CN116964523A - Reflector driving device - Google Patents

Abstract

The reflector driving device (101) is provided with: a reflector holding member (4) capable of holding a reflector (1) for bending light; a first support member (5) that supports the reflector holding member (4) so as to be swingable about a swing axis (SA 1); a second support member (6) that supports the first support member (5) so as to be swingable about a swing axis (SA 2); and a drive Mechanism (MD) for swinging the movable side Member (MB) including the reflector holding member (4) relative to the fixed side member (FB) including the second support member (6). The drive Mechanism (MD) is configured to include a plurality of shape memory alloy wires (W) provided between the fixed side member (FB) and the movable side Member (MB). The reflector holding member (4) is configured to swing by energizing the shape memory alloy wire (W).

Description

Reflector driving device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a reflector driving device mounted on a portable device with a camera or the like, for example.

Background

Conventionally, an imaging device is known that includes a vibration isolation unit that supports a prism so as to be pivotable about two pivot axes (see patent document 1). The vibration isolation unit has: a first bracket block which holds the prism and is capable of swinging about a first swinging axis; a second bracket block swingably supporting the first bracket block and swingably about a second swing axis; and a vibration-proof base swingably supporting the second bracket block.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2020-177067

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The vibration isolation unit includes a driving mechanism including a permanent magnet fixed to a first bracket block and a coil fixed to a flexible substrate mounted on a second bracket block.

However, the vibration preventing unit is constituted by a permanent magnet and a coil as a driving mechanism, and thus the weight may become large.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a reflector driving device that can be further reduced in weight.

Means for solving the problems

The reflector driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a reflector holding member capable of holding a reflector for bending light; a first support member that supports the reflector holding member so as to be swingable about a first axis; a second support member that supports the first support member so as to be swingable about a second shaft having an axial direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the first shaft; and a driving mechanism configured to oscillate the movable-side member including the reflector holding member with respect to the fixed-side member including the second support member, the driving mechanism including a plurality of shape memory alloy wires provided between the fixed-side member and the movable-side member, the reflector holding member being configured to oscillate by energizing the shape memory alloy wires.

Effects of the invention

By the means described above, a reflector driving device that can be further reduced in weight can be provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a reflector driving apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a camera module including the reflector driving apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the reflector driving apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the fixed-side member.

Fig. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the fixed-side member.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the force application member.

Fig. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the movable side member as viewed from the right obliquely upward front.

Fig. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the movable-side member as viewed from the right obliquely upward rear.

Fig. 6C is an exploded perspective view of the movable-side member as seen from the right obliquely downward rear.

Fig. 7A is a rear view of a combination of the reflector holding member and the first supporting member.

Fig. 7B is a sectional view of a combination of the reflector holding member and the first supporting member.

Fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view of a combination of the reflector-holding member and the first supporting member.

Fig. 8A is a front view of a combination of a first support member and a second support member.

Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a combination of a first support member and a second support member.

Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of a combination of a first support member and a second support member.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the biasing member disposed between the reflector holding member and the second support member, viewed from the obliquely upper right front side.

Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the biasing member disposed between the reflector holding member and the second support member, viewed from the obliquely upper left front side.

Fig. 10 is a right side view of the biasing member disposed between the reflector holding member and the second support member.

Fig. 11A is a perspective view of the right movable-side metal member viewed from the right obliquely upward front.

Fig. 11B is a perspective view of the left movable-side metal member viewed from the obliquely upper left front.

Fig. 11C is a perspective view of the right stationary-side metal part viewed from the right obliquely upward front.

Fig. 11D is a perspective view of the left stationary-side metal part viewed from the obliquely upper left front.

Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the shape memory alloy wire, the left movable side metal member, and the left fixed side metal member constituting the left driving mechanism, as viewed from the right obliquely upward front.

Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the shape memory alloy wire, the right movable side metal member, and the right fixed side metal member constituting the right driving mechanism, as viewed from the right obliquely upward front.

Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the conductive member as viewed from the right obliquely upper front.

Fig. 13B is a perspective view of the conductive member as viewed from the right obliquely upward rear.

Fig. 13C is a perspective view of the conductive member embedded in the second support member, viewed from the right obliquely upward front.

Fig. 13D is a perspective view of the conductive member embedded in the second support member, as viewed from the right obliquely upward rear.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the right drive mechanism.

Fig. 15A is a right side view of the third wire, the fourth wire, the right movable-side metal member, and the right fixed-side metal member.

Fig. 15B is a right side view of the third wire, the fourth wire, the right movable-side metal member, and the right fixed-side metal member.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the first support member, the movable side metal member, the fixed side metal member, and the shape memory alloy wire.

Detailed Description

The reflector driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a reflector driving apparatus 101. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a camera module in a camera-equipped portable device equipped with a reflector driving device 101. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the reflector driving device 101.

In each of fig. 1 to 3, X1 represents one direction of an X axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. In addition, Y1 represents one direction of the Y axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y axis. Similarly, Z1 represents one direction of the Z axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z axis. In the present embodiment, the X1 side of the reflector driving device 101 corresponds to the front side (front side) of the reflector driving device 101, and the X2 side of the reflector driving device 101 corresponds to the rear side (back side) of the reflector driving device 101. The Y1 side of the reflector driving device 101 corresponds to the left side of the reflector driving device 101, and the Y2 side of the reflector driving device 101 corresponds to the right side of the reflector driving device 101. The Z1 side of the reflector driving device 101 corresponds to the upper side of the reflector driving device 101, and the Z2 side of the reflector driving device 101 corresponds to the lower side of the reflector driving device 101. The same applies to other components in other figures.

As shown in fig. 1, the reflector driving device 101 is configured to be capable of swinging the reflector 1 around a swing axis SA1 and a swing axis SA2, respectively. The reflector driving device 101 is used as an actuator for camera shake correction in a camera module, for example. In the present embodiment, the swing axis SA1 as the first axis is an axis parallel to the Y axis, and the swing axis SA2 as the second axis is an axis parallel to the Z axis. However, the swing axis SA1 as the first axis may be an axis parallel to the Z axis. In this case, the swing axis SA2 as the second axis may be an axis parallel to the Y axis.

As shown in fig. 2, the reflector driving device 101 IS typically disposed closer to the subject than the lens unit LU, and IS configured to reflect the light LT from the subject to the reflector 1, and to pass the reflected light through the lens unit LU to reach the imaging element IS.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the reflector driving device 101 is configured by a movable side member MB and a fixed side member FB. The movable side member MB is accommodated in the housing HS constituting the fixed side member FB. As shown in fig. 1, the housing HS is composed of a cover member 2 and a base member (second support member 6). In the present embodiment, the cover member 2 is formed of a non-magnetic metal, and the second support member 6 as a base member is formed of a synthetic resin.

The reflector driving device 101 is configured to be capable of swinging the movable-side member MB with respect to the fixed-side member FB by the driving mechanism MD. Specifically, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the reflector driving device 101 is configured to be capable of swinging the reflector 1 about the swinging axis SA1 as indicated by the double arrow AR1 and about the swinging axis SA2 as indicated by the double arrow AR2 with respect to the housing HS.

The movable-side member MB is supported by the fixed-side member FB, and includes, as shown in fig. 3, a reflector 1, a reflector holding member 4, a first support member 5, a movable-side metal member 7, and a magnet 11.

The reflector 1 is an optical element for bending light. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, the reflector 1 is configured to reflect light LT incident from the subject toward the lens unit LU. In the present embodiment, the reflector 1 is a prism. The reflector 1 may also be a mirror.

The reflector holding member 4 is configured to be able to hold the reflector 1. In the present embodiment, the reflector holding member 4 is formed of synthetic resin. The reflector 1 is bonded to the reflector holding member 4 with an adhesive.

The first support member 5 is configured to support the reflector holding member 4 so that the reflector holding member 4 can swing around a swing axis SA1 as a first axis. In the present embodiment, the first support member 5 is formed of synthetic resin.

The movable-side metal member 7 is a member constituting the drive mechanism MD. In the present embodiment, the movable-side metal member 7 is a metal member to which one end (movable-side end) of the shape memory alloy wire W is attached, and is fixed to the reflector holding member 4 by an adhesive.

The shape memory alloy wire W is a member constituting the drive mechanism MD. In the present embodiment, the shape memory alloy wire W is a wire covered with an electrically insulating material, and includes first to fourth wires W1 to W4. The shape memory alloy wire W increases in temperature when a current flows, and contracts according to the increase in temperature. The driving mechanism MD can oscillate the movable side member MB (the reflector holding member 4) around the oscillation axes SA1 and SA2, respectively, by contraction of the shape memory alloy wire W. In addition, the shape memory alloy wire W is configured such that the movable-side member MB swings when one or more of the first to fourth wires W1 to W4 contracts, and the other or more of the first to fourth wires W1 to W4 is elongated due to the swing.

Specifically, the movable-side metal member 7 includes a left movable-side metal member 7L and a right movable-side metal member 7R. The left movable-side metal member 7L is a metal member to which one end (movable-side end) of the first wire W1 and one end (movable-side end) of the second wire W2 are attached, and is fixed to the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 by an adhesive. The right movable-side metal member 7R is a metal member to which one end (movable-side end) of the third wire W3 and one end (movable-side end) of the fourth wire W4 are attached, and is fixed to the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 by an adhesive.

The magnet 11 is a member for detecting the posture of the movable-side member MB. In the present embodiment, the magnet 11 is fixed to the reflector holding member 4 by an adhesive so as to face the sensor 10 attached to the fixing-side member FB. The sensor 10 is a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated by the magnet 11. The sensor 10 can detect the change in the posture of the reflector holding member 4 to which the magnet 11 is fixed by detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnet 11.

Specifically, the magnets 11 include left-side magnets 11L and right-side magnets 11R that are disposed apart from each other. The left magnet 11L and the right magnet 11R are formed to have the same shape, weight, and size. This is to not adversely affect the weight balance of the movable-side member MB.

