP and the actuating portion 7P of the drive body 7.

[0048] like Figure 8 As shown, the intermediate component 5 has an annular wall portion 5W. Two through portions 5U are formed in the wall portion 5W for the two protrusions 3T, which serve as the bearing portion RP, to pass through.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the conductive component 6 includes an embedded portion EP embedded in the intermediate component 5, a connecting portion CS exposed on the lower surface of the intermediate component 5, and a terminal portion TM provided protruding downward from the intermediate component 5. Specifically, the conductive component 6 includes first conductive components 6A to third conductive components 6C. Furthermore, the first conductive component 6A includes a first embedded portion EP1, a first connecting portion CS1, and a first terminal portion TM1; the second conductive component 6B includes a second embedded portion EP2, a second connecting portion CS2, and a second terminal portion TM2; and the third conductive component 6C includes a third embedded portion EP3, a third connecting portion CS3, and a third terminal portion TM3. The third connecting portion CS3 includes a third left connecting portion CS3L and a third right connecting portion CS3R.

[0050] The first connecting portion CS1, the second connecting portion CS2, the third left connecting portion CS3L, and the third right connecting portion CS3R are configured to be exposed at the position of the recess 5T on the lower surface of the wall portion 5W of the intermediate member 5. Specifically, the first connecting portion CS1 is exposed at the position of the first recess 5T1, the second connecting portion CS2 is exposed at the position of the second recess 5T2, the third left connecting portion CS3L is exposed at the position of the third left recess 5T3L, and the third right connecting portion CS3R is exposed at the position of the third right recess 5T3R.

[0051] like Figure 6As shown, the drive body 7 has: a supported portion 7S, which is connected to the intermediate member 5 in a swingable manner; an actuating portion 7P, which can move by pressing against the bearing portion RP provided on the rotating member 3; a movable side line fixing portion 7W, which is provided between the supported portion 7S and the actuating portion 7P; and an extension portion 7E, which is located between the actuating portion 7P and the supported portion 7S. Specifically, the left drive body 7L has a left supported portion 7SL, a left actuating portion 7PL, a left movable side line fixing portion 7WL, and a left extension portion 7EL, and the right drive body 7R has a right supported portion 7SR, a right actuating portion 7PR, a right movable side line fixing portion 7WR, and a right extension portion 7ER.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, each supported portion 7S has a through portion 7H, through which a cylindrical shaft portion 5F, which is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the wall portion 5W of the intermediate member 5, is inserted. Alternatively, a protrusion may be formed in each supported portion 7S instead of the through portion 7H. In this case, a recess may be formed in the wall portion 5W of the intermediate member 5 to receive the protrusion. In addition, in the example shown, the supported portion 7S is supported by the shaft portion 5F protruding downward from the lower surface of the wall portion 5W of the intermediate member 5, but it may also be supported by a protrusion protruding upward from the upper surface of the plate-like portion 10M of the housing member 10.

[0053] The actuating parts 7P are configured to press the protrusions 3T, which serve as bearing parts RP, in the rotating member 3 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the actuating parts 7P are portions that extend obliquely along straight lines intersecting both the circumferential line and the radial line of a circle centered on the rotation axis RX, and are configured to slide in contact with the side of the protrusions 3T. In the example shown, the actuating parts 7P are configured such that when current is supplied to the corresponding shape memory alloy wire SA, as... Figure 9 As shown, the convex part 3T, which serves as the bearing part RP, is pressed into the circumferential direction by an angle θ1 by swinging around the axis 5F of the intermediate part 5.

[0054] The fixed-side metal component 8 is a component fixed to the intermediate component 5, including the left fixed-side metal component 8L and the right fixed-side metal component 8R. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the fixed-side metal component 8 has two first through holes 8H1 formed on each side, for inserting two cylindrical protrusions 5Q that protrude downwards from the lower surface of the wall portion 5W of the intermediate component 5. In the example shown, the engagement between the intermediate component 5 and the fixed-side metal component 8 is achieved by hot riveting or cold riveting the two protrusions 5Q that are inserted into the two first through holes 8H1. However, the engagement between the intermediate component 5 and the fixed-side metal component 8 can also be achieved by using an adhesive.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, a second through hole 8H2 is formed in the central portion of each of the fixed-side metal components 8. The second through hole 8H2 is used when the fixed-side metal component 8 is joined to the conductive component 6. In the example shown, the joining of the fixed-side metal component 8 and the conductive component 6 is achieved by laser welding. However, the joining of the fixed-side metal component 8 and the conductive component 6 can also be achieved by solder or conductive adhesive. In the example shown, the right fixed-side metal component 8R is joined to the first connecting portion CS1 of the first conductive component 6A by laser welding, and the left fixed-side metal component 8L is joined to the third left connecting portion CS3L of the third conductive component 6C by laser welding.

