Optical unit and smartphone
The optical unit addresses high torque requirements in image stabilization by employing a dual-axis swing mechanism and preload system, reducing driving force and improving image stabilization efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025146410
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing image stabilization devices require high torque to correct camera shake due to the design of the actuator, which complicates the driving mechanism.
An optical unit with a movable body and support structure that allows the optical element to swing about two axes, utilizing a convex portion and preload mechanism to reduce the force required for driving, and a convex portion on the swing axis to minimize friction.
The optical unit reduces the force needed for driving, stabilizes image capture by correcting camera shake effectively, and enhances correction accuracy by oscillating the optical element around two axes.
Smart Images

Figure 2025172901000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical unit and a smartphone. [Background technology]
[0002] When taking still images or videos with a camera, image blur may occur due to camera shake. Image stabilization devices have been put into practical use to suppress image blur and enable clear shooting. When camera shake occurs, image stabilization devices suppress image blur by correcting the attitude of the camera module in response to the camera shake (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an actuator including an optical element, an optical element holder, an intermediate base, and a bottom base. The optical element is held in the optical element holder. The intermediate base supports the optical element holder. The intermediate base is disposed on the bottom base. The intermediate base has an arc-shaped groove. The bottom base has an arc-shaped groove. The grooves of the intermediate base and the bottom base are disposed on a circle having a center on the rotation axis. A plurality of balls are disposed between the grooves of the intermediate base and the bottom base. The optical element rotates by rotating the intermediate base relative to the bottom base. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 208090 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, in the actuator of Patent Document 1, the torque required to rotate the intermediate base relative to the bottom base is the product of the length (radius) from the center of rotation to the ball and the friction force. In the actuator of Patent Document 1, the balls are located at the ends of the intermediate base and the bottom base. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the force required to drive the actuator.
[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an optical unit and a smartphone that can reduce the force required for driving. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] An exemplary optical unit of the present disclosure includes a movable body, a support, and a swing mechanism. The movable body includes an optical element that changes the direction of travel of light. The support supports the movable body so that it can swing about a swing axis. The swing mechanism swings the movable body about the swing axis. One of the movable body and the support has a first convex portion. The first convex portion protrudes toward the other of the movable body and the support. The other of the movable body and the support contacts the first convex portion. The first convex portion is arranged on the swing axis. The optical axis of the optical element and the swing axis are arranged to overlap.
[0008] Another exemplary smartphone of the present disclosure has the above optical unit. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical unit and a smartphone that can reduce the force required for driving can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a smartphone equipped with an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical unit according to this embodiment, disassembled into a movable body and a support body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a movable body of the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line VA-VA in FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB in FIG. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line VC-VC in FIG. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along line VD-VD in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the optical elements and holder of the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical elements, the holder, and the first preload portion of the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical elements, the holder, the first preload portion, the first support portion, and the second magnet of the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a movable body of the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing the first support portion of the optical unit according to this embodiment from one side X1 in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the support body of the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the second support portion of the optical unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view showing the second support portion of the optical unit according to this embodiment from the other side X2 in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the second support portion, the first convex portion, the second convex portion, and the second magnet of the optical unit according to this embodiment, viewed from the other side X2 in the first direction X. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the structure around the elastic portion of the optical unit according to the first modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the structure around the elastic portion of an optical unit according to a second modified example of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.
[0012] For ease of understanding, the present specification appropriately refers to a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z that intersect with one another. Although the present specification refers to the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z as being perpendicular to one another, they do not necessarily have to be perpendicular. One side of the first direction will be referred to as one side X1 of the first direction X, and the other side of the first direction will be referred to as the other side X2 of the first direction X. One side of the second direction will be referred to as one side Y1 of the second direction Y, and the other side of the second direction will be referred to as the other side Y2 of the second direction Y. One side of the third direction will be referred to as one side Z1 of the third direction Z, and the other side of the third direction will be referred to as the other side Z2 of the third direction Z. For convenience, the first direction X may be referred to as the up-down direction. One side X1 of the first direction X indicates the downward direction, and the other side X2 of the first direction X indicates the upward direction. However, the up-down direction, the upper direction, and the lower direction are defined for the sake of convenience of explanation and do not necessarily correspond to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction is defined merely for the sake of convenience of explanation and does not limit the orientation of the optical unit according to the present disclosure when used or assembled.
[0013] First, an example of an application of the optical unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view that schematically shows a smartphone 200 that includes the optical unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The smartphone 200 has the optical unit 1. The optical unit 1 reflects incident light in a specific direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical unit 1 is suitable for use as an optical component of the smartphone 200, for example. Note that the application of the optical unit 1 is not limited to the smartphone 200, and it can be used in various devices such as digital cameras and video cameras.
[0014] The smartphone 200 has a lens 202 into which light is incident. In the smartphone 200, the optical unit 1 is disposed inside the lens 202. When light L enters the smartphone 200 through the lens 202, the traveling direction of the light L is changed by the optical unit 1. Then, the light L passes through a lens unit (not shown) and is captured by an imaging element (not shown).
[0015] Next, the optical unit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 14. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment, disassembled into a movable body 2 and a support body 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the optical unit 1 has at least the movable body 2, the support body 3, and a second oscillation mechanism 120. In this embodiment, the optical unit 1 has a first preload unit 40. In this embodiment, the optical unit 1 further has a second preload unit 150 (FIG. 5C). In this embodiment, the optical unit 1 further has a first oscillation mechanism 110. In this embodiment, the optical unit 1 further has a first preload unit 40. The second oscillation mechanism 120 is an example of a "oscillating mechanism" in the present disclosure. The first preload unit 40 is an example of a "holder preload unit" in the present disclosure. The second preload unit 150 is an example of a "preload unit" in the present disclosure. The first swinging mechanism 110 is an example of the "holder swinging mechanism" of the present disclosure, and will be described in detail below.
[0016] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the movable body 2 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the optical unit 1 has the movable body 2 and a support body 3. The support body 3 supports the movable body 2 so that it can swing about a second swing axis A2. The second swing axis A2 is an example of the "swing axis" of the present disclosure.
[0017] The movable body 2 has an optical element 10. The movable body 2 also has a holder 20 and a first support portion 30. The first support portion 30 is an example of a "support portion" in the present disclosure. The movable body 2 also has a first preload portion 40. The optical element 10 changes the traveling direction of light. The holder 20 holds the optical element 10. The first support portion 30 supports the holder 20 and the optical element 10 so as to be swingable about a first swing axis A1 that intersects with the second swing axis A2. The first swing axis A1 is an example of a "holder swing axis" in the present disclosure. The first support portion 30 is supported by the support body 3 so as to be swingable about the second swing axis A2. More specifically, the first support portion 30 is supported by the second support portion 60 of the support body 3 so as to be swingable about the second swing axis A2.
[0018] That is, the holder 20 is swingable relative to the first support portion 30, and the first support portion 30 is swingable relative to the second support portion 60. Therefore, the optical element 10 can be swung about each of the first swing axis A1 and the second swing axis A2, and the attitude of the optical element 10 can be corrected about each of the first swing axis A1 and the second swing axis A2. This makes it possible to suppress image blur in two directions. As a result, correction accuracy can be improved compared to when the optical element 10 is swung about only one swing axis. The first swing axis A1 is also called the pitch axis. The second swing axis A2 is also called the roll axis.
