WO2015133515A1

WO2015133515A1 - Lens unit and imaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2015133515A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/056334
Authority: WO
Inventors: 篤広野田; 達夫 ▲高▼部
Original assignee: コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority date: 2014-03-07
Filing date: 2015-03-04
Publication date: 2015-09-11

Abstract

This lens unit and imaging device are provided with an actuator for moving an optical component, which is elastically supported by an elastic support member, in a first direction, said lens unit and imaging device being configured such that the elastic support member is provided at one end with an optical component linking portion that is linked to the optical component and at the other end with a supported portion that is supported by the support member, and the actuator imparts force to the optical component in the first direction and imparts, to the optical component, an opposing moment that is in the opposite direction to the spring-imparted moment applied to the optical component by the elastic support member in conjunction with the imparting of force in the first direction.

Description

Lens unit and imaging device

The present invention relates to a lens unit that holds an optical element and an imaging device including the lens unit.

For example, a lens unit that holds an optical element such as an optical lens has not only a holding function for holding the optical element at a design position in order to make the optical element function, but also a diaphragm function that controls the amount of transmitted light, and Various functions such as an autofocus function for automatically focusing are provided, and a zooming function for changing the focal length as necessary is further provided. Among these functions, the autofocus function is executed by moving the optical element for focusing along the optical axis direction of the lens unit, and the zooming function is the optical element for zooming. It is executed by moving along the optical axis direction of the lens unit. Therefore, the lens unit includes a moving mechanism for moving the optical element for the auto focus function and the zoom function.

As one of such moving mechanisms, there is a linear guide mechanism that cantilever-supports a moving body that holds an optical element and is driven by an actuator with a parallel spring including first and second springs arranged in parallel to each other. There has been known a device having such a straight guide mechanism. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical head provided with a rectilinear guide mechanism that is cantilevered by a parallel spring.

The rectilinear guide mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 extends along the X direction (second direction) perpendicular to the Z direction in parallel to the Z direction (first direction), which is the optical axis direction, with a distance from each other. A parallel spring composed of a pair of first and second springs is fixedly connected to one end of the movable body in the Y direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction. The rectilinear guide mechanism uses a pair of first and second springs having a smaller wire diameter and lower rigidity than the parallel springs arranged at one end in the Y direction at the other end in the Y direction of the moving body. They are fixedly connected by extending along the X direction in parallel with a distance in the Z direction. The linear guide mechanism is configured such that when the moving body moves in the Z direction by the actuator, the moving body can be rotated around an axis extending in the X direction to adjust the inclination of the moving body in the Y direction.

By the way, for example, when the optical component 1000 is pressed in the + Z direction by the actuator 1010 and moves in the + Z direction, as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, the elastic deformation portion 1005 of the first spring 1003 in the + Z direction The amount of compression is larger than that of the two springs 1004, and the elastic deformation portion 1006 of the second spring 1004 in the -Z direction has a larger amount of tension than the first spring 1003 in the + Z direction. As a result, for example, by the first spring and the second spring, the optical component 1000 passes through the middle point O of the optical component connecting portion with the optical component 1001 of each of the first and second springs as shown in FIG. 10C and in the Y direction. The spring applying moment M10 about the central axis 15 extending in the direction is received.

Since the two springs maintain their positions with respect to such a spring application moment M10 by the rigidity in the linear direction (X direction), the optical component moves while maintaining almost the posture, but when the application moment M10 occurs. As shown in FIG. 11A, there is a slight tilt β in which the optical axis AX1 of the optical element 1001 is inclined with respect to the optical axis AX2 of the lens unit. As a result, the optical image formed at the imaging position is deteriorated. End up. That is, the optical image is deteriorated. Conventionally, this degree of inclination is negligible for image performance. In particular, in the case of a lens unit including an array lens 1002 in which a plurality of imaging optical systems (single eyes) are arranged in a two-dimensional array. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the distance from the array lens 1002 to the light receiving surface 1011 of the image sensor (the solid line indicates the light receiving surface when the tilt is 0, and the broken line indicates the light receiving surface when there is a tilt) is tilted. Depending on the arrangement position of the individual eye, the individual eye will differ, so even if the tilt is so small that it can be ignored with a monocular lens, it cannot be ignored depending on the individual eye. Deterioration increases. That is, in the monocular optical element 1001 shown in FIG. 11A, the optical performance degradation occurs only in the periphery of the image, but in the array lens 1002 shown in FIG. 11B, the optical performance of the single eye located around the array lens 1002 is The image is almost completely lowered, and the entire image is deteriorated. For this reason, the tilt becomes a serious problem particularly in the case of a lens unit including an array lens. The tilt amount becomes significant especially when there is a portion with low rigidity in the linear direction of the spring. This is because if two springs generate a compressive force on one side and a tensile force on the other along the linear direction, but there is a portion with low rigidity, the portion changes in the length direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the first spring 1003 and the second spring 1004 have a bent portion 1007, the tilt is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is desired to correct such tilt.

However, the linear guide mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot suppress the spring application moment generated as described above, and as a result, when the optical component moves in the optical axis direction, the tilt as described above occurs. It will occur.

JP 2003-228864 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to suppress a spring applying moment applied to the optical component by the first spring and the second spring when the optical component moves in the optical axis direction. It is possible to provide a lens unit and an imaging apparatus that can suppress the occurrence of tilt of optical components.

