WO2021234995A1

WO2021234995A1 - Optical unit

Info

Publication number: WO2021234995A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/048421
Authority: WO
Inventors: 敬之岩瀬; 智浩江川; 京史大坪; 一宏佐齋; 元紀田中
Original assignee: 日本電産株式会社
Priority date: 2020-05-22
Filing date: 2020-12-24
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Also published as: JPWO2021234995A1

Abstract

[Problem] To be able to stabilize drive behavior for rotating an optical element. [Solution] An optical unit (100), wherein a first swinging mechanism swings a holder (120) around a first swinging axis, and a second swinging mechanism swings the holder (120) around a second swinging axis orthogonal to the first swinging axis. The holder has a first accommodation section (127) that accommodates at least a part of a first projecting part (125), and a second accommodation section (128) that accommodates at least a part of a second projecting part (126). A case (130) has a first recessed section (135) that accommodates at least a part of the first projecting part (125), and a second recessed section (136) that accommodates at least a part of the second projecting part (126). The first projecting part (125) includes a first elastic part (305), and the second projecting part (126) includes a second elastic part (306). The first elastic part (305) is provided to the first accommodation section (127) and/or the first recessed section (135), and the second elastic part (306) is provided to the second accommodation section (128) and/or the second recessed section (136). The first projecting part (125) contacts the first accommodation section (127) and the first recessed section (135), and the second projecting part (126) contacts the second accommodation section (128) and the second recessed section (136).

Description

Optical unit

The present invention relates to an optical unit.

Image blur may occur due to camera shake when shooting still images or moving images with the camera. For this reason, an image stabilization device has been put into practical use to enable clear shooting with image blur prevention. When the camera shakes, the image stabilization device can solve the problem caused by the camera shake by correcting the position and posture of the camera module according to the camera shake.

Further, in order to reduce the size of the camera module, a bending zoom type camera module equipped with various lens groups and prisms is known, and it is also considered to solve the problem caused by the camera shake of the bending type zoom type camera module. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a vibration isolation mechanism that rotates a prism by rotating an X-axis member and a Y-axis member using a motor and a gear, respectively.

Japanese Publication: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-118336

However, in the anti-vibration mechanism of Patent Document 1, the prism is rotated by rotating the two rotating shafts by the motor and the gear, and there is a gap between the gears. This gap causes a shift in the center of rotation during driving, and the driving behavior cannot be stabilized.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical unit that stabilizes the driving behavior of rotating an optical element.

The optical unit from the first aspect of the present invention includes an optical element, a holder, a case, a first swing mechanism, a second swing mechanism, a first convex portion including a first elastic portion, and a first. It is provided with a second convex portion including two elastic portions. The optical element has a reflecting surface that reflects light in the first axis direction. The holder holds the optical element. The case swingably supports the holder. The first swing mechanism swings the holder around the first swing axis with respect to the case. The second swing mechanism swings the holder around a second swing axis orthogonal to the first swing axis with respect to the case. The holder has a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion. The first accommodating portion is provided on the surface facing the first case facing the case, and accommodates at least a part of the first convex portion. The second accommodating portion is provided on the surface facing the second case facing the case, and accommodates at least a part of the second convex portion. The case has a first recess and a second recess. The first concave portion is provided on the first holder facing surface facing the first case facing surface of the holder, and accommodates at least a part of the first convex portion. The second concave portion is provided on the second holder facing surface facing the second case facing surface of the holder, and accommodates at least a part of the second convex portion. The first elastic portion is provided in at least one of the first accommodating portion and the first recess. The second elastic portion is provided in at least one of the second accommodating portion and the second recess. The first convex portion is in contact with the first accommodating portion and the first concave portion. The second convex portion is in contact with the second accommodating portion and the second concave portion.

The optical unit of the present invention can, for example, stabilize the driving behavior of rotating an optical element.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a smartphone provided with the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 2a is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 2b is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit, the corresponding lens module, and the image pickup device of the present embodiment. FIG. 3a is a schematic exploded perspective view of an optical element, a holder, and a case in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 3b is a schematic exploded perspective view of an optical element, a holder, and a case in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 4a is a schematic perspective view of the case, the first swing mechanism, and the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 4b is a schematic perspective view of the case, the first swing mechanism, and the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram for explaining the engagement between the first convex portion of the holder and the first concave portion of the case in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram for explaining the engagement between the second convex portion of the holder and the second concave portion of the case in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIa-VIa of FIG. 2a. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIb-VIb of FIG. 2a. FIG. 7a is a partially enlarged view of the dotted line portion C1 illustrated in FIG. 6a. FIG. 7b is a partially enlarged view of the dotted line portion C2 shown in FIG. 6a. FIG. 8a is a diagram showing a second embodiment of FIG. 7a. FIG. 8b is a diagram showing a second embodiment of FIG. 7b. FIG. 9a is a diagram showing a third embodiment of FIG. 7a. FIG. 9b is a diagram showing a third embodiment of FIG. 7b. FIG. 10a is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 10b is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 11a is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 11b is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 11c is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 12a is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 12b is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 12c is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 15a is a schematic exploded perspective view of an optical element, a holder, and a case in the optical unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 15b is a schematic exploded perspective view of an optical element, a holder, and a case in the optical unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 16a is a schematic perspective view of the case, the first swing mechanism, and the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 16b is a schematic perspective view of the case, the first swing mechanism, and the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 17a is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism in the optical unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 17b is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the second swing mechanism in the optical unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 18a is a schematic perspective view of a smartphone provided with the optical unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 18b is a schematic perspective view of an optical module including the optical unit of the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the optical unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description is not repeated. In addition, in the present specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, x-axis, y-axis and z-axis which are orthogonal to each other may be described.

<Use of optical unit 100>
The optical unit 100 reflects the incident light in a specific direction. The optical unit 100 is suitably used, for example, as an optical component of a smartphone.

First, the smartphone 200 provided with the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a smartphone 200 provided with the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment.