The fixed side member FB is configured to be capable of supporting the movable side member MB. Specifically, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the fixed-side member FB includes the wiring substrate 3, the second support member 6, the fixed-side metal member 8, the sensor 10, and the conductive member 12. Fig. 4A and 4B show detailed views of the fixed-side part FB. Specifically, fig. 4A is a perspective view of the fixed-side member FB, and fig. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the fixed-side member FB. In fig. 4A and 4B, dot patterns are marked on the fixed-side metal member 8, cross patterns are marked on the conductive member 12, and illustration of the cover member 2 is omitted for clarity.

The wiring board 3 is a member for connecting the drive mechanism MD and the sensor 10 to a control device having an external current supply function. In the present embodiment, the wiring board 3 is constituted by a flexible wiring board. However, the wiring board 3 may be a rigid wiring board or a rigid flexible wiring board. The wiring board 3 is fixed to the second support member 6 by an adhesive.

The second support member 6 is configured to support the first support member 5 so that the first support member 5 can swing around a swing axis SA2 as a second axis having an axis direction (Z axis direction) perpendicular to an axis direction (Y axis direction) of the swing axis SA1 as a first axis. The second support member 6 is configured such that the conductive member 12 is buried in the rear wall portion. In the present embodiment, the conductive member 12 is a metal member embedded in the second support member 6 by insert molding.

The fixed-side metal member 8 is a member constituting the drive mechanism MD. In the present embodiment, the fixing-side metal member 8 is a metal member to which the other end (fixing-side end) of the shape memory alloy wire W is attached, and is fixed to the second support member 6 by an adhesive.

Specifically, the fixing-side metal member 8 includes a left fixing-side metal member 8L and a right fixing-side metal member 8R. The left fixing side metal member 8L includes an upper left fixing side metal member 8UL and a lower left fixing side metal member 8DL. The right fixing-side metal member 8R includes an upper right fixing-side metal member 8UR and a lower right fixing-side metal member 8DR. The upper left fixing-side metal member 8UL is a metal member to which the other end (fixing-side end) of the second wire W2 (see fig. 3) is attached, and is fixed to the left wall portion of the second support member 6 by an adhesive. The lower left fixing-side metal member 8DL is a metal member to which the other end (fixing-side end) of the first wire W1 (see fig. 3) is attached, and is fixed to the left wall portion of the second support member 6 by an adhesive. The upper right fixing-side metal member 8UR is a metal member to which the other end (fixing-side end) of the fourth wire W4 (see fig. 3) is attached, and is fixed to the right wall portion of the second support member 6 by an adhesive. The lower right fixing-side metal member 8DR is a metal member to which the other end (fixing-side end) of the third wire W3 (see fig. 3) is attached, and is fixed to the right wall portion of the second support member 6 by an adhesive.

The sensor 10 is configured to be able to detect the position of the movable side member MB. In the present embodiment, the sensor 10 is constituted by a giant magnetoresistance effect (Giant Magneto Resistive effect: GMR) element capable of detecting a magnetic field generated by the magnet 11. However, the sensor 10 may be configured to be able to detect the position of the movable-side member MB by using other magnetoresistive elements such as a semiconductor magnetoresistive (Semiconductor Magneto Resistive:smr) element, an anisotropic magnetoresistive (Anisotropic Magneto Resistive:amr) element, or a tunnel magnetoresistive (Tunnel Magneto Resistive:tmr) element. Alternatively, the sensor 10 may be configured to be able to detect the position of the movable-side member MB by using a hall element.

Specifically, the sensor 10 is mounted on the wiring board 3 fixed to the second support member 6, and is disposed so as not to be movable relative to the second support member 6. The sensor 10 includes a left sensor 10L capable of detecting a magnetic field generated by the left magnet 11L and a right sensor 10R capable of detecting a magnetic field generated by the right magnet 11R. The left sensor 10L is disposed so as to be fitted into a left through portion 6HL formed in the bottom wall portion of the second support member 6 in a state of being mounted on the wiring board 3. The right sensor 10R is disposed so as to be fitted into a right through portion 6HR formed in the bottom wall portion of the second support member 6 in a state of being mounted on the wiring board 3.

The sensor 10 is configured such that a control device, not shown, can detect the position of the movable-side member MB that swings about the swing shafts SA1 and SA2, respectively, based on the outputs of the left sensor 10L and the right sensor 10R, respectively. The control device is, for example, a device external to the reflector driving device 101.

The biasing member 9 is a member constituting the drive mechanism MD. In the present embodiment, the biasing member 9 is configured to function as a conductive path for a current flowing through the shape memory alloy wire W. The movable-side member MB is biased by the biasing member 9 and pressed against the fixed-side member FB. Specifically, the urging member 9 includes a first urging member that urges the reflector holding member 4 toward one side (X2 side) of the first support member 5 in a direction parallel to the X axis, and a second urging member that urges the first support member 5 toward one side (X2 side) of the second support member 6. In the present embodiment, the biasing member 9 is formed of a spring member, and serves as both the first biasing member and the second biasing member.

Specifically, the biasing member 9 is constituted by a pair of spring members (left spring member 9L and right spring member 9R), and is configured to be able to realize a function of biasing the reflector holding member 4 toward the X2 side (rear side) and a function of biasing the first support member 5 toward the X2 side (rear side).

However, the first biasing member and the second biasing member may be separate members. For example, the first biasing member may be constituted by one or more spring members, and the second biasing member may be constituted by another one or more spring members.

According to this configuration, the biasing member 9 can prevent the reflector holding member 4 from moving in the direction away from the swing axis SA1, and can prevent the first support member 5 from moving in the direction away from the swing axis SA 2.

The conductive member 12 is a member constituting the driving mechanism MD. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 4B, the conductive member 12 includes a left conductive member 12L and a right conductive member 12R. The left conductive member 12L includes a first left conductive member 12L1, a second left conductive member 12L2, and a third left conductive member 12L3. The right conductive member 12R includes a first right conductive member 12R1, a second right conductive member 12R2, and a third right conductive member 12R3.

The first left conductive member 12L1 is configured such that one end (base end) is connected to the wiring substrate 3, and the other end (tip end) is connected to the upper left fixing side metal member 8 UL. The second left conductive member 12L2 is connected to the wiring board 3 at one end and to the left spring member 9L at the other end. The third left conductive member 12L3 is configured such that one end is connected to the wiring board 3 and the other end is connected to the left lower fixing-side metal member 8 DL.

Similarly, the first right conductive member 12R1 is configured such that one end is connected to the wiring board 3 and the other end is connected to the upper right fixing-side metal member 8 UR. The second right conductive member 12R2 is configured such that one end is connected to the wiring board 3 and the other end is connected to the right spring member 9R. The third right conductive member 12R3 is configured such that one end is connected to the wiring board 3 and the other end is connected to the right lower fixing-side metal member 8 DR.

Next, the biasing member 9 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a front view of the urging member 9.

The urging member 9 includes an inner fixing portion 9M fixed to a pedestal portion 4P (see fig. 3) of the side wall portion of the reflector holding member 4, an outer fixing portion 9F fixed to a pedestal portion 6P (see fig. 3) of the side wall portion of the second support member 6, and an elastic arm portion 9G connecting the inner fixing portion 9M and the outer fixing portion 9F. Specifically, the biasing member 9 includes a right spring member 9R and a left spring member 9L that are disposed separately. The right side spring member 9R and the left side spring member 9L are constituted by leaf springs.

More specifically, the right spring member 9R includes a right inner fixing portion 9MR fixed to a right mount portion 4PR (see fig. 3) of the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4, a right outer fixing portion 9FR fixed to a right mount portion 6PR (see fig. 3) of the right wall portion of the second support member 6, and a right elastic arm portion 9GR connecting the right inner fixing portion 9MR and the right outer fixing portion 9 FR. The right elastic arm portion 9GR includes a right upper elastic arm portion 9GUR connecting an upper end portion of the right inner fixing portion 9MR with an upper end portion of the right outer fixing portion 9FR, and a right lower elastic arm portion 9GDR connecting a lower end portion of the right inner fixing portion 9MR with a lower end portion of the right outer fixing portion 9 FR. At least one of the right inner fixing portion 9MR and the right outer fixing portion 9FR may be divided vertically.

Similarly, the left spring member 9L includes a left inner fixing portion 9ML fixed to a left mount portion 4PL (not visible in fig. 3) of the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4, a left outer fixing portion 9FL fixed to a left mount portion 6PL (see fig. 3) of the left wall portion of the second support member 6, and a left elastic arm portion 9GL connecting the left inner fixing portion 9ML and the left outer fixing portion 9 FL. The left elastic arm portion 9GL includes an upper left elastic arm portion 9GUL connecting the upper end portion of the left inner fixing portion 9ML and the upper end portion of the left outer fixing portion 9FL, and a lower left elastic arm portion 9GDL connecting the lower end portion of the left inner fixing portion 9ML and the lower end portion of the left outer fixing portion 9 FL. At least one of the left inner fixing portion 9ML and the left outer fixing portion 9FL may be divided vertically.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the biasing member 9 is attached to the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6 such that the swing shaft SA1 is located between the upper left elastic arm portion 9GUL and the lower left elastic arm portion 9GDL and the swing shaft SA1 is located between the upper right elastic arm portion 9GUR and the lower right elastic arm portion 9GDR in the main view.

Next, the movable-side member MB will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6A to 6C. Fig. 6A to 6C are exploded perspective views of the movable-side member MB viewed from three different angles. Specifically, fig. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the movable side member MB as viewed from the right obliquely upward front. Fig. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the movable-side member MB as viewed from the right obliquely upward rear. Fig. 6C is an exploded perspective view of the movable-side member MB as viewed from the obliquely lower rear right. In fig. 6A to 6C, the movable-side metal member 7 is not shown for clarity.

The reflector holding member 4 is formed with a recess 4E capable of accommodating the magnet 11. Specifically, as shown in fig. 6C, a left recess 4EL capable of accommodating the left magnet 11L and a right recess 4ER capable of accommodating the right magnet 11R are formed in the bottom wall portion of the reflector holding member 4.

The reflector holding member 4 and the first support member 5 are coupled by the first shaft portion CN1 such that the reflector holding member 4 can swing with respect to the first support member 5.

The first shaft portion CN1 is a mechanism for connecting the reflector holding member 4 and the first support member 5 so that the reflector holding member 4 can swing with respect to the first support member 5, and is constituted by a concave portion 4S formed in the reflector holding member 4 and a convex portion 5T formed in the first support member 5.