A lens unit and an imaging apparatus according to the present invention include an actuator for moving an optical component elastically supported by an elastic support member in a first direction, and the elastic support member includes an optical component coupling portion coupled to the optical component. A supported portion supported by a support member is provided at one end portion at the other end portion, and the actuator applies a force in the first direction to the optical component and elastically supports the force in the first direction. The optical component is configured to apply a counter moment opposite to the spring applying moment applied to the optical component by the member. Therefore, the lens unit and the imaging apparatus according to the present invention can suppress the spring application moment applied to the moving body by the first spring and the second spring when the optical component moves in the optical axis direction, and the tilt of the optical component can be reduced. Can be suppressed.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device in 8th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the modification of the imaging device in 8th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the prior art example when an optical component moves to a Z direction. It is a figure for comparing and explaining the influence of the tilt in the case of a single eye and the influence of the tilt in the case of a compound eye.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. In this specification, when referring generically, it shows with the reference symbol which abbreviate | omitted the suffix, and when referring to an individual structure, it shows with the reference symbol which attached the suffix.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a side view of a part of FIG. 1A in section, and FIG. 1C is an optical component moving along the Z direction (first direction) which is the optical axis direction. FIG. 2 is a side view, partly in cross section, for explaining the operation of the imaging device in FIG. In the following description, the + X direction is a direction from the other end along the X direction (second direction) orthogonal to the Z direction in the array lens 1 to the one end, and the −X direction is in the array lens 1. This is a direction from one end to the other end along the X direction. The + Y direction is a direction from the other end along the Y direction (third direction) orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction in the array lens 1, and the −Y direction is along the Y direction in the array lens 1. The direction from the one end to the other end. The + Z direction is a direction in which the array lens 1 moves away from the imaging unit 7, and the −Z direction is a direction in which the array lens 1 approaches the imaging unit 7.

The imaging apparatus I according to the embodiment captures an optical image of an object (subject) formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging element by the imaging optical system by the imaging element, and an electrical image signal (or a signal corresponding to the optical image) (or Image data). The imaging apparatus I may generate a still image signal (or image data) and / or a moving image signal (or image data). A and / or B means at least one of A and B.

Embodiments of such an imaging apparatus I will be described below. First, the imaging apparatus Ia in the first embodiment includes a lens unit LUa and an imaging unit 7, for example, as shown in FIG. The lens unit LUa is a lens unit of a first aspect that forms an optical image of an object on a light receiving surface of an image sensor 71 (to be described later) in the imaging unit 7, and includes, for example, an array lens (optical component) 1 and an elastic support member. 2, a support member 3, and a drive unit 4.

The array lens 1 includes a lens main body (optical component main body) 11 that has a rectangular shape (including a square) in plan view, and a protrusion 12.

The lens main body 11 has a plurality of images arranged in a two-dimensional matrix in two directions that are linearly independent, more specifically, two directions that are orthogonal to each other in the X direction (second direction) and the Y direction (third direction). An optical system 111 is provided.

Each of the plurality of imaging optical systems 111 is a component including one or more optical lenses along the optical axis in order to form an optical image of an object on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 71. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of imaging optical systems 111 are arranged so that the optical axes are substantially parallel to each other.

Therefore, the image sensor 71 that captures each optical image of the object via the plurality of imaging optical systems 111 generates an image signal in which substantially the same subject is captured although the parallax is different. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the array lens 1 includes 16 imaging optical systems 111-11 to 111-44 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix in 4 rows and 4 columns. Note that the number of the imaging optical systems 111 is not limited to this, and all the imaging optical systems 111 are not necessarily parallel with respect to the optical axis.

The lens body 11 has a first connected portion 13 connected to a first spring 21 of the elastic support member 2 to be described later on the end surface in the + Z direction in the thickness direction (Z direction) at one end thereof. A second connected portion 14 connected to a second spring 22 of the elastic support member 2 to be described later is provided on each end face in the direction.

In the present embodiment, the array lens 1 is used as an optical component. However, the optical component is not limited to the configuration constituted by the array lens 1, and for example, one or a plurality of optical lenses are arranged along the optical axis. It may be a component including a monocular imaging optical system. Further, in the present embodiment, the optical component is configured by only the array lens 1, but may be configured to include, for example, a lens and a lens holding member that holds the lens.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 12 has a quadrangular prism shape, and protrudes from the end surface of one end of the lens body 11 in the opposite direction (+ X direction) to the other end of the lens body 11. The lens body 11 is connected to the end surface of one end.

The protrusion 12 includes a pressed operation portion 12a that is pressed by an actuator 41 of the drive unit 4 described later at a corner portion in the −Z direction at the protruding tip.

In this embodiment, the support member 3 is formed of a rectangular cylindrical body having a rectangular through-opening (light beam transmission aperture) for transmitting each light beam of the optical image transmitted through the array lens 1. More specifically, the support member 3 is opposed to the first side wall 31 in the −X direction and the third side wall 33 in the + X direction, which are arranged in parallel to each other with a gap in the X direction, in parallel with a gap in the Y direction. The second side wall 32 in the −Y direction and the fourth side wall 34 in the + Y direction are provided.

Actuator support portions 35 that support the actuators 41 are provided at the corners of the third side wall 33 and the fourth side wall 34 of the support member 3. The actuator support portion 35 is formed on an inclined surface inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction.

In the first embodiment, the elastic support member 2 includes a pair of two springs 21 and 22 (two opposed to each other in the Z direction) made of leaf springs elongated in one direction. The pair of

springs

21 and 22 are constituted by parallel springs arranged so as to be parallel to each other in the long direction.