[0019] The first oscillation axis A1 is an axis extending along the third direction Z that intersects with the first direction X and the second direction Y. The second oscillation axis A2 is an axis extending along the first direction X. Therefore, the optical element 10 can be oscillated around the first oscillation axis A1 that intersects with the first direction X and the second direction Y. The optical element 10 can also be oscillated around the second oscillation axis A2 that extends along the first direction X. This allows the attitude of the optical element 10 to be appropriately corrected. The first direction X and the second direction Y are directions along the traveling direction of light L (FIG. 5A). In other words, the optical element 10 can be oscillated around the first oscillation axis A1 that intersects with the first direction X and the second direction Y, which are the traveling directions of light. This allows the attitude of the optical element 10 to be more appropriately corrected.
[0020] Furthermore, the first support portion 30 supports the holder 20 in the third direction Z. Therefore, the first support portion 30 can be easily swung about the first swing axis A1 extending along the third direction Z. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first support portion 30 supports the holder 20 in the third direction Z via the first preload portion 40.
[0021] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line VA-VA in FIG. 2. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB in FIG. 2. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line VC-VC in FIG. 2. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along line VD-VD in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the optical element 10 and holder 20 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D and 6, the optical element 10 is made of a prism. The prism is made of a transparent material having a refractive index higher than that of air. The optical element 10 may be, for example, a plate-shaped mirror. In this embodiment, the optical element 10 has a substantially triangular prism shape. Specifically, the optical element 10 has a light incident surface 11, a light exit surface 12, a reflecting surface 13, and a pair of side surfaces 14. Light L is incident on the light incident surface 11. The light exit surface 12 is connected to the light incident surface 11. The light exit surface 12 is disposed perpendicular to the light incident surface 11. The reflecting surface 13 is connected to the light incident surface 11 and the light exit surface 12. The reflecting surface 13 is inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to each of the light incident surface 11 and the light exit surface 12. The reflecting surface 13 reflects light L traveling in one side X1 of the first direction X to one side Y1 of the second direction Y intersecting with the first direction X. In other words, the optical element 10 reflects light L traveling in one side X1 of the first direction X to one side Y1 of the second direction Y intersecting with the first direction X. A pair of side surfaces 14 are connected to the light incident surface 11, the light exit surface 12, and the reflecting surface 13.
[0022] The optical axis L10 of the optical element 10 and the second oscillation axis A2 are arranged to overlap. In this specification, the optical axis L10 of the optical element 10 means an axis that coincides with at least one of the following: an axis that is perpendicular to the light incident surface 11 of the optical element 10 and passes through the center of the reflecting surface 13; an axis that coincides with the optical axis of the lens 202 into which light is incident; an axis that passes through the intersection of the optical axis of the lens unit at the reflection destination and the reflecting surface 13 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit; or an axis that passes through the intersection of the reflecting surface 13 and a line passing through the center of the image sensor and extends in a direction perpendicular to the line passing through the center of the image sensor. Typically, the axis perpendicular to the light incident surface 11 of the optical element 10 and passing through the center of the reflecting surface 13, the optical axis of the lens 202 into which the light is incident, the axis passing through the intersection of the optical axis of the lens unit at the reflection destination and the reflecting surface 13 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit, and the axis passing through the intersection of the line passing through the center of the imaging element and the reflecting surface 13 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the line passing through the center of the imaging element all coincide.
[0023] At least one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30 has a recessed portion recessed on the side opposite to the first preload portion 40, or a protruding portion protruding toward the first preload portion 40. In this embodiment, the holder 20 has an axial recessed portion 22b recessed on the side opposite to the first preload portion 40.
[0024] Specifically, the holder 20 is made of, for example, resin. The holder 20 has a holder main body 21 and a pair of side surfaces 22. The holder 20 also has a pair of opposing side surfaces 22a and an axial recess 22b.
[0025] The holder body 21 extends in the third direction Z. The holder body 21 has a support surface 21a and a plurality of recesses 21d. In this embodiment, the holder body 21 has three recesses 21d. The support surface 21a supports the optical element 10. The support surface 21a faces the reflecting surface 13 of the optical element 10 and is connected to the pair of side portions 22. The support surface 21a is an inclined surface inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the incident direction of the light L, and is in contact with the reflecting surface 13 of the optical element 10 over substantially the entire inclined surface. The incident direction of the light L is a direction toward one side X1 of the first direction X. The recesses 21d are arranged on the support surface 21a. The recesses 21d are recessed on the side opposite the optical element 10. Note that the holder body 21 does not necessarily have the recesses 21d.
[0026] The holder main body 21 also has a back surface 21b and a bottom surface 21c. The back surface 21b is connected to an end of the support surface 21a on the opposite side to the emission direction of the light L. The "emission direction of the light L" is one side Y1 of the second direction Y. The "end on the opposite side to the emission direction of the light L" is the end on the other side Y2 of the second direction Y. The bottom surface 21c is connected to the support surface 21a and the back surface 21b.
[0027] The pair of side surface portions 22 extend from the holder main body 21 in a transverse direction that intersects with the third direction Z. The transverse direction includes, for example, the first direction X and the second direction Y. The pair of side surface portions 22 are arranged at both ends of the holder main body 21 in the third direction Z. The pair of side surface portions 22 have shapes that are symmetrical to each other in the third direction Z. The pair of opposing side surfaces 22a are arranged on each of the pair of side surface portions 22. The pair of opposing side surfaces 22a face the pair of first preload portions 40, respectively. The detailed structure of the first preload portion 40 will be described later. The axial recess 22b is arranged on the opposing side surface 22a. The axial recess 22b is recessed toward the inside of the holder 20 on the first oscillation axis A1. The axial recess 22b accommodates at least a portion of the axial protrusion 45 of the first preload portion 40. The axial recess 22b has at least a portion of a concave spherical surface.
[0028] Furthermore, one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30 has a limiting recess 22c. The limiting recess 22c limits movement of the protruding portion 46 of the first preload portion 40 in a direction intersecting with the first swing axis A1.
[0029] In this embodiment, the holder 20 has a limiting recess 22c. Specifically, the limiting recess 22c is arranged on the opposing side surface 22a. The limiting recess 22c limits the first preload portion 40 from moving more than a predetermined distance along the side surface portion 22. More specifically, the limiting recess 22c is recessed toward the inside of the holder 20 in the third direction Z. The limiting recess 22c has an inner surface 22d. For example, the limiting recess 22c may be a recess that is closed on both sides in the first direction X and on both sides in the second direction Y. Furthermore, for example, the limiting recess 22c may be a recess that is open on one side in the first direction X or on one side in the second direction Y.
[0030] The protrusion 46 of the first preload portion 40 is disposed inside the limiting recess 22c. When the axial protrusion 45 is fitted into the axial recess 22b, the protrusion 46 of the first preload portion 40 is spaced a predetermined distance from the inner surface 22d of the limiting recess 22c. On the other hand, if an impact or the like is applied to the optical unit 1 and the holder 20 is about to move, for example, in the first direction X or the second direction Y, by more than a predetermined distance, the protrusion 46 of the first preload portion 40 comes into contact with the inner surface 22d of the limiting recess 22c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holder 20 from coming off the first preload portion 40. In this embodiment, for example, four limiting recesses 22c are provided. The number of limiting recesses 22c may be one, but preferably there are multiple limiting recesses.
