JP4817975B2 - Optical equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical apparatus that drives an optical element such as a lens using a vibration type linear actuator.

  The vibration type linear actuator is an actuator that relatively moves a vibration member whose vibration is excited by a piezoelectric element and a contact member in pressure contact with the vibration member in a linear direction.

An apparatus for driving a driven object using such a vibration type linear actuator is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this apparatus, a pin provided on the vibration member is held by a holder having a V-groove and an elastic hinge portion, and further includes a leaf spring that presses the holder. Further, a screw for adjusting the amount of deflection of the leaf spring is provided.
Japanese Patent No. 3418241 (paragraphs 0033 to 0038, etc.)

  In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the screws provided on the leaf springs must be adjusted in order to adjust the pressure contact force between the vibration member and the contact member during assembly, and the assembly is complicated. .

  In actual assembly, the vibration member and the contact member may be attached with a relative inclination due to a manufacturing error or the like.

  In this case, the vibration member and the contact member are in contact with each other at a point or line, and only a driving force smaller than the driving force originally obtained by surface contact between them can be obtained.

  In addition, the amount of deflection of the leaf spring changes depending on the relative position between the vibration member and the contact member, which may change the pressure contact force between the vibration member and the contact member, and may not provide a stable driving force.

  The present invention provides an optical apparatus that does not require adjustment work of the pressure contact force between the vibration member and the contact member of the vibration type linear actuator and that can stably maintain the surface contact state between the vibration member and the contact member. One of the purposes is to do.

An optical apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a base member, an optical element holding member that holds the optical element and is movable in a first direction with respect to the base member, and vibration is excited by an electromechanical energy conversion function. And a vibration type linear actuator configured by a contact member in contact with the vibration member. When one of the base member and the optical element holding member is the first member, the other is the second member, and one of the vibration member and the contact member is the third member, and the other is the fourth member, The third member is held by the first member, the second member has a plane portion orthogonal to the first direction, and the fourth member slides relative to the plane portion. It is held by the second member via a contact portion that is rotatably contacted, and is moved in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction by sliding and rotating with respect to the flat portion of the corresponding contact portion. Rotation about an axis parallel to the first direction and rotation about an axis orthogonal to the first and second directions are possible, and the corresponding contact portion is pressed against the flat surface portion. It has a pressurizing means .

  According to the present invention, even if the relative position and inclination of the vibration member and the contact member change, the contact surface between the vibration member and the contact member is always moved by one member (fourth member) moving or rotating. Become parallel and the surface contact state of both members is maintained.

  Therefore, it is possible to stably extract the driving force according to the original performance of the vibration type linear actuator, and as a result, it is possible to drive the optical element smoothly and with high positional accuracy.

  Further, in the present invention, since an elastic member that is elastically deformed to allow movement and rotation of the one member is not used, a reaction force from the elastic member is not received.

  Therefore, even if the contact position between the vibration member and the contact member changes, the contact pressure between the two members does not fluctuate, and a stable driving force for driving the optical element can be obtained.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 8 show a configuration of a lens barrel portion of an imaging apparatus (optical apparatus) that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the lens barrel portion of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lens barrel section cut along a horizontal plane including the optical axis. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a first vibration type linear actuator portion constituting the lens barrel portion. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the second vibration type linear actuator constituting the lens barrel portion. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 6.

  1 and 2, in order from the object side, 1 is a fixed first lens unit, 2 is a second lens unit that moves in the optical axis direction (first direction) for zooming, and 15 is a light amount adjustment. Is a unit. Reference numeral 3 denotes a fixed third lens unit, and reference numeral 4 denotes a fourth lens unit that moves in the direction of the optical axis in order to correct image plane variation due to zooming and to adjust the focus.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes a rear barrel that holds an image sensor and a low-pass filter (LPF), which will be described later, and is fixed to a camera body (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a first lens holding member that holds the first lens unit 1 and is fixed to the rear barrel 5 with screws 7, 8, and 9.

  Reference numerals 10 and 11 denote guide bars (guide members) held parallel to the optical axis direction by the rear barrel 5 and the first lens holding member 6.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a second lens holding member that holds the second lens unit 2, and a mask 32 for cutting unnecessary light is fixed.

  The second lens holding member 12 is engaged with the guide bar 10 by an engaging portion (sleeve portion) 12a and guided in the optical axis direction, and is engaged with the guide bar 11 by an engaging portion (U groove portion) 12b. Thus, rotation around the guide bar 10 is prevented.

