Driving device and imaging device including driving device

Abstract

To provide a driving device that reduces slide resistance and improves driving efficiency.SOLUTION: A driving device has: a lens holder 120 that holds an optical lens 1; an oscillating wave motor 10 that has a moving-side rail member 114; a spherical member 117 that connects the moving-side rail member 114 and the lens holder 120 with each other to transmit power; and a lens barrel urging spring 132 that urges the lens holder 120 against the moving-side rail member 114. The spherical member 117 and the lens barrel urging spring 132 are arranged at different positions when seen from an optical axis direction O.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device and an imaging device equipped with the drive device. [Background technology]

[0002] The ultrasonic motor has a guide means for extracting the vibration of the vibrator in a predetermined driving direction, and the vibrator and the friction member are configured to be able to move relative to each other. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for connecting the ultrasonic motor and the lens holding frame using a pivotable transmission member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-212682 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when driving a heavy lens group, it is necessary to increase the pressing force biasing the transmission member. With such a configuration, the distance between the position where the pressing force is applied and the guide bar is short, so the sliding resistance of the guide bar increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a drive device with reduced sliding resistance and improved drive efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The driving device of the present invention includes a holding member for holding an optical element, a vibration wave motor having a moving member that moves relative to a base member, a connecting portion that connects the moving member and the holding member, and With respect to the moving memberThe optical element has a connecting portion that applies a force to the holding member, and a force mechanism that is a member different from the force portion and that forces the holding member against the moving member, and the connecting portion and the force mechanism are arranged at different positions in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical element. Effect of the Invention

[0007] It is possible to provide a drive unit with reduced sliding resistance and improved drive efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an imaging device to which the present invention can be applied; [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a driving device including a vibration wave motor 10 and a lens barrel 11 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the drive device of the first embodiment as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drive device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration wave motor 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a side view showing balance of moments when the drive device of the first embodiment is viewed from the X-axis direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side view of the drive device of the second embodiment as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing balance of moments when the drive device of the second embodiment is viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a side view of the drive device of the third embodiment as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13A is an exploded perspective view of a lens barrel biasing unit 330 according to a third embodiment, and FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Example 1 A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device to which the present invention can be applied. In this description, a driving device having a vibration wave motor 10 as a driving source is mounted on the imaging device, but this description does not limit the present invention. In addition, an imaging device in which an imaging lens unit 2 and a camera body 4 described later are integrated will be described, but the imaging lens unit 2 may be an exchangeable lens. Furthermore, in the drawings, the optical axis direction O, which is the movement direction, is defined as the X-axis direction, the normal direction of a contact portion 102a of a diaphragm 102 described later is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to each of the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0010] 1, the main body of the imaging device is made up of an imaging lens unit 2 and a camera body 4. Inside the imaging lens unit 2, an optical lens 1 (optical element) is connected to a vibration wave motor 10, and the optical lens 1 can be moved in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis direction O by movement of a vibrator 101 (described later) that constitutes the vibration wave motor 10.

[0011] A driving device for driving the lens barrel 11 of the present invention is configured by a lens barrel 11 including the optical lens 1 and a vibration wave motor 10. In a driving device in which the optical lens 1 is a focusing lens, the focusing lens moves in a direction approximately parallel to the optical axis direction O during imaging, and the subject image is formed at the position of the imaging element 3, making it possible to generate a focused image.

[0012] Next, the configuration of a vibration wave motor 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a drive device including the vibration wave motor 10 and a lens barrel 11 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a side view of the drive device according to the first embodiment as viewed from the X-axis direction. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the drive device taken along the section line IV-IV shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounded by circle A in Fig. 4.

[0013] 5, the vibrator 101 provided in the vibration wave motor 10 is composed of a vibration plate 102, which is an elastic vibrating body, and a piezoelectric element 103. The vibration plate 102 and the piezoelectric element 103 are fixed with a known adhesive or the like, and the piezoelectric element 103 excites vibrations (ultrasonic vibrations) in the high frequency range when a voltage is applied.

[0014] The vibrator 101 and the first holding member 105 are fixed with a known adhesive or the like, but the method is not limited as long as they are fixed. The lower pressure plate 109 is disposed above the vibrator 101 in the Z-axis direction, and elastic members 106 are disposed between the lower pressure plate 109 and the piezoelectric element 103. The elastic members 106 prevent direct contact between the pressure part of the lower pressure plate 109 and the piezoelectric element 103, thereby preventing damage to the piezoelectric element 103.