[0031] The optical unit 1 has a first preload portion 40. The first preload portion 40 connects the holder 20 and the first support portion 30. The first preload portion 40 is elastically deformable. The first preload portion 40 is disposed on at least one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30. The first preload portion 40 applies a preload to at least the other of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30 in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1. This prevents the holder 20 from being displaced relative to the first support portion 30 in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1. Furthermore, even if manufacturing errors occur in the dimensions of each component, it is possible to prevent wobbling or the like from occurring in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1. In other words, for example, it is possible to prevent the position of the holder 20 from being displaced in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1. The axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1 is a direction along the third direction Z. In this specification, "applying a preload" means applying a load in advance.
[0032] Next, the detailed structure of the first preload section 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical element 10, holder 20, and first preload section 40 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical element 10, holder 20, first preload section 40, first support section 30, and second magnet 121 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the first preload section 40 is disposed between the holder 20 and the first support section 30. The first preload section 40 applies a preload to the holder 20 in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1.
[0033] Specifically, in this embodiment, each first preload portion 40 is a single member. The first preload portion 40 is formed by bending a single plate member. In this embodiment, the first preload portion 40 is a leaf spring. The first preload portion 40 is disposed on the first support portion 30.
[0034] The first preload portion 40 has a first surface portion 41 located on the holder 20 side, a second surface portion 42 located on the first support portion 30 side, and a curved portion 43 connecting the first surface portion 41 and the second surface portion 42. Therefore, the first preload portion 40 can be easily deformed in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1. As a result, an elastic force is generated by the bending of the curved portion 43, so that a preload can be easily applied to the holder 20 in the axial direction with a simple configuration.
[0035] Specifically, the first surface portion 41 faces the holder 20 in the axial direction of the first swing axis A1. The first surface portion 41 faces the side surface portion 22 of the holder 20. The first surface portion 41 extends along the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first surface portion 41 is disposed along the side surface portion 22. The second surface portion 42 faces the first support portion 30 in the axial direction of the first swing axis A1. The second surface portion 42 faces the side surface portion 32 of the first support portion 30. The second surface portion 42 extends along the first direction X and the second direction Y. The second surface portion 42 is disposed along the side surface portion 32.
[0036] The curved portion 43 is elastically deformable. Therefore, the first surface portion 41 and the second surface portion 42 can move toward or away from each other. In this embodiment, with the first preload portion 40 disposed between the holder 20 and the first support portion 30, the first preload portion 40 is compressively deformed in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1 so that the first surface portion 41 and the second surface portion 42 move toward each other. Therefore, the first preload portion 40 applies a preload to the holder 20 by a reaction force according to the amount of deformation.
[0037] The first preload portion 40 has a convex portion that protrudes toward at least one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30, or a concave portion that is recessed on the side opposite to at least one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30. The convex portion or concave portion of the first preload portion 40 contacts the concave portion or convex portion of at least one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30. In this embodiment, the first preload portion 40 has an axial convex portion 45. The axial convex portion 45 protrudes toward the holder 20. The axial convex portion 45 of the first preload portion 40 contacts the axial concave portion 22b of the holder 20.
[0038] In this embodiment, the axial convex portion 45 is disposed on the first surface portion 41. The axial convex portion 45 protrudes toward the holder 20 on the first oscillation axis A1. The axial convex portion 45 has at least a portion of a spherical surface. A portion of the axial convex portion 45 is housed in the axial recess 22b. Therefore, the axial convex portion 45 and the axial recess 22b are in point contact, so that the holder 20 can be stably supported by the first preload portion 40.
[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of first preload portions 40 are provided. That is, the optical unit 1 has a pair of first preload portions 40. The pair of first preload portions 40 are arranged on both sides of the holder 20 in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1. Therefore, the holder 20 can be supported more stably than when the first preload portions 40 are arranged on only one side of the holder 20.
[0040] Specifically, the axial convex portions 45 of the pair of first preload portions 40 respectively contact the pair of axial concave portions 22b of the holder 20. The holder 20 is supported from both sides in the axial direction of the first oscillation axis A1 by the first preload portions 40 at two contact points that contact the axial convex portions 45. Therefore, the holder 20 can swing around the first oscillation axis A1, which passes through the two contact points.
[0041] The first preload portion 40 further has a protrusion 46. The protrusion 46 is disposed on one of the first surface portion 41 and the second surface portion 42, and protrudes toward one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30. In this embodiment, the protrusion 46 is disposed on the first surface portion 41, similar to the axial protrusion 45. The protrusion 46 protrudes toward the holder 20 in the direction along the first oscillation axis A1. The protrusion 46 is provided corresponding to the limiting recess 22c. For example, four protrusions 46 are provided on each first preload portion 40. A portion of the protrusion 46 is housed in the limiting recess 22c. The protrusion 46 is disposed so as to surround the axial protrusion 45. In other words, the axial protrusion 45 is disposed within a region including the four protrusions 46. The number of protrusions 46 may be, for example, one to three, or five or more. The protrusion 46 is formed by bending the end of the first surface portion 41.
[0042] The first preload portion 40 has an attachment portion 47. The attachment portion 47 is disposed on, for example, the second surface portion 42. The attachment portion 47 is disposed on the upper end of the second surface portion 42. The attachment portion 47 is attached to the upper end of the side surface portion 32 of the first support portion 30. The attachment portion 47 is attached to the side surface portion 32, for example, by sandwiching the upper end of the side surface portion 32 in the first direction X. Note that the first preload portion 40 does not have to have the attachment portion 47, and may be fixed to the first support portion 30 using, for example, an adhesive or the like.
[0043] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the movable body 2 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 is a view showing the first support part 30 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment from one side X1 in the first direction X. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the support body 3 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the second support part 60 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 , one of the movable body 2 and the support 3 has a first convex portion 71 that protrudes toward the other of the movable body 2 and the support 3. Specifically, one of the first support portion 30 and the second support portion 60 has a first convex portion 71 that protrudes toward the other of the first support portion 30 and the second support portion 60. The other of the movable body 2 and the support 3 comes into contact with the first convex portion 71. The first convex portion 71 is disposed on the second oscillation axis A2. Therefore, the movable body 2 oscillates around the first convex portion 71. This reduces the length from the contact position between the movable body 2 and the support 3 to the oscillation center. The force required to oscillate the movable body 2 is the product of the length from the contact position to the oscillation center and the frictional force. Therefore, by disposing the first convex portion 71 on the second oscillation axis A2, the force required to oscillate the movable body 2 can be reduced. In other words, the force required to drive the optical unit 1 can be reduced. The material of the first protrusion 71 is not particularly limited, but the first protrusion 71 is formed of, for example, ceramic, resin, or metal.
[0045] Furthermore, since the first convex portion 71 is disposed on the second oscillation axis A2, the contact position between the movable body 2 and the support body 3 does not move relative to the first convex portion 71. Therefore, for example, the frictional force between the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 and the first convex portion 71 can be reduced compared to when the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 slides relative to the first convex portion 71 when the movable body 2 oscillates. Furthermore, since the optical axis L10 and the second oscillation axis A2 are disposed to overlap, it is possible to prevent the optical axis L10 from deviating from the second oscillation axis A2 when the movable body 2 is oscillated.