  A third lens holding member 13 holds the third lens unit 3 and is fixed to the rear barrel 5 with screws 16. Reference numeral 14 denotes a fourth lens holding member for holding the fourth lens unit 4. The fourth lens holding member 14 is engaged with the guide bar 11 by an engaging portion (sleeve portion) 14 a and is guided in the optical axis direction, and the engaging portion (U groove portion). At 14b, the guide bar 10 is engaged to prevent rotation around the guide bar 11.

  The light amount adjustment unit 15 has an outer shape that is longer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction when viewed from the optical axis direction. The light quantity adjustment unit 15 is fixed to the rear barrel 5 with screws 17.

  Although not shown in detail, the light quantity adjusting unit 5 is a so-called guillotine type diaphragm that increases or decreases the aperture diameter by moving a pair of diaphragm blades in the vertical direction by a lever that is rotated by a stepping motor.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes a slider (contact member) configured by joining a magnet and an elastic member, and is fixed to a groove portion 21a formed in the slider holder (actuator holding member) 21 by adhesion or the like. Reference numeral 19 denotes a vibrator composed of a piezoelectric element (electro-mechanical energy conversion element) and a plate-like elastic member whose vibration is excited by the piezoelectric element. Here, the elastic member of the vibrator 18 is a ferromagnetic body, and the ferromagnetic body attracts the magnet of the slider 18. As a result, the pressure contact surface 18 a of the elastic member of the slider 18 and the pressure contact surfaces 19 a and 19 b formed at two locations in the optical axis direction are pressed against the elastic member of the vibrator 19.

  In the first vibration type linear actuator constituted by the slider 18 and the vibrator 19, two frequency signals (pulse signals or alternating signals) having different phases are input to the piezoelectric element via the flexible wiring board 20. Thereby, elliptical motion is generated on the pressure contact surfaces 19 a and 19 b of the vibrator 19, and a driving force in the optical axis direction is generated on the pressure contact surface 18 a of the slider 18.

  The slider holder 21 has a shaft portion (contact portion) 21b that protrudes up and down. Reference numeral 23 denotes a first actuator cover (base member) that covers the first vibration type linear actuator, and is fixed to the first lens holding member 6 by screws 25, 26, and 27.

  Reference numeral 22 denotes a leaf spring (pressurizing means) as an elastic member fixed to the first actuator cover 23 by screws 24. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first actuator cover 23 is formed with a wall surface 23 a as a plane portion orthogonal to the optical axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5, two wall surfaces 23 a are formed on both sides of the slider holder 21. A space (long hole) 23b for sandwiching a cylindrical shaft portion 21b provided in the slider holder 21 is formed by the wall surface 23a and the surface of the leaf spring 22 perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

  The shaft portion 21b disposed in the elongated hole 23b is pressed against the wall surface 23a by the cylindrical surface 21c by the urging force (pressing force) of the leaf spring 22. In this state, the shaft portion 21b can rotate in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 4 with respect to the wall surface 23a, so that the slider holder 21 and the slider 18 can rotate in the direction of arrow C around the shaft portion 21b. . Further, the slider holder 21 and the slider 18 move in the direction of the arrow D when the shaft portion 21b moves in the radial direction in the elongated hole 23b, that is, slides in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 23b with respect to the wall surface 23a. Is possible. An arrow D direction is a direction on the vibrator 19 side in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

  Further, the shaft holders 21b on both sides of the slider holder 21 slide in opposite directions in the respective long holes 23b with respect to the wall surface 23a with which the slider holder 21 abuts, whereby the slider holder 21 and the slider 18 are shown in FIG. It can rotate in the direction of arrow E. As described above, the slider 18 moves in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (C direction) via the shaft portion 21b of the slider holder 21, and around two axes perpendicular to the optical axis direction (D, E). The first actuator cover 23 is capable of rotating in the direction).

  The leaf spring 22 biases the shaft portion 21b in the optical axis direction and presses the shaft portion 21b against the wall surface 23a, thereby restricting (blocking) movement of the slider holder 21 and the slider 18 in the optical axis direction with respect to the first actuator cover 23. Is done.

  In the present embodiment, “center”, “parallel”, “orthogonal” and “symmetric” mean a complete center, parallel, orthogonal and symmetrical, and positions and states that can be regarded as equivalent within an allowable error range. Including meaning.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes a scale for detecting the amount of movement (position) of the second lens holding member 12 in the optical axis direction, and is fixed in the groove 12e formed in the second lens holding member 12 by bonding or the like. Reference numeral 29 denotes a light projecting / receiving element that projects light onto the scale 28 and receives reflected light from the scale 28 to detect the amount of movement of the second lens holding member 12. The light projecting / receiving element 29 and the scale 28 constitute a first linear encoder as a position detector.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a flexible wiring board for inputting / outputting signals to / from the light projecting / receiving element 29, and is fixed to the first lens holding member 6 by screws 31.

