Vibration device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vibration device that can reduce stress on a light-transmitting material while suppressing the intrusion of liquid droplets into the interior. [Solution] The vibration device 1 comprises a vibrating body 7, a piezoelectric element 9 located at one end of the vibrating body in a first direction, a light-transmitting body 5 located at the other end of the vibrating body in a first direction, a pressing portion 31b that sandwiches the light-transmitting body in a first direction together with the other end of the vibrating body, a first member 40 located between the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion and connected to the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion, and a second member 50 located between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body and connected to the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body. The thickness of the first member is equal to or greater than the thickness of the second member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vibration device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a droplet elimination device including an optical element having a dome portion, a vibration member that generates bending vibration in the dome portion, a vibration control device that controls the vibration member, and a drip-proof seal that suppresses the intrusion of droplets into the interior.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the droplet elimination device described in Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement in reducing the stress applied to the light-transmitting body while suppressing the intrusion of droplets into the interior.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to provide a vibration device that can reduce the stress applied to the light-transmitting body while suppressing the intrusion of droplets into the interior.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vibration device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a vibrating body, a piezoelectric element located at one end of the vibrating body in a first direction, a light-transmitting body located at the other end of the vibrating body in the first direction, a pressing portion that sandwiches the light-transmitting body in the first direction together with the other end of the vibrating body, a first member located between the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion and connected to the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion, A second member located between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, and connected to the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, Equipped with, The thickness of the first member is equal to or greater than the thickness of the second member.

[0007] A vibrating device according to one aspect of this disclosure is: A vibrating body and A piezoelectric element located at one end of the vibrating body in the first direction, A transparent body located at the other end of the vibrating body in the first direction, A pressing portion that clamps the light-transmitting body in the first direction together with the other end of the vibrating body, A first member is located between the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion and is connected to the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion, A second member located between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, and connected to the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, Equipped with, The Young's modulus of the first member is less than or equal to the Young's modulus of the second member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the vibration device of the above embodiment, it is possible to reduce the stress on the light-transmitting material while suppressing the intrusion of liquid droplets into the interior. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing a vibrator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A magnified view of a portion of Figure 2 to illustrate the first component. [Figure 4] A magnified view of a portion of Figure 2 to illustrate the second component. [Figure 5] A graph showing the relationship between the thickness of the first and second components and the maximum displacement of the lens top. [Figure 6] A graph showing the relationship between the thickness of the first and second components and the maximum thermal stress applied to the lens. [Figure 7]Contour diagram showing the thermal stress applied to the lens. [Figure 8] Graph showing the relationship between the Young's moduli of the first and second members and the maximum displacement amount at the top of the lens. [Figure 9] Graph showing the relationship between the Young's moduli of the first and second members and the maximum thermal stress applied to the lens. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view showing a third modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view showing a fourth modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view showing a fifth modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view showing a sixth modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view showing a seventh modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 13. [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view showing an eighth modification of the vibration device of FIG. 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] The vibration device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is, a vibrating body, a piezoelectric element located at one end of the vibrating body in the first direction, a light-transmitting body located at the other end of the vibrating body in the first direction, a pressing portion that sandwiches the light-transmitting body in the first direction together with the other end of the vibrating body, a first member located between the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion and connected to the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion, a second member located between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body and connected to the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body Equipped with, The thickness of the first member is equal to or greater than the thickness of the second member.

[0012] According to the first embodiment of the vibrating device, the first and second members act as buffer layers that dampen thermal stress caused by the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion of each member, the translucent body, and the pressing part. Therefore, the reliability of the joint between the translucent body and the vibrant body, as well as the reliability of the joint between the translucent body and the pressing part, can be improved.

[0013] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a vibration device in the first aspect, The Young's modulus of the first member is less than or equal to the Young's modulus of the second member.

[0014] According to the second embodiment of the vibrating device, the reliability of the joint between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, as well as the reliability of the joint between the light-transmitting body and the pressing part, can be more reliably improved.

[0015] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a vibration device in the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, The second member includes a material having adhesive properties.

[0016] According to the third embodiment of the vibration device, vibration damping of the vibration device can be suppressed more reliably.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a vibration device in any of the first to third aspects, The first member includes a material having a waterproofing function.

[0018] According to the fourth embodiment of the vibrating device, the ingress of liquid droplets into the interior of the vibrating device can be suppressed more reliably.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a vibrating device. A vibrating body and A piezoelectric element located at one end of the vibrating body in the first direction, A transparent body located at the other end of the vibrating body in the first direction, A pressing portion that clamps the light-transmitting body in the first direction together with the other end of the vibrating body, A first member is located between the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion and is connected to the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion, A second member located between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, and connected to the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, Equipped with, The Young's modulus of the first member is less than or equal to the Young's modulus of the second member.