Specifically, the first shaft portion CN1 includes a left shaft portion CN1L and a right shaft portion CN1R. The left shaft CN1L is composed of a left recess 4SL formed outside (left side) the rear wall of the reflector holder 4 and a left protrusion 5TL formed at the front end of the left wall of the first support member 5.

Similarly, the right shaft portion CN1R is constituted by a right concave portion 4SR formed in the rear wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 and a right convex portion 5TR formed in the front end portion of the right wall portion of the first support member 5.

Here, a state of the first shaft CN1 when the reflector holding member 4 is combined with the first supporting member 5 will be described with reference to fig. 7A to 7C. Fig. 7A to 7C are detailed views of the combination of the reflector holding member 4 and the first supporting member 5. Specifically, fig. 7A is a rear view of the combination of the reflector holding member 4 and the first supporting member 5. Fig. 7B is a sectional view of the combination of the reflector holding member 4 and the first supporting member 5 in a virtual plane parallel to the XY plane including the line segment L1 in fig. 7A. Fig. 7C is a sectional view of the combination of the reflector holding member 4 and the first supporting member 5 in a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane including the line segment L2 in fig. 7A. In fig. 7A to 7C, for clarity, a sparse dot pattern is marked on the reflector holding member 4, and a dense dot pattern is marked on the first support member 5.

As shown in fig. 7B and 7C, the left convex portion 5TL is formed to have a substantially hemispherical distal end, and the left concave portion 4SL is formed to include a substantially semi-cylindrical concave surface engaged with the left convex portion 5 TL. The same applies to the right concave portion 4SR and the right convex portion 5 TR.

This configuration can suppress the reflector holding member 4 from being displaced in the up-down direction and also suppress the reflector holding member 4 from being displaced in the left-right direction when the reflector holding member 4 swings with respect to the first support member 5.

As shown in fig. 4A and fig. 6A to 6C, the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 are coupled by the second shaft portion CN2 so that the first support member 5 can swing with respect to the second support member 6.

The second shaft portion CN2 is a mechanism for connecting the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 so that the first support member 5 can swing with respect to the second support member 6, and is configured by a convex portion 5V formed in the first support member 5 and a concave portion 6S (see fig. 4A) formed in the second support member 6.

Specifically, the second shaft portion CN2 includes an upper shaft portion CN2U and a lower shaft portion CN2D. The upper shaft portion CN2U is constituted by an upper convex portion 5VU formed at the upper end center portion outside (rear side) the rear wall portion of the first support member 5 and a concave portion 6S formed at the center portion inside (front side) the rear wall portion of the second support member 6.

Similarly, the lower shaft portion CN2D is constituted by a lower protruding portion 5VD formed at a lower end central portion outside (rear side) the rear wall portion of the first support member 5 and a recessed portion 6S formed at a central portion inside (front side) the rear wall portion of the second support member 6.

Here, a state of the second shaft portion CN2 when the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 are combined will be described with reference to fig. 8A to 8C. Fig. 8A to 8C are detailed views of the combination of the first support member 5 and the second support member 6. Specifically, fig. 8A is a front view of the combination of the first support member 5 and the second support member 6. Fig. 8B is a sectional view of a combination of the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 in a virtual plane parallel to the XY plane including the line segment L3 in fig. 8A. Fig. 8C is a sectional view of the combination of the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 in a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane including the line segment L4 in fig. 8A. In fig. 8A to 8C, for clarity, a sparse dot pattern is labeled on the first support member 5, and a finer dot pattern is labeled on the second support member 6.

As shown in fig. 8B and 8C, the upper convex portion 5VU and the lower convex portion 5VD are each formed in a substantially hemispherical shape at the distal ends, and the concave portion 6S is formed to include a substantially semi-cylindrical concave surface that engages with the upper convex portion 5VU and the lower convex portion 5 VD.

This structure can suppress the first support member 5 from being displaced in the up-down direction and also suppress the first support member 5 from being displaced in the left-right direction when the first support member 5 swings with respect to the second support member 6.

Next, the biasing member 9 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 9A, 9B, and 10. Fig. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the biasing member 9 disposed between the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6. Specifically, fig. 9A is a perspective view from the upper right side and the front side, and fig. 9B is a perspective view from the upper left side and the front side. Fig. 10 is a right side view of the biasing member 9 disposed between the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6. In fig. 9A, 9B and 10, the reflector holding member 4 is marked with a sparse dot pattern for clarity, and the second support member 6 is marked with a sparse dot pattern.

As described above, the biasing member 9 includes the right spring member 9R and the left spring member 9L that are disposed apart from each other. Specifically, the right spring member 9R includes a right inner fixing portion 9MR fixed to the right pedestal portion 4PR of the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4, a right outer fixing portion 9FR fixed to the right pedestal portion 6PR of the right wall portion of the second support member 6, a right upper elastic arm portion 9GUR connecting an upper end portion of the right inner fixing portion 9MR and an upper end portion of the right outer fixing portion 9FR, and a right lower elastic arm portion 9GDR connecting a lower end portion of the right inner fixing portion 9MR and a lower end portion of the right outer fixing portion 9 FR.

In the present embodiment, the right mount portion 4PR of the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 includes two protruding portions 4AR of a circular convex shape protruding forward (X1 direction) from the front side (X1 side). The protruding portion 4AR corresponds to two through holes formed in the right inner fixing portion 9 MR.

Specifically, the right inner fixing portion 9MR is attached and fixed to the right pedestal portion 4PR on which the protruding portion 4AR is formed. The right inner fixing portion 9MR is fixed to the right mount portion 4PR by applying an adhesive to the protruding portion 4AR inserted through a through hole formed in the right inner fixing portion 9 MR.

In the present embodiment, the right mount portion 6PR of the right wall portion of the second support member 6 includes two protruding portions 6AR protruding from the front side (X1 side) and protruding forward (X1 direction). The protruding portion 6AR corresponds to two through holes formed in the right outer fixing portion 9 FR.

Specifically, the right outer fixing portion 9FR is attached and fixed to the right pedestal portion 6PR on which the protruding portion 6AR is formed. The right outer fixing portion 9FR is fixed to the right mount portion 6PR by heat staking the protruding portion 6AR inserted through a through hole formed in the right outer fixing portion 9 FR.

In fig. 9A, the protruding portion 6AR is illustrated in a state in which the tip is deformed after heat staking. The same applies to other drawings illustrating the protruding portion 6 AR.

Similarly, the left spring member 9L includes a left inner fixing portion 9ML fixed to the left pedestal portion 4PL of the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4, a left outer fixing portion 9FL fixed to the left pedestal portion 6PL of the left wall portion of the second support member 6, a left upper elastic arm portion 9GUL connecting an upper end portion of the left inner fixing portion 9ML and an upper end portion of the left outer fixing portion 9FL, and a left lower elastic arm portion 9GDL connecting a lower end portion of the left inner fixing portion 9ML and a lower end portion of the left outer fixing portion 9 FL.

In the present embodiment, the left mount portion 4PL of the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 includes two protruding portions 4AL protruding in a circular shape from the front side (X1 side) toward the front (X1 direction). The protruding portion 4AL corresponds to two through holes formed in the left inner fixing portion 9 ML.

Specifically, the left inner fixing portion 9ML is attached and fixed to the left mount portion 4PL in which the protruding portion 4AL is formed. The left inner fixing portion 9ML is fixed to the left base portion 4PL by applying an adhesive to the protruding portion 4AL inserted through a through hole formed in the left inner fixing portion 9 ML.

In the present embodiment, the left mount portion 6PL of the left wall portion of the second support member 6 includes two protruding portions 6AL protruding in a circular shape from the front side (X1 side) toward the front (X1 direction). The protruding portion 6AL corresponds to two through holes formed in the left outer fixing portion 9 FL.

Specifically, the left outer fixing portion 9FL is attached and fixed to the left pedestal portion 6PL in which the protruding portion 6AL is formed. The left outer fixing portion 9FL is fixed to the left base portion 6PL by heat staking the protruding portion 6AL inserted through a through hole formed in the left outer fixing portion 9 FL.

In fig. 9B, the protruding portion 6AL is illustrated in a state in which the tip is deformed after heat staking. The same applies to other drawings illustrating the protruding portion 6AL.

As shown in fig. 10, in the initial state in which the driving mechanism MD is not driven, the right inner fixing portion 9MR is fixed to the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6 so as to be substantially parallel to the right outer fixing portion 9 FR. Specifically, in the initial state, the right inner fixing portion 9MR and the right outer fixing portion 9FR are disposed at a distance DT1 in the X-axis direction, and are fixed to the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6 substantially parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction. The same applies to the left spring member 9L.

With this arrangement, the urging member 9 composed of the left spring member 9L and the right spring member 9R can urge the reflector holding member 4 to the rear side (X2 side) and can urge the first support member 5 to the rear side (X2 side) in the initial state. That is, the urging member 9 can serve as a first urging member and can serve as a second urging member. In other words, the biasing member 9 can have both the function as the first biasing member and the function as the second biasing member.

The driving mechanism MD is a mechanism for swinging the movable side member MB relative to the fixed side member FB by using the shape memory alloy wire W. As shown in fig. 3, the driving mechanism MD is composed of a shape memory alloy wire W, a movable side metal member 7, a fixed side metal member 8, a biasing member 9, and a conductive member 12. Specifically, the driving mechanism MD includes a left driving mechanism MDL and a right driving mechanism MDR.

The left driving mechanism MDL is constituted by a first wire W1, a second wire W2, a left movable side metal member 7L, a left fixed side metal member 8L, a left spring member 9L, and a left conductive member 12L. The right driving mechanism MDR is constituted by a third wire W3, a fourth wire W4, a right movable side metal member 7R, a right fixed side metal member 8R, a right side spring member 9R, and a right conductive member 12R.

Here, the drive mechanism MD will be described in detail with reference to fig. 11A to 11D, 12A, 12B, 13A to 13D, 14, 15A, and 15B. Fig. 11A and 11B are perspective views of the movable-side metal member 7 constituting the drive mechanism MD. Fig. 11C and 11D are perspective views of the fixed-side metal member 8 constituting the drive mechanism MD. Specifically, fig. 11A and 11B are perspective views of the movable-side metal member 7 attached to the reflector holding member 4. Fig. 11C and 11D are perspective views of the fixed-side metal member 8 attached to the second support member 6.