As described above, the elastic support member 2 functions as a pair of two parallel springs. In the present embodiment, the driving force by the driving unit 4 acting on the array lens 1 and the first and

second springs

21 and 22 are used. The elastic support member 2 is composed of a pair of first and

second springs

21 and 22 so as to elastically support the array lens 1 in a cantilevered manner from both sides in the Y direction. It is configured.

Each set of the first and

second springs

21 and 22 includes an optical component connecting portion 23 at one end thereof, and each optical component connecting portion 23 is connected to the connected portion 13 of the lens body 11. , 14 are fixedly connected.

Each of the first and

second springs

21 and 22 includes a supported portion 24 at the other end, and the supported portion 24 is fixedly supported by the first side wall 31 of the support member 3.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first and

second springs

21 and 22 are arranged in parallel with a distance in the Z direction in the initial state, and the lens body 11 is cantilevered at the other end. I support it. The other end of the lens main body 11 supported by the first and

second springs

21 and 22 extends from the one end of the lens main body 11 along the −X direction, and the first and

second springs

21 and 22 are extended. Between the optical component connecting portion 23 and the supported portion 24 in the longitudinal direction (X direction).

The drive unit 4 is a device for moving the array lens 1 along the axial direction of a predetermined axis. The predetermined axis is, for example, the optical axis of the lens unit LUa, the optical axis of the image sensor 71, or the like. The drive unit 4 includes, for example, a predetermined actuator 41 and a control drive circuit (not shown) for driving the actuator 41 while controlling the actuator 41.

The actuator 41 is, for example, a SMA actuator provided with a shape memory alloy (Shape Memory Alloy, hereinafter abbreviated as “SMA”) that is long in one direction (band, ribbon, tape). A bimetal actuator having a long plate-like bimetal, a monomorph actuator having a plate-like monomorph (unimorph) long in one direction, and the like. In the present embodiment, an SMA actuator 41 is used, and the drive unit 4 includes a control drive circuit (not shown) for controlling and driving the SMA actuator 41 by energizing and heating.

SMA has a crystal structure called an austenite phase (parent phase) at a temperature higher than the transformation temperature, and a crystal structure called a martensite phase at a low temperature. A general metal material does not return to its original shape when a predetermined external force is applied. However, SMA does not return to the shape of martensite when it is deformed by applying a predetermined external force in the martensitic phase state, but when the temperature exceeds the transformation temperature. The phase transforms from the site phase to the austenite phase, and the shape recovers to its original shape before deformation. The SMA actuator 41 using SMA generates a driving force by utilizing this characteristic. By the way, an actuator that repeats the operation for increasing and decreasing temperature is required to have bidirectionality corresponding to this temperature change. Although some SMAs have bi-directionality, SMA usually recovers its shape to a memorized shape due to heating, but it remains in its memorized shape even after cooling, and has only one direction. For this reason, in one aspect of the SMA actuator, a bias applying member that applies an external force (bias) that deforms the SMA in the other direction different from the one direction after the shape recovery is necessary. The support member 2 functions as the bias applying member.

The SMA actuator 41 has a predetermined shape stored in advance, and applies a driving force to the optical component by being heated. The SMA actuator 41 is formed of Ni—Ti alloy, Cu—Al—Ni alloy, Cu—Zn alloy, Cu—Zn—Al alloy, Ni—Al alloy, or the like. The Ni—Ti alloy is excellent in strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, and is suitable for the SMA actuator 41.

The SMA actuator 41 includes a pressing operation portion 41a for pressing the pressed operation portion 12a of the array lens 1 at one end thereof.

The other end of the SMA actuator 41 is fixedly supported by the actuator support 35 of the support member 3. In this supported state, the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41 is inclined so as to face the direction inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction. The inclined surface is formed so that the normal line passes between a central axis 15 formed in the array lens 1 described later and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 1, and the shape of the SMA actuator 41 is restored. Accordingly, the pressed operation portion 12a of the array lens 1 so that an action line P of the pressing force is formed between a center axis 15 formed in the array lens 1 described later and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 1. Is pressed. The central axis 15 is an axis that passes through the midpoint O of the first connected portion 13 and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 1 and extends in the Y direction.

The imaging unit 7 captures an optical image of a subject imaged on the light receiving surface by the optical component 1a and outputs an image signal (or image data). The imaging unit 7 includes, for example, an imaging element 71 and an element support member 72.

The image sensor 71 is disposed on the image side of the lens unit LUa, and has R (red), G (green), and B (blue) in accordance with the amount of light in the optical image of the object (subject) imaged by the lens unit LUa. This is an element that performs photoelectric conversion to an electrical image signal of each color component and outputs it to an unillustrated image processing circuit that performs predetermined image processing. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 7 may include the number of imaging elements 71 corresponding to the number of eyes of the array lens 1 (the number of imaging optical systems 111, which is 16 in the example illustrated in FIG. 1). In the embodiment, the imaging unit 7 includes one imaging element 71, and the effective area of the imaging element 71 is divided into a number of divided areas corresponding to the number of eyes of the array lens 1. Each formed optical image is configured to be captured in each divided region.

The image sensor 71 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor, or the like. The image processing circuit (not shown) generates image data by performing predetermined image processing on image signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components obtained by the image sensor 71. For example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and its peripheral circuits. The predetermined image processing includes, for example, amplification processing and digital conversion processing performed on an analog output signal from the image sensor 71, determination processing of an appropriate black level for the entire image, γ correction processing, white balance adjustment (WB) This is well-known image processing such as (adjustment) processing, contour correction processing, and color unevenness correction processing. The imaging unit 7 may be configured to output an image signal as described above, or may further include the image processing circuit (not shown) and output image data. good.