The optical unit 100 can be configured to be thin. As a result, the length (thickness) of the smartphone 200 along the z-axis direction can be made thin. The application of the optical unit 100 is not limited to the smartphone 200, and can be used for various devices such as cameras and videos without particular limitation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the smartphone 200 includes a lens 202 into which light is incident. In the smartphone 200, the optical unit 100 is arranged inside the lens 202. Light L is incident on the smartphone 200 from the outside through the lens 202 in the incident direction, and a subject image is imaged based on the light that has passed through the optical unit 100.

<Overall configuration of optical unit 100>
Next, the configuration of the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b. FIG. 2a is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2b is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment and the corresponding lens module 210 and the image pickup element 220.

As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the optical unit 100 reflects incident light La incident along the z-axis direction as reflected light Lb in the x-axis direction. In this specification, the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction may be described as the first axis direction, the second axis direction, and the third axis direction, respectively. Further, in the present specification, the shafts that are the reference of the swing of the optical unit 100 may be referred to as a first swing shaft and a second swing shaft. Here, the first swing axis is an axis perpendicular to the incident light La and the reflected light Lb (that is, parallel to the y-axis direction), and the second swing axis is parallel to either the incident light La or the reflected light Lb (that is, parallel to the y-axis direction). That is, it is parallel to the x-axis direction or the z-axis direction).

<First Embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, the second swing axis is parallel to the reflected light Lb (that is, parallel to the z-axis direction). The optical unit 100 includes an optical element 110, a holder 120, a case 130, a first swing mechanism 140, and a second swing mechanism 150. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the second swing mechanism 150 is located on the −x direction side of the optical element 110, but the first swing mechanism 140 cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the optical unit 100. .. The first swing mechanism 140 is located on the −z direction side with respect to the optical element 110 and the holder 120.

The optical element 110 has a reflecting surface 110r that reflects light in the x-axis direction. The reflection surface 110r is arranged obliquely with respect to each of the xy plane and the yz plane. The reflecting surface 110r reflects the incident light La incident along the −z axis direction as the reflected light Lb in the + x axis direction.

For example, the optical element 110 includes a prism. The prism is made of a substantially single transparent material with a higher refractive index than air. Since the optical element 110 includes a prism, the length of the optical path passing through the optical unit 100 can be shortened.

The holder 120 holds the optical element 110. The holder 120 holds the optical element 110 from the surfaces located on both sides of the optical element 110 along the y-axis direction and the surfaces located on the −z axis direction side. Typically, the holder 120 is made of resin.

The case 130 supports the holder 120 so as to be swingable. The case 130 supports the holder 120 from both end portions in the y-axis direction. The holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130. The holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130 with respect to the y-axis. The y-axis is also called the pitching axis. Further, the holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130 with respect to the z-axis. The z-axis is also called the yawing axis. On the other hand, in the optical unit 100, the swing of the holder 120 with respect to the x-axis is suppressed with respect to the case 130. Typically, the case 130 is made of resin or metal.

The first swing mechanism 140 is located on the −z direction side of the holder 120. The first swing mechanism 140 swings the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 with respect to the y-axis direction.

Further, the second swing mechanism 150 is located on the −x direction side of the holder 120. The second swing mechanism 150 swings the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 with respect to the z-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 2b, the optical unit 100 reflects the incident light La incident along the z-axis direction as reflected light Lb in the x-axis direction. After that, the reflected light Lb is received by the image pickup device 220 via the lens module 210 of the smartphone 200. The lens module 210 may include various lenses depending on the application.

In the optical unit 100 of this embodiment, the holder 120 is swingably supported with respect to the case 130. The holder 120 can swing with respect to the case 130 with reference to the y-axis and the z-axis, but swing with respect to the x-axis is suppressed.

Next, the configuration of the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b. 3a and 3b are exploded perspective views of the optical element 110, the holder 120, and the case 130 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment.

As can be seen from FIG. 3a, the optical element 110 is mounted on the holder 120. Further, the holder 120 is mounted on the case 130 together with the optical element 110.

As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the optical element 110 has a substantially triangular prism shape. The optical element 110 has a surface 110a, a surface 110b, a surface 110c, a surface 110d, and a surface 110e. The normal of the surface 110a is parallel to the z-axis direction and faces the + z direction.

The surface 110b is connected to the surface 110a and is orthogonal to the surface 110a. The normal of the surface 110b is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the + y direction. The surface 110c is connected to the surface 110a and is orthogonal to the surface 110a. The normal of the surface 110c is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the −y direction.

The surface 110d is connected to the surface 110a, the surface 110b and the surface 110c. The surface 110d intersects the xy plane diagonally. Here, the surface 110d is the reflection surface 110r of FIG. 2a. The surface 110e is connected to the surface 110a, the surface 110b, the surface 110c and the surface 110d, and is orthogonal to the surface 110a, the surface 110b and the surface 110c. The normal of the surface 110e is parallel to the x-axis direction and faces the + x direction.

The holder 120 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a part of the central portion removed. The holder 120 has a surface 120a, a surface 120b, a surface 120c, a surface 120d, a surface 120e, a surface 120f, a surface 120g, a surface 120h and a surface 120i.

The surface 120a intersects the xy plane diagonally. The length of the surface 120a in the y direction is substantially equal to the length of the optical element 110 in the y direction, but the length of the surface 120a in the y direction is slightly larger than the length of the optical element 110 in the y direction.

The surface 120b is connected to the surface 120a and is orthogonal to the surface 120a. The normal of the surface 120b is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the −y direction. The surface 120c faces the surface 120b. The surface 120c is connected to the surface 120a and is orthogonal to the surface 120a. The normal of the surface 120c is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the + y direction.

The optical element 110 is mounted on the

surfaces

120a, 120b and 120c of the holder 120. The

surfaces

120a, 120b and 120c form the inner peripheral surface of the holder 120. Further, the optical element 110 is attached to the surface 120a of the holder 120. In the present specification, the surface 120a of the holder 120 may be referred to as an optical element mounting surface.

The normal of the surface 120d is parallel to the z-axis direction and faces the + z direction. The surface 120d is divided into a surface 120d1 and a surface 120d2 by the surface 120a. The surface 120d1 is located on the + y direction side with respect to the surface 120a, and the surface 120d2 is located on the −y direction side with respect to the surface 120a.