[0056] The flexible metal component 9 is a component fixed to the intermediate component 5, and includes a fixed side portion 9F, a movable side portion 9M, and an elastic arm portion 9G. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the fixed side portion 9F has a first through hole 9H1 through which a cylindrical protrusion 5S, protruding downward from the lower surface of the wall portion 5W of the intermediate member 5, is inserted. In the example shown, the engagement between the intermediate member 5 and the fixed side portion 9F is achieved by hot riveting or cold riveting the protrusion 5S inserted into the first through hole 9H1. However, the engagement between the intermediate member 5 and the fixed side portion 9F can also be achieved by adhesive.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, a second through hole 9H2 is formed in each of the fixed side portions 9F. The second through hole 9H2 is used when the fixed side portion 9F is joined to the conductive member 6. In the example shown, the joining of the fixed side portion 9F and the conductive member 6 is achieved by laser welding. However, the joining of the fixed side portion 9F and the conductive member 6 can also be achieved by solder or conductive adhesive. In the example shown, the right fixed side portion 9FR is joined to the third right connecting portion CS3R of the third conductive member 6C by laser welding, and the left fixed side portion 9FL is joined to the second connecting portion CS2 of the second conductive member 6B by laser welding.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, a third through hole 9H3 is formed on the movable side portion 9M, through which a cylindrical shaft portion 5F protrudes downward from the lower surface of the wall portion 5W of the intermediate component 5.

[0059] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, a fourth through hole 9H4 is formed in each movable side portion 9M. The fourth through hole 9H4 is used when the movable side portion 9M is joined to the supported portion 7S of the drive body 7. In the example shown, the joining of the movable side portion 9M and the supported portion 7S is achieved by laser welding. However, the joining of the movable side portion 9M and the supported portion 7S can also be achieved by solder or conductive adhesive. In the example shown, the right movable side portion 9MR is joined to the right supported portion 7SR of the right drive body 7R by laser welding, and the left movable side portion 9ML is joined to the left supported portion 7SL of the left drive body 7L by laser welding.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a recess 10R, which is circular when viewed from above, is formed in the plate-shaped portion 10M of the housing component 10. The recess 10R is for the front end of a cylindrical shaft portion 5F, which is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the wall portion 5W of the intermediate component 5, to be inserted.

[0061] In the configuration described above, if the first terminal portion TM1 of the first conductive component 6A is connected to a high potential and the third terminal portion TM3 of the third conductive component 6C is connected to a low potential, then the current is as follows: Figure 7 As shown by the dashed arrow in the above figure, the current flows through the first conductive component 6A (first terminal portion TM1, first embedded portion EP1 and first connecting portion CS1), the right fixed side metal component 8R (right fixed side wire fixing portion 8WR), the right side wire SAR, the right drive body 7R (right movable side wire fixing portion 7WR and right supported portion 7SR), the right flexible metal component 9R (right movable side portion 9MR, right elastic arm portion 9GR and right fixed side portion 9FR), and the third conductive component 6C (third right connecting portion CS3R and third embedded portion EP3) to the third terminal portion TM3 of the third conductive component 6C.

[0062] Furthermore, when the second terminal portion TM2 of the second conductive component 6B is connected to a high potential and the third terminal portion TM3 of the third conductive component 6C is connected to a low potential, such as Figure 7 As shown by the single-dotted arrow in the above figure, the current flows through the second conductive component 6B (second terminal portion TM2, second embedded portion EP2, and second connecting portion CS2), the left flexible metal component 9L (left fixed side portion 9FL, left elastic arm portion 9GL, and left movable side portion 9ML), the left drive body 7L (left supported portion 7SL and left movable side wire fixing portion 7WL), the left side wire SAL, the left fixed side metal component 8L (left fixed side wire fixing portion 8WL), and the third conductive component 6C (third left connecting portion CS3L and third embedded portion EP3) to the third terminal portion TM3 of the third conductive component 6C.

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 9 The motion of the drive mechanism DM will be explained. Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the blade component 2, the rotating component 3, the drive mechanism DM, and the return spring 4. Specifically, Figure 9 The image above shows the aperture (AP) at its maximum opening. Figure 9 The image below shows the aperture opening (AP) at its minimum open state. Furthermore, in... Figure 9 For clarity, dotted patterns are marked on the rotating component 3.