  The guide bar 10, the first vibration type linear actuator, and the first linear encoder are arranged close to the right side surface of the light amount adjustment unit 15 when viewed from the front in the optical axis direction. Further, the first vibration type linear actuator and the first linear encoder are disposed adjacent to the guide bar 10 so as to sandwich the guide bar 10 in the vertical direction.

  The vibrator 34 includes a piezoelectric element and a plate-like elastic member whose vibration is excited by the piezoelectric element. Here, the elastic member of the vibrator 34 is a ferromagnetic material, and the ferromagnetic material attracts the magnet of the slider 33. Thereby, the pressure contact surface 33a of the elastic member of the slider 33 and the elastic member of the vibrator 34 are in pressure contact with the 34a and 34b formed at two locations in the optical axis direction.

  In the second vibration type linear actuator configured by the slider 33 and the vibrator 34, two frequency signals (pulse signals or alternating signals) having different phases are input to the piezoelectric element via the flexible wiring board 35. As a result, elliptical motion is generated on the pressure contact surfaces 34 a and 34 b of the vibrator 34, and a driving force in the optical axis direction is generated on the pressure contact surface 33 a of the slider 33.

  The slider 33 is fixed to a rectangular groove (not shown) formed in the fourth lens holding member 14 by bonding or the like.

  Reference numeral 36 denotes a vibrator holder (actuator holding member) to which the vibrator 34 is fixed by adhesion or the like. Reference numeral 38 denotes a second actuator cover (base member) that covers the second vibration type linear actuator constituted by the vibrator 34 and the slider 33, and is fixed to the rear group barrel 5 by screws 40, 41, 42. Reference numeral 37 denotes a leaf spring (pressurizing means) as an elastic member fixed to the second actuator cover 38 by a screw 39.

  The vibrator holder 36 has a shaft portion (abutting portion) 36a that projects upward and downward. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second actuator cover 38 is formed with a wall surface 38 a as a plane portion orthogonal to the optical axis direction. As shown in FIG. 8, two wall surfaces 38 a are formed on both sides of the vibrator holder 36. A space (long hole) 38b for sandwiching the shaft portion 36a provided in the vibrator holder 36 is formed by the wall surface 38a and the surface of the leaf spring 37 perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

  The shaft portion 36 a disposed in the long hole 38 b is pressed against the wall surface 38 a by the urging force (pressing force) of the leaf spring 37. In this state, the shaft portion 36a can rotate in the direction of arrow K in FIG. 7 with respect to the wall surface 38a. Thereby, the vibrator holder 36 and the vibrator 34 can be rotated in the arrow K direction around the shaft portion 36a. Further, the vibrator holder 36 and the vibrator 34 move in the radial direction in the long hole 38b, that is, slide in the long direction of the long hole 38b with respect to the wall surface 38a. Can be moved to. The arrow J direction is the direction on the slider 33 side in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction.

  Further, the shaft holders 36a on both sides of the vibrator holder 36 slide in opposite directions in the long holes 38b with respect to the wall surface 38a with which the vibrator holder 36 abuts, whereby the vibrator holder 36 and the vibrator 34 are 8 can rotate in the direction of arrow L. Thus, the vibrator 34 moves in the direction (K direction) orthogonal to the optical axis direction via the shaft portion 36a of the vibrator holder 36, and around two axes (J, The second actuator cover 38 is capable of rotating in the L direction.

  The leaf spring 37 biases the shaft portion 36a in the optical axis direction and presses the shaft portion 36a against the wall surface 38a, thereby restricting movement of the transducer holder 36 and the transducer 34 in the optical axis direction with respect to the second actuator cover 38 ( Blocked).

  Reference numeral 43 denotes a scale for detecting the movement amount (position) of the fourth lens holding member 14, and is fixed to the groove portion 14 d formed in the fourth lens holding member 14 by bonding or the like. Reference numeral 44 denotes a light projecting / receiving element that projects light onto the scale 43 and receives reflected light from the scale 43 to detect the amount of movement of the fourth lens holding member 14. The light projecting / receiving element 44 and the scale 43 constitute a second linear encoder as a detector. Reference numeral 45 denotes a flexible wiring board for inputting / outputting signals to / from the light projecting / receiving element 44, and is fixed to the rear barrel 5 by screws 46.

  The guide bar 11, the second vibration type linear actuator, and the second linear encoder are disposed close to the left side surface of the light amount adjustment unit 15 when viewed from the front in the optical axis direction. Further, the second vibration type linear actuator and the second linear encoder are disposed adjacent to the guide bar 11 so as to sandwich the guide bar 11 in the vertical direction.