[0020] According to the fifth embodiment of the vibrating device, the first and second members act as buffer layers that dampen thermal stress caused by the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion of each member of the transparent body, vibrating body, and pressing part. Therefore, the reliability of the joint between the transparent body and the vibrating body, as well as the reliability of the joint between the transparent body and the pressing part, can be improved.

[0021] A vibrator according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is a vibrator according to the fifth aspect, The thickness of the first member is equal to or greater than the thickness of the second member.

[0022] According to the sixth embodiment of the vibrating device, the reliability of the joint between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, as well as the reliability of the joint between the light-transmitting body and the pressing part, can be more reliably improved.

[0023] The seventh aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device in the fifth or sixth aspect, The second member includes a material having adhesive properties.

[0024] According to the seventh embodiment of the vibration device, vibration damping of the vibration device can be suppressed more reliably.

[0025] The eighth aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device in any of the fifth to seventh aspects, The first member includes a material having a waterproofing function.

[0026] According to the eighth embodiment of the vibrating device, the ingress of liquid droplets into the interior of the vibrating device can be suppressed more reliably.

[0027] The ninth aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device in any of the first to eighth aspects, It comprises an external vibrator and a stopper part. The aforementioned external vibrator is The first connecting portion is provided with the aforementioned pressing portion and connected to the light-transmitting body via the aforementioned pressing portion, A second connecting portion extending from the first connecting portion in a direction intersecting the first direction and away from the light-transmitting body, Of the two ends of the second connecting portion in the direction intersecting the first direction, the fixing portion is connected to the end opposite to the end connected to the first connecting portion. It has, The stopper portion is connected to the fixing portion in a manner that allows the second connecting portion to make contact. A first gap is provided between the stopper portion and the second connecting portion in the first direction.

[0028] According to the ninth embodiment of the vibrating device, for example, when an external force is applied to the transparent material toward the inside of the vibrating device, the second connection part comes into contact with the stopper part, thereby preventing the transparent material from colliding with a member located inside the vibrating device. Also, for example, when stress is applied to the second connection part, the second connection part comes into contact with the stopper part, thereby preventing excessive deformation of the second connection part.

[0029] A vibration device according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device according to the ninth aspect, The stopper portion has an inclined surface facing the second connecting portion in the first direction, The inclined surface is inclined in a direction that moves away from the second connection portion in the first direction as it approaches the first connection portion in a direction that intersects the first direction.

[0030] According to the vibration device of the tenth embodiment, collisions with members located inside the vibration device of the transparent material can be prevented more reliably, and excessive deformation of the second connection part can be prevented more reliably.

[0031] The vibration device of the 11th aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device of the 9th or 10th aspect, The fixing portion is configured to surround the vibrating body around the optical axis of the light-transmitting body, The stopper portion has an annular shape that extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the optical axis.

[0032] According to the vibration device of the 11th embodiment, collisions with members located inside the vibration device of the transparent material can be prevented more reliably, and excessive deformation of the second connection part can be prevented more reliably.

[0033] A vibration device of the twelfth aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device of the ninth or tenth aspect, The fixing portion is configured to surround the vibrating body around the optical axis of the light-transmitting body, The stopper portion includes a plurality of members positioned at intervals along the circumferential direction with respect to the optical axis.

[0034] According to the vibration device of the 12th embodiment, collisions with members located inside the vibration device of the transparent material can be prevented more reliably, and excessive deformation of the second connection part can be prevented more reliably.

[0035] The vibration device of the 13th aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device of any of the 9th to 12th aspects, The fixing portion and the stopper portion are integrally configured.

[0036] According to the vibration device of the 13th embodiment, since it is not necessary to connect the stopper part to the fixed part, the manufacturing cost of the vibration device can be reduced.

[0037] The fourteenth aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device in any of the nineth to thirteenth aspects, The fixing portion has a first opposing surface that faces the second connecting portion at a distance from it in the first direction, The stopper portion is connected to the first opposing surface.

[0038] According to the vibration device of the 14th embodiment, collisions with members located inside the vibration device of the transparent material can be prevented more reliably, and excessive deformation of the second connection part can be prevented more reliably.

[0039] The vibration device of the 15th aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device of any of the 9th to 13th aspects, The fixing portion has a second opposing surface that is spaced apart from the vibrating body in a direction intersecting the first direction, The stopper portion is connected to the second opposing surface.