The surface 120e is connected to the surface 120d1 and is orthogonal to the surface 120d1. The normal of the surface 120e is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the + y direction. When the holder 120 is attached to the case 130, the surface 120e of the holder 120 faces the case 130. In the present specification, the surface 120e of the holder 120 may be referred to as a first case facing surface.

The surface 120f is connected to the surface 120d2 and is orthogonal to the surface 120d2. The normal of the surface 120f is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the −y direction. When the holder 120 is mounted on the case 130, the surface 120f of the holder 120 faces the case 130. In the present specification, the surface 120f of the holder 120 may be referred to as a second case facing surface.

The surface 120g is connected to the surface 120a, the surface 120d1, the surface 120d2, the surface 120e and the surface 120f, and is orthogonal to the surface 120d1, the surface 120d2, the surface 120e and the surface 120f. The normal of the surface 120g is parallel to the x-axis direction and faces the −x direction. The surface 120h is connected to the surface 120e, the surface 120f and the surface 120g, and is orthogonal to the surface 120e, the surface 120f and the surface 120g. The normal of the surface 120h is parallel to the z-axis direction and faces the −z direction.

The normal of the surface 120i is parallel to the x-axis direction and faces the + x direction. The surface 120i is connected to the surface 120d, the surface 120e, the surface 120f and the surface 120h, and is orthogonal to the surface 120d, the surface 120e, the surface 120f and the surface 120h. The surface 120i is divided into a surface 120i1 and a surface 120i2 by the surface 120a. The surface 120i1 is located on the + y direction side with respect to the surface 120a, and the surface 120i2 is located on the −y direction side with respect to the surface 120a.

As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the holder 120 has a mounting portion 121, a first end portion 122a, a second end portion 122b, a first convex portion 125, and a second convex portion 126. An optical element 110 is attached to the attachment portion 121. The first end portion 122a is located on the + y direction side with respect to the mounting portion 121. The second end portion 122b is located on the −y direction side with respect to the mounting portion 121. The mounting portion 121 is located between the first end portion 122a and the second end portion 122b.

The surface 120e is the outer surface of the first end portion 122a on the + y direction side. As described above, the surface 120e is the first case facing surface facing the case 130. The first convex portion 125 is provided on the first case facing surface (surface 120e) facing the case 130. Here, the first convex portion 125 is located at the center of the first case facing surface (plane 120e). When the holder 120 is attached to the case 130, the first convex portion 125 projects toward the case 130.

The surface 120f is the outer surface of the second end portion 122b on the −y direction side. As described above, the surface 120f is a second case facing surface facing the case 130. The second convex portion 126 is provided on a second case facing surface (surface 120f) facing the case 130. Here, the second convex portion 126 is located at the center of the second case facing surface (plane 120f). When the holder 120 is attached to the case 130, the second convex portion 126 projects toward the case 130.

The case 130 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a smaller rectangular parallelepiped shape is partially removed from two adjacent surfaces. The case 130 has an inner peripheral surface 132 and an outer peripheral surface 134. The inner peripheral surface 132 has a surface 132a, a surface 132b, a surface 132c, and a surface 132d. The normal of surface 132a is parallel to the x-axis direction and points in the + x direction.

The surface 132b is connected to the surface 132a and is orthogonal to the surface 132a. The normal of the surface 132b is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the −y direction. The surface 132c connects to the surface 132a and is orthogonal to the surface 132a. The normal of the surface 132c is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the + y direction.

The surface 132d is connected to the surface 132a, the surface 132b and the surface 132c, and is orthogonal to the surface 132a, the surface 132b and the surface 132c. The normal of the surface 132d is parallel to the z-axis direction and faces the + y direction.

The holder 120 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface 132 of the case 130. When the holder 120 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface 132 of the case 130, the surface 120g, the surface 120e, the surface 120f and the surface 120h of the holder 120 face the surface 132a, the surface 132b, the surface 132c and the surface 132d of the case 130, respectively. ..

As described above, in the present specification, the surface 120e of the holder 120 may be described as the first case facing surface, and the surface 120f of the holder 120 may be described as the second case facing surface. In the present specification, in the case 130, the surface 132b corresponding to the surface 120e of the holder 120 may be described as the first holder facing surface, and the surface 132c corresponding to the surface 120f of the holder 120 may be referred to as the second holder facing surface. May be described as a face.

The outer peripheral surface 134 has a surface 134a, a surface 134b, a surface 134c, a surface 134d, a surface 134e, and a surface 134f. The normal of surface 134a is parallel to the z-axis direction and points in the + z direction. The surface 134a is connected to each of the surface 132a, the surface 132b and the surface 132c, and is orthogonal to the surface 132a, the surface 132b and the surface 132c.

The surface 134b is connected to the surface 134a and is orthogonal to the surface 134a. The normal of the surface 134b is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the + y direction. The surface 134c connects to the surface 134a and is orthogonal to the surface 134a. The normal of the surface 134c is parallel to the y-axis direction and faces the −y direction.

The surface 134d is connected to the surface 134a, the surface 134b and the surface 134c, and is orthogonal to the surface 134a, the surface 134b and the surface 134c. The normal of the surface 134d is parallel to the x-axis direction and points in the −x direction. The surface 134e connects to the surface 134b, the surface 134c and the surface 134d and is orthogonal to the surface 134b, the surface 134c and the surface 134d. The normal of the surface 134e is parallel to the z-axis direction and faces the −z direction.

The surface 134f is connected to the surface 134b, the surface 134c and the surface 134e, and is orthogonal to the surface 134b, the surface 134c and the surface 134e. Further, the surface 134f is connected to each of the surface 132a, the surface 132b and the surface 132c, and is orthogonal to the surface 132a, the surface 132b and the surface 132c. The normal of the surface 134f is parallel to the x-axis direction and faces the + x direction.

The case 130 has a first recess 135. The first recess 135 is provided on the first holder facing surface (132b) facing the first case facing surface (120e) of the holder 120. The first concave portion 135 accommodates at least a part of the first convex portion 125. Here, the first recess 135 extends in the x-axis direction. The length of the first concave portion 135 in the x-axis direction is larger than the length of the first convex portion 125 in the x-axis direction.