  Further, the first vibration type linear actuator, the guide bar 10 and the first linear encoder, and the second vibration type linear actuator, the guide bar 11 and the second linear encoder are connected to an axis extending in the vertical direction through the center of the optical axis. Are arranged symmetrically.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the movable range L <b> 2 in the optical axis direction of the second lens holding member 12 (engagement portion 12 a with the guide bar 10) in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis is from the light amount adjustment unit 15. Is also on the image plane side from the object side (left side in FIG. 2). The movable range L4 in the optical axis direction of the fourth lens holding member 14 (engagement portion 14a with the guide bar 11) is from the image plane side to the position overlapping the light amount adjustment unit 15 from the light amount adjustment unit 15. . On the other hand, in FIG. 2, as can be inferred from the installation ranges of the first and second actuator covers 23 and 38, a part of the installation range of the first vibration type linear actuator (range in which the slider 18 is provided) and the second vibration. A part of the installation range of the linear actuator (the range in which the slider 33 is provided) overlaps with each other in the optical axis direction.

  The movable range L2 of the second lens holding member 12 is larger than the movable range L4 of the fourth lens holding member 14 in the optical axis direction.

  FIG. 9 shows an electrical configuration of the photographing apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 101 denotes an image pickup device constituted by a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like. Reference numeral 102 denotes a driving source of the second lens unit 2 (second lens holding member 12), which is a first vibration type linear actuator including a slider 18 and a vibrator 19. Reference numeral 103 denotes a drive source for the fourth lens unit 4 (fourth lens holding member 14), which is a second vibration type linear actuator including a slider 33 and a vibrator 34.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an aperture motor (stepping motor) as a drive source of the light quantity adjustment unit 15. Reference numeral 105 denotes a second lens encoder as a first linear encoder including the scale 28 and the light projecting / receiving element 29, and reference numeral 106 denotes a fourth lens encoder as a second linear encoder including the scale 43 and the light projecting / receiving element 44. Each of these encoders detects a relative position (amount of movement from the reference position) of the second lens unit 2 and the fourth lens unit 4 in the optical axis direction. In this embodiment, an optical encoder is used as the encoder. However, a magnetic encoder may be used, or an encoder that detects an absolute position using electrical resistance may be used.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an aperture encoder, for example, that detects the rotational positional relationship between the rotor of the aperture motor 104 and the stator by a Hall element provided inside the aperture motor 104 that is the drive source of the light quantity adjustment unit 15. Used.

  Reference numeral 117 denotes a CPU as a controller that controls the operation of the photographing apparatus. A camera signal processing circuit 108 performs amplification, gamma correction, and the like on the output of the image sensor 101. The contrast signal of the video signal subjected to these predetermined processes passes through the AE gate 109 and the AF gate 110. By these gates 109 and 110, an optimum signal extraction range for determining exposure and focusing is set from the photographing screen. The sizes of the gates 109 and 110 may be variable, or a plurality of gates 109 and 110 may be provided.

  Reference numeral 114 denotes an AF signal processing circuit for autofocus (AF), which extracts a high-frequency component of the video signal and generates an AF evaluation value signal. Reference numeral 115 denotes a zoom switch for performing a zoom operation. Reference numeral 116 denotes a zoom tracking memory, which stores target position information for driving the fourth lens unit 4 according to the subject distance and the position of the second lens unit 2 in order to maintain an in-focus state upon zooming. ing. Note that the memory in the CPU 117 may be used as the zoom tracking memory.

  In the above configuration, when the photographer operates the zoom switch 115, the CPU 117 controls the first vibration type linear actuator 102 to drive the second lens unit 2. Accordingly, the target drive position of the fourth lens unit 4 is calculated based on the information in the zoom tracking memory 116 and the current position of the second lens unit 2 obtained from the detection result of the second lens unit encoder 105. Then, the second vibration type linear actuator 103 is controlled to drive the fourth lens unit 4 to the target drive position. Whether or not the fourth lens unit 4 has reached the target drive position is determined by whether or not the current position of the fourth lens unit 4 obtained from the detection result of the fourth lens unit encoder 106 matches the target drive position. Is determined by

  In the autofocus, the CPU 117 controls the second vibration type linear actuator 103 to search the fourth lens unit 4 so as to search for a position where the AF evaluation value obtained by the AF signal processing circuit 114 exhibits a peak. To drive.

  Further, in order to obtain an appropriate exposure, the CPU 117 sets the average value of the luminance signal that has passed through the AE gate 109 to a predetermined value, that is, the output of the aperture encoder 107 has a value corresponding to the predetermined value. The aperture motor 104 is controlled to control the aperture diameter.