[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support body 3 has the first convex portion 71. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first convex portion 71 from rotating when the movable body 2 swings. Therefore, the first convex portion 71 can stably support the movable body 2. As a result, the swinging of the movable body 2 is stabilized.
[0047] Furthermore, one of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 has a plurality of second protrusions 72 that protrude toward the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3. Specifically, one of the first support portion 30 and the second support portion 60 has a plurality of second protrusions 72 that protrude toward the other of the first support portion 30 and the second support portion 60. The plurality of second protrusions 72 are arranged at a position spaced apart from the second oscillation axis A2. The other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 contacts the plurality of second protrusions 72. The first protrusion 71 and the plurality of second protrusions 72 are arranged on the same plane that intersects with the second oscillation axis A2. Therefore, the movable body 2 can be supported by the first protrusion 71 and the plurality of second protrusions 72 that are arranged on the same plane. As a result, the movable body 2 can be stably supported. The same plane on which the first protrusion 71 and the plurality of second protrusions 72 are arranged may be, for example, a plane including the opposing surface 61a or a plane including the lower opposing surface 31e. The material of the second protrusion 72 is not particularly limited, but the second protrusion 72 is formed of, for example, ceramic, resin, or metal.
[0048] Furthermore, the position of the second convex portion 72 is constant. In other words, the second convex portion 72 does not move relative to either the movable body 2 or the support body 3. In this embodiment, the second convex portion 72 does not move relative to the support body 3. In other words, in this embodiment, even when the movable body 2 swings, the position of the second convex portion 72 relative to the support body 3 is constant. Therefore, the movable body 2 can be supported more stably.
[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of second protrusions 72 is two. Therefore, since the movable body 2 is supported by three protrusions (first protrusions 71 and second protrusions 72), the movable body 2 can be supported more stably than when the movable body 2 is supported by four or more protrusions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, point contact with the movable body 2 is made at three points, so the movable body 2 can be supported even more stably.
[0050] The other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 has a first recess 31f recessed in the opposite direction to the first protrusion 71. The first recess 31f comes into contact with the first protrusion 71. Therefore, by receiving the first protrusion 71 in the concave first recess 31f, it is possible to prevent the center of the first protrusion 71 from shifting from the central axis of the first recess 31f. As a result, it is possible to prevent image blurring caused by a shift in the center of rotation. It is also possible to prevent the oscillation of the movable body 2 from becoming unstable due to a shift in the center of rotation. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent fluctuations in the value of the current required for oscillation.
[0051] Moreover, in this embodiment, the movable body 2 has the first recess 31f, and the support body 3 has the first protrusion 71. Therefore, when the first protrusion 71 is a sphere, the movable body 2 can be assembled to the support body 3 with the sphere disposed on the second support part 60, which facilitates the assembly work.
[0052] Next, the structure around the first support part 30 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first support part 30 has a support main body 31 and a pair of side surface parts 32. The pair of side surface parts 32 are arranged on both sides of the holder 20 in the axial direction of the first swing axis A1. The support main body 31 connects the pair of side surface parts 32.
[0053] The support body 31 has an upper opposing surface 31a. The upper opposing surface 31a faces the holder 20 in the first direction X. The upper opposing surface 31a is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the holder 20.
[0054] The pair of side surface portions 32 are arranged on both ends of the support body 31 in the third direction Z. The pair of side surface portions 32 have shapes that are symmetrical to each other in the third direction Z. The side surface portions 32 have inner surface 32a. The inner surface 32a faces the holder 20 in the third direction Z.
[0055] One of the first support part 30 and the holder 20 has a groove 32b. The groove 32b is recessed on the side opposite to the other of the first support part 30 and the holder 20 on the first swing axis A1. Therefore, the holder 20 and the first preload part 40 can be easily attached to the first support part 30 by moving the first preload part 40 along the groove 32b. In this embodiment, the first support part 30 has the groove 32b. The groove 32b is recessed on the side opposite to the holder 20 on the first swing axis A1. The groove 32b accommodates at least a portion of the first preload part 40 and extends in a direction intersecting the first swing axis A1.
[0056] In this embodiment, the groove 32b is disposed on the inner surface 32a. The groove 32b accommodates a portion of the first preload portion 40. The groove 32b extends in the first direction X.
[0057] Each side surface portion 32 has a pair of support pillars 32c and a connecting portion 32d. The pair of support pillars 32c are spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The support pillars 32c extend in the first direction X. The connecting portion 32d connects the upper portions of the support pillars 32c to each other. The length of the connecting portion 32d in the third direction Z is shorter than the length of the support pillars 32c in the third direction Z. The pair of support pillars 32c and the connecting portion 32d form a groove 32b.
[0058] Furthermore, the first preload portion 40 is movable along the groove 32b. In this embodiment, the first preload portion 40 is movable in the first direction X along the groove 32b. By moving the first preload portion 40 along the groove 32b, the attachment portion 47 of the first preload portion 40 sandwiches the connection portion 32d in the third direction Z. Thus, the first preload portion 40 is fixed to the first support portion 30.
[0059] The side surface portion 32 also has an outer surface 32e and an accommodating recess 32f. The outer surface 32e faces outward in the third direction Z. The accommodating recess 32f is disposed on the outer surface 32e. The accommodating recess 32f accommodates at least a portion of the second magnet 121 of the second oscillation mechanism 120. The side surface portion 32 also has a pair of notches 32g. The notches 32g are disposed at the ends of the accommodating recess 32f in the second direction Y. The protrusions 122a of the magnet support plate 122 are disposed in the notches 32g. The magnet support plate 122 supports the second magnet 121. The notches 32g support the magnet support plate 122. The material of the magnet support plate 122 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a magnetic material. In this case, the magnet support plate 122 is also referred to as a back yoke. Using the magnet support plate 122 made of a magnetic material can suppress magnetic leakage. The second magnet 121 is an example of the "magnet" of the present disclosure.
[0060] Furthermore, the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 has a second recess 31g. In this embodiment, the movable body 2 has the second recess 31g. Specifically, the support body 31 has a lower opposing surface 31e, a first recess 31f, and a second recess 31g. The lower opposing surface 31e faces the support body 3 in the first direction X. The first recess 31f and the second recess 31g are arranged in the lower opposing surface 31e.
[0061] The first recess 31f is disposed on the second oscillation axis A2. The first recess 31f has a portion of a concave spherical surface. Therefore, because the first protrusion 71 is received by the concave spherical surface, the first protrusion 71 is less likely to shift laterally within the first recess 31f. As a result, the movable body 2 can be stably supported. On the other hand, for example, if the first recess 31f has a rectangular cross section, the first protrusion 71 is more likely to shift laterally relative to the first recess 31f. Furthermore, in this embodiment, unlike when the first protrusion 71 and the first recess 31f have rectangular cross sections, for example, the first protrusion 71 and the first recess 31f can easily come into point contact.