The case 130 has a second recess 136. The second recess 136 is provided on the second holder facing surface (132c) facing the second case facing surface (120f) of the holder 120. The second concave portion 136 accommodates at least a part of the second convex portion 126. Here, the second recess 136 extends in the x-axis direction. The length of the second concave portion 136 in the x-axis direction is larger than the length of the second convex portion 126 in the x-axis direction.

According to the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment, when the holder 120 is mounted on the case 130, the first convex portion 125 projects from the first end portion 122a toward the case 130. Further, the first case facing surface (surface 120e) provided with the first convex portion 125 faces the first holder facing surface (surface 132b) provided with the first concave portion 135, and the first concave portion 135 is the first. Contains at least a portion of one convex portion 125. Therefore, the first convex portion 125 is movable in the housed first concave portion 135.

Similarly, the second convex portion 126 projects from the second end portion 122b toward the case 130. Further, the second case facing surface (surface 120f) provided with the second convex portion 126 faces the second holder facing surface (surface 132c) provided with the second concave portion 136, and the second concave portion 136 faces the second holder facing surface (surface 132c). 2 Contain at least a part of the convex portion 126. Therefore, the second convex portion 126 is movable within the housed second concave portion 136.

Next, the holder 120, the first swing mechanism 140, and the second swing mechanism 150 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3a to 4b. 4a and 4b are schematic perspective views of the holder 120, the first swing mechanism 140, and the second swing mechanism 150 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment. In FIGS. 4a and 4b, the case 130 is omitted except for the first coil 144 and the second coil 154.

The first swing mechanism 140 includes a first magnet 142 and a first coil 144. The first magnet 142 is provided on one of the holder 120 and the case 130, and the first coil 144 is provided on the other of the holder 120 and the case 130 with respect to the first magnet 142. Specifically, one of the first magnet 142 and the first coil 144 is provided on the surface 120h of the holder 120, and the other of the first magnet 142 and the first coil 144 faces the surface 132d or the surface 132d of the case 130. It is arranged inside the case 130. In the present specification, the surface 120h of the holder 120 may be referred to as a first rocking mechanism mounting surface.

Here, the first magnet 142 is attached to the holder 120. Specifically, the first magnet 142 is attached to the surface 120h of the holder 120. The first magnet 142 has an N pole 142n and an S pole 142s. The north pole 142n and the south pole 142s each extend in the y direction and are arranged side by side in the x direction.

The first coil 144 is provided in the case 130. By switching the direction of the current flowing through the first coil 144, the first magnet 142 receives a force along the x-axis direction.

The second swing mechanism 150 includes a second magnet 152 and a second coil 154. The second magnet 152 is provided on one of the holder 120 and the case 130, and the second coil 154 is provided on the other of the holder 120 and the case 130 with respect to the second magnet 152. Specifically, one of the second magnet 152 and the second coil 154 is provided on the surface 120g of the holder 120, and the other of the second magnet 152 and the second coil 154 faces the surface 132a or the surface 132a of the case 130. It is arranged inside the case 130. In the present specification, the surface 120 g of the holder 120 may be referred to as a second rocking mechanism mounting surface.

Here, the second magnet 152 is attached to the holder 120. Specifically, the second magnet 152 is attached to the surface 120 g of the holder 120. The second magnet 152 has an N pole 152n and an S pole 152s. The N pole 152n and the S pole 152s each extend in the z direction and are arranged side by side in the y direction.

The second coil 154 is provided in the case 130. By switching the direction of the current flowing through the second coil 154, the second magnet 152 receives a force along the y-axis direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, it is preferable that the holder 120 includes the first magnet 142 and the second magnet 152, and the case 130 includes the first coil 144 and the second coil 154. As a result, the swing of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 can be easily controlled by passing a current through the first coil 144 and / or the second coil 154 of the case 130.

As described above, the first swing mechanism mounting surface (surface 120h) is connected to the first case facing surface (surface 120e) and the second case facing surface (surface 120f). Further, the first rocking mechanism mounting surface (surface 120h) has a normal line parallel to the z-axis direction. Further, the second swing mechanism mounting surface (surface 120g) is connected to the first case facing surface (surface 120e) and the second case facing surface (surface 120f). The second rocking mechanism mounting surface (surface 120 g) has a normal line parallel to the x-axis direction.

One of the first magnet 142 and the first coil 144 of the first swing mechanism 140 is mounted on the first swing mechanism mounting surface (surface 120h). Similarly, one of the second magnet 152 and the second coil 154 of the second swing mechanism 150 is mounted on the second swing mechanism mounting surface (surface 120 g). Since the first swing mechanism 140 and the second swing mechanism 150 are mounted on mounting surfaces (

surfaces

120h, 120g) having normals parallel to the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, the holder 120 is attached to the case 130. Can swing efficiently.

Further, as described above, the optical element 110 is located on the optical element mounting surface (surface 120a) of the holder 120. The optical element mounting surface (surface 120a) is located between the first case facing surface (surface 120e) and the second case facing surface (surface 120f). Further, the optical element mounting surface (surface 120a) is arranged obliquely with respect to the first rocking mechanism mounting surface (surface 120h) and the second rocking mechanism mounting surface (surface 120g). Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the optical axis of the reflected light from being displaced by the optical element 110 mounted on the optical element mounting surface (surface 120a).

As described above, the first convex portion 125 of the holder 120 is housed in the first concave portion 135 of the case 130, and the second convex portion 126 of the holder 120 is housed in the second concave portion 136 of the case 130.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the engagement between the convex portion of the holder 120 and the concave portion of the case 130 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described. First, the engagement of the first convex portion 125 of the holder 120 and the first concave portion 135 of the case 130 in the optical unit 100 will be described. FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram for explaining the engagement between the first convex portion 125 of the holder 120 and the first concave portion 135 of the case 130 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5a, the first convex portion 125 projects from the surface 120e of the holder 120. The first convex portion 125 has a partially spherical shape. Here, the first convex portion 125 has a hemispherical shape. However, the first convex portion 125 does not have to have a hemispherical shape. The first convex portion 125 preferably has a curved surface shape. In one example, the first convex portion 125 may have a shape in which an R surface is provided around a rectangular plane.