The element support member 72 is a flat member and is a member that supports the image sensor 71. In the present embodiment, the element support member 72 is a plate-like member whose outer shape is rectangular in plan view.

The element support member 72 is fixed to the end surface in the −Z direction of the support member 3 with, for example, an adhesive, so that the lens unit LUa and the imaging unit 7 are connected, and the lens unit and the imaging unit 7 are connected. The image pickup device 71 is disposed so that the position of the light receiving surface of the image pickup device 71 coincides with the position of the image forming surface of the array lens 1 of the lens unit LUa (image forming surface = light receiving surface). That is, the array lens 1 of the lens unit LUa can form an optical image of an object on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 71.

Next, the operation of the image sensor of the first embodiment will be described. The SMA actuator 41 is heated by generating Joule heat due to its own resistance by being supplied with power by a control drive circuit (not shown) and energized. When the SMA actuator 41 reaches the transformation temperature, the SMA actuator 41 recovers to the previously stored shape according to the temperature. As a result, the pressing operation portion 41 a of the SMA actuator 41 presses the pressed operation portion 12 a of the array lens 1.

The pressed array lens 1 moves in the + Z direction by the force of the + Z direction component from the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41 as shown in FIG. 1C. When the array lens 1 is moved in the + Z direction, the array lens 1 is centered by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 due to a difference in the amount of deformation between the first spring 21 and the second spring 22. The counterclockwise spring applying moment M10 of FIG. 1C around 15 is received.

On the other hand, the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41 is arranged so that an operation line P of a pressing force can be generated between the central shaft 15 and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 1 in the pressed operation portion 12a of the array lens 1. In order to press the pressed operation portion 12a of the lens 1, the array lens 1 receives a countering moment M11 in a direction opposite to the spring applying moment M10, that is, in the clockwise direction around the central axis 15, as shown in FIG. 1C.

Accordingly, the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 1 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 during the movement in the + Z direction is canceled by the counter moment M11 applied to the array lens 1 by the pressing operation of the SMA actuator 41, As a result, the array lens 1 moves in the + Z direction with a force in the + Z direction component applied.

Therefore, the lens unit LUa and the imaging device Ia in the present embodiment can suppress the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 1 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 when moving in the + Z direction. The occurrence of tilt in the X direction can be suppressed.

On the other hand, when the supply of electric power is stopped, the SMA actuator 41 cools down by natural heat dissipation, and gradually returns to a flat shape by a bias in the −Z direction by the pair of first springs 21 and second springs 22. The first spring 21 and the second spring 22 are parallel to each other. Thus, the array lens 1 moves in the −Z direction, and the lens unit LUa and the imaging device Ia return to the state shown in FIG. 1B.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. 2A is a plan view, and FIG. 2B is a side view, partly in section, for explaining the operation of the imaging device of FIG. 2A. Next, the image sensor Ib of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the first embodiment, the imaging device Ib of the second embodiment includes a lens unit LUb and an imaging unit 7. The lens unit LUb includes an array lens 1, an elastic support member 102, A support member 3 and a drive unit 4 are provided. The imaging unit 7, the array lens 1, the support member 3, and the drive unit 4 each have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

The elastic support member 102 of the second embodiment includes a pair of first and

second springs

121 and 122 as in the first embodiment, but each of the first and

second springs

121, 122 is constituted by a wire spring (suspension wire) having a circular cross section. Other than that, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is adopted.

This second embodiment also functions in the same manner as the previous first embodiment. More specifically, the array lens 1 that is pressed by the pressing operation portion 41 a of the SMA actuator 41 moves in the + Z direction by the force of the + Z direction component from the pressing operation portion 41 a of the SMA actuator 41. When the array lens 1 moves in the + Z direction, the array lens 1 receives a spring applying moment M10 in the counterclockwise direction around the central axis 15 as shown in FIG. 2B by the first spring 121 and the second spring 122.

On the other hand, the array lens 1 receives a counterclockwise moment M11 around the central axis 15 opposite to the spring applying moment M10 as shown in FIG. 2A from the SMA actuator 41.

Therefore, when moving in the + Z direction, the array lens 1 is moved in the + Z direction with only the force of the + Z direction component applied thereto, and the lens unit LUb and the imaging device Ib in the present embodiment are applied to the array lens 1. The spring application moment M10 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of tilt in the X direction of the array lens 1 can be suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. 3A is a plan view, and FIG. 3B is a side view with a part in cross-section for explaining the operation of the imaging apparatus of FIG. 3A. Next, the image sensor Ic of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging element Ic of the third embodiment includes a lens unit LUc and an imaging unit 7 as in the first embodiment, and the lens unit LUc includes the array lens 201, the elastic support member 2, and A support member 3 and a drive unit 4 are provided.

The array lens 201 includes a rectangular lens main body 211 and a protrusion 212, as in the first embodiment. The lens body 211 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the pressed operation portion 212a of the protrusion 212 is formed on an inclined surface inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction. Yes.

More specifically, the pressed operation portion 212a is inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction so that the normal line passes between the central axis 15 of the array lens 201 and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 211. Formed on the inclined surface.

The actuator support portion 235 of the support member 3 in the third embodiment is formed in a plane parallel to the X direction and the Y direction and facing the + Z direction.