[0062] The second recess 31g is recessed in the opposite direction to the second protrusion 72. The second recess 31g is spaced apart from the first recess 31f. That is, the second recess 31g is spaced apart from the second oscillation axis A2. A plurality of second recesses 31g are provided. In this embodiment, two second recesses 31g are provided. The two second recesses 31g are arranged at positions that are equidistant from the second oscillation axis A2. The second recess 31g has a sliding surface 31h and an inner surface 31i.
[0063] Further, the second recess 31g contacts the second protrusion 72. Specifically, the sliding surface 31h of the second recess 31g contacts the second protrusion 72. The sliding surface 31h is disposed substantially parallel to the lower opposing surface 31e. That is, the depth of the second recess 31g is substantially constant.
[0064] 10, the contour of the second recess 31g is located outside the second protrusion 72 when viewed from the optical axis direction. This prevents the second protrusion 72 from contacting the inner surface 31i of the second recess 31g. As a result, friction between the second protrusion 72 and the second recess 31g can be reduced. Specifically, the inner surface 31i surrounds the sliding surface 31h. The inner surface 31i is spaced apart from the second protrusion 72. That is, when viewed from the optical axis direction, the contour of the second recess 31g is spaced apart from the second protrusion 72. The inner surface 31i is located at a position where it does not come into contact with the second protrusion 72 when the first support member 30 is swung by the second swing mechanism 120 around the second swing axis A2. Although two second recesses 31g are provided in this embodiment, only one may be provided. That is, for example, one second recess larger than the second recess 31g may be provided, and two second protrusions 72 may be accommodated in the one second recess. In other words, the outline of one second recess may be located outside the two second protrusions 72. However, the thickness of the first support section 30 in the region where the second recess is formed will be thin. For this reason, providing one large second recess may reduce the strength of the first support section 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, two second recesses 31g are provided to ensure the thickness of the first support section 30 in regions other than the movable region of the second protrusion 72. In other words, the second recess is formed in two. This prevents the thickness of the first support section 30 between the two second recesses 31g from becoming thin. As a result, the strength of the first support section 30 can be prevented from decreasing.
[0065] 3 and 5A, the second convex portion 72 is disposed on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y of the first concave portion 31f. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second convex portion 72 from coming into contact with the reflecting surface 13 of the optical element 10. As a result, it is possible to easily ensure a space for arranging the optical element 10. It is also possible to mount a larger optical element 10. Specifically, a part of the reflecting surface 13 protrudes toward one side X1 in the first direction X and one side Y1 in the second direction Y with respect to the lower opposing surface 31e. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the optical element 10 from coming into contact with the portion of the first support portion 30 where the second convex portion 72 is disposed. As a result, it is possible to ensure a space for arranging the optical element 10.
[0066] 11 and 12, the support body 3 has a second support portion 60, a first convex portion 71, a second convex portion 72, and a magnetic member 73. The support body 3 preferably has an opposing surface 61a and a third accommodating recess 61d.
[0067] Specifically, the second support portion 60 supports the first support portion 30 so as to be swingable about a second swing axis A2 that intersects with the first swing axis A1. The second support portion 60 also supports the first support portion 30 in the first direction X.
[0068] FIG. 13 is a view showing the second support part of the optical unit according to this embodiment from the other side X2 in the first direction X. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the second support part 60 has a support main body 61, a pair of side surfaces 62, and a rear surface 63. The support main body 61 has an opposing surface 61a, a first accommodating recess 61b, at least two second accommodating recesses 61c, and a plurality of third accommodating recesses 61d. In this embodiment, the support main body 61 has one first accommodating recess 61b, two second accommodating recesses 61c, and two third accommodating recesses 61d. Note that, although this embodiment describes an example in which the second support part 60 has the first accommodating recess 61b and the second accommodating recess 61c, one of the movable body 2 and the support 3 may have a first accommodating recess and a second accommodating recess recessed in the opposite direction from the other of the movable body 2 and the support 3. Furthermore, for example, one of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 may have a first accommodating recess, and the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 may have a second accommodating recess.
[0069] The opposing surface 61a faces the lower opposing surface 31e of the first support part 30 in the first direction X. The first accommodating recess 61b, the second accommodating recess 61c, and the third accommodating recess 61d are arranged on the opposing surface 61a. The first accommodating recess 61b, the second accommodating recess 61c, and the third accommodating recess 61d are recessed in the direction opposite to the movable body 2 in the first direction X. In other words, the first accommodating recess 61b, the second accommodating recess 61c, and the third accommodating recess 61d are recessed on one side X1 in the first direction X. The first accommodating recess 61b faces the first recess 31f of the first support part 30 in the first direction X. The first accommodating recess 61b is arranged on the same circumference C (see FIG. 13) centered on the second oscillation axis A2. The first accommodating recess 61b accommodates a portion of the first protrusion 71. Therefore, the first protrusion 71 is arranged on the second oscillation axis A2.
[0070] Furthermore, the second accommodating recess 61c is spaced apart from the first accommodating recess 61b. Therefore, the second accommodating recess 61c is spaced apart from the second oscillation axis A2. In this embodiment, the second accommodating recess 61c is spaced apart from the first accommodating recess 61b by a distance. The second accommodating recess 61c accommodates a portion of the second protrusion 72. Therefore, the multiple second protrusions 72 are arranged on the same circumference C centered on the second oscillation axis A2. Therefore, the movable body 2 can be supported at positions equidistant from the first protrusion 72. As a result, the movable body 2 can be supported more stably. The axial direction of the second oscillation axis A2 is along the first direction X.
[0071] Furthermore, the two second accommodating recesses 61c are arranged side by side in the third direction Z at positions farther from the optical element 10 than the first accommodating recesses 61b.
[0072] The first accommodating recess 61b holds a portion of the first convex portion 71. In this embodiment, the lower half of the first convex portion 71 is disposed within the first accommodating recess 61b. The first convex portion 71 has at least a portion of a spherical surface. Therefore, the first convex portion 71 is in point contact with the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3, thereby making it possible to further reduce the frictional force between the first convex portion 71 and the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3. In this embodiment, the first convex portion 71 is in point contact with the movable body 2, thereby making it possible to further reduce the frictional force between the first convex portion 71 and the movable body 2.
[0073] In this embodiment, the first convex portion 71 is a sphere. Therefore, the friction between the first convex portion 71 and the first concave portion 31f is rolling friction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the friction force between the first convex portion 71 and the first concave portion 31f from increasing. Specifically, the first convex portion 71 is rotatable within the first accommodating concave portion 61b. Therefore, the friction between the first convex portion 71 and the first concave portion 31f is rolling friction. The first convex portion 71 may be fixed to the first concave portion 31f using, for example, an adhesive.
[0074] The second accommodating recess 61c holds a portion of the second convex portion 72. In this embodiment, the lower half of the second convex portion 72 is disposed within the second accommodating recess 61c. The second convex portion 72 has at least a portion of a spherical surface. Therefore, the second convex portion 72 comes into point contact with the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3, thereby reducing the frictional force between the second convex portion 72 and the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3. In this embodiment, the second convex portion 72 comes into point contact with the movable body 2, thereby reducing the frictional force between the second convex portion 72 and the movable body 2.