[0040] According to the vibration device of the 15th embodiment, the size of the first gap can be adjusted according to the structure of the vibration device and the material of each component constituting the vibration device.

[0041] The sixteenth aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device in any of the nineth to fifteenth aspects, The stopper portion has a first layer and a second layer stacked in the first direction, The first layer is located closer to the second connection than the second layer and is configured to have a lower modulus of elasticity than the second layer.

[0042] According to the vibration device of the 16th embodiment, the deformation speed of the second connecting portion that comes into contact with the stopper portion is slowed down, and excessive deformation of the second connecting portion can be prevented more reliably. In addition, damage to the second connecting portion when it comes into contact with the stopper portion can be prevented.

[0043] The seventeenth aspect of this disclosure is a vibration device in any of the nineth to sixteenth aspects, The first gap has a size greater than or equal to the maximum amplitude of the light-transmitting material and less than the second gap.

[0044] According to the vibration device of the 17th embodiment, collisions with members located inside the vibration device of the transparent material can be prevented more reliably, and excessive deformation of the second connection part can be prevented more reliably.

[0045] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description is not limiting to this disclosure and is essentially illustrative, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions, etc., do not necessarily correspond to those of reality.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, one embodiment of the vibration device 1 of the present disclosure comprises a lens 5 (an example of a light-transmitting body), an internal vibrator (an example of a vibrator) 7, a piezoelectric element 9, a pressing portion 31b, a first member 40, and a second member 50.

[0047] Lens 5 is made of glass, for example. As shown in Figure 1, the upper surface of lens 5 is convex, and its surface is coated with a water-repellent coating and an anti-reflective coating (AR coating). A projection 501 extending radially outward is provided at the radial outer end of lens 5. The upper surface 502 of projection 501 (see Figure 3) is curved along the curved surface 317 of the retaining portion 31b, which will be described later.

[0048] The internal vibrator 7, for example, has a cylindrical shape and amplifies vibrations from the piezoelectric element 9 to vibrate the lens 5. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the internal vibrator 7 is composed of a first portion 71 that contacts the lens 5, a second portion 72 to which the piezoelectric element 9 is attached, and a third portion 73 with a roughly S-shaped cross-section that connects the first portion 71 and the second portion 72. The first portion 71 has a cylindrical shape that is extended in the axial direction of the cylindrical body (for example, the first direction Z). The first portion 71 extends in the radial direction of the cylindrical body and is connected to the external vibrator 3. The second portion 72 is the part that vibrates together with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 9 and has a larger plate thickness than the first portion 71 and the third portion 73. This makes it easier to efficiently transmit the vibration of the piezoelectric element 9 to the lens 5. The third portion 73 supports the first portion 71 and transmits the vibration of the second portion 72 to the first portion 71. The third part 73 constitutes one end of the internal vibrating body 7 in the first direction Z, and the first part 71 constitutes the other end of the internal vibrating body 7 in the first direction Z.

[0049] The first part 71, the second part 72, and the third part 73 may be formed as a single unit or individually. As shown in Figure 2, the maximum external dimension (= maximum dimension in the X direction) of the third part 73 is larger than the maximum external dimension of the first part 71, and the maximum external dimension of the second part 72 is larger than the maximum external dimension of the third part 73. This allows the vibrations of the piezoelectric element 9 to be efficiently transmitted to the lens 5.

[0050] The piezoelectric element 9 includes a piezoelectric material and electrodes. The piezoelectric material includes, for example, piezoelectric ceramics such as barium titanate (BaTiO3), lead titanate / zirconate (PZT:PbTiO3·PbZrO3), lead titanate (PbTiO3), lead metaniobate (PbNb2O6), bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12), (K,Na)NbO3, or piezoelectric single crystals such as LiTaO3 and LiNbO3. The electrodes may be, for example, Ni electrodes. The electrodes may also be made of a thin metal film such as Ag or Au formed by sputtering. Alternatively, the electrodes can be formed by plating or vapor deposition in addition to sputtering.

[0051] In this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 9 is connected to the second portion 72 of the internal vibrator 7 by adhesive and is formed in a ring shape when viewed along the first direction Z. However, it is not limited to this, and any shape that can vibrate the internal vibrator 7 is acceptable.