The other end of the SMA actuator 41 of the drive unit 4 is fixedly supported by the actuator support 235 of the support member 3, whereby the pressing operation unit 41 a of the SMA actuator 41 faces the + Z direction, and heating and The pressing operation part 41a moves in the Z direction with cooling. Except for the above, the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment configured as described above, when the SMA actuator 41 is heated and reaches the transformation temperature, the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41 presses the pressed operation portion 12a of the array lens 1.

The pressed array lens 1 moves in the + Z direction by the force of the + Z direction component from the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41. When the array lens 1 moves in the + Z direction, the array lens 101 receives a counterclockwise spring applying moment M10 about the central axis 15 as shown in FIG. 3B by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22.

On the other hand, the pressed operation portion 112a of the array lens 1 is pushed from the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41 along the normal line formed between the central axis 15 and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 1. Since the pressure action line P is generated, the array lens 1 receives a counter-moment M11 in a direction opposite to the spring application moment M10, that is, in the clockwise direction around the central axis 15 as shown in FIG. 3B.

Accordingly, the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 201 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 during the movement in the + Z direction is canceled by the counter moment M11 applied to the array lens 1 by the pressing operation of the SMA actuator 41, As a result, the array lens 201 moves in the + Z direction in a state where a force in the + Z direction component is applied.

Therefore, the lens unit LUc and the imaging device Ic in the present embodiment can suppress the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 1 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 when moving in the + Z direction. The occurrence of tilt in the X direction can be suppressed.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. 4A is a plan view, and FIG. 4B is a side view, partly in section, for explaining the operation of the imaging device of FIG. 4A. Next, an image sensor Id according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device Id of the fourth embodiment includes a lens unit LUd and an imaging unit 7 as in the first embodiment, and the lens unit LUd includes the array lens 301, the elastic support member 2, and the lens unit LUd. A support member 3 and a drive unit 4 are provided.

The array lens 301 according to the fourth embodiment includes a rectangular lens body 311 and a protrusion 312 as in the first embodiment. The lens body 311 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the protrusion 312 is formed at the other end of the lens body 311.

The protrusion 312 is formed of a quadrangular prism-like shape as in the first embodiment, and the pressed operation portion 312a is formed in a plane parallel to the X direction and the Y direction and facing the −Z direction. Has been.

In this fourth embodiment, the support member 3 includes an actuator support portion 335 that supports the actuator 41 at the corners of the first side wall 331 and the fourth side wall 334. The actuator support 335 is formed in a plane parallel to the X direction and the Y direction and facing the + Z direction.

The other end portion of the SMA actuator 41 of the drive unit 4 is fixedly supported by the actuator support portion 335 of the support member 3, so that the pressing operation portion 41 a of the SMA actuator 41 faces the + Z direction and is heated. Accordingly, the pressing operation unit 41a moves in the + Z direction, and the pressing operation unit 41a presses the pressed operation unit 312a of the array lens 301 during the movement. At this time, the action line P of the pressing force that presses the pressed operation portion 312a from the pressing operation portion 41a is the midpoint O (center axis 15) of the first connected portion 13 and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 301. ) From a distance L1. Except for the above, the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment configured as described above, when the SMA actuator 41 is heated and reaches the transformation temperature, the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41 operates the pressing operation portion 312a of the array lens 301 only in the + Z direction. To do.

The pressed array lens 301 moves in the + Z direction by the + Z direction force from the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41. When this array lens 301 moves in the + Z direction, the array lens 301 receives a spring applying moment M10 in the counterclockwise direction around the central axis 15 as shown in FIG. 4B by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22. .

On the other hand, in the pressed operation portion 112a of the array lens 1, the line of action P of the pressing force is formed with the distance L1 from the central axis 15 of the array lens 301 from the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41. As shown in FIG. 4B, the counter moment M11 is received in the opposite direction to the spring applying moment M10, that is, in the clockwise direction around the central axis 15.

Therefore, the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 301 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 during the movement in the + Z direction cancels the counter moment M11 applied to the array lens 1 by the pressing operation of the SMA actuator 41. As a result, the array lens 301 moves in the + Z direction with a force applied in the + Z direction.

Therefore, the lens unit LUd and the imaging device Id in the present embodiment can suppress the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 1 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 when moving in the + Z direction. The occurrence of tilt in the X direction can be suppressed.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. 5A is a plan view, and FIG. 5B is a side view with a part in cross-section for explaining the operation of the imaging device of FIG. 5A. Next, an image sensor Ie according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging element Ie of the fourth embodiment includes a lens unit LUe and an imaging unit 7 as in the first embodiment, and the lens unit LUe includes the array lens 1 and the elastic support member 402. And a support member 3 and a drive unit 4.

The elastic support member 402 of the fifth embodiment includes a pair of first and

second springs

421 and 422 as in the first embodiment, but in the fifth embodiment, the first support The spring 421 and the second spring 422 are configured with different rigidity in the Z direction.

More specifically, the first spring 421 and the second spring 422 of the fifth embodiment are constituted by leaf springs. The second spring 422 disposed in the −Z direction of the first spring 421 is formed so that the plate thickness is thinner than the plate thickness of the first spring 421, and the second spring 422 is deformed more than the first spring 421. It is supposed to be easy. Except for the fifth embodiment, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is adopted.