[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second convex portion 72 is a sphere. Therefore, the friction between the second convex portion 72 and the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 is rolling friction, and therefore the friction force can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the friction between the second convex portion 72 and the movable body 2 is rolling friction. Specifically, the second convex portion 72 is rotatable within the second accommodating recess 61c. Therefore, the friction between the second convex portion 72 and the second recess 31g of the first support member 30 is rolling friction. Note that the second convex portion 72 may be fixed to the second recess 31g using, for example, an adhesive.
[0076] 5C and 13, the first accommodating recess 61b may have a central recess 611. The central recess 611 is arranged concentrically with the first accommodating recess 61b. The first protrusion 71 contacts the edge of the central recess 611. The diameter of the central recess 611 is smaller than the diameter of the first protrusion 71. Therefore, for example, even if a gap is generated between the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 71 and the inner peripheral surface of the first accommodating recess 61b, the first protrusion 71 can be positioned by the central recess 611. That is, the center of the first protrusion 71 can be positioned on the central axis of the central recess 611. As a result, the center of the first protrusion 71 can be easily positioned on the central axis of the first accommodating recess 61b.
[0077] 5D and 13, the second accommodating recess 61c may have a central recess 611. The central recess 611 is arranged concentrically with the second accommodating recess 61c. The second protrusion 72 contacts the edge of the central recess 611. The diameter of the central recess 611 is smaller than the diameter of the second protrusion 72. Therefore, for example, even if a gap is generated between the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 72 and the inner peripheral surface of the second accommodating recess 61c, the second protrusion 72 can be positioned by the central recess 611. That is, the center of the second protrusion 72 can be aligned with the central axis of the central recess 611. As a result, the center of the second protrusion 72 can be easily aligned with the central axis of the second accommodating recess 61c.
[0078] Furthermore, the first convex portions 71 and the second convex portions 72 are made of ceramic. This prevents the first convex portions 71 and the second convex portions 72 from wearing away. The first convex portions 71 and the second convex portions 72 may be made of metal. This also prevents the first convex portions 71 and the second convex portions 72 from wearing away. The first convex portions 71 and the second convex portions 72 may be entirely made of metal, or only the surfaces of the first convex portions 71 and the second convex portions 72 may be made of metal by, for example, plating. The first convex portions 71 and the second convex portions 72 may be made of resin.
[0079] Moreover, the first convex portion 71 is disposed on one side X1 in the first direction X with respect to the reflecting surface 13 (see FIG. 5A) of the optical element 10. Therefore, the first convex portion 71 can be disposed without blocking the optical path.
[0080] The optical unit 1 has a second preload section 150 (see FIG. 5D) arranged on at least one of the movable body 2 and the support body 3. The second preload section 150 applies a preload to at least the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3 in the axial direction of the second oscillation axis A2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the movable body 2 from being displaced in the axial direction of the second oscillation axis A2 relative to the support body 3. Furthermore, even if manufacturing errors occur in the dimensions of each member, it is possible to prevent rattling and the like from occurring in the axial direction of the second oscillation axis A2. In other words, it is possible to prevent the position of the movable body 2 from being displaced in the axial direction of the second oscillation axis A2.
[0081] The second preload section 150 also has a magnet arranged on one of the movable body 2 and the support body 3, and a magnetic member arranged on the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3. Therefore, an attractive force acts on the magnet and the magnetic member, so that with a simple configuration, a preload can be applied in the axial direction of the second oscillation axis A2 to at least the other of the movable body 2 and the support body 3. In this embodiment, the second preload section 150 has a second magnet 121 arranged on the movable body 2, and a magnetic member 73 arranged on the support body 3.
[0082] 14 is a diagram showing the second support portion 60, the first convex portion 71, the second convex portion 72, and the second magnet 121 of the optical unit 1 according to this embodiment from the other side X2 in the first direction X. As shown in FIGS. 5D and 14, the third accommodating recess 61d faces the second magnet 121 of the second oscillating mechanism 120 in the first direction X. The third accommodating recess 61d accommodates the magnetic member 73. The third accommodating recess 61d has a substantially rectangular shape. The magnetic member 73 has a rectangular shape.
[0083] The magnetic member 73 is a plate-shaped member made of a magnetic material. The magnetic member 73 is disposed on one side X1 in the first direction X with respect to the second magnet 121. Because a mutually attractive force (hereinafter also referred to as an attractive force) acts between the second magnet 121 and the magnetic member 73, it is possible to prevent the movable body 2 from shifting in position relative to the support 3 in the first direction X. Furthermore, because the second magnet 121 of the second oscillation mechanism 120 is used, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts. Note that the optical unit 1 may have a magnet, separate from the second magnet 121 of the second oscillation mechanism 120, for applying an attractive force between the magnetic member 73 and the second magnet 121.
[0084] In this embodiment, two magnetic members 73 are disposed in each third accommodating recess 61d. In other words, the magnetic members 73 are disposed spaced apart in the polarization direction of the second magnet 121 of the second oscillation mechanism 120. Therefore, the area of the second magnet 121 is smaller than when the second magnets 121 are not spaced apart. As shown in FIG. 8, the second magnets 121 are polarized in the second direction Y. When the movable body 2 is oscillated by the second oscillation mechanism 120, an attractive force between the second magnet 121 and the magnetic members 73 acts on the movable body 2 in a direction returning it to the reference position. The reference position is a position where the side surface portion 32 of the first support portion 30 and the side surface portion 62 of the second support portion 60 are parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0085] 12 and 14, the pair of side surface portions 62 are arranged at both ends of the support main body 61 in the third direction Z. The pair of side surface portions 62 have shapes that are symmetrical to each other in the third direction Z. The side surface portions 62 have an accommodating hole 62a in which the second coil 125 of the second oscillation mechanism 120 is disposed. The accommodating hole 62a penetrates the side surface portion 62 in the thickness direction. In other words, the accommodating hole 62a penetrates the side surface portion 62 in the third direction Z.
[0086] The rear surface portion 63 is disposed at an end portion on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y of the support body 61. The rear surface portion 63 has an accommodating hole 63a in which the first coil 115 of the first swing mechanism 110 is disposed. The accommodating hole 63a penetrates the rear surface portion 63 in the thickness direction. In other words, the accommodating hole 63a penetrates the rear surface portion 63 in the second direction Y.
[0087] The FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 80 is disposed so as to cover the outside of the pair of side surface portions 62 and the outside of the back surface portion 63. The FPC 80 includes, for example, a semiconductor element, a connection terminal, and wiring. The FPC 80 supplies power to the first coil 115 of the first oscillation mechanism 110 and the second coil 125 of the second oscillation mechanism 120 at a predetermined timing.
[0088] 11, the FPC 80 includes a substrate 81, connection terminals 82, a reinforcing plate 83, and a magnetic member 84. The substrate 81 is made of, for example, a polyimide substrate. The substrate 81 is flexible. The substrate 81 has a plurality of pin insertion holes 81a. The pin insertion holes 81a face the first coil 115. A coil pin (not shown) of the first coil 115 is disposed in each of the pin insertion holes 81a.
[0089] The connection terminals 82 are arranged on the substrate 81. The connection terminals 82 face the first oscillation mechanism 110 and the second oscillation mechanism 120. The connection terminals 82 are electrically connected to terminals of a Hall element (not shown). Note that, for example, four connection terminals 82 are arranged for one Hall element. Three reinforcing plates 83 are arranged on the substrate 81. The reinforcing plates 83 face the first oscillation mechanism 110 and the second oscillation mechanism 120. The reinforcing plates 83 prevent the substrate 81 from bending.