[0015] The second holding member 107 is connected to the first holding member 105 via a thin metal plate 108. Therefore, the second holding member 107 moves integrally with the first holding member 105 when the first holding member 105 moves along the X-axis direction, which is the optical axis direction O.

[0016] The friction member 104 and the fixed rail member 112 are fixed to a base member 115 by a known technique such as screws. The base member 115 is also fixed to a fixing member (not shown) by screws or the like.

[0017] One end of the springs 110 is hung on the upper pressure plate 111 and the other end is hung on the movable rail member 114 (movable member), and the four springs 110 connect the two components, the upper pressure plate 111 and the movable rail member 114. The pressure force from the springs 110 received by the upper pressure plate 111 is transmitted to the vibrator 101 via the lower pressure plate 109 and the elastic member 106, bringing the vibrator 101 into frictional contact with the friction member 104. The pressure direction from the four springs 110 is the -Z-axis direction.

[0018] The moving-side rail member 114 has two V-groove-shaped moving-side guide parts 114a, and rolling balls 113 (rolling members) are arranged in each part. On the other hand, the fixed-side rail member 112 also has a V-groove-shaped fixed-side guide part 112a. That is, the rolling balls 113 are sandwiched between the fixed-side guide part 112a of the fixed-side rail member 112 and the moving-side guide part 114a of the moving-side rail member 114. The moving-side rail member 114 is always biased toward the upper pressure plate 111 by the spring 110, so that the rolling balls 113 are always in contact with the fixed-side guide part 112a and the moving-side guide part 114a. In addition, the V-groove-shaped moving-side guide part 114a, the fixed-side guide part 112a, and the rolling balls 113 are arranged to be approximately aligned in the Y-axis direction of the vibrator 101.

[0019] The first guide unit of the first embodiment is configured by the fixed rail member 112, the rolling balls 113, and the movable rail member 114. The first guide unit guides the vibration wave motor 10 in the approximate X-axis direction and also guides it rotatably around the approximate X-axis direction. At this time, the guiding direction by the first guide unit is the first direction of the first embodiment, which is the same as the optical axis direction O.

[0020] Next, a drive mechanism of the vibration wave motor 10 will be described. The vibration plate 102 has at least one contact portion 102a, and the contact portion 102a is in contact with the friction member 104 while being pressed by the pressure of the spring 110. When a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 103, ultrasonic vibration is excited, and a resonance phenomenon occurs in the vibrator 101.

[0021] At this time, two types of standing waves are generated in the vibrator 101, and an approximately elliptical motion occurs in the contact portion 102a of the diaphragm 102. In the above-mentioned pressurized contact state between the diaphragm 102 and the friction member 104, the approximately elliptical motion generated in the vibrator 101 is efficiently transmitted to the friction member 104.

[0022] As a result, the first holding member 105, the second holding member 107, the moving rail member 114, and the connecting member 116, which are integrated with the oscillator 101, move in a first direction (approximately the X-axis direction) guided by the first guide portion relative to the friction member 104. In addition, the lens holder 120 (holding member) connected to the connecting member 116 also moves integrally in a second direction that is approximately the same as the first direction.

[0023] 2 and 3, the configuration of the lens barrel 11 that holds the optical lens 1 will be described. The lens barrel 11 is mainly composed of a lens holder 120 that holds the optical lens 1, a first guide bar 121 that is fixed to a fixing member (not shown), and a second guide bar 122 (third guide section).

[0024] Lens holder 120 is provided with circular holes 120c and 120d, and first guide bar 121 is loosely fitted into two points of circular holes 120c and 120d to be guided linearly and rotatably about an axis parallel to the X-axis direction. The configuration of first guide bar 121 and circular holes 120c and 120d constitutes the second guide section of Example 1, and at this time, the direction in which the second guide section guides linearly is the second direction.

[0025] Furthermore, a U-shaped groove 120e is provided on the radially opposite side of the circular hole 120c of the lens holder 120. The second guide bar 122, which is a rotation restricting member, comes into contact with the U-shaped groove 120e, thereby restricting the rotation of the lens holder 120 around the X-axis. With this configuration, the lens holder 120 is guided in a straight line in the X-axis direction without rotating, since the rotation of the lens holder 120 is restricted. The configuration of the second guide bar 122 and the U-shaped groove 120e constitutes a third guide section of the first embodiment.