[0064] The drive mechanism DM is a mechanism for reducing the aperture AP by rotating the rotating component 3 around the rotation axis RX. It is configured to include a drive body 7, a fixed-side metal component 8, a flexible metal component 9, and a shape memory alloy wire SA.

[0065] In the example diagram, such as Figure 9 As shown in the figure above, the right actuator 7R is configured such that, in the state where no current is supplied to the right side line SAR, the distance DS1 between the right swing center PCR and the right action part 7PR of the right actuator 7R is greater than the distance DS2 between the right swing center PCR and the right movable side line fixing part 7WR of the right actuator 7R. The same applies to the left actuator 7L.

[0066] When current is supplied to the right-side line SAR of the first drive mechanism DM1, which comprises such a right drive body 7R, and the right-side line SAR contracts, as... Figure 9 As shown by arrow AR5 in the above figure, when viewed from below, the right actuator 7R swings clockwise around the right swing center PCR, and the right actuating part 7PR moves inward along the circumference of the circle centered on the right swing center PCR (towards the side closest to the rotation axis RX). Furthermore, if the right actuating part 7PR moves inward, the right protrusion 3TR (bearing part RP) of the rotating component 3, which is in contact with the right actuating part 7PR, is pressed inward by the right actuating part 7PR, and the rotating component 3... Figure 9 As shown by arrow AR6 in the image above, it rotates clockwise when viewed from below.

[0067] Figure 9 In the above diagram, the black arrow indicates that the working part 7P is pressed into the convex part 3T, which functions as the bearing part RP.

[0068] In other words, when supplying current to the right-side SAR, such as Figure 9 As shown in the diagram above, the right actuating part 7PR, as indicated by arrow AR5, presses against the right protrusion 3TR, which serves as the bearing part RP, and moves inward, as indicated by arrow AR6. This movement of the right protrusion 3TR causes the rotating part 3 to rotate. Similarly, when current is supplied to the left-side line SAL, as... Figure 9As shown in the diagram above, the left actuating part 7PL, as indicated by arrow AR7, presses against the left protrusion 3TL, which serves as the bearing part RP, and moves inward, as indicated by arrow AR8, causing the left protrusion 3TL to move and thus rotating the rotating part 3. As a result, the blade part 2 oscillates according to the rotation of the rotating part 3, as... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram below, the aperture opening AP becomes smaller. Furthermore, when the rotating component 3 rotates, the return spring 4 is compressed, generating a restoring force. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown in the figure below, when the rotating component 3 rotates by an angle θ1, the aperture opening AP becomes the smallest open state.

[0069] Subsequently, if the current supply to the shape memory alloy wire SA (left wire SAL and right wire SAR) is stopped, the driving force for the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA disappears. Therefore, the rotating component 3 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from below via the return spring 4, resetting to its original position. Figure 9 The state shown in the image above.

[0070] Here, refer to Figure 10 The details of the reset mechanism consisting of the reset spring 4 will be explained. Figure 10 These are the top and bottom views of the reset mechanism. Specifically, Figure 10 The top left and bottom left images are top views of the return spring 4, the intermediate component 5, and the drive body 7. Figure 10 The upper right and lower right images are bottom views of the blade component 2, the rotating component 3, the return spring 4, and the drive body 7. Additionally, Figure 10 The top left and top right images show the aperture opening AP at its maximum open state, i.e., when no current is supplied to the shape memory alloy wire SA. Figure 10 The lower left and lower right images show the aperture opening AP in its minimum open state, i.e., when current is supplied to the shape memory alloy wire SA. Furthermore, in Figure 10 For clarity, the return spring 4 is marked with a dotted pattern.

[0071] The return spring 4 has a base end 4B supported by the convex bearing portion 5E of the intermediate member 5, a movable end 4M pressed in by the convex portion 3T (right convex portion 3TR) of the rotating member 3, and an annular portion 4N housed in the annular recess 5N of the intermediate member 5.

[0072] If current is supplied to the shape memory alloy wire SA, the driving body 7 will... Figure 10 As shown in the lower left and lower right figures, the actuator 7P of the driving body 7 swings inward. Figure 10As shown in the lower right figure, the protrusion 3T of the rotating member 3, which serves as the bearing part RP, moves clockwise around the rotation axis RX when viewed from below. Furthermore, the right protrusion 3TR of the rotating member 3, rotating clockwise, contacts the movable end 4M of the return spring 4, thus pressing the movable end 4M clockwise and causing it to move. Additionally, in Figure 10 In the lower left and lower right figures, for ease of understanding, dashed lines represent the position of the movable end 4M of the return spring 4 and the driving body 7 when the aperture opening AP is in its most open state. Figure 10 In the lower right figure, the direction of movement of the protrusion 3T of the rotating component 3 is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0073] When the movable end 4M is pressed in a clockwise direction, the return spring 4 generates a restoring force that, when viewed from below, would cause the protrusion 3T of the rotating component 3 to move counterclockwise around the rotation axis RX. Therefore, if the current supply to the shape memory alloy wire SA is stopped and the driving force of the actuating part 7P of the drive body 7 to press the protrusion 3T in a clockwise direction disappears, the protrusion 3T moves counterclockwise and returns to its original position (the position when the aperture opening AP is in its most open state).