[0052] The retaining portion 31b constitutes a part of the external vibrator 3. As shown in Figure 1, the external vibrator 3 includes a fixing portion 35, a first connecting portion 31, and a second connecting portion 33. The retaining portion 31b is configured to clamp the projection 501 of the lens 5 together with the first portion 71 of the internal vibrator 7. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 31 is located radially outward from the first portion 71 of the internal vibrator 7 and the lens 5, and extends from the second connecting portion 33 toward the outside of the vibrator 1 along the first direction Z. The retaining portion 31b protrudes toward the lens 5 from the end of the first connecting portion 31 furthest from the second connecting portion 33 in the first direction Z. The tip of the retaining portion 31b (i.e., the end facing the lens 5) is provided with a curved surface 317 (see Figure 3) that protrudes toward the lens 5. In other words, the first connecting portion 31 is provided with the retaining portion 31b. The first connection part 31 is connected to the lens 5 via the retaining part 31b.

[0053] The second connecting portion 33 extends away from the lens 5 along a direction intersecting the first direction Z (for example, the X direction) from the first connecting portion 31. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 33 extends in an annular shape along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens 5 (for example, the first direction Z) (in other words, the radial direction relative to the optical axis direction). The thickness of the second connecting portion 33 is smaller than the thickness of the fixed portion 35, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm. Also, the thickness of the second connecting portion 33 is, for example, 0.2 to 1.5 times the thickness of the third portion 73 of the internal vibrator 7. Because the second connecting portion 33 has such a thin thickness, it functions as a leaf spring. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 33 is configured to be elastically deformable along the first direction Z so as to absorb vibrations generated in the lens 5.

[0054] The fixed portion 35 is connected to the end 332 of the second connecting portion 33, which is opposite to the end 331 connected to the first connecting portion 31, in the direction intersecting the first direction Z of the second connecting portion 33. The fixed portion 35 is connected to components such as a case (not shown) for housing an image sensor and a lens module 15 (see Figure 13), and has nodes that suppress vibrations to less than 1 / 100th of the displacement of the lens 5, and is configured to prevent vibrations from propagating to these components. The larger the volume of the fixed portion 35, the more the vibration of the fixed portion 35 can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 35 has a rectangular shape. If the outer shape is rectangular, the volume of the fixed portion 35 can be increased without increasing the size of the vibration device 1. For example, a cube with dimensions of 25 mm x 25 mm has a larger volume than a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 25 mm.

[0055] In the vibration device 1, an elastic material such as rubber or an adhesive layer is provided in the portion 100 surrounded by the lens 5, the first connection portion 31 of the external vibrator 3, and the first portion 71 of the internal vibrator 7. This reduces the load on the lens 5.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the first member 40 is located between the lens 5 and the retaining portion 31b and is connected to the lens 5 and the retaining portion 31b. As shown in Figure 4, the second member 50 is located between the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7 and is connected to the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7. The first member 40 and the second member 50 include any material such as resin or metal and are configured to satisfy at least one of the following two conditions. The thickness tA of the first member 40 is greater than or equal to the thickness tB of the second member 50 (tA ≥ tB). The Young's modulus yA of the first member 40 is less than or equal to the Young's modulus yB of the second member 50 (yA ≤ yB).

[0057] The thickness tA of the first member 40 is defined at the point where the thickness of the first member 40 is minimum. The thickness tB of the second member 50 is substantially uniform due to the flatness of the joint surface of the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7, so it may be defined at any point on the second member 50.

[0058] The thicknesses tA and tB of the first member 40 and the second member 50 can be controlled, for example, by the viscosity of the adhesive, the amount of pressure applied during adhesive curing, and the diameter of the spacer added to the adhesive, if the first member 40 and the second member 50 are made of a liquid adhesive. The thicknesses tA and tB of the first member 40 and the second member 50 can be confirmed, for example, by observing the cross-section of the vibrator 1 with a microscope.

[0059] In designing to maximize the vibration of lens 5, the key is to amplify the minute breathing vibrations of the piezoelectric element 9 with the internal vibrator 7 and the retaining part 31b, etc., and transmit the vibrations to lens 5. The first member 40 and the second member 50 mainly have two roles: "vibration transmission" and "enhancing the reliability of the joint between dissimilar materials." In "vibration transmission," since the Young's modulus of the first member 40 and the second member 50 is small, it is advantageous for the first member 40 and the second member 50 to be thin. In "enhancing the reliability of the joint between dissimilar materials," considering their role as buffer layers that dampen thermal stress due to the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion of each component of lens 5, internal vibrator 7, and retaining part 31b, it is advantageous for the first member 40 and the second member 50 to be relatively thick. However, it was found that the vibration characteristics and the thickness sensitivity of thermal stress differ depending on the location of the first member 40 and the second member 50. In other words, once the relationship of thickness sensitivity is clarified, it becomes possible to select a relationship that is advantageous for both "vibration transmission" and "strengthening the reliability of joints between dissimilar materials" by controlling the thickness of the first member 40 and the second member 50 in each section.