As described above, the first concave portion 135 accommodates at least a part of the first convex portion 125. The first recess 135 has a first side surface 135a, a second side surface 135b, and a bottom surface 135c. The first side surface 135a is located on one side in the z-axis direction with respect to the first convex portion 125. The second side surface 135b is located on the other side in the z-axis direction with respect to the first convex portion 125. The bottom surface 135c connects the first side surface 135a of the first recess 135 and the second side surface 135b of the first recess 135. Here, "connection" simply indicates a connected state. Therefore, the operation of connecting is not required in the manufacturing process. In addition, the first side surface 135a and the second side surface 135b may be connected without a boundary line that clearly distinguishes them.

Here, the first side surface 135a extends parallel to the x-axis direction. Further, the second side surface 135b extends in parallel with the x-axis direction. The first side surface 135a and the second side surface 135b are parallel to each other. However, the first side surface 135a and the second side surface 135b do not have to be parallel. For example, the first recess 135 may be V-shaped with the bottom surface 135c as a valley and the first side surface 135a and the second side surface 135b connected to each other. That is, the first side surface 135a may be inclined downward from one side in the z-axis direction from the first holder facing surface (132b) toward the connection point 135c with a constant inclination. Further, the second side surface 135b may be inclined upward from the other side in the z-axis direction from the first holder facing surface (132b) toward the connection point 135c with a constant inclination.

Further, the connection portion 135c of the first recess 135 may extend in the z-axis direction. In this case, the first side surface 135a and the first side surface 135b have gentle slopes with respect to the z-axis direction, as compared with the form having no surface extending in the z-axis direction. The first side surface 135a or the second side surface 135b may include a curved surface. In addition, the cross-sectional shape is a part of a circle, and the boundary between the first side surface 135a and the second side surface 135b does not have to be clear.

Further, the boundary between the first side surface 135a and the bottom surface 135c is arcuate, and the boundary between the second side surface 135b and the bottom surface 135c is also arcuate. Therefore, the depth of the bottom surface 135c (distance to the bottom surface 135c with respect to the surface 132b) changes depending on the position in the x direction. The bottom surface 135c is the deepest in the center of the first side surface 135a in the x direction.

It is preferable that the bottom surface 135c has a partially spherical shape. Here, the bottom surface 135c has a curved surface shape when viewed from the front from the z-axis direction. The curved surface of the bottom surface 135c may be defined by a constant radius of curvature. The curved surface of the bottom surface 135c matches the shape of the first convex portion 125.

Next, the engagement of the second convex portion 126 of the holder 120 and the second concave portion 136 of the case 130 in the optical unit 100 will be described. FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram for explaining the engagement between the second convex portion 126 of the holder 120 and the second concave portion 136 of the case 130 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5b, the second convex portion 126 projects from the surface 120f of the holder 120. The second convex portion 126 has a partially spherical shape. Here, the second convex portion 126 has a hemispherical shape. Here, the second convex portion 126 has a hemispherical shape. However, the second convex portion 126 does not have to have a hemispherical shape. The second convex portion 126 preferably has a curved surface shape. In one example, the second convex portion 126 may have a shape in which an R surface is provided around a rectangular plane.

As described above, the second concave portion 136 accommodates at least a part of the second convex portion 126. The second recess 136 has a first side surface 136a, a second side surface 136b, and a bottom surface 136c. The first side surface 136a is located on one side in the z-axis direction with respect to the second convex portion 126. The second side surface 136b is located on the other side in the z-axis direction with respect to the second convex portion 126. The bottom surface 136c connects the first side surface 136a of the second recess 136 and the second side surface 136b of the second recess 136. As mentioned above, "connection" simply indicates a connected state. Therefore, the operation of connecting is not required in the manufacturing process. In addition, the first side surface 136a and the second side surface 136b may be connected without a boundary line that clearly distinguishes them.

Here, the first side surface 136a extends parallel to the x-axis direction. Further, the second side surface 136b extends in parallel with the x-axis direction. The first side surface 136a and the second side surface 136b are parallel to each other. However, the first side surface 136a and the second side surface 136b do not have to be parallel. For example, the first recess 136 may be V-shaped with the bottom surface 136c as a valley and the first side surface 136a and the second side surface 136b connected to each other. That is, the first side surface 136a may be inclined downward from one side in the z-axis direction from the first holder facing surface (132c) toward the connection point 136c with a constant inclination. Further, the second side surface 136b may be inclined upward from the other side in the z-axis direction from the first holder facing surface (132c) toward the connection point 136c with a constant inclination.

Further, the connection portion 136c of the first recess 136 may extend in the z-axis direction. In this case, the first side surface 136a and the first side surface 136b have gentle slopes with respect to the z-axis direction, as compared with the form having no surface extending in the z-axis direction. The first side surface 136a or the second side surface 136b may include a curved surface. In addition, the cross-sectional shape is a part of a circle, and the boundary between the first side surface 136a and the second side surface 136b does not have to be clear.

Further, the boundary between the first side surface 136a and the bottom surface 136c is arcuate, and the boundary between the second side surface 136b and the bottom surface 136c is also arcuate. Therefore, the depth of the bottom surface 136c (the distance to the bottom surface 136c with respect to the surface 132c) changes depending on the position in the x direction. The bottom surface 136c is the deepest in the center of the first side surface 136a in the x direction.

It is preferable that the bottom surface 136c has a partially spherical shape. Here, the bottom surface 136c has a curved surface shape when viewed from the front from the z-axis direction. The curved surface of the bottom surface 136c may be defined by a constant radius of curvature. The curved surface of the bottom surface 136c matches the shape of the second convex portion 126.

As can be seen from FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first recess 135 supports the first convex portion 125. At this time, the first convex portion 125 can swing with respect to the first concave portion 135 with reference to the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction, but the swing with respect to the x-axis direction is suppressed. Similarly, the second recess 136 supports the second convex portion 126. At this time, the second convex portion 126 can swing with respect to the second concave portion 136 with reference to the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction, but the swing with respect to the x-axis direction is suppressed.