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 11 The positional relationship between the lens body LS and the blade drive device 101 is explained. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the lens body LS and the blade drive device 101. Specifically, Figure 11 Showing and including Figure 1 The image below shows the lens body LS and the cross section of the blade drive device 101 in an imaginary plane parallel to the XZ plane of the cut-off line CL.

[0075] like Figure 11 As shown, the fixed-side component FB, including the cover component 1, the intermediate component 5, and the housing component 10, is divided into two outer portions EA (front portion FA and rear portion BA) and a middle portion CA. The middle portion CA is located between the front portion FA and the rear portion BA. Furthermore, in Figure 11 In the diagram, for ease of understanding, a double-headed dashed arrow represents the front and rear widths WD of the middle section CA.

[0076] like Figure 11 As shown, the blade drive device 101 is configured such that the height H1 of the outer portion EA along the direction of the rotation axis RX is greater than the height H2 of the middle portion CA. That is, the blade drive device 101 is configured such that the middle portion CA is formed by a concave portion CV recessed upward on its lower surface. This relationship also holds true in the cross-section of the lens body LS in other imaginary planes including the rotation axis RX and in the cross-section of the blade drive device 101.

[0077] According to this configuration, the blade drive device 101 can receive a portion of the lens body LS within the concave portion CV, thereby suppressing the increase in the height H3 of the lens body LS and the blade drive device 101 as a whole along the rotation axis RX.

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 12 The blade drive device 101A, which is another configuration example of the blade drive device 101, will be described. Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the blade drive unit 101A with the cover component 1 and housing component 10 removed. Specifically, Figure 12 The image above shows the aperture (AP) at its maximum opening. Figure 12 The image below shows the aperture opening (AP) at its minimum open state. Furthermore, in... Figure 12 In the diagram, for ease of understanding, a diagram with markings is provided for rotating component 3. Additionally, in... Figure 12 In the figure below, for ease of understanding, the positions of the protrusion 3T of the rotating part 3 and a part of the driving body 7 (acting part 7P) when the aperture opening AP is in the maximum open state are indicated by dashed lines, and the moving direction of the protrusion 3T and the swinging direction of the driving body 7 are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0079] Blade drive unit 101A and blade drive unit 101 (see reference) Figure 9 The difference lies in that, in the blade drive device 101A, the movable side wire fixing part 7W of the drive body 7 is located outside the swing center PC (the side away from the rotation axis RX), while in the blade drive device 101, the movable side wire fixing part 7W of the drive body 7 is located inside the swing center PC (the side closer to the rotation axis RX). Therefore, in the blade drive device 101A, when the shape memory alloy wire SA contracts due to the supply of current to it, the actuating part 7P of the drive body 7 moves outward (away from the rotation axis RX) along the circumference of the circle centered on the swing center PC. Furthermore, in the blade drive device 101, the actuating part 7P of the drive body 7 moves inward (closer to the rotation axis RX) along the circumference of the circle centered on the swing center PC.

[0080] The active part 7P is a portion that extends obliquely along a straight line that intersects the circumferential line and the radius line of the circle centered on the rotation axis RX, and is configured to slide in contact with the circumferential surface of the cylindrical protrusion 3T.

[0081] Furthermore, in the blade drive device 101A, when viewed from the direction (below) along the rotation axis RX of the rotating member 3, the direction in which the drive body 7 swings around the swing center PC (counterclockwise) as the shape memory alloy wire SA contracts due to energization is different from the direction in which the rotating member 3 rotates around the rotation axis RX as the drive body 7 swings (clockwise).

[0082] In this way, the driving body 7 can also be configured such that the actuating part 7P and the movable side line fixing part 7W are located on opposite sides of each other across the swing axis AX of the driving body 7.