[0060] Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the thicknesses tA and tB of the first member 40 and the second member 50, and the maximum displacement of the top of the lens 5, calculated using FEM (Finite Element Method). The material properties used in the FEM calculation are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0061] The displacement of the top of lens 5 was calculated as a relative value for both tA and tB, with 0.001 mm = 100. When the thickness of one of the first member 40 and the second member 50 was changed, the thickness of the other member 40 and the second member 50 was fixed at 0.005 mm. As a result, it was found that the sensitivity of the displacement of the top of lens 5 to the thickness of the first member 40 and the second member 50 was greater for the second member 50 (tB), and that the displacement of the top of lens 5 decreased as the thickness of the second member 50 increased. This is due to the following reason: As the minute displacement generated in the piezoelectric element 9 is amplified in the process of passing through the piezoelectric element 9, the internal vibrator 7, the second member 50, and the lens 5, the stress on the second member 50 increases, making it more susceptible to deformation. The epoxy resin material of the first member 40 and the second member 50 has a relatively small Young's modulus, so deformation has the effect of damping vibrations. In other words, increasing the thickness tA of the first member 40, which has a small amount of deformation and therefore contributes little to vibration propagation to the lens 5, reduces the amount of displacement at the top of the lens 5. However, increasing the thickness tB of the second member 50, which has a large amount of deformation, increases the amount of displacement at the top of the lens 5.

[0062] On the other hand, the thicknesses tA and tB of the first member 40 and the second member 50 have different effects in terms of strengthening the reliability of joints between dissimilar materials. In particular, we will focus on the stress caused by thermal stress due to heat load, rather than during vibration. At the joint of dissimilar materials, the greater the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion specific to each member, the greater the thermal stress, which can cause delamination of the first member 40 and the second member 50, or even fracture of the members. For example, as shown in Table 1 above, the coefficient of linear expansion of lens 5 (glass) is 0.6 × 10⁻⁶. -5 (1 / deg) and the coefficient of linear expansion of the pressing part 31b (stainless steel) is 1.03 × 10⁻¹⁰. -5 (1 / deg) is different. If a combination is selected that results in a greater discrepancy in the coefficient of linear expansion, the thermal stress on each component of the lens 5, internal vibrator 7, and retaining part 31b will increase.

[0063] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the thicknesses tA and tB of the first member 40 and the second member 50, and the maximum thermal stress applied to the lens 5, calculated using FEM. The material properties used in the FEM calculations are as shown in Table 1 above. The thermal stresses for both tA and tB were taken as relative values ​​with 0.001 mm = 100. When the thickness of one of the first member 40 or the second member 50 was changed, the thickness of the other member 40 was fixed at 0.005 mm. As a result, it was found that the sensitivity of the thermal stress to the thicknesses tA and tB of the first member 40 and the second member 50 was greater for the first member 40 (tA), and that the thermal stress decreased significantly as the thickness of the first member 40 increased. On the other hand, there was almost no change in thermal stress with increasing the thickness of the second member 50 (tB). This is because the area where the thermal stress is large is near the retaining portion 31b (see Figure 7).

[0064] From the above, it was found that the effective relationship between tA and tB from the perspective of "vibration transmission" and "strengthening the reliability of joints between dissimilar materials" is "tA ≥ tB". This relationship holds regardless of the shape of lens 5.

[0065] Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the Young's moduli yA and yB of the first member 40 and the second member 50, calculated using FEM, and the maximum displacement of the lens 5 top. The material properties used in the FEM calculations are as shown in Table 1 above. The maximum displacement of the lens 5 top was calculated as a relative value when 3GPa = 100 for both yA and yB. When the Young's moduli of one of the first member 40 and the second member 50 was changed, the Young's moduli of the other member 40 and the second member 50 were fixed at 3GPa. As a result, it was found that the second member 50 (yB) was more sensitive to the Young's moduli yA and yB of the first member 40 and the second member 50 in terms of the displacement of the lens 5 top, and that the displacement of the lens 5 top increased with increasing Young's moduli. On the other hand, the first member 40 (yA) showed almost no sensitivity to the variation in Young's moduli in terms of the displacement of the lens 5 top.