More specifically, fig. 11A is a perspective view of the right movable-side metal member 7R viewed from the obliquely upper front right, fig. 11B is a perspective view of the left movable-side metal member 7L viewed from the obliquely upper front left, fig. 11C is a perspective view of the right fixed-side metal member 8R viewed from the obliquely upper front right, and fig. 11D is a perspective view of the left fixed-side metal member 8L viewed from the obliquely upper front left.

Fig. 12A and 12B are perspective views of the shape memory alloy wire W, the movable-side metal member 7, and the fixed-side metal member 8 constituting the drive mechanism MD. Specifically, fig. 12A is a perspective view of the first wire W1, the second wire W2, the left movable-side metal member 7L, and the left fixed-side metal member 8L that constitute the left driving mechanism MDL. Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the third wire W3, the fourth wire W4, the right movable-side metal member 7R, and the right fixed-side metal member 8R that constitute the right driving mechanism MDR.

Fig. 13A to 13D are perspective views of the conductive member 12 constituting the driving mechanism MD. Specifically, fig. 13A and 13B are perspective views of a single body of the conductive member 12. Fig. 13C and 13D are perspective views of the conductive member 12 embedded in the second support member 6.

More specifically, fig. 13A is a perspective view of a single body of the conductive member 12 viewed from the obliquely upper right front, and fig. 13B is a perspective view of a single body of the conductive member 12 viewed from the obliquely upper right rear. Fig. 13C is a perspective view of the conductive member 12 embedded in the second support member 6, viewed from the front obliquely right, and fig. 13D is a perspective view of the conductive member 12 embedded in the second support member 6, viewed from the rear obliquely right.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the right drive mechanism MDR. Fig. 15A and 15B are right side views of the third line W3, the fourth line W4, the right movable-side metal member 7R, and the right fixed-side metal member 8R that constitute the right driving mechanism MDR.

In fig. 11A to 11D, 12A, 12B, and 14, fine dot patterns are labeled on the movable-side metal member 7 and the fixed-side metal member 8 for clarity. In fig. 13A to 13D and 14, the conductive members 12 are marked with a cross pattern for clarity.

As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, the movable-side metal member 7 includes a left movable-side metal member 7L and a right movable-side metal member 7R. As shown in fig. 11A, the right movable-side metal member 7R includes a right upper portion 7UR, a right center portion 7CR, and a right lower portion 7DR. As shown in fig. 11B, the left movable-side metal member 7L includes a left upper portion 7UL, a left center portion 7CL, and a left lower portion 7DL.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 11A, the right upper portion 7UR is fixed with an adhesive to the end face of the right upper protruding portion 4UR protruding rightward from the upper portion of the right wall portion 4R of the reflector holding member 4, and the right lower portion 7DR is fixed with an adhesive to the end face of the right lower protruding portion 4DR protruding rightward from the lower portion of the right wall portion 4R of the reflector holding member 4. Further, the right central portion 7CR is embedded between the two right pedestal portions 4PR at the reflector holding member 4.

Similarly, as shown in fig. 11B, the left upper portion 7UL is fixed to the end surface of the left upper protruding portion 4UL protruding leftward from the upper portion of the left wall portion 4L of the reflector holding member 4, and the left lower portion 7DL is fixed to the end surface of the left lower protruding portion 4DL protruding leftward from the lower portion of the left wall portion 4L of the reflector holding member 4. Further, the left center portion 7CL is embedded between the two left pedestal portions 4PL at the reflector holding member 4.

As shown in fig. 11C and 11D, the fixing-side metal member 8 includes a left fixing-side metal member 8L and a right fixing-side metal member 8R. As shown in fig. 11C, the right fixing-side metal member 8R includes an upper right fixing-side metal member 8UR and a lower right fixing-side metal member 8DR. As shown in fig. 11D, the left fixing-side metal member 8L includes an upper left fixing-side metal member 8UL and a lower left fixing-side metal member 8DL.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 11C, the upper right fixing-side metal member 8UR is fixed to the upper portion 6UR of the right wall portion 6R of the second support member 6 with an adhesive, and the lower right fixing-side metal member 8DR is fixed to the lower portion 6DR of the right wall portion 6R of the second support member 6 with an adhesive.

Similarly, as shown in fig. 11D, the upper left fixing side metal member 8UL is fixed to the upper portion 6UL of the left wall portion 6L of the second support member 6 with an adhesive, and the lower left fixing side metal member 8DL is fixed to the lower portion 6DL of the left wall portion 6L of the second support member 6 with an adhesive.

As shown in fig. 12A and 12B, the movable-side metal member 7 attached to the reflector holding member 4 and the fixed-side metal member 8 attached to the second support member 6 are connected to each other by a shape memory alloy wire W.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 12A, one end of the first wire W1 is fixed to the left movable-side metal member 7L by a holding portion J1L formed in the left upper portion 7UL of the left movable-side metal member 7L, and the other end of the first wire W1 is fixed to the left lower fixed-side metal member 8DL by a holding portion J2L formed in the left lower fixed-side metal member 8DL. Similarly, one end of the second wire W2 is fixed to the left movable-side metal member 7L by a holding portion J3L formed in the left lower portion 7DL of the left movable-side metal member 7L, and the other end of the second wire W2 is fixed to the left upper fixed-side metal member 8UL by a holding portion J4L formed in the left upper fixed-side metal member 8UL.

The holding portion J1L is one of holding portions J that are portions for holding the shape memory alloy wire W, and is formed by bending a portion of the upper left portion 7UL of the left movable side metal member 7L. Specifically, a part of the left upper portion 7UL of the left movable-side metal member 7L is bent in a state of sandwiching one end of the first wire W1 to form a holding portion J1L. One end of the first wire W1 is fixed to the holding portion J1L by welding. The same applies to the holding portions J2L to J4L.

Further, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 are arranged to cross each other while maintaining an insulating state. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 12A, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 are arranged in a twisted position with respect to each other. That is, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 are arranged so as not to contact each other (not to contact each other).

As shown in fig. 12B, one end of the third wire W3 is fixed to the right movable-side metal member 7R by a holding portion J1R formed in the right upper portion 7UR of the right movable-side metal member 7R, and the other end of the third wire W3 is fixed to the right lower fixed-side metal member 8DR by a holding portion J2R formed in the right lower fixed-side metal member 8DR. Similarly, one end of the fourth wire W4 is fixed to the right movable-side metal member 7R by the holding portion J3R formed in the right lower portion 7DR of the right movable-side metal member 7R, and the other end of the fourth wire W4 is fixed to the right upper fixed-side metal member 8UR by the holding portion J4R formed in the right upper fixed-side metal member 8UR.

The holding portion J1R is one of holding portions J that are portions for holding the shape memory alloy wire W, and is formed by bending a portion of the right upper portion 7UR of the right movable side metal member 7R. Specifically, a part of the right upper portion 7UR of the right movable-side metal member 7R is bent in a state of sandwiching one end of the third wire W3 to form a holding portion J1R. One end of the third wire W3 is fixed to the holding portion J1R by welding. The same applies to the holding portions J2R to J4R.

Further, the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 are arranged to cross each other while maintaining an insulating state. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 12B, the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 are arranged in a twisted position with respect to each other. That is, the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 are arranged so as not to contact each other (non-contact).

As shown in fig. 13A to 13D, the conductive member 12 includes a left conductive member 12L and a right conductive member 12R. The left conductive member 12L includes a first left conductive member 12L1, a second left conductive member 12L2, and a third left conductive member 12L3 buried in the second support member 6 while maintaining an insulating state with each other. The right conductive member 12R includes a first right conductive member 12R1, a second right conductive member 12R2, and a third right conductive member 12R3 which are buried in the second support member 6 while being insulated from each other.

Specifically, the first left conductive member 12L1 is embedded in the second support member 6 so that the terminal portion T1L formed at the base end and the connection portion P1L formed at the tip end are exposed. The second left conductive member 12L2 is embedded in the second support member 6 so that the terminal portion T2L formed at the base end and the connection portion P2L formed at the tip end are exposed. The third left conductive member 12L3 is embedded in the second support member 6 so that the terminal portion T3L formed at the base end and the connection portion P3L formed at the tip end are exposed.

Similarly, the first right conductive member 12R1 is embedded in the second support member 6 so that the terminal portion T1R formed at the base end and the connection portion P1R formed at the tip end are exposed. The second right conductive member 12R2 is embedded in the second support member 6 so that the terminal portion T2R formed at the base end and the connection portion P2R formed at the tip end are exposed. The third right conductive member 12R3 is embedded in the second support member 6 so that the terminal portion T3R formed at the base end and the connection portion P3R formed at the tip end are exposed.

Fig. 14 shows the connection relationship of the third wire W3, the fourth wire W4, the right movable-side metal member 7R, the right fixed-side metal member 8R, the right spring member 9R, and the right conductive member 12R.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 14, the connection portion P1R of the first right conductive member 12R1 is configured to contact the upper right fixing-side metal member 8UR, the connection portion P2R of the second right conductive member 12R2 is configured to contact the right outer fixing portion 9FR of the right spring member 9R, and the connection portion P3R of the third right conductive member 12R3 is configured to contact the lower right fixing-side metal member 8 DR. The connection portions P1R, P2R, and P3R are connected to the corresponding members by a bonding material such as a conductive adhesive or solder or by welding. The terminal portion T1R of the first right conductive member 12R1, the terminal portion T2R of the second right conductive member 12R2, and the terminal portion T3R of the third right conductive member 12R3 are connected to a conductive pattern, not shown, formed on the wiring board 3 by a bonding material. Further, the right inner fixing portion 9MR of the right spring member 9R is connected to the right center portion 7CR of the right movable side metal member 7R by a joining material or by welding.