[0090] Three magnetic members 84 are arranged on the substrate 81. Two of the magnetic members 84 face the second magnet 121 of the second oscillation mechanism 120. When the second coil 125 is not energized, an attractive force is generated between the second magnet 121 and the magnetic member 84. Therefore, the movable body 2 is arranged at a reference position in the rotation direction about the second oscillation axis A2. The remaining magnetic member 84 faces the first magnet 111 of the first oscillation mechanism 110. When the first coil 115 is not energized, an attractive force is generated between the first magnet 111 and the magnetic member 84. Therefore, the movable body 2 is arranged at a reference position in the rotation direction about the first oscillation axis A1. Furthermore, the attractive force generated between the first magnet 111 and the magnetic member 84 can prevent the holder 20 from slipping out to one side Y1 in the second direction Y.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the optical unit 1 further includes a first oscillation mechanism 110. The first oscillation mechanism 110 oscillates the holder 20 relative to the first support part 30 about a first oscillation axis A1. Therefore, the optical element 10 can be easily oscillated about each of the two oscillation axes (the first oscillation axis A1 and the second oscillation axis A2). The first oscillation mechanism 110 includes a first magnet 111 and a first coil 115. The first coil 115 faces the first magnet 111 in the second direction Y.
[0092] The first magnet 111 is disposed on one of the holder 20 and the second support part 60. On the other hand, the first coil 115 is disposed on the other of the holder 20 and the second support part 60. Therefore, a force acts on the first magnet 111 due to a magnetic field generated when a current is passed through the first coil 115. The holder 20 then swings relative to the first support part 30. Therefore, the holder 20 can be swung with a simple configuration using the first magnet 111 and the first coil 115. In this embodiment, the first magnet 111 is disposed on the holder 20. The first coil 115 is disposed on the second support part 60. By disposing the first coil 115 on the second support part 60, the first coil 115 does not swing relative to the second support part 60. Therefore, wiring for the first coil 115 can be easier than when the first coil 115 is disposed on, for example, the first support part 30.
[0093] Specifically, the first magnet 111 is disposed on the back surface 21b of the holder 20. That is, the first magnet 111 is disposed on the end portion 20a of the holder 20 on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y. The first magnet 111 has an n-pole portion 111a consisting of an n-pole and an s-pole portion 111b consisting of an s-pole. The first magnet 111 is polarized in the first direction X.
[0094] The first coil 115 is disposed in the accommodation hole 63a of the back surface portion 63 of the second support portion 60. That is, the first coil 115 is disposed at the end portion 60a of the second support portion 60 on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y. This prevents the first coil 115 and the first magnet 111 from being disposed on the optical path. This prevents the optical path from being blocked by the first coil 115 and the first magnet 111.
[0095] By energizing the first coil 115, a magnetic field is generated around the first coil 115. A force caused by the magnetic field acts on the first magnet 111. As a result, the holder 20 and the optical element 10 swing relative to the first support part 30 and the second support part 60 around the first swing axis A1.
[0096] The second oscillation mechanism 120 oscillates the movable body 2 about the second oscillation axis A2. Specifically, the second oscillation mechanism 120 oscillates the first support part 30 relative to the second support part 60 about the second oscillation axis A2. The second oscillation mechanism 120 has a second magnet 121 and a second coil 125 facing the second magnet 121. The second magnet 121 is disposed on one of the first support part 30 and the second support part 60. On the other hand, the second coil 125 is disposed on the other of the first support part 30 and the second support part 60. Therefore, the first support part 30 oscillates relative to the second support part 60 due to a magnetic field generated when a current is passed through the second coil 125. Therefore, the first support part 30 can be oscillated with a simple configuration using the second magnet 121 and the second coil 125. In this embodiment, the second magnet 121 is disposed on the first support part 30. The second coil 125 is disposed on the second support part 60. By disposing the second coil 125 on the second support part 60, the second coil 125 does not swing relative to the second support part 60. Therefore, compared to disposing the second coil 125 on, for example, the first support part 30, wiring for the second coil 125 can be easily performed.
[0097] Specifically, the second magnet 121 is disposed in an accommodating recess 32f (see FIG. 8) of the side surface portion 32 of the first support portion 30. That is, the second magnet 121 is disposed at the end portion 30a of the first support portion 30 in a direction intersecting with the first direction X. In this embodiment, the second magnet 121 is disposed at the end portion 30a in the third direction Z. The second magnet 121 has an n-pole portion 121a consisting of an n-pole and an s-pole portion 121b consisting of an s-pole. The second magnet 121 is polarized in a second direction Y intersecting with the first direction X. Therefore, the movable body 2 can be oscillated around a second oscillation axis A2 along the incident direction of light.
[0098] The second coil 125 faces the second magnet 121 in the third direction Z. The second coil 125 is disposed in the accommodation hole 62a (see FIG. 12) of the side surface portion 62 of the second support portion 60. That is, the second coil 125 is disposed at the end portion 60b of the second support portion 60 in the third direction Z.
[0099] By energizing the second coil 125, a magnetic field is generated around the second coil 125. A force resulting from the magnetic field acts on the second magnet 121. As a result, the first support part 30, the holder 20, and the optical element 10 swing relative to the second support part 60 around the second swing axis A2.
[0100] 1, when the optical unit 1 is used in the smartphone 200, a Hall element (not shown) in the smartphone 200 detects the attitude of the smartphone 200. The first swing mechanism 110 and the second swing mechanism 120 are controlled in accordance with the attitude of the smartphone 200. It is also preferable that the optical unit 1 be able to detect the attitude of the holder 20 with respect to the second support part 60. In this case, the attitude of the holder 20 with respect to the second support part 60 can be controlled with high precision. A gyro sensor, for example, may be used as the sensor that detects the attitude of the smartphone 200.
[0101] Hereinafter, a first modified example and a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Below, differences from this embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14 will be mainly described.
[0102] (First Modification) A first modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a structure around an elastic portion 160 of an optical unit 1 according to a first modified example of the present embodiment. In the first modified example, an example in which the optical unit 1 has the elastic portion 160 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the optical unit 1 has the elastic portion 160 connecting the movable body 2 and the support body 3. The elastic portion 160 is elastically deformable. Note that, unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the first modified example does not include the second convex portion 72. The elastic portion 160 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the optical axis L10 (FIG. 5C). The elastic portion 160 supports the movable body 2 so that it can swing about the second swing axis A2. Therefore, because the movable body 2 is supported by the elastic portion 160, sliding friction can be suppressed, unlike, for example, when the movable body 2 is supported by the second convex portion 72. 1 to 14, for example, sliding friction force is likely to occur between the second convex portion 72 and the movable body 2. On the other hand, in the first modified example, the elastic portion 160 is elastically deformed, so that the occurrence of sliding friction force between the elastic portion 160 and the movable body 2 can be suppressed.