[0026] Next, a connection mechanism of the first embodiment that connects the vibration wave motor 10 and the lens barrel 11 and transmits the power of the vibration wave motor 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 6, and 7. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the drive device taken along the cross-sectional line VI-VI shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration wave motor 10 taken along the cross-sectional line VII-VII shown in Figure 3.

[0027] An output section 107a that outputs the power of the vibration wave motor 10 is provided on the second holding member 107 that constitutes a part of the movable section of the vibration wave motor 10, and a substantially U-shaped housing section 107b is fixed to the output section 107a with a screw 118a. The housing section 107b is provided with a connecting member 116, a spherical member 117, and a connecting member biasing spring 119 that biases the connecting member 116, which constitute a power transmission section (transmission section) that transmits the power of the vibration wave motor 10.

[0028] The connecting member biasing spring 119 is disposed between the connecting member 116 and the housing portion 107b, and biases the connecting member 116 and the spherical member 117 in the X-axis direction. The spherical member 117 is always in contact with the V-groove-shaped guide groove 107c extending in the Y-axis direction. This configuration realizes a configuration that can absorb misalignment between the drive direction of the vibration wave motor 10 and the guide direction of the lens holder 120, and misalignment of the connecting member 116 and the spherical member 117 in the Y-axis direction, while allowing them to be driven together without any rattling in the X-axis direction.

[0029] The lens holder 120 is provided with a connection portion 120b for connecting the connecting member 116. The connecting portion 120b is provided with two protrusions protruding in the Z-axis direction, and these protrusions fit into two holes formed in the connecting member 116, and the connecting member 116 is fastened to the connecting portion 120b with a screw 118b. Until the connecting member 116 is fastened with the screw 118b, the connecting member 116, the spherical member 117, and the connecting member biasing spring 119 are held in a unitized state in the vibration wave motor 10. After the connecting member 116 is fastened to the connecting portion 120b, the connecting member 116 and the spherical member 117 function as element parts on the lens barrel 11 side.

[0030] Next, a biasing mechanism of the first embodiment that biases the lens barrel 11, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 2, 5, and 8. Figure 8 is a side view showing the balance of moments when the driving device of the first embodiment is viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0031] First, the shaft portion of the shaft member 131 is inserted into the fitting hole 114d (see FIG. 5) of the movable rail member 114 that constitutes a part of the movable portion of the vibration wave motor 10, and then fixed by a fixing means such as an adhesive. Next, the lens barrel biasing spring 132, which is a compression coil spring, is assembled into the convex portion 120a provided on the lens holder 120, and the vibration wave motor 10 to which the shaft member 131 is fixed is assembled from the -Z axis direction, so that the lens barrel biasing spring 132 is sandwiched between the shaft member 131 and the convex portion 120a. In addition, the positional deviation between the convex portion 120a of the lens holder 120 and the shaft member 131 included in the vibration wave motor 10 is allowed by the elastic deformation of the lens barrel biasing spring 132 sandwiched therebetween. The biasing mechanism of the first embodiment is composed of the shaft member 131, the lens barrel biasing spring 132, and the convex portion 120a.

[0032] With the above-described configuration, the biasing force Fa1 of the lens barrel biasing spring 132 is applied to the lens holder 120 to bias it to rotate around the X-axis, thereby eliminating the play between the round holes 120c and 120d and the first guide bar 121 and between the U-groove portion 120e and the second guide bar 122.

[0033] A biasing force Fa1 from barrel biasing spring 132, the weight mg of barrel 11, and a biasing force Fb acting on U-groove portion 120e act on barrel 11. If the center of round hole 120c is taken as the axis of rotation center a, the length to the position of barrel biasing spring 132 or the center of gravity is taken as L1, the distance to the contact position between U-groove portion 120e and second guide bar 122 is taken as L2, and the distance to spherical member 117, which is the contact point c of the power transmission portion, is taken as L0.

[0034] The biasing force Fb needs to be set sufficiently large to prevent axial misalignment during driving of the lens barrel 11, and the necessary biasing force Fb increases as the optical lens 1 becomes heavier. To increase the biasing force Fb, the biasing force Fa1 of the lens barrel biasing spring 132 needs to be increased.