The same applies to the left conductive member 12L not illustrated in fig. 14. Specifically, the connection portion P1L of the first left conductive member 12L1 is configured to contact the upper left fixing side metal member 8UL, the connection portion P2L of the second left conductive member 12L2 is configured to contact the left outer fixing portion 9FL of the left spring member 9L, and the connection portion P3L of the third left conductive member 12L3 is configured to contact the lower left fixing side metal member 8 DL. The connection portions P1L, P2L, and P3L are connected to the corresponding members by bonding materials or by welding. The terminal portion T1L of the first left conductive member 12L1, the terminal portion T2L of the second left conductive member 12L2, and the terminal portion T3L of the third left conductive member 12L3 are connected to a conductive pattern, not shown, formed on the wiring board 3 by a bonding material. Further, the left inner fixing portion 9ML of the left spring member 9L is connected to the left center portion 7CL of the left movable side metal member 7L by a joining material or by welding.

Fig. 14 shows an example of the flow of current in the shape memory alloy wire W. Specifically, the dashed arrow of fig. 14 shows the direction of the current flowing through the third line W3.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 14, when the terminal portion T3R of the third right conductive member 12R3 is at a high potential and the terminal portion T2R of the second right conductive member 12R2 is at a low potential, the right driving mechanism MDR is configured such that a current flows from the terminal portion T3R to the terminal portion T2R of the second right conductive member 12R2 through the connection portion P3R of the third right conductive member 12R3, the right lower fixing-side metal member 8DR, the third wire W3, the right upper portion 7UR of the right movable-side metal member 7R, the right center portion 7CR of the right movable-side metal member 7R, the right inner fixing portion 9MR of the right spring member 9R, the right elastic arm portion 9GR of the right spring member 9R, the right outer fixing portion 9FR of the right spring member 9R, and the connection portion P2R of the second right conductive member 12R 2.

Further, the right driving mechanism MDR is configured such that when the terminal portion T1R of the first right conductive member 12R1 is at a high potential and the terminal portion T2R of the second right conductive member 12R2 is at a low potential, current flows from the terminal portion T1R to the terminal portion T2R of the second right conductive member 12R2 through the connection portion P1R of the first right conductive member 12R1, the upper right fixing side metal member 8UR, the fourth wire W4, the right lower right portion 7DR of the right movable side metal member 7R, the right center portion 7CR of the right movable side metal member 7R, the right inner fixing portion 9MR of the right spring member 9R, the right elastic arm portion 9GR of the right spring member 9R, the right outer fixing portion 9FR of the right spring member 9R, and the connection portion P2R of the second right conductive member 12R 2.

Further, the right driving mechanism MDR is configured such that when the terminal portion T1R of the first right conductive member 12R1 and the terminal portion T3R of the third right conductive member 12R3 are at a high potential and the terminal portion T2R of the second right conductive member 12R2 is at a low potential, current flows from the terminal portion T3R to the terminal portion T2R through the third wire W3, and current flows from the terminal portion T1R to the terminal portion T2R through the fourth wire W4.

The above description with reference to fig. 14 is related to the right drive mechanism MDR, but is also applicable to the left drive mechanism MDL. This is because the left drive mechanism MDL and the right drive mechanism MDR are configured to be bilaterally symmetrical.

Fig. 15A and 15B show the state of the right movable-side metal member 7R in the initial state of the drive mechanism MD by solid lines. The initial state is a state in which neither the left drive mechanism MDL nor the right drive mechanism MDR is driven, that is, a state of the drive mechanism MD when no current is supplied to any one of the first to fourth wires W1 to W4.

Fig. 15A shows, in a plan view, the state of the right movable-side metal member 7R, the third wire W3, and the fourth wire W4 when the first support member 5 swings clockwise about the swing axis SA2, and shows, in a broken line, the state of the right movable-side metal member 7R, the third wire W3, and the fourth wire W4 when the first support member 5 swings counterclockwise about the swing axis SA 2.

Specifically, when the driving mechanism MD swings the first support member 5 clockwise about the swing axis SA2 in a plan view, the right movable-side metal member 7R attached to the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 moves forward as indicated by a block-shaped arrow indicated by a broken line in fig. 15A. This is because the left movable-side metal member 7L attached to the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 moves rearward. More specifically, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 are contracted by the energization of the first wire W1 and the second wire W2, which are not shown in fig. 15A, and the left movable-side metal member 7L (not shown in fig. 15A) attached to the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 is pulled by the left fixed-side metal member 8L (not shown in fig. 15A), so that the reflector holding member 4 rotates clockwise around the swing axis SA2 in a plan view, and the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 moves forward.

In the present embodiment, when the driving mechanism MD swings the first support member 5 clockwise about the swing axis SA2 in a plan view, the current is not supplied to the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4, and the magnitude of the current flowing through the first wire W1 and the magnitude of the current flowing through the second wire W2 are adjusted to be substantially the same.

In contrast, when the driving mechanism MD swings the first support member 5 counterclockwise about the swing axis SA2, the right movable-side metal member 7R attached to the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 moves rearward as indicated by a block-shaped arrow indicated by a broken line in fig. 15A. This is because the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 contract by the energization of the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4, and the right movable-side metal member 7R attached to the right wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 is pulled by the right fixed-side metal member 8R, and as a result, the reflector holding member 4 rotates counterclockwise around the swing axis SA2 in a plan view. In this case, the left movable-side metal member 7L (not shown in fig. 15A) attached to the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 moves forward. This is because the left wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 moves forward.

In the present embodiment, when the driving mechanism MD swings the first support member 5 counterclockwise about the swing axis SA2 in a plan view, the current is not supplied to the first wire W1 and the second wire W2, and the magnitude of the current flowing through the third wire W3 and the magnitude of the current flowing through the fourth wire W4 are adjusted to be substantially the same.

Fig. 15B shows, by a broken line, the state of the right movable-side metal member 7R, the third wire W3, and the fourth wire W4 when the reflector holder 4 swings clockwise about the swing axis SA1 in a right side view, and shows, by a broken line, the state of the right movable-side metal member 7R, the third wire W3, and the fourth wire W4 when the reflector holder 4 swings counterclockwise about the swing axis SA 1.

Specifically, when the driving mechanism MD swings the reflector holder 4 clockwise about the swing axis SA1 in a right side view, as indicated by a broken line arrow in fig. 15B, the left movable-side metal member 7L (not shown in fig. 15B) attached to the left wall portion of the reflector holder 4 and the right movable-side metal member 7R attached to the right wall portion of the reflector holder 4 rotate clockwise about the swing axis SA1 in a right side view. That is, the lower left portion 7DL (not shown in fig. 15B) attached to the lower left protruding portion 4DL of the reflector holding member 4 moves forward with the lower right portion 7DR attached to the lower right protruding portion 4DR of the reflector holding member 4, while the upper left portion 7UL (not shown in fig. 15B) attached to the upper left protruding portion 4UL of the reflector holding member 4 moves rearward with the upper right portion 7UR attached to the upper right protruding portion 4UR of the reflector holding member 4. This is because the first wire W1 (not shown in fig. 15B) and the third wire W3 contract by the energization of the first wire W1 and the third wire W3, the upper left portion 7UL attached to the upper left protruding portion 4UL of the reflector holding member 4 is pulled by the side of the upper left fixing-side metal member 8UL, and the upper right portion 7UR attached to the upper right protruding portion 4UR of the reflector holding member 4 is pulled by the side of the upper right fixing-side metal member 8 UR. In this case, the left lower portion 7DL attached to the left lower protruding portion 4DL of the reflector holding member 4 and the right lower portion 7DR attached to the right lower protruding portion 4DR of the reflector holding member 4 move forward as described above. This is because the upper left portion 7UL is pulled toward the upper left fixing side metal member 8UL, and the upper right portion 7UR is pulled toward the upper right fixing side metal member 8UR, and as a result, the reflector holder 4 rotates clockwise about the swing axis SA1 when viewed from the right, and the lower end of the front end portion of the reflector holder 4 moves forward.

In the present embodiment, when the driving mechanism MD swings the reflector holder 4 clockwise about the swing axis SA1 when viewed from the right side, the current is not supplied to the second wire W2 and the fourth wire W4, and the magnitude of the current flowing through the first wire W1 is adjusted to be substantially the same as the magnitude of the current flowing through the third wire W3.

In contrast, when the driving mechanism MD swings the reflector holder 4 counterclockwise about the swing axis SA1, as indicated by the broken-line arrow in fig. 15B, the left movable-side metal member 7L (not shown in fig. 15B) attached to the left wall portion of the reflector holder 4 and the right movable-side metal member 7R attached to the right wall portion of the reflector holder 4 rotate counterclockwise about the swing axis SA1 in a right side view. That is, the upper left portion 7UL (not shown in fig. 15B) attached to the upper left protruding portion 4UL of the reflector holding member 4 and the upper right portion 7UR attached to the upper right protruding portion 4UR of the reflector holding member 4 move forward, while the lower left portion 7DL (not shown in fig. 15B) attached to the lower left protruding portion 4DL of the reflector holding member 4 and the lower right portion 7DR attached to the lower right protruding portion 4DR of the reflector holding member 4 move rearward. This is because the second wire W2 (not shown in fig. 15B) and the fourth wire W4 contract by the energization of the second wire W2 and the fourth wire W4, the left lower portion 7DL attached to the left lower protruding portion 4DL of the reflector holding member 4 is pulled toward the left lower fixing-side metal member 8DL, and the right lower portion 7DR attached to the right lower protruding portion 4DR of the reflector holding member 4 is pulled toward the right lower fixing-side metal member 8 DR. In this case, the upper left portion 7UL attached to the upper left protruding portion 4UL of the reflector holding member 4 and the upper right portion 7UR attached to the upper right protruding portion 4UR of the reflector holding member 4 move forward as described above. This is because the left lower portion 7DL is pulled toward the left lower fixing side metal member 8DL, and the right lower portion 7DR is pulled toward the right lower fixing side metal member 8DR, and as a result, the reflector holder 4 rotates counterclockwise about the swing axis SA1 when viewed from the right, and the upper end of the front end portion of the reflector holder 4 moves forward.

In the present embodiment, when the driving mechanism MD swings the reflector holder 4 counterclockwise about the swing axis SA1 when viewed from the right side, the current is not supplied to the first wire W1 and the third wire W3, and the magnitude of the current flowing through the second wire W2 and the magnitude of the current flowing through the fourth wire W4 are adjusted to be substantially the same.