In the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the array lens 301 pressed from the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41 is moved from the pressing operation portion 41a of the SMA actuator 41, as in the first embodiment. It moves in the + Z direction by the force of the + Z direction component. When this array lens 301 moves in the + Z direction, the array lens 301 receives a spring applying moment M10 in the counterclockwise direction around the central axis 15 as shown in FIG. 5B by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22. .

As shown in FIG. 5B, the array lens 301 receives a counter moment M11 in a direction opposite to the spring application moment M10, that is, in the clockwise direction around the central axis 15.

In this embodiment, the second spring 422 is more easily deformed in the Z direction than the first spring 421 when receiving the counterclockwise moment M11 around the central axis 15. Can be applied.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. 6A is a plan view, FIG. 6B is a bottom view, and FIG. 6C is a side view, partly in section, for explaining the operation of the imaging device of FIG. 6A. Next, the imaging device If of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device If of the sixth embodiment includes a lens unit LUf and an imaging unit 7 as in the fifth embodiment, and the lens unit LUf includes the array lens 1, the elastic support member 502, A support member 3 and a drive unit 4 are provided.

Similar to the fifth embodiment, the elastic support member 502 of the sixth embodiment includes a pair of first and

second springs

521 and 522, and the first spring 521 and the second spring 522 are Z. In the sixth embodiment, the first spring 521 and the second spring 522 have different shapes in the Z direction due to different shapes. Yes.

More specifically, the first spring 521 and the second spring 522 of the sixth embodiment are constituted by leaf springs. As shown in FIG. 6A, the first spring 521 is a first spring extending in the Y direction between an optical component connecting portion 523 formed at one end thereof and a supported portion 524 formed at the other end thereof. A bent piece 525 is provided, and the first spring bent piece 525 separates the optical component connecting portion 523 from the supported portion 524 by a distance L2 in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the second spring 522 is similar to the first spring 521 between the optical component connecting portion 523 formed at one end thereof and the supported portion 524 formed at the other end. , A second spring bent piece 526 extending in the Y direction is provided. The second spring bent piece 526 is formed such that the length in the Y direction is longer than the length of the first spring bent piece 525.

Thereby, the distance L3 in the Y direction between the optical component connecting portion 523 and the supported portion 524 in the second spring 522 is larger than the distance L2 of the first spring 521. Therefore, when the same force in the Z direction is applied to the optical component connecting portions 523 of the first spring 521 and the second spring 522, the second spring 522 is more easily deformed in the Z direction than the first spring 521. It is a thing. Except for the above, the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

The sixth embodiment configured as described above operates in the same manner as the previous fifth embodiment.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. 7A is a plan view, and FIG. 7B is a side view with a part in cross-section for explaining the operation of the imaging device of FIG. 7A. Next, the image sensor Ig of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging element Ig of the seventh embodiment includes a lens unit LUg and an imaging unit 7 as in the first embodiment, and the lens unit LUg includes an array lens 601, an elastic support member 2, and A support member 603 and a drive unit 604 are provided.

7B, the pressed operation portion 612a of the protrusion 612 in the array lens 601 of the seventh embodiment is recessed in a dogleg shape (V shape, C shape) as viewed from the side.

The support member 603 includes an actuator locking portion 645 that slidably locks an SMA actuator 641 of a driving unit 604 described later on each of the second side wall 32 and the fourth side wall 34.

In the sixth embodiment, the SMA actuator 641 of the driving unit 604 is composed of a linear one, and is contracted and shortened by being heated. The SMA actuator 641 includes a pressing operation unit 641a at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction.

The SMA actuator 641 is brought into contact with the pressed operation portion 612a of the array lens 601 so as to hang the pressing operation portion 641a, and the actuator engaging portions of the second side wall 32 and the fourth side wall 34 of the support member 603, respectively. Both end portions are connected to the first side wall 31 of the support member 603 so as to be locked to 645.

In this state, the operation unit 642 from the pressed operation unit 612a to the actuator locking unit 645 in the SMA actuator 641 is in the direction inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction in a side view as shown in FIG. 7B. It extends in an inclined manner so as to pass between the central axis 15 of the lens 601 and the second connected portion 14. Except for the above, the seventh embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

In the seventh embodiment configured as described above, when the SMA actuator 41 is heated and reaches the transformation temperature, the SMA actuator 641 contracts, and the press operation unit 641a is moved in the X direction and the Z direction by the operation unit 642 along with the contraction. On the other hand, the pressed operation portion 612a of the array lens 601 is pressed in a direction inclined with respect to it.

The pressed array lens 601 moves in the + Z direction by the force of the + Z direction component from the pressing operation portion 641a of the SMA actuator 641. When the array lens 601 moves in the + Z direction, the array lens 601 receives a counterclockwise spring applying moment M10 about the central axis 15 as shown in FIG. 7B by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22. .

On the other hand, the pressed operation portion 612a of the array lens 601 is such that the action line P of the pressing force passes between the central axis 15 and the second connected portion 14 of the array lens 601 from the pressing operation portion 641a of the SMA actuator 641. 7B, the array lens 601 receives a countering moment M11 in a direction opposite to the spring application moment M10, that is, in the clockwise direction around the central axis 15, as shown in FIG. 7B.

Accordingly, the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 601 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 during the movement in the + Z direction is canceled by the counter moment M11 applied to the array lens 601 by the pressing operation of the SMA actuator 641. As a result, the array lens 601 moves in the + Z direction with a force in the + Z direction component applied.