[0035] In the conventional configuration, as shown in Figures 2 and 4 of Patent Document 1, a pivot member that transmits a driving force in the X-axis direction is biased by a compression torsion spring, and the biased pivot member biases the lens barrel. If the distance from the center of rotation of the pivot member to the guide bar is L0 and the distance between the guide bar and the anti-vibration bar is L2, then the relationship is as shown in the following formula (1), and therefore L0 needs to be increased to increase the biasing force Fb. L2>L0 (1) However, increasing L0 moves the pivot member away from the center of rotation a, resulting in increased sliding resistance of the guide bar and an increase in the size of the device.

[0036] Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the power transmission unit and the member for biasing the lens barrel 11 are configured as separate members, and are characterized by efficient biasing. In the first embodiment, the relationship of the following formula (2) is satisfied, and since L0 is the same distance as in the conventional configuration, there is no concern that the lens barrel load will increase. L2>L1>L0 (2) Furthermore, since L1>L0, a larger biasing force Fb can be applied to the U-groove portion 120e even with the same biasing force Fa1. This allows the desired biasing force Fb to be applied to the U-groove portion 120e without increasing the biasing force applied to the circular holes 120c and 120d.

[0037] The above configuration makes it possible to reduce the drive load in the lens barrel equipped with the vibration wave motor 10 and the barrel 11. In the first embodiment, the barrel biasing spring 132 disposed between the lens holder 120 and the movable rail member 114 is described as a compression coil spring, but various spring members such as a torsion coil spring or a leaf spring can also be used.

[0038] Example 2 A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is a side view of the drive device of the second embodiment when viewed from the X-axis direction. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device of the second embodiment taken along the section line XX shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a side view showing the balance of moments when the drive device of the second embodiment is viewed from the X-axis direction. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the shaft member 231, the barrel biasing spring 232, and the protrusion 220a. In the description of the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the common parts will be omitted.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the shaft member 231, the lens barrel biasing spring 232, and the convex portion 220a are disposed at a position spaced apart by L3 from the rotation center a of the lens holder 220 (holding member). As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the biasing force Fa2 of the lens barrel biasing spring 232 (biasing mechanism) acts on the moving side rail member 214 (moving member) in the Z-axis direction at the biasing position d. In addition, since the vibration wave motor 20 (driving source) is supported by the first guide portion so as to be rotatable about the X-axis, the biasing force Fa2 of the lens barrel biasing spring 232 tends to rotate about the X-axis.

[0040] The lens holder 220 is movable in the X-axis direction by a second guide portion that is a first guide bar 221, and its rotation is restricted by the relationship between the U-groove portion 220e and the second guide bar 222. Therefore, the rotation of the vibration wave motor 20 is restricted by a reaction force Fc acting between the connecting member 216 and the movable rail member 214.

[0041] These members are also arranged so that a straight line B connecting the positions where the two rolling balls 213 constituting the first guide section and the moving-side guide section 214a abut, and a straight line C connecting the abutment point c of the power transmission section and the biasing position d of the lens barrel biasing spring 232 intersect at an intersection point e. Therefore, the configuration is such that rotation of the moving-side rail member 214 around the Y axis is restricted.

[0042] Regarding the moment around the guide center b of the first guide part when viewed from the X-axis direction, the relationship of the following formula (3) holds, with reference to Fig. 9, where La is the distance from the guide center b to the abutment point c of the power transmission part, and Lb is the distance from the guide center b to the urging position d. La×Fc=Lb×Fa2 (3)

[0043] This formula (3) shows the balance of moments established within the vibration wave motor 20, and the reaction force Fc generated in the connecting member 216 acts on the lens holder 220. Then, in addition to the biasing force Fa2 by the lens barrel biasing spring 232, a moment of L0×COSθ×Fc acts on the lens barrel 21 (see FIG. 11). At this time, if the biasing force Fb is constant, the biasing force Fa2 can be reduced because a moment due to the reaction force Fc acts. In other words, the degree of freedom in the spring design of the lens barrel biasing spring 232 increases.

[0044] With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the drive load in the lens barrel including the vibration wave motor 20 and the barrel 21, while improving the design freedom.