According to the present embodiment, the optical unit 100 can swing with respect to two of the three axial directions orthogonal to each other (for example, the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction), and the remaining one. Swinging with respect to the axial direction (for example, the x-axis direction) is regulated. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the optical axis of the reflected light with a simple configuration.

Further, as described above, the first convex portion 125 has a partially spherical shape, and the bottom surface 135c of the first concave portion 135 accommodating the first convex portion 125 has a partially spherical shape. Similarly, the second convex portion 126 has a partially spherical shape, and the bottom surface 135c of the second concave portion 136 accommodating the second convex portion 126 has a partially spherical shape. Therefore, the optical unit 100 can swing smoothly with reference to the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6a to 7b, an engaged configuration of the convex portion of the holder 120 and the concave portion of the case 130 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIGS. 6a and 7a, the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 of the holder 120 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment engage with the first concave portion 135 and the second concave portion 136 of the case 130, respectively. The combined configuration will be described. 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIa-VIa of FIG. 2a, and FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIb-VIb of FIG. 2a. 7a is a partially enlarged view of the dotted line portion C1 shown in FIG. 6a, and FIG. 7b is a partially enlarged view of the dotted line portion C2 shown in FIG. 6a.

As shown in FIG. 6a, the first convex portion 125 is housed in the first concave portion 135, and the second convex portion 126 is housed in the second concave portion 136. Here, the first convex portion 125 is a first sphere, and the second convex portion 126 is a second sphere. Further, the first convex portion 125 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 127, and the second convex portion 126 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 128. Here, half of the length of the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 along the y-axis direction is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 127 and the second accommodating portion 128. However, half or more of the length of the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 along the y-axis direction may be accommodated in the first accommodating portion 127 and the second accommodating portion 128. As a result, the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 are stably accommodated in the first accommodating portion 127 and the second accommodating portion 128.

The first elastic portion 305 is provided in the first accommodating portion 127, and the second elastic portion 306 is provided in the second accommodating portion 128. The first convex portion 125 and the first elastic portion 305 are separate members, and the second convex portion 126 and the second elastic portion 306 are separate members. The first elastic portion 305 is formed of rubber, a leaf spring, a coil spring, a gel, or the like.

The width Wz1 of the first concave portion 135 along the z-axis direction is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the length Lz1 of the first convex portion 125 along the z-axis direction. The first recess 135 extends in the x-axis direction with the width Wz1.

Similarly, the width Wz2 of the second concave portion 136 along the z-axis direction is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the length Lz2 of the second convex portion 126 along the z-axis direction. The second recess 136 extends in the x-axis direction with the width Wz2.

Here, the width Wz2 of the second recess 136 is substantially equal to the width Wz1 of the first recess 135. Further, the position of the second recess 136 on the surface 132c of the case 130 is substantially equal to the position of the first recess 135 on the surface 132b of the case 130.

The first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 are rotatable with respect to the y-axis direction. Here, since the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 are both spherical, the holder 120 can smoothly rotate with respect to the y-axis direction together with the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126. Further, the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 are separate members from the first elastic portion 305 and the second elastic portion 306. As a result, the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 can roll when rotating with respect to the y-axis direction. By rolling the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126, the frictional resistance between the first concave portion 135 and the second concave portion 136 can be lowered.

On the other hand, the width Wz1 of the first concave portion 135 is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the length Lz1 of the first convex portion 125. Further, the width Wz2 of the second concave portion 136 is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the length Lz2 of the second convex portion 126. Therefore, the holder 120 cannot swing with respect to the x-axis direction. Even if the holder 120 receives a force that rotates clockwise with respect to the x-axis direction, the first convex portion 125 comes into contact with the second side surface 135b of the first concave portion 135, and the second convex portion 126 is the second. 2 The holder 120 cannot rotate clockwise because it comes into contact with the first side surface 136a of the recess 136. Similarly, even if the holder 120 receives a force that rotates counterclockwise with respect to the x-axis direction, the first convex portion 125 comes into contact with the first side surface 135a of the first concave portion 135, and the second convex portion 126 Contact the second side surface 135b of the second recess 136, so that the holder 120 cannot rotate counterclockwise.

As shown in FIG. 7a, the first convex portion 125 comes into contact with the first concave portion 135. The first convex portion 125 comes into contact with the first elastic portion 305 provided in the first accommodating portion 127. Here, the length 305y of the first elastic portion 305 in the y-axis direction is longer than the length 127y accommodating the first elastic portion 305 of the first accommodating portion 127. The first elastic portion 305 presses the first convex portion 125 toward the first concave portion 135. As a result, the gap between the first concave portion 135 and the first convex portion 125 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the driving behavior of rotating with reference to the y-axis direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6b, the first convex portion 125 is housed in the first concave portion 135, and the second convex portion 126 is housed in the second concave portion 136. Further, the first convex portion 125 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 127, and the second convex portion 126 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 128. The first elastic portion 305 is provided in the first accommodating portion 127, and the second elastic portion 306 is provided in the second accommodating portion 128.

The bottom surface 135c of the first recess 135 is arcuate when viewed from the z direction. The radius of curvature φRc1 of the bottom surface 135c is the radius when the length Lm of the straight line D connecting the end of the first convex portion 125 and the end of the second convex portion 126 is the diameter and the center of the straight line D is the center. It is approximately equal to R (length Lm / 2) or slightly larger than the radius R. Here, the length Lm of the straight line D is the length of the holder 120 along the y direction, the length Ly1 of the first convex portion 125 protruding from the holder 120, and the length of the second convex portion 126 protruding from the holder 120. It is almost equal to the sum with Ly2.

Similarly, the bottom surface 136c of the second recess 136 is arcuate. The radius of curvature φRc2 of the bottom surface 136c is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the radius R (length Lm / 2) when the length Lm of the straight line D is the diameter and the center point of the straight line D is the center. big.

Here, the radius of curvature φRc1 and the radius of curvature φRc2 are substantially equal to or slightly larger than the radius R based on the straight line D connecting the end of the first convex portion 125 and the end of the second convex portion 126, respectively. Therefore, the bottom surface 135c of the first recess 135 and the bottom surface 136c of the second recess 136 form a part of the same circle Cm. Therefore, the holder 120 can smoothly rotate with respect to the z-axis direction together with the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126.