Therefore, the lens unit LUg and the imaging device Ig in the present embodiment can suppress the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 601 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 when moving in the + Z direction. The occurrence of tilt in the X direction can be suppressed.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 8A is a plan view, and FIG. 8B is a side view, partly in section, for explaining the operation of the imaging device of FIG. 8A. Next, an image sensor Ih according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging device Ih according to the eighth embodiment includes the lens unit LUh and the imaging unit 7 as in the first embodiment, and the lens unit LUh includes the array lens 701, the elastic support member 2, and the lens unit LUh. A support member 703 and a drive unit 704 are provided.

The array lens 701 according to the eighth embodiment includes a substantially rectangular lens body 711 and a pressed operation portion 712a as in the first embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, The lens main body 711 includes a magnet holding portion that holds a magnet 747 that forms part of an actuator 741 described later, and this magnet holding portion forms a pressed operation portion 712a.

The actuator 741 of the drive unit 704 includes a coil 746 and a magnet 747 in the eighth embodiment. The coil 746 is fixedly held by a coil holding portion 731 a provided on the first side wall 31 of the support member 703.

The magnet 747 is disposed at the other end of the lens body 711 at a distance L4 from the central axis 15 of the array lens 701 so that the facing surface 747a to the coil 746 is parallel to the Z direction. The magnet 747 (the other end of the lens main body 711) receives a force in the + Z direction with the supply of electric power.

In the eighth embodiment configured as described above, when power is supplied to the coil 746 from a control drive circuit (not shown), the magnet 747 receives a force in the Z direction, and the array lens 701 holding the magnet 747 It receives the force of the + Z direction component from 747 and moves in the + Z direction. When the array lens 701 moves in the + Z direction, the array lens 701 receives a counterclockwise spring applying moment M10 about the central axis 15 as shown in FIG. 8B by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22. .

On the other hand, the array lens 701 receives a countering moment M11 in a direction opposite to the spring applying moment M10 as shown in FIG. 8B from the magnet 747, that is, in the clockwise direction around the central axis 15. Therefore, the spring applying moment M10 applied to the array lens 701 by the first spring 21 and the second spring 22 during the movement in the + Z direction is canceled out by the counter moment M11 applied to the array lens 701 by the driving force of the actuator 741. As a result, the array lens 701 moves in the + Z direction with a force in the + Z direction component applied.

In addition, when the actuator 741 is comprised from what provided the coil 746 and the magnet 747, the arrangement | positioning position of the coil 746 and the magnet 747 is not restricted to said position, It can change suitably. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modified example of the imaging apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 9A is a plan view, and FIG. 9B is a side view, partly in section, for explaining the operation of the imaging device of FIG. 9A.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the coil 746 is held on the second side wall 32 and the fourth side wall 34 of the support member 703 respectively, while the magnet 747 is separated from the central axis 15 of the array lens 701 by a distance L5. The opposing surfaces 747a facing the coil 746 are arranged on both end surfaces of the portion 711 in the Y direction so as to be parallel to the Z direction, and the magnet 747 receives a force in the + Z direction as power is supplied to the coil 746. It may be.

In the above embodiment, the first spring and the second spring have constant rigidity over the entire length. However, the first spring and the second spring are not limited to this form and can be appropriately changed. For example, a part of one or both of the first spring and the second spring may have a part having higher or lower rigidity than the other part along the X direction, and the spring applying moment M10 may be difficult to occur.

This specification discloses various modes of technology as described above, and the main technologies are summarized below.

A lens unit according to an aspect includes an optical component including one or a plurality of optical lenses, an elastic support member that elastically supports the optical component, a support member that supports the elastic support member, and the optical component in an optical axis direction. The elastic support members extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a distance from each other in the first direction. The first and second springs each include an optical component connecting portion connected to the optical component at one end thereof, and a support supported by the support member at the other end. Each of which includes a support portion, and the actuator applies a force in the first direction to the optical component, and the first and second springs apply the force in the first direction to the optical component. The spring imparting moments vignetting is configured to impart a counter moment opposite to the optical component.

According to this, the actuator is configured to apply a counter moment to the optical component opposite to the spring applying moment applied to the optical component by the first and second springs when the force in the first direction is applied. When the optical component moves in the first direction, the spring applying moment applied to the optical component by the first and second springs can be suppressed. This makes it difficult for the optical component to tilt when moving in the first direction.

In another aspect, in the lens unit described above, the first and second springs are leaf springs or suspension wires.

According to this, if the first and second springs are leaf springs or suspension wires, a spring applying moment may be applied to the optical component by the first and second springs as the first direction force is applied from the actuator. In many cases, the spring application moment can be reduced by changing the shape of the leaf spring or the suspension wire and the counter application moment can be easily applied, and the spring application moment can be efficiently suppressed. The first and second springs can be easily manufactured.

In another aspect, in the above-described lens unit, the optical component includes an optical component main body including the optical lens, and a pressed operation unit that is pressed by the actuator, and the optical component main body includes: The first and second springs each include a connected portion connected to the optical component connecting portion, and the spring applying moment passes through a midpoint between the connected portions of the optical component main body portion and the first spring is provided. And a moment about a central axis extending in a third direction orthogonal to the direction and the second direction, and the pressed operation portion is applied to an action line of a pressing force applied from the actuator to the pressed operation portion and the central axis. It is characterized by being pressed so that a distance is possible.

According to this, the pressed operation portion is pressed by the actuator from the side opposite to the first and second springs, the actuator can be arranged without interfering with the first and second springs, and the arrangement of the actuator becomes easy.