[0045] Example 3 Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12 to FIG. 15(B). FIG. 12 is a side view of the driving device of the third embodiment as seen from the X-axis direction. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the driving device taken along the cross-sectional line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the driving device taken along the cross-sectional line IX-IX shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15(A) is an exploded perspective view of the lens barrel biasing unit 330 of the third embodiment, and FIG. 15(B) is a front view of the same. In the first embodiment, a biasing mechanism using the shaft member 131, the lens barrel biasing spring 132, and the protrusion 120a is proposed. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a lens barrel biasing unit 330 in which the members constituting the biasing mechanism are unitized to improve the ease of assembly is proposed, and a configuration using the lens barrel biasing unit 330 will be described.

[0046] In the description of the third embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the common parts will be omitted. As in the first embodiment, the lens holder 320 (holding member) of the third embodiment has circular holes 320c (320d) into which the first guide bar 321 fits, which are provided at two positions shifted in the X-axis direction and function as a second guide portion.

[0047] Furthermore, bearing 323 is provided on the radially opposite side of round hole 320c of lens holder 320 so as to be rotatable around the axis of axial screw 324. Then, second guide bar 322, which is a rotation restricting member, abuts against bearing 323, thereby restricting rotation of lens holder 320 around the X-axis. With this configuration, lens holder 320 is restricted in rotation and is guided straight in the X-axis direction without rotating. The configuration of second guide bar 322 and bearing 323 constitutes a third guide section of the third embodiment.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the lens barrel biasing unit 330 and the biasing of the lens holder 320 will be described. The lens barrel biasing unit 330 is composed of a shaft member 331 (shaft member), a lens barrel biasing spring 332 (spring member, biasing mechanism), and a washer 333 (washer member). There are a first state in which these members are unitized, a second state in which the lens barrel biasing unit 330 is incorporated into a moving-side rail member 314 (moving member), and a third state in which a vibration wave motor 30 (drive source) and the lens barrel biasing unit 330 are incorporated into the lens holder 320.

[0049] First, the assembly of the lens barrel biasing unit 330 will be described. In assembling the lens barrel biasing unit 330, the lens barrel biasing spring 332 is fitted into the shaft member 331 from the side of the elastic deformation portion 331a provided at one end of the shaft member 331. Furthermore, the washer 333 is fitted into the shaft member 331, and during this fitting, the retaining portion 331b provided at the end of the elastic deformation portion 331a is inserted into the square hole 333a provided in the washer 333 while the elastic deformation portion 331a is being deformed. The lens barrel biasing spring 332 and the washer 333 are fitted into the shaft member 331 as the square hole 333a overcomes the retaining portion 331b.

[0050] After washer 333 climbs over retaining portion 331b, washer 333 is urged by lens barrel biasing spring 332, and retaining portion 331b comes into contact with washer 333 and is fixed in place. Then, assembly of the three members, shaft member 331, lens barrel biasing spring 332, and washer 333, is completed, and the above three members can be made into a unit. This state, that is, the state in which only the three members are made into a unit, is the first state shown in Figure 15(B).

[0051] Next, one end of the unitized lens barrel biasing unit 330 is pushed into fitting hole 314d (see FIG. 14) of moving-side rail member 314, elastically deforming portion 331a is elastically deformed, and the unit is inserted and assembled until stopper portion 331b overcomes fitting hole 314d. This state is the second state. After the unitized lens barrel biasing unit 330 is assembled into moving-side rail member 314, washer 333 and stopper portion 331b come into contact with the surface of moving-side rail member 314, and washer 333 and stopper portion 331b, which were in contact before assembly, are separated.

[0052] Finally, the other end opposite to the one end of the lens barrel biasing unit 330 incorporated in the vibration wave motor 30 is incorporated into the lens holder 320. This assembly is performed until the tip 331c, which is the spherical protrusion of the shaft member 331, comes into contact with the cone-shaped recess 320a provided in the lens holder 320. This state is the third state shown in FIG.

[0053] At this time, the retaining portion 331b and the fitting hole 314d of the movable rail member 314 are separated, and the lens barrel biasing spring 332 is compressed between the lens holder 320 and the movable rail member 314, generating a desired biasing force Fa3.