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 13 The blade drive device 101B, which is another configuration example of the blade drive device 101, will be described. Figure 13 This is a bottom view of the blade drive unit 101B with the cover component 1 and housing component 10 removed. Specifically, Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the aperture opening (AP) in its intermediate open state. The intermediate open state is when the size (aperture area or aperture diameter) of the aperture opening (AP) is larger than in the minimum open state but smaller than in the maximum open state. Furthermore, in... Figure 13 In order to make it easier to understand and explain, the rotating part 3 is marked with a pattern.

[0084] The blade drive device 101B differs from the blade drive device 101A in that the working part 7P of the drive body 7 is formed from the inner edge of the through hole 7T in the extension 7E of the drive body 7. Specifically, the left working part 7PL of the left drive body 7L is formed from the inner edge of the left through hole 7TL, and the right working part 7PR of the right drive body 7R is formed from the inner edge of the right through hole 7TR.

[0085] The active part 7P is a portion that extends obliquely along a straight line that intersects the circumferential line and the radius line of the circle centered on the rotation axis RX, and is configured to slide in contact with the circumferential surface of the cylindrical protrusion 3T.

[0086] According to this configuration, the actuating part 7P of the driving body 7, as shown by the dashed arrow AR9, moves counterclockwise around the swing center PC when viewed from below, and the rotating part 3, as shown by the dashed arrow AR10, rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis RX when viewed from below.

[0087] Thus, the active part 7P can also be formed from the inner edge of the through hole 7T in the extension 7E of the drive body 7.

[0088] As mentioned above, Figure 2As shown, the blade drive device 101 of this disclosure includes: a fixed-side member FB; a rotating member 3 rotatable relative to the fixed-side member FB; a plurality of blade members 2 rotatably supported on the fixed-side member FB and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 3; and a drive mechanism DM that rotates the rotating member 3. In the blade drive device 101, as... Figure 1 As shown, multiple blade components 2 rotate with the rotation of the rotating component 3, thereby changing the size of the opening AP formed by the multiple blade components 2. Figure 2 As shown, the drive mechanism DM is configured with a shape memory alloy wire SA and a oscillating drive body 7. The drive body 7 has a movable side wire fixing part 7W for fixing one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA and an actuating part 7P for rotating the rotating component 3. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the distance DS1 between the swing center PC of the drive body 7 and the action part 7P is greater than the distance DS2 between the swing center PC and the movable side line fixing part 7W.

[0089] This configuration allows for a reduction in the length of the shape memory alloy wire SA. In other words, this configuration ensures the rotational amount of the rotating component 3 even with a short shape memory alloy wire SA.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the drive unit 7 may also have a support portion SP (shaft portion 5F, see reference 5F) provided on the fixed side component FB (intermediate component 5). Figure 5 (The central view) The support is a rotatable supported part 7S. In this case, the swing axis AX of the drive body 7 is preferably configured to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis RX of the rotating part 3.

[0091] This configuration has the effect of suppressing the increase in size of the blade drive device 101 in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the rotation axis RX. This is because the drive body 7 oscillates along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis RX. However, in other embodiments, the oscillation axis AX of the drive body 7 may also be configured to intersect (not be parallel to) the rotation axis RX of the rotating component 3.

[0092] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown in the figure above, the blade drive device 101 is preferably configured such that, when viewed from the direction (below) along the rotation axis RX of the rotating member 3, the direction in which the drive body 7 swings with the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA caused by energization (clockwise direction as indicated by arrow AR5) is the same as the direction in which the rotating member 3 rotates with the swing of the drive body 7 (clockwise direction as indicated by arrow AR6).

[0093] This configuration is completely opposite to the swing direction of the drive body 7 and the rotation direction of the rotating component 3. Figure 12Compared to the configuration shown, this configuration enables the rotating component 3 to rotate effectively. This is to minimize the change in the direction of the force when the drive body 7 transmits force to the rotating component 3.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the drive body 7 may also have an extension 7E located between the supported portion 7S and the actuating portion 7P. In this case, the movable side wire fixing portion 7W is preferably configured to be connected to the extension 7E at a position closer to the swing center PC (supported portion 7S) of the drive body 7 than the actuating portion 7P.

[0095] This configuration utilizes the lever principle to achieve the effect of increasing the rotation of the rotating component 3 with a simple structure.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, the actuating part 7P can also be provided at the front end of the extension 7E in a manner that allows it to abut against the rotating member 3. In this case, the movable side-line fixing part 7W is preferably connected to the extension 7E at a position on the inner circumferential side of the extension 7E. Furthermore, the inner circumferential side refers to the side that is closer to the rotation axis RX than the outer circumferential side.