[0066] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the Young's moduli yA and yB of the first member 40 and the second member 50, calculated using FEM, and the maximum thermal stress applied to the lens 5. The material properties used in the FEM calculations are as shown in Table 1 above. The thermal stresses yA and yB were given as relative values ​​when 3GPa = 100. When the Young's moduli of one of the first member 40 and the second member 50 was changed, the Young's moduli of the other member 40 and the second member 50 were fixed at 3GPa. As a result, it was found that the sensitivity of thermal stress to Young's moduli was greater for the first member 40 (yA), and that the thermal stress decreased significantly as the Young's moduli decreased. On the other hand, the sensitivity of thermal stress to Young's moduli for the second member 50 (yB) was almost zero.

[0067] From the above, it was found that the effective relationship between yA and yB from the perspective of "vibration transmission" and "strengthening the reliability of joints between dissimilar materials" is "yA ≤ yB". This relationship holds regardless of the types of materials used in the first member 40 and the second member 50. In other words, the first member 40 and the second member 50 may be made of the same material or of different materials.

[0068] The vibration device 1 of this disclosure comprises an internal vibrator 7, a piezoelectric element 9 located at one end of the internal vibrator 7 in a first direction, a lens 5 located at the other end of the internal vibrator 7 in a first direction, a pressing portion 31b that clamps the lens 5 in a first direction together with the other end of the internal vibrator 7, and a first member 40 and a second member 50. The first member 40 is located between the lens 5 and the pressing portion 31b and is connected to the lens 5 and the pressing portion 31b. The second member 50 is located between the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7 and is connected to the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7. The first member 40 and the second member 50 are configured to satisfy at least one of the following conditions. With such a configuration, the reliability of the joint between the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7, and the reliability of the joint between the lens 5 and the pressing portion 31b can be improved. • The thickness tA of the first member 40 is greater than or equal to the thickness tB of the second member 50 (tA ≥ tB). • The Young's modulus yA of the first member 40 is less than or equal to the Young's modulus yB of the second member 50 (yA ≤ yB).

[0069] The vibration device 1 can also be configured as follows:

[0070] The first component 40 may include a material having a waterproof function. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the ingress of liquid droplets into the interior of the vibrator 1. The waterproof material may include, for example, a material that meets the IPX9K standard of the IP test based on the automotive parts standard ISO 20653.

[0071] The second member 50 may include a material having adhesive properties. This ensures the vibration characteristics of the vibration device 1 and more reliably suppresses vibration damping of the vibration device 1. The material having adhesive properties includes, for example, an adhesive in which the tensile strength between the lens 5 and the internal vibrator 7 is equal to or greater than the shear stress value or Z-normal stress value applied when the vibration device 1 is driven.

[0072] The shapes of the lens 5 and the retaining portion 31b are not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as shown in Figure 10, a linearly extending inclined surface 318 may be provided at the tip of the retaining portion 31b, and an inclined surface 503 facing the inclined surface 318 may be provided on the upper surface of the projection 501 of the lens 5. As shown in Figure 11, a flat upper surface 504 may be provided on the lens 5, and a retaining surface 319 facing the upper surface 504 of the lens 5 may be provided at the tip of the retaining portion 31b.

[0073] The pressing portion is not limited to a pressing portion 31b that constitutes a part of the vibrating body (in the above embodiment, the external vibrating body 3). For example, as shown in Figure 12, it may be composed of a separate member (also called a pressing member) 60 from the vibrating body. In the vibrating device 1 of Figure 12, the pressing member 60 includes, for example, a cylindrical side wall 62 and a pressing portion 61 that protrudes inward in the radial direction (hereinafter referred to as the radial direction) with respect to the optical axis of the side wall 62 (for example, in the X direction and in the direction approaching the lens 5). The vibrating body 120 includes, for example, a cylindrical main body portion 121 and a support portion 122 that protrudes radially inward from the main body portion 121.

[0074] The vibrator 1 may include a stopper portion 80, as shown in Figures 13 to 16. The stopper portion 80 is connected to the fixed portion 35 in a manner that allows contact between the second connecting portion 33 and the stopper portion 80. A first gap 91 is provided between the stopper portion 80 and the second connecting portion 33 in the first direction Z. The stopper portion 80 can be formed from any material, including metal and resin.

[0075] In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 13, the fixed part 35 has a first opposing surface 351 that faces the second connecting part 33 at a distance in the first direction Z. The stopper part 80 is connected to the first opposing surface 351 of the fixed part 35. In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 13, the stopper part 80 is a separate component from the fixed part 35 and is fixed to the fixed part 35 with an adhesive or the like.