In the case where the swing of the reflector holder 4 about the swing axis SA1 is performed simultaneously with the swing of the first support member 5 about the swing axis SA2, the magnitudes of currents flowing through the first to fourth wires W1 to W4 are typically adjusted to be different from each other. That is, the reflector driving device 101 can simultaneously achieve the swinging of the reflector holding member 4 about the swinging axis SA1 and the swinging of the first support member 5 about the swinging axis SA2 by making the magnitudes of the currents flowing through the first to fourth wires W1 to W4 different from each other.

As described above, as shown in fig. 3, the reflector driving device 101 of the present embodiment includes, for example: a reflector holding member 4 capable of holding the reflector 1 for bending light; a first support member 5 that supports the reflector holding member 4 so as to be swingable about a swing axis SA1 as a first axis; a second support member 6 that supports the first support member 5 so as to be swingable about a swing shaft SA2 as a second shaft, the swing shaft SA2 having an axial direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to an axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the swing shaft SA 1; and a drive mechanism MD for swinging the movable side member MB including the reflector holding member 4 with respect to the fixed side member FB including the second support member 6. The driving mechanism MD is configured to include a plurality of shape memory alloy wires W provided between the fixed side member FB and the movable side member MB, and the reflector holding member 4 is configured to swing by energizing the shape memory alloy wires W. The axis direction (Y-axis direction) of the swing shaft SA1 and the axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the swing shaft SA2 include a relationship in which the axis direction of each of the swing shaft SA1 and the swing shaft SA2 is perpendicular, the swing shaft SA1 and the swing shaft SA2 are perpendicular, or the extension line of the swing shaft SA1 or the swing shaft SA1 and the extension line of the swing shaft SA2 or the swing shaft SA2 are perpendicular.

The driving mechanism MD having this configuration is not constituted by a combination of a magnet and a coil, but is constituted by a shape memory alloy wire W, and therefore, the reflector driving device 101 can be reduced in weight. In addition, this configuration can achieve miniaturization of the reflector driving device 101. Further, since this structure does not generate a strong magnetic field, it is possible to suppress electromagnetic adverse effects on other devices provided in the surroundings.

As shown in fig. 8A to 8C, 9A, and 9B, the plurality of shape memory alloy wires W may include first wires W1 and second wires W2 disposed in the first region ZN1, and third wires W3 and fourth wires W4 disposed in the second region ZN2 that are separately opposed to the first region ZN 1. Specifically, as shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the first region ZN1 may be a region on the left side of the left wall portion of the second support member 6. As shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the second region ZN2 may be a region located on the right side of the right wall portion of the second support member 6. As shown in fig. 9A and 9B, each of the first to fourth wires W1 to W4 may be fixed at one end to the movable-side member MB and at the other end to the fixed-side member FB.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 9B, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 may be arranged to intersect each other when viewed along the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the swing shaft SA 1. Similarly, as shown in fig. 9A, the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 may be arranged so as to intersect each other when viewed along the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the swing shaft SA 1.

In this configuration, the reflector holder 4 can be swung about the swing shafts SA1 and SA2 by the four shape memory alloy wires W.

As shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the first region ZN1 and the second region ZN2 may be arranged perpendicular to the swing axis SA1 and may face each other through the first plane PS1 by the swing axis SA 2. In this case, the first region ZN1 is, for example, a space having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape between the left wall portion of the second support member 6 and the left side plate portion of the cover member 2, and the second region ZN2 is, for example, a space having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape between the right wall portion of the second support member 6 and the right side plate portion of the cover member 2. The first plane PS1 is, for example, a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane including the line segment L4.

This configuration can make the swinging of the reflector holding member 4, particularly about the swinging axis SA2, more reliable.

Here, the positional relationship between the shape memory alloy wire W and the swing shafts SA1 and SA2 will be described with reference to fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the reflector driving device 101 perpendicular to the swing axis SA2 and passing through the second plane PS2 (see fig. 10) of the swing axis SA 1. Specifically, fig. 16 shows a cross section of the first support member 5, the movable-side metal member 7, the fixed-side metal member 8, and the shape memory alloy wire W constituting the reflector driving apparatus 101. In fig. 16, for clarity, illustration of components other than the first support member 5, the movable side metal member 7, the fixed side metal member 8, and the shape memory alloy wire W is omitted.

As shown in fig. 16, the reflector driving device 101 is desirably configured such that, on the second plane PS2 (see fig. 10), the first to fourth intersection points N1 to N4 are each located on the side (X2 side) of the swing axis SA2 from the swing axis SA1, irrespective of whether or not the shape memory alloy wire W is energized.

In the example shown in fig. 16, the first intersection point N1 is an intersection point of the first line W1 (the first straight line ST 1) and the second plane PS2, the second intersection point N2 is an intersection point of the second line W2 (the second straight line ST 2) and the second plane PS2, the third intersection point N3 is an intersection point of the third line W3 (the third straight line ST 3) and the second plane PS2, and the fourth intersection point N4 is an intersection point of the fourth line W4 (the fourth straight line ST 4) and the second plane PS 2.

Strictly speaking, as shown in fig. 12A, the first straight line ST1 is a straight line passing through one end of the first line W1 and fixed at a position X1U of the movable side member (the holding portion J1L of the upper left portion 7UL of the left movable side metal member 7L) and a position X1D of the fixed side member (the holding portion J2L of the lower left fixed side metal member 8 DL) at the other end of the first line W1. The second straight line ST2 is a straight line passing through the position X2D where one end of the second line W2 is fixed to the movable side member (the holding portion J3L of the left lower portion 7DL of the left movable side metal member 7L) and the position X2U where the other end of the second line W2 is fixed to the fixed side member (the holding portion J4L of the left upper fixed side metal member 8 UL).

As shown in fig. 12B, the third straight line ST3 is a straight line passing through a position X3U where one end of the third line W3 is fixed to the movable side member (the holding portion J1R of the upper right portion 7UR of the right movable side metal member 7R) and a position X3D where the other end of the third line W3 is fixed to the fixed side member (the holding portion J2R of the lower right fixed side metal member 8 DR). The fourth straight line ST4 is a straight line passing through the position X4D where one end of the fourth line W4 is fixed to the movable side member (the holding portion J3R of the right lower portion 7DR of the right movable side metal member 7R) and the position X4U where the other end of the fourth line W4 is fixed to the fixed side member (the holding portion J4R of the right upper fixed side metal member 8 UR).

More specifically, as shown in fig. 16, the reflector driving device 101 is configured such that, regardless of whether or not the shape memory alloy wire W is energized, the first to fourth intersection points N1 to N4 and the swing axis SA2 are located on the rear side (X2 side) of the swing axis SA1 in the second plane PS 2. The reflector driving device 101 is configured such that, regardless of whether or not the shape memory alloy wire W is energized, the distance DS1 between the first intersection point N1 and the swing axis SA1, the distance DS2 between the second intersection point N2 and the swing axis SA1, the distance DS3 between the third intersection point N3 and the swing axis SA1, and the distance DS4 between the fourth intersection point N4 and the swing axis SA1 are smaller than the distance DS5 between the swing axis SA2 and the swing axis SA 1. The distances DS1 to DS5 are distances in the front-rear direction (direction parallel to the X axis).

As described above, in the example shown in fig. 16, the reflector driving device 101 is configured so that the shape memory alloy wire W does not move to the front side of the swing axis SA1 in the second plane PS2 even when the shape memory alloy wire W is contracted by supplying a current to the shape memory alloy wire W. This configuration can make the swinging of the reflector holding member 4, particularly about the swinging axis SA1, more reliable.

As shown in fig. 12A and 12B, the movable-side member MB may include a first movable-side metal member (left movable-side metal member 7L) and a second movable-side metal member (right movable-side metal member 7R) fixed to the reflector holding member 4. In this case, as shown in fig. 12A, one ends (movable side ends) of the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 may be fixed to the first movable side metal member (left movable side metal member 7L), respectively, and as shown in fig. 12B, one ends (movable side ends) of the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 may be fixed to the second movable side metal member (right movable side metal member 7R), respectively.

This configuration reliably fixes one end (movable side end) of each of the first to fourth wires W1 to W4 to the movable side member MB. Further, this configuration has an effect that one end (movable side end) of the first wire W1 and one end (movable side end) of the second wire W2 are electrically connected via the left movable side metal member 7L, and thus it is easy to secure conductive paths to the first wire W1 and the second wire W2. The same applies to the third line W3 and the fourth line W4.

As shown in fig. 12A, the other end (fixing-side end) of the first wire W1 may be fixed to the first fixing-side metal member (lower left fixing-side metal member 8 DL) constituting the fixing-side member FB, and the other end (fixing-side end) of the second wire W2 may be fixed to the second fixing-side metal member (upper left fixing-side metal member 8 UL) constituting the fixing-side member FB.

Further, as shown in fig. 12B, the other end (fixed side end) of the third wire W3 may be fixed to the third fixed side metal member (lower right fixed side metal member 8 DR) constituting the fixed side member FB, and the other end (fixed side end) of the fourth wire W4 may be fixed to the fourth fixed side metal member (upper right fixed side metal member 8 UR) constituting the fixed side member FB.

This configuration reliably fixes the other ends (fixing-side ends) of the first to fourth wires W1 to W4 to the fixing-side member FB.

As shown in fig. 9A and 9B, at least a first leaf spring (left-side spring member 9L) and a second leaf spring (right-side spring member 9R) may be provided between the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6. In this case, the first movable side metal member (left movable side metal member 7L) may be mechanically and electrically connected to the left side spring member 9L. As shown in fig. 14, the second movable-side metal member (right movable-side metal member 7R) may be mechanically and electrically connected to the right-side spring member 9R.