C indicates the rotation center of rotation with respect to the z-axis direction. The first recess 135 has an −x-axis end 1351c of the first recess 135 and a + x-axis end 1352c of the first recess 135. The second recess 136 has an −x axis direction end 1361c of the second recess 136 and a + x axis direction end 1362c of the second recess 136. The first elastic portion 305 is provided in a region connecting C with the end portion 1351c in the −x axis direction of the first recess 135 and the end portion 1352c in the + x axis direction of the first recess 135. The second elastic portion 306 is provided in a region connecting C with the end portion 1361c of the second recess 136 in the −x axis direction and the end portion 1362c of the second recess 136 in the + x axis direction.

In addition, connecting the end portion 1351c in the −x axis direction of the first recess 135 and the end portion 1352c in the + x axis direction of the first recess 135 means connecting them in an arc along the bottom surface 135c of the first recess 135. .. Connecting the end 1361c in the −x-axis direction of the second recess 136 and the end 1362c in the + x-axis direction of the second recess 136 means connecting them in an arc along the bottom surface 136c of the second recess 136. That is, the region connecting C with the end portion 1351c in the −x axis direction of the first recess 135 and the end portion 1352c in the + x axis direction of the first recess 135 indicates a fan-shaped region. The region connecting C with the −x-axis end 1361c of the second recess 136 and the + x-axis end 1362c of the second recess 136 indicates a fan-shaped region. As a result, the first elastic portion 305 and the second elastic portion 306 effectively press the first recess 135 and the second recess 136 against the first recess 135 and the second recess 136 in the rotation with respect to the z-axis direction. be able to.

As shown in FIG. 7b, the second convex portion 126 comes into contact with the second concave portion 136. The second convex portion 126 comes into contact with the second elastic portion 306 provided in the second accommodating portion 128. Here, the length 306y of the second elastic portion 306 in the y-axis direction is longer than the length 128y accommodating the second elastic portion 306 of the second accommodating portion 128. The second elastic portion 306 presses the second convex portion 126 toward the second concave portion 136. As a result, the gap between the second concave portion 136 and the second convex portion 126 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the driving behavior of rotating with reference to the z-axis direction.

As described above, the optical unit 100 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an optical element 110, a holder 120, a case 130, a first swing mechanism 140, a second swing mechanism 150, and a second swing mechanism. It includes a first convex portion 125 including one elastic portion 305 and a second convex portion 126 including a second elastic portion 306. The optical element 110 has a reflecting surface 110r that reflects light in the first axis direction. The holder 120 holds the optical element 110. The case 130 swingably supports the holder 120. The first swing mechanism 140 swings the holder 120 around the first swing axis with respect to the case 130. The second swing mechanism 150 swings the holder 120 around the second swing axis orthogonal to the first swing axis with respect to the case 130. Here, the first swing axis is the y-axis and the second swing axis is the z-axis.

The holder 120 has a first accommodating portion 127 and a second accommodating portion 128. The first accommodating portion 127 is provided on the first case facing surface (120e) facing the case 130, and accommodates at least a part of the first convex portion 125. The second accommodating portion 128 is provided on the second case facing surface (120f) facing the case 130, and accommodates at least a part of the second convex portion 126. The case 130 has a first recess 135 and a second recess 136. The first concave portion 135 is provided on the first holder facing surface (132b) facing the first case facing surface (120e) of the holder 120, and accommodates at least a part of the first convex portion 125. The second recess 136 is provided on the second holder facing surface (132c) facing the second case facing surface (120f) of the holder 120, and accommodates at least a part of the second convex portion 126.

The first elastic portion 305 is provided in at least one of the first accommodating portion 127 and the first recess 135. The second elastic portion 306 is provided in at least one of the second accommodating portion 128 and the second recess 136. The first convex portion 125 is in contact with the first accommodating portion 127 and the first concave portion 135. The second convex portion 126 is in contact with the second accommodating portion 128 and the second concave portion 136. As a result, the gap between the first concave portion 135 and the first convex portion 125 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the driving behavior of rotating with reference to the y-axis direction.

Further, in FIGS. 6a to 7b, the configuration in which the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 are separate members from the first elastic portion 305 and the second elastic portion 306 has been described, but they may be integrated. can. The first convex portion 125 may include a first elastic portion 305. For example, the first convex portion 125 may be a member having an elastic force. Further, the first convex portion 125 may be hemispherical, and the first elastic portion 305 may be adhered to the first convex portion 125 to be integrated. One side of the first convex portion 125 may be hemispherical, the other side may be cylindrical, and the first elastic portion 305 may be provided in a part of the cylindrical portion to be integrated. The same applies to the second convex portion.

Next, the configuration of the second embodiment of FIGS. 7a and 7b will be described with reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b. 8a is a diagram showing a second embodiment of FIG. 7a, and FIG. 8b is a diagram showing a second embodiment of FIG. 7b.

As shown in FIG. 8a, the first elastic portion 305 has a first region 305a on one side adjacent to the first convex portion 125 and a second region 305b on the other side. The first region 305a includes an end portion of the first elastic portion 305 on the side of the first convex portion 125. The first region 305a is in contact with the first convex portion 125.

The coefficient of friction of the first region 305a is lower than the coefficient of friction of the second region 305b. Thereby, the frictional force between the first convex portion 125 and the first region 305a can be reduced. Therefore, when the first convex portion 125 moves along the first concave portion 135, the frictional force between the first convex portion 125 and the first elastic portion 305 becomes small. The first convex portion 125 can rotate smoothly as it moves along the first concave portion 135.

For example, the first region 305a can be made of a different material from the second region 305b. A lubricant may be applied to the first region 305a to lower the friction coefficient, or the first region 305a may be surface-treated to lower the friction coefficient.

As shown in FIG. 8b, the second elastic portion 306 has a first region 306a on one side adjacent to the second convex portion 126 and a second region 306b on the other side. The first region 306a includes an end portion of the second elastic portion 306 on the side of the second convex portion 126. The first region 306a is in contact with the second convex portion 126.