In another aspect, in the lens unit described above, the force in the first direction is a force in a direction from the second spring toward the first spring, and the actuator has a line of action of the pressing force on the central axis. The pressed operation portion is pressed so as to pass between the second spring and the optical component connecting portion of the second spring.

According to this, if one place of the pressed operation part is pressed by the actuator, the first and second springs are applied in accordance with the force of the first direction component applied to the pressed operation part and the force of the first direction component. Thus, a counter moment opposite to the spring applying moment applied to the optical component can be easily applied to the optical component.

In another aspect, in the lens unit described above, the force in the first direction is a force in a direction from the second spring toward the first spring, the pressed operation portion is an inclined surface, and the inclination The surface is inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction so that a normal line of the inclined surface passes between the central axis and the optical component connecting portion of the second spring.

According to this, if one place of the pressed operation part is pressed by the actuator, the first and second springs are applied in accordance with the force of the first direction component applied to the pressed operation part and the force of the first direction component. Thus, it is possible to more easily and reliably apply a counter-moment opposite to the spring-applying moment applied to the optical component.

In another aspect, in the above-described lens unit, the pressed operation portion is formed between the optical component connecting portion and the supported portion of the first spring in the second direction.

According to this, the actuator can be arranged between the optical component connecting portion and the supported portion of the first spring in the second direction, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

In another aspect, in the lens unit described above, the actuator applies a force in the second direction.

According to this, if the pressed operation portion is pressed in the direction along the first direction by the actuator, a counter moment opposite to the spring applying moment is applied, and the counter moment can be easily applied to the pressed operation portion. .

In another aspect, in the lens unit described above, the first spring and the second spring are configured such that elastic deformation amounts in the first direction due to a pressing force applied from the actuator via the optical component are different from each other. Has been.

According to this, if one place of the pressed operation part is pressed by the actuator, the first and second springs are applied in accordance with the force of the first direction component applied to the pressed operation part and the force of the first direction component. Thus, a counter-moment that is opposite to the spring-applying moment applied to the optical component can be applied to the optical component more easily and reliably.

In another aspect, in the above-described lens unit, the first spring and the second spring have a part having rigidity different from that of the other part along the second direction.

According to this, the amount of bending deformation in the first direction can be made different between the first spring and the second spring, and the spring applying moment can be reduced. The spring application moment can be efficiently suppressed.

An imaging device according to another aspect includes an imaging device that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, a lens unit that includes one or a plurality of optical lenses, and that forms an optical image on a light receiving surface of the imaging device. The lens unit is any one of the lens units described above.

According to this, when the optical component moves in the first direction, the spring application moment applied to the optical component by the first and second springs can be suppressed, and the imaging apparatus can suppress the occurrence of tilt of the optical component. .

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-44889 filed on Mar. 7, 2014, the contents of which are included in this application.

In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been properly and fully described through the embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above-described embodiments. It should be recognized that this is possible. Therefore, unless the modifications or improvements implemented by those skilled in the art are at a level that departs from the scope of the claims recited in the claims, the modifications or improvements are not covered by the claims. To be construed as inclusive.

According to the present invention, a lens unit and an imaging device can be provided.

Claims

An optical component comprising one or more optical lenses;
An elastic support member for elastically supporting the optical component;
A support member for supporting the elastic support member;
An actuator for moving the optical component in a first direction that is an optical axis direction,
The elastic support member includes first and second springs extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a distance from each other in the first direction,
Each of the first and second springs includes an optical component connecting portion connected to the optical component at one end thereof, and a supported portion supported by the support member at the other end. ,
The actuator applies a force in the first direction to the optical component and has a direction opposite to a spring applying moment applied to the optical component by the first and second springs when the force in the first direction is applied. A lens unit configured to impart a counter moment to the optical component.
The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first and second springs are leaf springs or suspension wires.
The optical component includes an optical component main body including the optical lens, and a pressed operation unit that is pressed by the actuator.
The optical component main body includes a coupled portion coupled to the optical component coupling portion of each of the first and second springs.
The spring application moment is a moment around a central axis extending in a third direction passing through a midpoint between the connected parts of the optical component main body part and orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction,
3. The pressing operation portion according to claim 1, wherein the pressing operation portion is pressed so that a distance is formed between a line of action of pressing force applied from the actuator to the pressing operation portion and the central axis. The lens unit described.
The force in the first direction is a force in a direction from the second spring toward the first spring,
The actuator is configured to press the pressed operation portion so that a line of action of the pressing force passes between the central axis and the optical component connecting portion of the second spring. The lens unit described in 1.
The force in the first direction is a force in a direction from the second spring toward the first spring,
The pressed operation part is an inclined surface,
The inclined surface is inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction so that a normal line of the inclined surface passes between the central axis and the optical component connecting portion of the second spring. The lens unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein
The lens unit according to claim 3, wherein the pressed operation portion is formed between the optical component connecting portion of the first spring and the supported portion in the second direction.
The lens unit according to claim 6, wherein the actuator applies a force in the second direction.
The said 1st spring and the 2nd spring are comprised so that the elastic deformation amount with respect to the said 1st direction by the pressing force applied from the said actuator via the said optical component may mutually differ. The lens unit according to claim 2.
The said 1st spring and the 2nd spring have a site | part from which another part differs in rigidity along the said 2nd direction in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 8 characterized by these. The lens unit described.
An image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal;
A lens unit that includes one or a plurality of optical lenses, and that forms an optical image on a light receiving surface of the image sensor;
10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens unit is the lens unit according to claim 1.