  In the present embodiment, even when the position or inclination of the pressure contact surface of either the slider 18 or the vibrator 19 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction changes due to a manufacturing error or the like, the position or inclination of the slider holder 21 changes. As a result, the position and inclination (orientation) of the slider 18, that is, the posture changes. Thereby, both press-contact surfaces are maintained in parallel and an appropriate surface contact state is maintained. At this time, in this configuration, since there is no spring property in the press-contact direction of the slider 18 and the vibrator 19 (direction in which the slider 18 is displaced), the press-contact on the press-contact surface is changed even if the press-contact position of the slider 18 and the vibrator 19 changes. There is no change in power. Therefore, it is possible to stably extract an output corresponding to the inherent performance of the first vibration type linear actuator 102.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the shaft portion 21b of the slider holder 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the pressure contact surface. Specifically, the center of the shaft portion 21b (center of curvature of the cylindrical surface 21c) 21o is disposed at a position corresponding to the thickness (width in the normal direction of the pressure contact surface) t1 of the slider 18. For this reason, the twisting force generated on the pressure contact surface when the actuator is driven can be reduced. That is, the slider unit including the slider holder 21 and the slider 18 receives a force F1 in the direction opposite to the driving direction at the pressure contact surface during driving, and a force F2 having the same magnitude as F1 at the contact point with the fixed portion 23a. receive. A rotational moment is generated in the slider unit by the couples F1 and F2, and as a reaction force, a twisting force that is a force opposite to the driving direction is generated on the pressure contact surface. In this embodiment, this twisting force can be reduced. Ideally, the center of the shaft portion 21b may be located at a position 21o ′ on the surface including the pressure contact surface.

  Further, in the above configuration, the slider 18 is configured using a magnet, and obtains a pressure contact force necessary for generating a driving force as a vibration type linear actuator by attracting the vibrator 19. For this reason, the reaction force of the pressure contact force does not act on the second lens holding member 12. As a result, the frictional force generated in the engaging portions 12a and 12b of the second lens holding member 12 with the guide bars 10 and 11 does not increase, and the driving load due to friction does not increase. Therefore, it is possible to use a low-power and small vibration type linear actuator. As a result, the lens barrel can be downsized.

  Further, since a large pressure contact force does not act on the second lens holding member 12, the frictional force generated at the engaging portions 12a, 12b of the second lens holding member 12 with the guide bars 10, 11 does not increase. Therefore, wear due to friction between the engaging portions 12a and 12b and the guide bars 10 and 11 can be reduced. Further, the minute driving of the second lens holding member 12 (second lens unit 2) can be performed accurately.

  On the other hand, the slider 33 is configured using a magnet, and obtains a pressure contact force necessary for generating a driving force as a vibration type linear actuator by attracting the vibrator 34. For this reason, the reaction force of the pressure contact force does not act on the fourth lens holding member 14. Thereby, the frictional force generated in the engaging portions 14a, 14b of the fourth lens holding member 14 with the guide bars 11, 10 does not increase, and the driving load due to friction does not increase. Therefore, it is possible to use a low-power and small vibration type linear actuator. As a result, the lens barrel can be downsized.

  Further, since a large pressure contact force does not act on the fourth lens holding member 14, the frictional force generated at the engaging portions 14 a and 14 b of the fourth lens holding member 14 with the guide bars 11 and 10 does not increase. Therefore, wear due to friction between the engaging portions 14a and 14b and the guide bars 11 and 10 can be reduced. Further, the minute driving of the fourth lens holding member 14 (fourth lens unit 4) can be performed accurately.

  Even when the position or inclination of the pressure contact surface of either the slider 33 or the vibrator 34 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction changes due to a manufacturing error or the like, the position and inclination of the vibrator holder 36 change. The position and inclination (orientation) of the vibrator 35, that is, the posture changes. Thereby, both press-contact surfaces are maintained in parallel and an appropriate surface contact state is maintained. In this configuration, at this time, since there is no spring property with respect to the pressing direction of the slider 33 and the vibrator 34 (direction in which the vibrator 34 is displaced), the pressure force changes even if the position or inclination of the pressure contact surface changes. There is no. Therefore, even when there is a variation due to a manufacturing error, an output corresponding to the inherent performance of the second vibration type linear actuator 103 can be stably extracted.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the shaft portion 36a of the vibrator holder 36 is disposed in a plane including the pressure contact surface. For this reason, the twisting force generated on the pressure contact surface when the actuator is driven can be suppressed, that is, the vibrator unit composed of the vibrator holder 36 and the vibrator 34 at the time of driving has a force F1 opposite to the driving direction on the pressure contact surface. The contact with the receiving portion 38a receives the force F2 having the same size as F1 but in the opposite direction. A rotational moment is generated in the vibrator unit by the couples F1 and F2, and a twisting force that is a force opposite to the driving direction is generated on the pressure contact surface as a reaction force. In this embodiment, this twisting force can be suppressed. The shaft portion 36a only needs to be disposed at a position where the center (center of curvature of the spherical surface 36c) 36o corresponds to the thickness (width in the normal direction of the pressure contact surface) t2.

  Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the guide bar 10, the first vibration type linear actuator, and the first linear encoder are one of the planes closest to the optical axis in the light amount adjustment unit 15 when viewed in the optical axis direction. It is arrange | positioned so that it may be along the right side which is. A first vibration type linear actuator and a first linear encoder are arranged adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the guide bar 10. Further, when viewed in the optical axis direction, the guide bar 11, the second vibration type linear actuator, and the second linear encoder are along the left side which is one of the planes closest to the optical axis in the light amount adjustment unit 15 ( Are placed close together). Further, the second vibration type linear actuator and the second linear encoder are arranged adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the guide bar 11.

  Therefore, the lens barrel portion is made small while having the light amount adjusting unit 15 and the two vibration type linear actuators, the two guide bars and the two linear encoders for driving the second and fourth lens holding members 12 and 14, respectively. Can be configured.

  Further, since the sliders 18 and 33 are disposed adjacent to the guide bars 10 and 11, the second and fourth lens holding members 12 and 14 can be driven smoothly. Moreover, since the scales 28 and 43 are disposed adjacent to the guide bars 10 and 11, the scale 28 is formed by the back of the engaging portions 12a, 12b, 14a, and 14b of the second and fourth lens holding members 12 and 14. 43 is small. Therefore, the positions of the second and fourth lens units 2 and 4 can be detected with high accuracy.

  Here, the linear actuator and the linear encoder may be arranged on the opposite side of the optical axis with respect to the guide bar that guides the lens holding member that is the driving target and the position detection target. In this case, the engagement of the engaging portion of the lens holding member with the guide bar may cause the linear encoder to be displaced to the side opposite to the driving direction with the guide bar as a fulcrum at the start of driving. This causes the position detection accuracy to deteriorate. However, in this embodiment, since the linear actuator and the linear encoder are arranged on the same side as the guide bar that guides the lens holding member that is the driving target and the position detection target, such a problem does not occur and the accuracy is high. The position can be detected well.

  In this embodiment, for the first vibration type linear actuator, the vibrator 19 is provided on the second lens holding member 12 side, and the slider 18 is provided on the fixed portion side (first actuator cover 23) of the lens barrel portion. Explained the case. However, the vibrator and its holding mechanism may be provided on the fixed portion side, and the slider and its holding mechanism may be provided on the second lens holding member side.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the slider 33 is provided on the fourth lens holding member 14 side and the vibrator 34 is provided on the fixed portion side of the lens barrel has been described for the second vibration type linear actuator. However, the slider and its holding mechanism may be provided on the fixed portion side, and the slider and its holding mechanism may be provided on the fourth lens holding member side.

  Further, in this embodiment, shaft portions 21b and 36a are provided on holders 21 and 36 for holding sliders or vibrators, and actuator covers 23 and 38 that are base members are provided with wall surfaces 23a that are surfaces orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The case where 38a and the leaf | plate springs 22 and 37 were provided was demonstrated. However, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained even if the holder is provided with a wall surface and a leaf spring and the shaft portion provided on the base member is sandwiched.

  10 to 14 show the configuration of the lens holding frame and the vibration type linear actuator that drives the lens holding frame in the image pickup apparatus that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This vibration type linear actuator corresponds to the second lens holding frame and the first vibration type actuator in the first embodiment. Since the configuration other than the vibration type linear actuator and the lens holding frame is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holding frame and the vibration type actuator of this embodiment. 11 and 12 are a perspective view and a side view of the lens holding frame and the vibration type linear actuator, respectively. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a lens holding frame, which corresponds to the second lens holding frame 12 of the first embodiment. The lens holding frame 50 includes engaging portions 50c and 50d that engage with a guide bar (not shown) arranged in parallel with the optical axis direction.

  Reference numeral 51 denotes a vibrator holder, which has an axial shape having a D-cut cross section inside thereof, and has shaft portions 51a and 51b formed in a T shape in a plane parallel to the optical axis.

  A vibrator 53 is fixed to the vibrator holder 51. Reference numeral 52 denotes a flexible wiring board for inputting two frequency signals having different phases to the vibrator 53.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a slider, which is fixed to a fixing portion (base member) (not shown) in the lens barrel portion. Reference numeral 55 denotes a leaf spring (pressure means) as an elastic member, which is fixed to the second lens holding frame 50 by screws 56.