[0103] In the first modified example, both ends of the elastic part 160 in the first direction X are fixed to the first support part 30 and the second support part 60, respectively. Therefore, the sliding friction force between the elastic part 160 and the movable body 2 is approximately zero. In addition, the sliding friction force between the elastic part 160 and the support part 3 is also approximately zero.
[0104] In the first modified example, the elastic portion 160 is disposed between the support body 31 of the first support portion 30 and the support body 61 of the second support portion 60. The support body 31 may have a recess 31j that accommodates a portion of the elastic portion 160. The support body 61 may have a recess 61e that accommodates a portion of the elastic portion 160. The elastic portion 160 may be fixed to the recess 31j and the recess 61e. The recess 61e may be disposed, for example, at the same position as the second accommodating recess 61c described above when viewed from the first direction X. The elastic portion 160 may be disposed, for example, at the same position as the second protrusion 72 described above when viewed from the first direction X.
[0105] The number of elastic portions 160 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a plurality. The number of elastic portions 160 is preferably two. The elastic portions 160 are, for example, spring members. The elastic portions 160 may be, for example, rubber members or gel-like members.
[0106] (Second Modification) A second modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure around the elastic portion 160 of the optical unit 1 according to the second modified example of the present embodiment. In the second modified example, unlike the first modified example, an example will be described in which the elastic portion 160 is disposed at a position other than between the support main body 31 and the support main body 61. As shown in Fig. 16, the elastic portion 160 connects the movable body 2 and the support body 3, similar to the first modified example.
[0107] In the second modified example, the elastic portion 160 is connected to, for example, a corner of the movable body 2 when viewed from the other side X2 in the first direction X. In the second modified example, the elastic portion 160 is connected to four corners of the movable body 2. Note that the elastic portion 160 may be connected to a portion of the movable body 2 other than the corners. Furthermore, the elastic portion 160 may be connected to, for example, an end portion of the movable body 2 on the other side X2 in the first direction X, or may be connected to a central portion of the movable body 2 in the first direction X.
[0108] The embodiments of the present disclosure (including modified examples) have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, various disclosures can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. For example, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each illustrated component may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure.
[0109] For example, in the above-described embodiment, two parts or two members having symmetrical shapes are described as a "pair," but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The pair of parts or members do not have to have completely symmetrical shapes, and may have partially different shapes. For example, the pair of side surface portions 22, the pair of first preload portions 40, the pair of side surface portions 32, or the pair of side surface portions 62 may have partially different shapes.
[0110] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which each first preload portion 40 has one axial protrusion 45, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, each first preload portion 40 may have two axial protrusions 45. In this case, one axial protrusion 45 may protrude toward the holder 20, and the other axial protrusion 45 may protrude toward the first support portion 30.
[0111] Furthermore, at least one of the holder 20 and the first support portion 30 may have an axial convex portion. In this case, both the holder 20 and the first support portion 30 may have an axial convex portion.
[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the first convex portion 71 and the second convex portion 72 are spherical, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the first convex portion 71 and the second convex portion 72 does not have to be spherical. For example, at least one of the first convex portion 71 and the second convex portion 72 may have a tapered shape or a pin shape.
[0113] The first protrusion and the first support part 30 may be an integrally molded product. In other words, the first protrusion may be formed by a part of the first support part 30. The first protrusion and the holder 20 may be an integrally molded product. The second protrusion and the first support part 30 may be an integrally molded product. The second protrusion and the holder 20 may be an integrally molded product. [Industrial Applicability]
[0114] The present disclosure can be used in, for example, optical units and smartphones. [Explanation of symbols]
[0115] 1: Optical unit 2: Movable body 3:Support 10:Optical element 13: Reflective surface 20: Holder 30: First support part (support part) 31f: First recess 31g: Second recess 40: First preload part (holder preload part) 71: First convex part 72: Second convex part 73: Magnetic materials 110: First swing mechanism (holder swing mechanism) 120: Second swing mechanism (swing mechanism) 121: Second magnet (magnet) 150: Second preload section (preload section) 160: Elastic part 200: Smartphone A1: First swing axis (holder swing axis) A2: Second swing axis (swing axis) C: Same circumference L: light L10: Optical axis X: 1st direction X1: One side Y: Second direction Y1: One side Y2: Other side
Claims
1. a movable body having an optical element that changes the traveling direction of light; a support body that supports the movable body so as to be swingable about a swing axis; a swing mechanism that swings the movable body around the swing axis; and one of the movable body and the support body has a first protrusion protruding toward the other of the movable body and the support body; the other of the movable body and the support body contacts the first convex portion, the first protrusion is disposed on the swing axis, An optical unit in which the optical axis of the optical element and the swing axis are arranged to overlap.
2. The optical system further includes a plurality of elastic portions that are arranged at positions spaced apart from the optical axis and connect the movable body and the support body, The optical unit according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic portion supports the movable body so that the movable body can swing about the swing axis.
3. The optical unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first convex portion has at least a part of a spherical surface.
4. The optical unit according to claim 1 , wherein the support member has the first convex portion.
5. the other of the movable body and the support body has a first recess that is recessed in a direction opposite to the first protrusion, The optical unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first recess contacts the first protrusion.
6. The optical unit according to claim 5 , wherein the first recess has at least a portion of a concave spherical surface.
7. one of the movable body and the support body has a plurality of second protrusions protruding toward the other of the movable body and the support body; the other of the movable body and the support body contacts the plurality of second protrusions, the plurality of second protrusions are arranged at positions spaced apart from the swing axis, 7. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the first convex portion and the plurality of second convex portions are arranged on the same plane that intersects with the oscillation axis.
8. The optical unit according to claim 7 , wherein the plurality of second convex portions are arranged on the same circumference with the oscillation axis as a center.
9. 9. The optical unit according to claim 7, wherein the number of the second convex portions is two.
10. The optical unit according to claim 7 , wherein the second convex portion has at least a part of a spherical surface.
11. the optical element has a reflecting surface that reflects light traveling in one direction in a first direction toward one direction in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, The optical unit according to claim 7 , wherein the second convex portion is disposed on the other side in the second direction than the first convex portion.
12. The optical unit according to claim 7 , wherein the second convex portion is a sphere.
13. the other of the movable body and the support body has a second recess recessed in a direction opposite to the second protrusion, the second recess contacts the second protrusion, 13. The optical unit according to claim 7, wherein an outline of the second recess is disposed outside the second protrusion when viewed from the optical axis direction.
14. 14. The optical unit according to claim 1, further comprising a preload portion disposed on at least one of the movable body and the support body, and applying a preload to at least the other of the movable body and the support body in the axial direction of the oscillation axis.
15. The preload portion is a magnet disposed on one of the movable body and the support; a magnetic member disposed on the other of the movable body and the support; 15. The optical unit according to claim 14, wherein
16. The movable body is a holder for holding the optical element; a support portion that supports the holder so that the holder can swing about a holder swing axis that intersects with the swing axis; and 16. The optical unit according to claim 1, further comprising a holder swinging mechanism that swings the holder relative to the support portion around the holder swing axis.
17. 17. The optical unit according to claim 16, further comprising a holder preload portion disposed on at least one of the holder and the support portion, and applying a preload to at least the other of the holder and the support portion in the axial direction of the holder swing axis.
18. A smartphone comprising an optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Rotational ball-guided voice coil motor
WO2017208090A1