[0097] This configuration enables the rotating component 3 to rotate stably. This is achieved by having the drive body 7, which functions as a cam, directly contact the rotating component 3, causing the rotating component 3 to rotate. Furthermore, this configuration allows the oscillation direction of the drive body 7 to be the same as the rotation direction of the rotating component 3, thus enabling the rotating component 3 to rotate effectively.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fixed-side component FB (intermediate component 5) may also have a wall portion 5W located between the first region ZN1 (upper region) and the second region ZN2 (lower region) in the direction along the rotation axis RX of the rotating component 3. In this case, it is preferable that the blade component 2 is disposed in the first region ZN1, and the shape memory alloy wire SA and the drive body 7 are disposed in the second region ZN2.

[0099] In other words, the fixed side component FB (intermediate component 5) may also have at least a portion of a wall portion 5W (partition wall portion) having a surface along an imaginary plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the rotation axis RX of the rotating component 3. In the example shown in the figure, as... Figure 5As shown in the central view, the wall portion 5W has a lower surface along an imaginary plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the rotation axis RX of the rotating member 3. Furthermore, in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the rotating member 3, the blade member 2 is disposed in the region on one side (Z1 side) of the wall portion 5W (the first region ZN1 on one side (Z1 side) of the wall portion 5W), and the shape memory alloy wire SA and the drive body 7 are disposed in the region on the other side (Z2 side) of the wall portion 5W (the second region ZN2 on the other side (Z2 side) of the wall portion 5W).

[0100] In other words, the blade component 2, the shape memory alloy wire SA, and the drive body 7 can also be disposed in different regions along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the rotating component 3. Furthermore, the fixed side component FB (intermediate component 5) can also have a wall portion 5W located between the first region ZN1 where the blade component 2 is disposed and the second region ZN2 where the shape memory alloy wire SA and the drive body 7 are disposed.

[0101] This configuration prevents interference between the blade component 2, the shape memory alloy wire SA, and the drive body 7. Additionally, this configuration reduces the radial dimension.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the rotating component 3 may also have an annular portion 3N disposed in the first region ZN1 and a protrusion 3T protruding from the annular portion 3N toward the second region ZN2 (Z2 side, the side away from the blade component 2). That is, a portion of the protrusion 3T (the bearing portion RP) may also be located in the second region ZN2. In this case, it is preferable that, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, the wall portion 5W has a through portion 5U for the protrusion 3T to be inserted, such as Figure 5 As shown, the actuating part 7P is configured to abut against the bearing part RP provided on the protrusion 3T.

[0103] Compared to a configuration where the actuating part 7P and the protrusion 3T, which functions as a bearing part RP, do not directly contact each other, this configuration provides the effect of reliably transmitting the motion of the actuating part 7P to the rotating part 3.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the rotating component 3 may also have an annular portion 3N disposed in the first region ZN1 and at least three protrusions 3U protruding from the annular portion 3N toward the second region ZN2 side (Z2 side, the side away from the blade component 2). In the example shown, the rotating component 3 has four protrusions 3U. In this case, it is preferable that, as Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the wall portion 5W has a plurality (four) recesses 5R for the protrusion 3U to be disposed, and at least a portion of the side surface SF of the recesses 5R is configured to guide the rotation of the rotating member 3. In addition, the recesses 5R may also be through portions.

[0105] This configuration allows the rotation of the rotating component 3 to be guided by multiple recesses 5R or through-holes.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the drive body 7 can also be made of metal and have a through portion 7H. In this case, the wall portion 5W preferably has a shaft portion 5F (support portion SP) that supports the drive body 7 on the side facing the second region ZN2 (Z2 side), allowing it to rotate and insert through the through portion 7H. Furthermore, the through portion 7H can be a through hole or a notch.

[0107] This configuration allows for the implementation of the drive mechanism DM with a simple construction.

[0108] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the fixed-side component FB (intermediate component 5) may also have a conductive component 6 and a fixed-side metal component 8. In this case, it is preferable that the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed to the fixed-side metal component 8, and the drive body 7 is made of metal and is electrically and mechanically connected to the conductive component 6 via a flexible metal component 9.

[0109] This configuration facilitates the establishment of a reliable electrical path for the shape memory alloy wire SA. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the flexible metal component 9 is connected to the outside via the conductive component 6, but it can also be connected via a flexible printed circuit board. In this case, the flexible printed circuit board can be mounted along the outer periphery of the intermediate component 5, or the conductive component 6 can be omitted.

[0110] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the shape memory alloy wire SA and the drive body 7 can also be arranged in a pair, separated by the rotation axis RX of the rotating component 3. In the example shown, the first drive mechanism DM1, including the right wire SAR and the right drive body 7R, and the second drive mechanism DM2, including the left wire SAL and the left drive body 7L, are arranged opposite each other across the rotation axis RX.