  In the lens holding frame 50, two wall surfaces 50a serving as a plane portion orthogonal to the optical axis are formed so as to be divided into upper and lower parts in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, a rectangular groove (space) 51 c is formed between the wall surface 50 a and the surface 55 a orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the leaf spring 55.

  Then, a shaft portion (abutting portion) 51 a extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 14 is inserted into the vibrator holder 51 in the rectangular groove 51 c. As shown in FIG. 13, the shaft portion 51 a has a circular arc surface 51 d before and after that, and the circular arc surface 51 d is pressed against the wall surface 50 a by the urging force of the leaf spring 55. Thereby, the movement of the vibrator holder 51 in the optical axis direction is limited (blocked).

  Further, a shaft portion 51b extending in the same direction is engaged with a groove portion 50b formed in the lens holding frame 50 so as to extend in the optical axis direction. The shaft portion 51b also has arcuate surfaces on both sides thereof.

  In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, the shaft portion 51a can rotate in the direction of arrow M with respect to the wall surface 50a. For this reason, the vibrator holder 51 is held by the lens holding frame 50 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow M around the shaft portion 51a. Further, the shaft portion 51a is slidable in the direction of arrow N with respect to the wall surface 50a, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular groove 51c. For this reason, the vibrator holder 51 is movable in the direction of the arrow N with respect to the lens holding frame 50, that is, in the direction in which the slider 54 is pressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, since the shaft portion 51a can rotate while sliding in the arrow O direction with respect to the wall surface 50a, the vibrator holder 51 can rotate in the arrow O direction around the shaft portion 51b. is there.

  In the above configuration, even if the position of the pressure contact surface of either the slider 54 or the vibrator 53 with respect to the axis parallel to the optical axis or the inclination around the axis changes due to a manufacturing error or the like, the position and the inclination of the vibrator holder 51 are changed. As a result of the change, both pressure contact surfaces are maintained in parallel. At this time, since there is no spring property in the pressure contact direction, even if the pressure contact position between the slider 54 and the vibrator 53 changes, the pressure contact force on the pressure contact surface does not change. Therefore, it is possible to stably extract an output corresponding to the inherent performance of the vibration type linear actuator composed of the slider 54 and the vibrator 53.

  Further, the urging force of the leaf spring 55 in the optical axis direction prevents the transducer holder 51 from moving in the optical axis direction with respect to the lens holding frame 50. Therefore, the lens holding frame 50 can be driven without play by the vibration type linear actuator, and the lens holding frame 50 can be positioned with high accuracy.

  In addition, since the shaft portion 51a serving as the rotation axis in the arrow M direction of the vibrator holder 51 is disposed on the back side of the pressure contact surface of the vibrator 53 so as to be parallel to the pressure contact surface, the width direction of the vibrator holder 51 (FIG. 12). The size in the horizontal direction on the paper can be reduced.

  In addition, the pressure contact position between the leaf spring 55 and the shaft portion 51a of the vibrator holder 51 is in the same plane with respect to the shaft portion 51b that is the rotation axis of the vibrator holder 51 in the arrow O direction. The load with respect to the rotation in the direction of arrow O can be reduced.

  Further, the shaft portions 51a and 51b of the vibrator holder 51 are formed such that a portion contacting the leaf spring 55, the wall surface 50a and the inner surface of the groove portion 50b is an arc surface 51d and a portion facing the vibrator 53 is a plane. . For this reason, compared with the case where it comprises a circular arc surface (cylindrical surface) including the part which opposes the vibrator | oscillator 53 of axial part 51a, 51b, the center axis | shaft of curvature of the circular arc surface 51d of axial part 51a, 51b is included. Can be approached. Thereby, the vibrator | oscillator 53 and the vibrator | oscillator holder 51 can be assembled compactly in the thickness direction.

  Further, since the leaf spring 55 is disposed along the lens holding frame 50, an extra space is not required while ensuring a sufficient spring length, which is effective for downsizing.

  FIG. 15 shows the configuration of a vibration type linear actuator used in an image pickup apparatus that is Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This vibration type linear actuator corresponds to the first vibration type actuator of the first embodiment. Since the configuration other than the vibration type linear actuator is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. 16 shows a QQ sectional view of FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 shows a PP sectional view of FIG.

  201 is a slider and 202 is a vibrator. Reference numeral 203 denotes an actuator cover.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a flexible wiring board for inputting two frequency signals having different phases to the vibrator 202, and 205 denotes a slider holder for holding the slider 201.

  Reference numerals 206 and 207 denote magnets, which are fixed at positions corresponding to the upper and lower sides of the slider holder 201 in the actuator cover 203 by adhesion or the like, as shown in FIG. Reference numerals 208 and 209 denote pins (contact portions) made of a ferromagnetic material, which are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the slider holder 205 in FIG.