This configuration can use the leaf spring as a conductive path, and thus achieves the effect of easy power supply to the shape memory alloy wire W.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the second support member 6 may have a first conductive member (second left conductive member 12L 2) and a second conductive member (second right conductive member 12R 2). As shown in fig. 5, the left spring member 9L and the right spring member 9R may have a first fixing portion (inner fixing portion 9M) fixed to the reflector holding member 4, a second fixing portion (outer fixing portion 9F) fixed to the second support member 6, and an elastic arm portion 9G connecting the inner fixing portion 9M and the outer fixing portion 9F, respectively. In this case, as shown in fig. 14, the first fixing portion (right inner fixing portion 9 MR) of the right spring member 9R may be connected to the second movable side metal member (right movable side metal member 7R), and the second fixing portion (right outer fixing portion 9 FR) of the right spring member 9R may be connected to the second conductive member (second right conductive member 12R 2). Likewise, the first fixing portion (left inside fixing portion 9 ML) of the left spring member 9L may be connected to the first movable side metal member (left movable side metal member 7L), and the second fixing portion (left outside fixing portion 9 FL) of the left spring member 9L may be connected to the first conductive member (second left conductive member 12L 2).

This structure can use the conductive member 12 embedded in the second support member 6 as a conductive path, and thus has an effect of making it easier to supply power to the shape memory alloy wire W.

As shown in fig. 9A and 9B, at least a first leaf spring (left-side spring member 9L) and a second leaf spring (right-side spring member 9R) may be provided between the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6. In this case, the left spring member 9L and the right spring member 9R are arranged to urge the reflector holding member 4 toward the first support member 5 and urge the first support member 5 toward the second support member 6.

This configuration can continuously press the reflector holder 4 against the swing shaft SA1 and simultaneously continuously press the first support member 5 against the swing shaft SA2, and thus has the effect that the reflector holder 4 can be supported so as to be capable of swinging stably.

As shown in fig. 5, the first leaf spring (left side spring member 9L) and the second leaf spring (right side spring member 9R) may have a first fixing portion (inner fixing portion 9M (left inner fixing portion 9ML and right inner fixing portion 9 MR)) fixed to the reflector holding member 4, a second fixing portion (outer fixing portion 9F (left outer fixing portion 9FL and right outer fixing portion 9 FR)) fixed to the second support member 6, and an elastic arm portion 9G connecting the first fixing portion (inner fixing portion 9M) and the second fixing portion (outer fixing portion 9F), respectively. In this case, one end of the first wire W1 may be electrically connected to the left inner fixing portion 9ML of the left spring member 9L, one end of the second wire W2 may be electrically connected to the left inner fixing portion 9ML of the left spring member 9L, one end of the third wire W3 may be electrically connected to the right inner fixing portion 9MR of the right spring member 9R, and one end of the fourth wire W4 may be electrically connected to the right inner fixing portion 9MR of the right spring member 9R.

This configuration can use the leaf spring as a conductive path, and thus achieves the effect of easy power supply to the shape memory alloy wire W.

A plurality of magnets may be mounted on the movable side member MB. In this case, a plurality of magnetic sensors may be attached to the fixed-side member FB so as to face the plurality of magnets. Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the left magnet 11L and the right magnet 11R may be attached to the reflector holding member 4 constituting the movable side member MB. In this case, the left sensor 10L may be mounted on the wiring board 3 mounted on the second support member 6 constituting the fixed-side member FB so as to face the left magnet 11L in the up-down direction, and the right sensor 10R may be mounted so as to face the right magnet 11R in the up-down direction.

This configuration can improve the accuracy of detecting the posture of the reflector holding member 4, compared with a configuration in which the posture of the reflector holding member 4 is detected by one magnetic sensor. Specifically, this configuration achieves the effect of determining the magnitude of the swing of the reflector holder 4 about the swing axis SA1 and the magnitude of the swing of the reflector holder 4 about the swing axis SA2 with high accuracy.

As shown in fig. 3, the reflector driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes, for example: a reflector holding member 4 capable of holding the reflector 1 for bending light; a first support member 5 that supports the reflector holding member 4 so as to be swingable about a swing axis SA1 as a first axis; a second support member 6 that supports the first support member 5 so as to be swingable about a swing shaft SA2 as a second shaft, the swing shaft SA2 having an axis direction that is non-parallel (perpendicular) to the axis direction of the swing shaft SA 1; and a drive mechanism MD for swinging the reflector holding member 4 about the swing axis SA1 and swinging the first support member 5 about the swing axis SA 2. The reflector driving device 101 further includes a first urging member that urges the reflector holding member 4 toward the first support member 5, and a second urging member that urges the first support member 5 toward the second support member 6. In the example shown in fig. 3, the urging member 9 functioning as the first urging member urges the reflector holding member 4 toward the first support member 5 (X2 side) in a direction non-parallel (perpendicular) to the axial direction of the swing shaft SA1 (direction parallel to the X axis), and the urging member 9 functioning as the second urging member urges the first support member 5 toward the second support member 6 (X2 side) in a direction non-parallel (perpendicular) to the axial direction of the swing shaft SA2 (direction parallel to the X axis).

In this configuration, the reflector driving device 101 biases the reflector holding member 4 toward the first support member 5 side and biases the first support member 5 toward the second support member 6 side, so that rattling between the reflector holding member 4 and the first support member 5 and rattling between the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 can be suppressed. As a result, the reflector driving device 101 can swing the reflector 1 more stably.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the first direction in which the first urging member urges the reflector holding member 4 is the same as the second direction in which the second urging member urges the first support member 5. The first and second orientations are perpendicular to the axial directions of the swing shafts SA1 and SA2, respectively. That is, the urging member 9 functioning as the first urging member urges the reflector holding member 4 rearward in the direction parallel to the X axis, and the urging member 9 functioning as the second urging member urges the first support member 5 rearward in the direction parallel to the X axis. This structure can more reliably suppress rattling between the reflector holding member 4 and the first support member 5. In addition, this configuration can improve the assemblability of the reflector driving device 101.

The first biasing member and the second biasing member may be constituted by the same spring member provided between the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6. That is, the biasing member 9 serving as a spring member may also serve as both the first biasing member and the second biasing member. In other words, the first urging member may be configured to function as the second urging member. This configuration can reduce the number of parts of the reflector driving device 101 compared with the case where the first biasing member and the second biasing member are implemented by different spring members.

As shown in fig. 5, the biasing member 9 as a spring member may include a left spring member 9L as a first spring member and a right spring member 9R as a second spring member, which are disposed apart from each other. In this case, the left spring member 9L and the right spring member 9R each have two elastic arm portions 9G connecting the inner fixing portion 9M and the outer fixing portion 9F. The leaf spring is made of a metal plate mainly made of, for example, a copper alloy, a titanium-copper alloy (titanium copper), or a copper-nickel alloy (nickel-tin-copper). In this case, in the initial state in which the driving mechanism is not driven, the inner fixing portion 9M is substantially parallel to the outer fixing portion 9F. Specifically, as shown in fig. 10, in the initial state, the inner fixing portion 9M and the outer fixing portion 9F are arranged at an interval DT1 in the X-axis direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction. This configuration can facilitate the mounting of the biasing member 9 to the movable side member MB.

As shown in fig. 5, the biasing member 9 as a spring member may include a left spring member 9L as a first spring member and a right spring member 9R as a second spring member, which are disposed apart from each other. In this case, the left spring member 9L and the right spring member 9R each have two elastic arm portions 9G connecting the inner fixing portion 9M and the outer fixing portion 9F. Specifically, the left spring member 9L has two left elastic arm portions 9GL connecting the left inner fixing portion 9ML and the left outer fixing portion 9 FL. The right spring member 9R has two right elastic arm portions 9GR connecting the right inner fixing portion 9MR and the right outer fixing portion 9 FR. In the front view, the swing shaft SA1 is located between the two left elastic arm portions 9GL (the upper left elastic arm portion 9GUL and the lower left elastic arm portion 9 GDL) of the left spring member 9L, and between the two right elastic arm portions 9GR (the upper right elastic arm portion 9GUR and the lower right elastic arm portion 9 GDR) of the right spring member 9R. In the example shown in fig. 5, the left spring member 9L and the right spring member 9R are vertically symmetrical with respect to the swing axis SA1 in the front view. In the example shown in fig. 5, the left spring member 9L and the right spring member 9R are laterally symmetrical about the pivot axis SA2 in a front view. In this configuration, the urging member 9 can urge the reflector holding member 4 toward the swing axis SA1 with a better balance than in the case where the swing axis SA1 is not located between the two left elastic arm portions 9GL of the left spring member 9L or in the case where the swing axis SA1 is not located between the two right elastic arm portions 9GR of the right spring member 9R. Therefore, the reflector driving device 101 can swing the reflector 1 more stably.

As shown in fig. 4A and fig. 6A to 6C, the reflector driving device 101 may include a first shaft portion CN1 that connects the reflector holding member 4 swingably about the swing axis SA1 and a second shaft portion CN2 that connects the first support member 5 swingably about the swing axis SA 2. In this case, the position of the first shaft CN1 is different from the position of the second shaft CN2 in the direction in which the urging member 9 as the first urging member urges the reflector holding member 4 (the direction parallel to the X axis). In the example shown in fig. 4A and fig. 6A to 6C, the position of the first shaft portion CN1 in the direction parallel to the X axis is located forward (X1 side) of the position of the second shaft portion CN2. This structure can reliably prevent the oscillation of the reflector holder 4 about the oscillation axis SA1 from interfering with the oscillation of the first support member 5 about the oscillation axis SA2, and the two oscillations can be reliably realized, respectively.

Specifically, the first shaft portion CN1 may be constituted by a portion integrally formed with the reflector holding member 4 and a portion integrally formed with the first support member 5, and/or the second shaft portion CN2 may be constituted by a portion integrally formed with the first support member 5 and a portion integrally formed with the second support member 6. In the example shown in fig. 4A and fig. 6A to 6C, the first shaft portion CN1 is constituted by the concave portion 4S integrally formed in the reflector holding member 4 and the convex portion 5T integrally formed in the first support member 5, and the second shaft portion CN2 is constituted by the convex portion 5V integrally formed in the first support member 5 and the concave portion 6S integrally formed in the second support member 6. This structure can reduce the manufacturing cost of the shaft portion as compared with the case where the shaft portion is formed by the balls.

As shown in fig. 2, the swing axis SA1 is orthogonal to a plane (a plane parallel to the XZ plane) including the optical axis of the incident light (light LT) incident on the reflector 1 and the optical axis of the reflected light reflected by the reflector 1, and the swing axis SA2 is parallel to the optical axis of the incident light.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, the first shaft portion CN1 is constituted by the concave portion 4S formed in the reflector holding member 4 and the convex portion 5T formed in the first supporting member 5. However, the first shaft portion CN1 may be constituted by a convex portion formed in the reflector holding member 4 and a concave portion formed in the first support member 5.