[0111] This configuration provides the following benefits: it stabilizes the rotation of the rotating component 3, thereby stabilizing the oscillation of the blade component 2. Furthermore, this configuration increases the driving force of the drive mechanism DM.

[0112] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, a return spring 4 can also be provided between the fixed-side component FB (intermediate component 5) and the rotating component 3 to reset the rotating component 3 to its initial state. In the example shown, the initial state means that no current is supplied to the shape memory alloy wire SA, and in the initial state, the aperture opening AP is in its most open state. Furthermore, the return spring 4 is a torsion spring (torsion coil spring).

[0113] This configuration enables the blade component 2 to suppress undesirable swaying when not in use (when no current is supplied to the shape memory alloy wire SA).

[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixed-side component FB may also have a housing HS that houses the rotating component 3 and the drive mechanism DM (shape memory alloy wire SA and drive body 7). In this case, the shape of the cross-section of the housing HS in an imaginary plane including the rotation axis RX of the rotating component 3 (a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the rotation axis RX of the rotating component 3 and including the rotation axis RX of the rotating component 3) is as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the dimensions (height H1) of the two outer portions EA located in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation RX of the rotating member 3 (Z-axis direction) in the axial direction (X-axis direction) can be larger than the dimensions (height H2) of the middle portion CA located between the two outer portions EA in the axial direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the middle portion CA can also be a concave portion CV recessed towards one side (Z1 side) where the blade member 2 is disposed. In other words, the middle portion CA can also be a lens body placement portion recessed towards one side (Z1 side) where the lens body LS can be disposed.

[0115] This configuration allows a portion of the lens body LS to be positioned in the intermediate portion CA, thus, compared to configurations that cannot position a portion of the lens body LS in the intermediate portion CA, it at least suppresses the increase in the axial (Z-axis) dimension of the camera module having the blade drive device 101 and the lens body LS.

[0116] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the various features described with reference to the above embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they are not technically contradictory.

[0117] For example, in the above embodiment, the blade component 2 is composed of six blade components (first blade component 2A to sixth blade component 2F) having the same shape and size, but it can also be composed of two to five or more blade components having the same shape and size, or it can be composed of two or more blade components having different shapes.

[0118] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-207058, filed on December 7, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0119] [Figure Labeling Explanation] 1. Cover component; 1H1. First through hole; 1H2. Second through hole; 1K. Opening; 2. Blade component; 2A. First blade component; 2B. Second blade component; 2C. Third blade component; 2D. Fourth blade component; 2E. Fifth blade component; 2F. Sixth blade component; 2H1. First through hole; 2H2. Second through hole; 3. Rotating component; 3K. Opening; 3N. Annular part; 3P. Protrusion; 3T. Protrusion; 3TL. Left protrusion; 3TR. Right protrusion; 3U. Protrusion; 4. Return spring; 4B. Base end; 4M. Movable end; 4N 5. Annular portion; 5. Intermediate component; 5E. Convex bearing portion; 5F. Shaft portion; 5N. Annular recess; 5P, 5Q, 5S. Convex portion; 5R. Recess; 5T. Recess; 5T1. First recess; 5T2. Second recess; 5T3L. Third left recess; 5T3R. Third right recess; 5U. Through portion; 5W. Wall portion; 6. Conductive component; 6A. First conductive component; 6B. Second conductive component; 6C. Third conductive component; 7. Driving body; 7E. Extension; 7EL. Left extension; 7ER. Right extension; 7H. Through portion; 7L. Left driving body; 7P. • Actuating part; 7PL··· Left actuating part; 7PR··· Right actuating part; 7R··· Right driving body; 7S··· Supported part; 7SL··· Left supported part; 7SR··· Right supported part; 7T··· Through hole; 7TL··· Left through hole; 7TR··· Right through hole; 7W··· Movable side wire fixing part; 7WL··· Left movable side wire fixing part; 7WR··· Right movable side wire fixing part; 8··· Fixed side metal part; 8H1··· First through hole; 8H2··· Second through hole; 8L··· Left fixed side metal part; 8R··· Right fixed side metal part; 8W··· Fixed side wire fixing part; 8WL··· Left fixed side wire fixing part; 8WR··· Right fixed side metal part Side-line fixing part; 9··· Flexible metal component; 9F··· Fixed side part; 9FL··· Left fixed side part; 9FR··· Right fixed side part; 9G··· Elastic arm part; 9GL··· Left elastic arm; 9GR··· Right elastic arm; 9H1··· First through hole; 9H2··· Second through hole; 9H3··· Third through hole; 9H4··· Fourth through hole; 9L··· Left flexible metal component; 9M··· Movable side part; 9ML··· Left movable side part; 9MR··· Right movable side part; 9R··· Right flexible metal component; 10··· Housing component; 10C··· Cylindrical part; 10K··· Opening; 10M··· Plate-shaped part; 10R··· Recess;101, 101A, 101B... Blade drive device; AP... Opening; AX... Swing axis; AXL... Left swing axis; AXR... Right swing axis; BA... Rear part; CA... Middle part; CS... Connecting part; CS1... First connecting part; CS2... Second connecting part; CS3... Third connecting part; CS3L... Third left connecting part; CS3R... Third right connecting part; CV... Concave part; DM... Drive mechanism; DM1... First drive mechanism; DM2... Second drive mechanism; EA... Outer part; EP... Embedded part; EP1···First Embedded Section; EP2···Second Embedded Section; EP3···Third Embedded Section; FA···Front Side Section; FB···Fixed Side Component; HS···Housing; LS···Lens Body; PC···Oscillation Center; PCL···Left Oscillation Center; PCR···Right Oscillation Center; RP···Bearing Section; RX···Rotation Axis; SA···Shape Memory Alloy Wire; SAL···Left Side Wire; SAR···Right Side Wire; SF···Side Wire; SP···Support Section; TM···Terminal Section; TM1···First Terminal Section; TM2···Second Terminal Section; TM3···Third Terminal Section.