[0054] In the first state, the retaining portion 331b and the washer 333 come into contact with each other, and the lens barrel biasing spring 332 is held as the lens barrel biasing unit 330. In the second state, the moving-side rail member 314 is sandwiched between the washer 333 and the retaining portion 331b, so that the moving-side rail member 314 and the retaining portion 331b come into contact with each other, and the washer 333 and the retaining portion 331b are separated from each other. The lens barrel biasing unit 330 is then held by the vibration wave motor 30. In the third state, the moving-side rail member 314 and the retaining portion 331b come into contact with each other, and the lens barrel biasing unit 330 is held by the vibration wave motor 30.

[0055] In the configuration of the first embodiment, the lens barrel biasing spring 132 is disposed relative to the lens holder 120, and when the vibration wave motor 10 is assembled from the Z-axis direction, it is difficult to align the position of the lens barrel biasing spring 132 with the position of the shaft member 131, which is the receiving part. However, in the configuration of the third embodiment, the lens barrel biasing unit 330 moves so as to correct the positional deviation by abutting the tip 331c of the lens barrel biasing unit 330 against the inclined surface of the recess 320a of the lens holder 320, which has the effect of significantly improving the ease of assembly. Furthermore, the lens barrel biasing unit 330 is disposed at a position offset from the center of the lens holder 320 in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction, so that the lens barrel biasing spring 332 is superimposed inside the vibration wave motor 30. Therefore, the vibration wave motor 30 and the lens holder 320 can be brought closer to each other, resulting in a configuration that can be made compact in the radial direction.

[0056] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to simultaneously improve the ease of assembly of the lens barrel including the vibration wave motor 30 and the barrel 31 and to reduce the size of the lens barrel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10, 20, 30 Vibration motor (drive source) 1. Optical lenses (optical elements) 114, 214, 314 Moving side rail member (moving member) 116 Connecting member (transmission part) 117 Spherical member (transmission part) 120, 220, 320 Lens holder (holding member) 132, 232, 332 Tube biasing spring (biasing mechanism) O Optical axis direction (first direction)

Claims

1. A holding member for holding an optical element; a vibration wave motor having a moving member that moves relative to a base member; A connecting portion that connects the moving member and the holding member; a biasing portion that biases the connecting portion against the moving member; a biasing mechanism that is a member different from the biasing portion and biases the holding member against the moving member, The driving device, wherein the connecting portion and the biasing mechanism are disposed at different positions in a cross section perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical element.

2. a first guide portion that rotatably guides the vibration wave motor around an axis in a first direction along the optical axis, 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is connected to the holding member, thereby restricting rotation of the vibration wave motor around the shaft.

3. The holding member may further include second and third guide portions that guide the holding member in the first direction, The drive device according to claim 2 , wherein the second guide portion guides the holding member rotatably about an axis in the first direction, and the third guide portion restricts the rotation of the holding member.

4. the second guide portion includes a first guide bar, In a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis, when a distance from the first guide bar to the biasing mechanism is L1 and a distance from the first guide bar to the connecting portion is L0, the following relationship is satisfied: L1>L0 4. The drive device according to claim 3, wherein the following expression is satisfied.

5. the third guide portion includes a second guide bar, the holding member includes an abutment portion against which the second guide bar abuts, In a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis, when the distance from the first guide bar to the abutment portion is L2, the following relationship is satisfied: L2>L1>L0 5. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein the following expression is satisfied.

6. the first guide portion is configured by a V-groove provided in the moving member and a plurality of rolling members abutting against the V-groove, 6. The drive device according to claim 2, wherein a line connecting the abutment point at the connecting portion and the point where the biasing force generated by the biasing mechanism is applied intersects with a line connecting each of the plurality of rolling members.

7. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the biasing mechanism is located between the movable member and the retaining member and has an axis member that abuts against a recess of the retaining member, a spring member, and a washer member.

8. The drive device described in claim 7, characterized in that the biasing mechanism has a first state in which the anti-slip portion of the shaft member abuts against the washer member, a second state in which the anti-slip portion abuts against the moving member, and a third state in which the anti-slip portion and the moving member are separated and a biasing force by the spring member acts between the moving member and the retaining member.

9. 9. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the optical element is a focusing lens.

10. 10. An imaging device comprising: the driving device according to claim 1; a lens barrel including the optical element; and an imaging element for capturing an image formed by the lens barrel.

Images