[0076] The second connecting portion 33 is composed of a first leaf spring portion 3301, a second leaf spring portion 3302, and a connecting portion 3303. The first leaf spring portion 3301 extends radially outward from the end portion 331 connected to the first connecting portion 31. A fixing portion 35 is located between the first leaf spring portion 3301 and the first opposing surface 351. The second leaf spring portion 3302 extends toward the fixing portion 35 along the first direction Z from the end of the first leaf spring portion 3301 that is furthest from the first connecting portion 31. A third gap 93 is provided between the fixing portion 35 and the second leaf spring portion 3302. The third gap 93 is optional. The connecting portion 3303 extends radially outward along the first opposing surface 351 from the end of the second leaf spring portion 3302 that is closer to the fixing portion 35. The radially outer end of the connecting portion 3303 constitutes the end portion 332. The second connecting portion 33 is connected to the fixing portion 35 via the connecting portion 3303.

[0077] For example, if an external force is applied to the lens 5 toward the inside of the vibrator 1, the second connecting portion 33 moves toward the inside of the vibrator 1 via the first connecting portion 31 connected to the lens 5 and comes into contact with the stopper portion 80. When the second connecting portion 33 comes into contact with the stopper portion 80, the movement of the second connecting portion 33 toward the inside of the vibrator 1 is restricted, and as a result, the movement of the lens 5 toward the inside of the vibrator 1 is restricted. In other words, by providing the stopper portion 80, collision of the lens 5 with a component located inside the vibrator 1 (for example, the lens module 15) can be prevented. Also, for example, if stress is applied to the second connecting portion 33, the second connecting portion 33 comes into contact with the stopper portion 80, so excessive deformation of the second connecting portion 33 can be prevented.

[0078] In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 13, the stopper portion 80 is connected to the first opposing surface 351 of the fixing portion 35, so that collision of the lens 5 with a component located inside the vibration device 1 (for example, the lens module 15) can be prevented more reliably, and excessive deformation of the second connection portion 33 can be prevented more reliably.

[0079] The first gap 91 has a size that is, for example, greater than or equal to the maximum amplitude of the lens 5 and less than the second gap 92. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably prevent the lens 5 from colliding with a member located inside the vibrator 1 (for example, the lens module 15) and to more reliably prevent excessive deformation of the second connection part 33. The second gap 92 is, for example, the smallest gap between the lens 5 and the lens module 15 in the first direction Z.

[0080] In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 14, the fixed part 35 and the stopper part 80 are integrated into a single unit. By integrating the fixed part 35 and the stopper part 80, it becomes unnecessary to connect the stopper part 80 to the fixed part 35, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the vibration device 1.

[0081] In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 14, the stopper portion 80 has an inclined surface 81 that faces the second connecting portion 33 in the first direction Z. The inclined surface 81 is inclined in a direction that moves away from the second connecting portion 33 in the first direction Z as it approaches the first connecting portion 31 in a direction intersecting the first direction Z (for example, the X direction). By providing the inclined surface 81, the area in which the stopper portion 80 and the first leaf spring portion 3301 of the second connecting portion 33 can come into contact can be increased compared to the vibration device 1 in which the stopper portion 80 does not have an inclined surface 81. As a result, collision of the lens 5 with a component located inside the vibration device 1 (for example, the lens module 15) can be prevented more reliably, and excessive deformation of the second connecting portion 33 can be prevented more reliably.

[0082] In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 15, the fixed part 35 has a second opposing surface 352 that faces the internal vibrating body 7 at a distance in a direction intersecting the first direction Z (for example, the X direction). The stopper part 80 is connected to the second opposing surface 352 of the fixed part 35. In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 15, the stopper part 80 is a separate component from the fixed part 35 and is fixed to the fixed part 35 with adhesive or the like. By providing the stopper part 80 on the second opposing surface 352, the size of the first gap 91 can be adjusted according to the structure of the vibration device 1 and the materials of each component constituting the vibration device 1.

[0083] In the vibration device 1 shown in Figure 16, the stopper portion 80 has a first layer 801 and a second layer 802 stacked in the first direction Z. The first layer 801 is located closer to the second connecting portion 33 than the second layer 802. In other words, a first gap 91 is formed between the first layer 801 and the first leaf spring portion 3301. The first layer 801 is configured to have a lower elastic modulus than the second layer 802. This configuration slows down the deformation rate of the second connecting portion 33 when it comes into contact with the stopper portion 80, thereby more reliably preventing excessive deformation of the second connecting portion 33. It also prevents damage to the second connecting portion 33 when it comes into contact with the stopper portion 80.