  The pins 208 and 209 have semi-cylindrical surfaces 208a and 209a, and the semi-cylindrical surfaces 208a and 209a are in pressure contact with the surfaces 206a and 207a formed on the magnets 206 and 207 and perpendicular to the optical axis direction by a magnetic adsorption force. ing. The pins 208 and 209 and the magnets 206 and 207 constitute a pressurizing means.

  In such a configuration, since the pins 208 and 209 can rotate with respect to the surfaces 206a and 207a of the magnets 206 and 207, the slider holder 205 can rotate around the pins 208 and 209 in the direction of arrow S in FIG. Further, since the pins 208 and 209 can slide with respect to the surfaces 206a and 207a of the magnets 206 and 207, the slider holder 205 can move in the direction of arrow R in FIG. Furthermore, when the pins 208 and 209 slide in opposite directions with respect to the surfaces 206a and 207a of the magnets 206 and 207, the slider holder 205 can rotate in the direction of arrow T in FIG.

  By configuring as described above, the same effect as described in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the magnets 206 and 207 and the pins 208 and 209 are used as the magnetic pressure unit, the size can be reduced as compared with the case where the elastic member is used as the pressure unit, and the degree of freedom of arrangement of each member is increased. Further, since the pins 208 and 209 only need to be arcuate surfaces in contact with the magnets 206 and 207, the degree of freedom in design is high and the size can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the pins 208 and 209 are made of a ferromagnetic material has been described. However, even if the pins 208 and 209 are made of a magnet and members corresponding to the magnets 206 and 207 are made of a ferromagnetic material, Similar effects can be obtained.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiments within the scope of the claims. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiments, the lens-integrated photographing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an interchangeable lens (optical apparatus) that can be attached to and detached from the photographing apparatus main body. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the photographing apparatus but also to various optical devices that drive a lens by a vibration type linear actuator.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a lens barrel portion of a photographing apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the lens barrel portion of Example 1 cut along a plane parallel to the optical axis. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a first vibration type linear actuator that constitutes the lens barrel portion of the first embodiment. BB sectional drawing of FIG. AA sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a second vibration type linear actuator that constitutes the lens barrel portion of the first embodiment. HH sectional drawing of FIG. GG sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a lens holding frame and a vibration type linear actuator that are Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lens holding frame and a vibration type linear actuator of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a side view of a lens holding frame and a vibration type linear actuator of Example 2. AA sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. The side view which shows the structure of the vibration type linear actuator which is Example 3 of this invention. QQ sectional drawing of FIG. PP sectional drawing of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st lens unit 2 2nd lens unit 3 3rd lens unit 4 4th lens unit 5 Rear part barrel 6 1st lens holding member 10,11 Guide bar 12 2nd lens holding member 14 4th lens holding member 15 Light quantity adjustment Unit 18, 33, 54, 201 Slider 19, 34, 53, 202 Vibrator 21, 205 Slider holder 21b, 36a, 51a, 51b Shaft portion 22, 37, 55 Leaf spring 23, 38, 203 Actuator cover 28, 43 Scale 29, 44 Light emitting / receiving element 36, 51 Transducer holder 50 Lens holding frame 101 Imaging element 206, 207 Magnet 208, 209 Pin

Claims (6)

A base member;
An optical element holding member that holds an optical element and is movable in a first direction with respect to the base member;
Having a vibration member whose vibration is excited by an electro-mechanical energy conversion action and a vibration type linear actuator composed of a contact member in contact with the vibration member;
One of the base member and the optical element holding member is a first member, the other is a second member, and one of the vibrating member and the contact member is a third member and the other is a fourth member. When
The third member is held by the first member;
The second member has a plane portion orthogonal to the first direction,
Said fourth member, said are slidably and rotatably through the abutting portion abutting held by the second member relative to the flat portion, sliding and for the planar portion of the contact portion The rotation causes movement in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, rotation around an axis parallel to the first direction, and rotation about an axis orthogonal to the first and second directions. And can be rotated
An optical apparatus comprising pressurizing means for pressing the contact portion against the flat portion . The optical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurizing unit is an elastic member. The optical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurizing unit generates a magnetic attractive force between the contact portion and the flat portion. The abutting part has a curved surface that abuts on the flat part,
The center of curvature of the curved surface, the fourth member optical apparatus according to claim 1, any one of 3, characterized in that it is set to a position corresponding to the thickness of. One of said third member and the fourth member is constituted by a magnet, the optical device according to the other one of the claims 1 4, characterized by being composed of a ferromagnetic material . An actuator holding member for holding the fourth member;
The abutment, optical apparatus according to claim 1, any one of the 5, characterized in that provided on the actuator holding member.