Claims

1. A blade drive device, characterized in that, have: Fixed side components; The rotating component is capable of rotating relative to the fixed-side component; Multiple blade components are rotatably supported on the fixed side component and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating component; as well as The drive mechanism causes the rotating component to rotate. The plurality of blade components rotate as the rotating component rotates, thereby changing the size of the opening formed by the plurality of blade components. The drive mechanism is configured with shape memory alloy wire and a oscillating drive body. The drive body has a movable side wire fixing part that fixes one end of the shape memory alloy wire and an actuating part for rotating the rotating component. The distance between the swing center of the drive body and the action part is greater than the distance between the swing center and the movable side line fixing part.

2. The blade drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive body has a support portion provided on the fixed side component, which supports a rotatable supported portion. The swing axis of the drive body is configured to be approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating component.

3. The blade drive device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis of the rotating component, the direction in which the drive body oscillates with the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire caused by energization is the same as the direction in which the rotating component rotates with the oscillation of the drive body.

4. The blade drive device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving body has an extension located between the supported portion and the actuating portion. The movable side line fixing part is provided on the extension part at a position closer to the swing center of the drive body than the actuating part.

5. The blade drive device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The actuating part is provided at the front end of the extension in a manner that allows it to abut against the rotating component. The movable side line fixing part is connected to the extension at the position on the inner circumference side of the extension.

6. The blade drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The fixed-side component has a wall portion located between the first region and the second region in the direction along the rotation axis of the rotating component. The blade component is disposed in the first region. The shape memory alloy wire and the driving body are disposed in the second region.

7. The blade drive device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotating component has an annular portion disposed in the first region and a protrusion protruding from the annular portion toward the second region. The wall portion has a through portion through which the protrusion is inserted. The actuating part is configured to abut against the bearing part provided on the protrusion.

8. The blade drive device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotating component has an annular portion disposed in the first region and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the annular portion toward the second region. The wall portion has a plurality of recesses or through portions on which the protrusions are disposed. At least a portion of the side surface of the recess or through portion is configured to guide the rotation of the rotating component.

9. The blade drive device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving body is made of metal and has a through portion. The wall portion has a shaft portion on the side facing the second region that supports the drive body so that it can rotate and is inserted into the through portion.

10. The blade drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The fixed-side component has a conductive component and a fixed-side metal component. The other end of the shape memory alloy wire is fixed to the fixed side metal component. The drive body is made of metal and is electrically connected to the conductive component via a flexible metal part.

11. The blade drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The shape memory alloy wire and the drive body are arranged in a pair across the rotation axis of the rotating component.

12. The blade drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A return spring is provided between the fixed side component and the rotating component to return the rotating component to its initial state.

13. The blade drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The fixed-side component has a housing that accommodates the rotating component and the drive mechanism. In the cross-sectional shape of the housing in an imaginary plane including the axis of rotation of the rotating component, the dimension in the axial direction of the two outer portions located in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating component is larger than the dimension in the axial direction of the middle portion located between the two outer portions. The middle portion becomes a concave portion recessed towards the side where the blade component is disposed.

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