[0084] The stopper portion 80 can be configured to have an annular shape extending circumferentially with respect to the optical axis L of the lens 5, for example, as shown in Figure 17. In this case, the fixing portion 35 is configured to surround the internal vibrator 7 around the optical axis L. The stopper portion 80 is not limited to having an annular shape; for example, as shown in Figure 18, it may be configured to include a plurality of members 82 positioned at intervals along the circumferential direction with respect to the optical axis L. All of the plurality of members 82, or some of the plurality of members 82, may have substantially the same shape and size. All of the plurality of members 82 may have different shapes and sizes from each other. By configuring it in this way, collisions of the lens 5 with members located inside the vibrator 1 (e.g., lens module 15) can be more reliably prevented, and excessive deformation of the second connection portion 33 can be more reliably prevented.

[0085] This disclosure allows for the appropriate combination of any embodiment and / or variation from the various embodiments and variations described above. Combinations of embodiments and / or variations include combinations of configurations included in the embodiments and / or examples.

[0086] This disclosure is adequately described through the embodiments and / or modifications described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the embodiments and / or modifications described herein are not exhaustive. Many modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art of this disclosure. Such modifications and variations should be understood to be included in this disclosure as long as they do not fall outside the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Vibration device 3. External vibrators 5 lenses 7. Internal vibrating element 9. Piezoelectric element 15 Lens Modules 31. First connection section 31b Pressing part 33 Second connection section 3301 First leaf spring section 3302 Second leaf spring section 3303 Connection section 331, 332 End 35 Fixed part 351 First opposing surface 352 Second opposing surface 40 First Member 50 Second Member 51 Pressing part 60 Retaining member 61 Pressing part 62 Side wall 71 Part 1 72 Part 2 73 Part 3 80 Stopper part 81 Slope 82 Multiple components 801 1st layer 802 2nd layer 91 First gap 92 Second gap 93 Third Gap 100 pieces 120 Vibrating Body 121 Main body 122 Support part 317 Curved surface 318 Slope 319 Pressing surface 501 Protrusion 502 Top surface 503 Slope 504 Top surface

Claims

1. A vibrating body and A piezoelectric element located at one end of the vibrating body in the first direction, A transparent body located at the other end of the vibrating body in the first direction, A pressing portion that clamps the light-transmitting body in the first direction together with the other end of the vibrating body, A first member is located between the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion and is connected to the light-transmitting body and the pressing portion, A second member located between the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, and connected to the light-transmitting body and the vibrating body, Equipped with, A vibrating device in which the Young's modulus of the first member is less than or equal to the Young's modulus of the second member.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first member is equal to or greater than the thickness of the second member.

3. The vibration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second member includes a material having an adhesive function.

4. The vibration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first member includes a material having a waterproof function.

5. It comprises an external vibrator and a stopper part. The aforementioned external vibrator is The first connecting portion is provided with the aforementioned pressing portion and connected to the light-transmitting body via the aforementioned pressing portion, A second connecting portion extending away from the light-transmitting body in a direction intersecting the first direction from the first connecting portion, Of the two ends of the second connecting portion in the direction intersecting the first direction, the fixing portion is connected to the end opposite to the end connected to the first connecting portion. It has, The stopper portion is connected to the fixing portion in a manner that allows the second connecting portion to make contact. The vibration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first gap is provided between the stopper portion and the second connecting portion in the first direction.

6. The stopper portion has an inclined surface facing the second connecting portion in the first direction, The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the inclined surface is inclined in a direction away from the second connection portion in the first direction as it approaches the first connection portion in a direction intersecting the first direction.

7. The fixing portion is configured to surround the vibrating body around the optical axis of the light-transmitting body, The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the stopper portion has an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction with respect to the optical axis.

8. The fixing portion is configured to surround the vibrating body around the optical axis of the light-transmitting body, The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the stopper portion includes a plurality of members positioned at intervals along the circumferential direction with respect to the optical axis.

9. The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the fixing portion and the stopper portion are integrally configured.

10. The fixing portion has a first opposing surface that faces the second connecting portion at a distance from it in the first direction, The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the stopper portion is connected to the first opposing surface.

11. The fixing portion has a second opposing surface that is spaced apart from the vibrating body in a direction intersecting the first direction, The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the stopper portion is connected to the second opposing surface.

12. The stopper portion has a first layer and a second layer stacked in the first direction, The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the first layer is located closer to the second connection than the second layer and is configured to have a lower modulus of elasticity than the second layer.

13. The lens module is located inside the vibrating body and has a second gap between it and the light-transmitting body, The vibration device according to claim 5, wherein the first gap has a size greater than or equal to the maximum amplitude of the light-transmitting material and less than the second gap.

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