Similarly, the second shaft portion CN2 is constituted by a convex portion 5V formed in the first support member 5 and a concave portion 6S formed in the second support member 6. However, the second shaft portion CN2 may be constituted by a concave portion formed in the first support member 5 and a convex portion formed in the second support member 6.

Further, at least one of the concave portion and the convex portion may be coated with a lubricating coating, or may be coated with a grease.

In the above embodiment, the protruding portion 5T formed in the first support member 5 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape at the tip end, and the protruding portion 5V formed in the first support member 5 is formed in a semi-spherical shape at the tip end. However, at least one of the convex portion 5T and the convex portion 5V may have a partial cylindrical shape at the tip. In this case, the concave portion corresponding to the convex portion having the partial cylindrical shape may be formed to have a partial cylindrical concave surface.

Further, one or more vibration damping materials may be provided between the reflector holding member 4 and the first support member 5, between the first support member 5 and the second support member 6, or between the reflector holding member 4 and the second support member 6. The vibration damping material is, for example, a gel-like damping material formed by curing an adhesive having fluidity with ultraviolet light or heat. However, the vibration damping material may be formed of other materials such as a thermosetting resin, an ultraviolet curable resin, a thermosetting silicone rubber, or an ultraviolet curable silicone rubber.

For example, a vibration damping material may be provided between the outer surface of the side wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 and the inner surface of the side wall portion of the first support member 5. Alternatively, in the example shown in fig. 12, the vibration damping material may be provided between the left magnet 7L attached to the first support member 5 and the inner surface of the left wall portion of the second support member 6, and between the right magnet 7R attached to the first support member 5 and the inner surface of the right wall portion of the second support member 6. Alternatively, the vibration damping material may be provided between the outer surface of the side wall portion of the reflector holding member 4 and the inner surface of the side wall portion of the second support member 6.

In the above embodiment, the conductive member 12 is embedded in the second support member 6 by insert molding, but may be integrally formed with the second support member 6 by using other techniques such as vacuum deposition or sputtering.

The present application claims priority based on japanese patent application No. 2021-037640 filed on 3/9 of 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Description of the reference numerals

1: reflector, 2: cover member, 3: wiring substrate, 4: reflector holding members, 4AL, 4AR: protruding setting part, 4DL: left lower tab, 4DR: lower right tab, 4E: recess, 4EL: left concave part, 4ER: right concave part, 4L: left wall, 4P: a pedestal portion, 4PL: left pedestal portion, 4PR: right pedestal portion, 4R: right wall portion, 4S: recess, 4SL: left concave portion, 4SR: right concave part, 4UL: left upper projection, 4UR: upper right tab, 5: first support member, 5T: convex part, 5TL: left convex, 5TR: right side convex part, 5V: convex part, 5VD: lower convex part, 5VU: upper convex part, 6: second support members, 6AL, 6AR: protruding setting part, 6DL, 6DR: lower, 6HL: left side through part, 6HR: right through portion, 6P: a pedestal portion, 6PL: left pedestal portion, 6PR: right pedestal portion, 6S: recess, 6UL, 6UR: upper part, 7: movable side metal member, 7CL: left center portion, 7CR: right central portion, 7DL: lower left, 7DR: lower right, 7L: left movable side metal member, 7R: right movable side metal member, 7UL: upper left, 7UR: upper right, 8: fixed side metal part, 8DL: left lower stationary side metal part, 8DR: lower right fixed side metal part, 8L: left fixed side metal part, 8R: right fixed side metal part, 8UL: left upper fixed side metal part, 8UR: upper right fixed side metal part, 9: force application member, 9F: outside fixed part, 9FL: left outside fixed part, 9FR: right outer fixing portion, 9G: elastic arm, 9GL: left resilient arm, 9GDL: lower left spring arm, 9GUL: upper left resilient arm, 9GR: right resilient arm, 9GDR: lower right resilient arm, 9GUR: upper right resilient arm, 9L: left side spring member, 9M: inboard fixed part, 9ML: left inner fixing part, 9MR: right inner fixing portion, 9R: right side spring member, 10: sensor, 10L: left sensor, 10R: right sensor, 11: magnet, 11L: left magnet, 11R: right magnet, 12: conductive member, 12L: left conductive member, 12L1: first left conductive member, 12L2: second left conductive member, 12L3: third left conductive member, 12R: right conductive member, 12R1: first right conductive member, 12R2: second right conductive member, 12R3: third right conductive member, 101: reflector driving device, CN1: first shaft portion, CN1L: left shaft portion, CN1R: right side shaft portion, CN2: second axis portion, CN2D: lower shaft portion, CN2U: upper shaft portion, FB: fixed side part, IS: imaging element J, J1L, J1R, J2L, J2R, J3L, J3R, J4L, J4R: holding unit, LT: light, LU: lens unit, MB: movable side member, MD: drive mechanism, MDL: left drive mechanism, MDR: right drive mechanism, N1: first intersection point, N2: second intersection point, N3: third intersection point, N4: fourth intersection, P1L, P1R, P2L, P2R, P3L, P R: connection part, PS1: first plane, PS2: second plane, SA1, SA2: swing shaft, ST1: first straight line, ST2: second straight line, ST3: third straight line, ST4: fourth straight line, T1L, T1R, T2L, T2R, T3L, T R: terminal part, W: shape memory alloy wire, W1: first line, W2: second line, W3: third line, W4: fourth line, X1D, X1U, X2D, X2U, X3D, X3U, X4D, X4U: position.

Claims (13)

1. A reflector driving device is characterized by comprising:

a reflector holding member capable of holding a reflector for bending light;

a first support member that supports the reflector holding member so as to be swingable about a first axis;

a second support member that supports the first support member so as to be swingable about a second shaft having an axial direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the first shaft; and

a driving mechanism for swinging the movable side member including the reflector holding member with respect to the fixed side member including the second supporting member,

the driving mechanism is configured to include a plurality of shape memory alloy wires provided between the fixed side member and the movable side member,

the reflector holding member is configured to swing by energizing the shape memory alloy wire.

2. The reflector driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

the plurality of shape memory alloy wires includes a first wire and a second wire disposed in a first region, and a third wire and a fourth wire disposed in a second region that is separately opposed to the first region,

one end of each of the first to fourth wires is fixed to the movable-side member, and the other end is fixed to the fixed-side member.

3. The reflector driving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,

the first and second lines are configured to cross each other,

the third line and the fourth line are configured to cross each other.

4. A reflector driving apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein,

the first region and the second region are opposed to each other across a first plane perpendicular to the first axis and passing through the second axis.

5. The reflector driving apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,

in a second plane perpendicular to the second axis and passing through the first axis, a first intersection of a first straight line and the second plane, a second intersection of a second straight line and the second plane, a third intersection of a third straight line and the second plane, and a fourth intersection of a fourth straight line and the second plane are all located on one side of the first axis than the second axis,

the first straight line is a straight line passing through a position where one end of the first line is fixed to the movable side member and a position where the other end of the first line is fixed to the fixed side member,

the second straight line is a straight line passing through a position where one end of the second line is fixed to the movable-side member and a position where the other end of the second line is fixed to the fixed-side member,

The third straight line is a straight line passing through a position where one end of the third line is fixed to the movable side member and a position where the other end of the third line is fixed to the fixed side member,

the fourth straight line is a straight line passing through a position where one end of the fourth line is fixed to the movable side member and a position where the other end of the fourth line is fixed to the fixed side member.

6. The reflector driving apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein,

the movable side member includes a first movable side metal member and a second movable side metal member fixed to the reflector holding member,

one ends of the first wire and the second wire are respectively fixed to the first movable-side metal member,

one ends of the third wire and the fourth wire are fixed to the second movable-side metal member, respectively.

7. The reflector driving apparatus according to claim 6, wherein,

the other end of the first wire is fixed to a first fixed-side metal member constituting the fixed-side member,

the other end of the second wire is fixed to a second fixed-side metal member constituting the fixed-side member,

the other end of the third wire is fixed to a third fixed-side metal member constituting the fixed-side member,

The other end of the fourth wire is fixed to a fourth fixed-side metal member constituting the fixed-side member.

8. The reflector driving apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein,

at least a first leaf spring and a second leaf spring are provided between the reflector holding member and the second support member,

the first movable-side metal member is mechanically and electrically connected to the first leaf spring,

the second movable-side metal member is mechanically and electrically connected to the second leaf spring.

9. The reflector driving apparatus according to claim 8, wherein,

the second support member has a first conductive member and a second conductive member,

the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring each have a first fixing portion fixed to the reflector holding member, a second fixing portion fixed to the second support member, and an elastic arm portion connecting the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion,

the first fixed portion of the first leaf spring is connected to the first movable-side metal member,

the second fixing portion of the first plate spring is connected to the first conductive member,

the first fixed portion of the second leaf spring is connected to the second movable-side metal member,

The second fixing portion of the second leaf spring is connected to the second conductive member.

10. The reflector driving apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein,

at least a first leaf spring and a second leaf spring are provided between the reflector holding member and the second support member,

the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring are arranged to apply force to the reflector holding member toward the first support member side and apply force to the first support member toward the second support member side.

11. The reflector driving apparatus according to claim 10, wherein,

the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring each have a first fixing portion fixed to the reflector holding member, a second fixing portion fixed to the second support member, and an elastic arm portion connecting the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion,

one end of the first wire is electrically connected to the first fixing portion of the first plate spring,

one end of the second wire is electrically connected to the first fixing portion of the first plate spring,

one end of the third wire is electrically connected to the first fixing portion of the second plate spring,

one end of the fourth wire is electrically connected to the first fixing portion of the second plate spring.

12. The reflector driving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein,

a plurality of magnets are mounted on the movable side member,

a plurality of magnetic sensors are mounted to the fixed-side member so as to face the plurality of magnets.

13. The reflector driving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein,

the first axis is orthogonal to a plane containing an optical axis of incident light incident to the reflector and an optical axis of reflected light reflected by the reflector,

the second axis is parallel to the optical axis of the incident light.