The coefficient of friction of the first region 306a is lower than the coefficient of friction of the second region 306b. As a result, the frictional force between the second convex portion 126 and the first region 306a can be reduced. Therefore, when the second convex portion 126 moves along the second concave portion 136, the frictional force between the second convex portion 126 and the second elastic portion 306 becomes small. The second convex portion 126 can rotate smoothly as it moves along the second concave portion 136.

For example, the first region 306a can be made of a material different from that of the second region 306b. A lubricant may be applied to the first region 306a to lower the friction coefficient, or the first region 306a may be surface-treated to lower the friction coefficient.

Next, the configuration of the third embodiment of FIGS. 7a and 7b will be described with reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b. 9a is a diagram showing a third embodiment of FIG. 7a, and FIG. 9b is a diagram showing a third embodiment of FIG. 7b.

As shown in FIG. 9a, a first cushioning portion 405 is provided between the first elastic portion 305 and the first convex portion 125. The first cushioning portion 405 has a higher hardness than the first elastic portion 305. The first convex portion 125 comes into contact with the first buffer portion 405 as it moves through the first concave portion 135. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first elastic portion 305 from rubbing against the first convex portion 125 and deteriorating.

As shown in FIG. 9b, a second cushioning portion 406 is provided between the second elastic portion 306 and the second convex portion 126. The second cushioning portion 406 has a higher hardness than the second elastic portion 306. The second convex portion 126 comes into contact with the second cushioning portion 406 as it moves through the second concave portion 136. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second elastic portion 306 from rubbing against the second convex portion 126 and deteriorating.

For example, the first cushioning portion 405 and the second cushioning portion 406 can be made of different materials from the first elastic portion 305 and the second elastic portion 306. The first elastic portion 305 and the second elastic portion 306 may be surface-treated to form the first buffer portion 405 and the second cushion portion 406.

In the description with reference to FIGS. 6a to 9b, the first elastic portion 305 is provided in the first accommodating portion 127, and the second elastic portion 306 is provided in the second accommodating portion 128, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. .. The first elastic portion 305 may be provided in the first recess 135, and the second elastic portion 306 may be provided in the second recess 128. Further, the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 do not have to be spherical. For example, the portions of the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 that are accommodated in the first accommodating portion 127 and the second accommodating portion 128 may be cylindrical or rectangular.

Next, the swing in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10a and 10b. 10a is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism 140 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10b is the second swing mechanism 150 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the swing.

As shown in FIG. 10a, the first swing mechanism 140 includes a first magnet 142 and a first coil 144. The first magnet 142 is provided in the holder 120, and the first coil 144 is provided in the case 130. Further, the second swing mechanism 150 includes a second magnet 152 and a second coil 154. The second magnet 152 is provided in the holder 120, and the second coil 154 is provided in the case 130.

By switching the direction of the current flowing through the first coil 144, the first magnet 142 receives a force along the x-axis direction. In this case, the first magnet 142 will move along the x-axis direction. Therefore, the holder 120 to which the first magnet 142 is attached swings (pitches) with respect to the case 130 with respect to the y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 10b, the second magnet 152 receives a force along the y-axis direction by switching the direction of the current flowing through the second coil 154. In this case, the second magnet 152 moves along the y-axis direction. Therefore, the holder 120 to which the second magnet 152 is attached swings (yaws) with respect to the case 130 with respect to the z-axis direction.

As described with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130 by switching the direction of the current flowing through the first coil 144 and the second coil 154. When the holder 120 rotates smoothly with respect to the case 130, the current value required for rocking can be reduced.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11c, the swing by the first swing mechanism 140 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described. 11a to 11c are schematic views for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism 140 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 11a, the holder 120 in the optical unit 100 is located at the reference position, and in FIGS. 11b and 11c, the holder 120 swings in either direction with respect to the reference position.

As shown in FIG. 11a, when the holder 120 is in the reference position with respect to the case 130, the normal line of the surface 110e of the optical element 110 points in the x-axis direction, and the reflected light Lb travels along the x-axis direction. do.

As shown in FIG. 11b, when a clockwise swing occurs with respect to the case 130 with respect to the + y-axis direction, the holder 120 can swing counterclockwise with respect to the case 130 with respect to the + y-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 11c, when a counterclockwise swing occurs with respect to the case 130 with respect to the + y-axis direction, the holder 120 swings clockwise with respect to the case 130 with respect to the + y-axis direction. can.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 12a to 12c, the swing by the second swing mechanism 150 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described. 12a to 12c are schematic views for explaining the swing by the second swing mechanism 150 in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment. 12a shows the holder 120 in the optical unit 100 located at the reference position, and FIGS. 12b and 12c show that the holder 120 swings in either direction with respect to the reference position.

As shown in FIG. 12a, when the holder 120 is in the reference position with respect to the case 130, the normal line of the surface 110e of the optical element 110 points in the x-axis direction, and the reflected light Lb travels along the x-axis direction. do.

As shown in FIG. 12b, when a counterclockwise swing occurs with respect to the case 130 with respect to the −z axis direction, the holder 120 swings clockwise with respect to the case 130 with respect to the −z axis direction. can. Further, as shown in FIG. 12c, when a clockwise swing occurs with respect to the case 130 with respect to the −z axis direction, the holder 120 counterclockwise with respect to the case 130 with respect to the −z axis direction. Can swing.

When the case 130 is made of resin, the resin is typically formed by integral molding. In this case, the case 130 may be composed of one component. However, the case 130 may be composed of a plurality of parts. For example, if the case 130 is composed of a plurality of parts, the parts of the case 130 may be assembled after the holder 120 is attached.

In the optical unit 100 shown in FIGS. 2a to 12c, the first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 are each hemispherical, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The first convex portion 125 and the second convex portion 126 have a cylindrical base portion, and the tip of the base portion may be hemispherical.

Further, in the optical unit 100 described with reference to FIGS. 2a to 12c, since the holder 120 is swingably supported with respect to the case 130, the reference position of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 is not constantly defined. There is. However, it is preferable that the reference position of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 is defined to be constant.

Next, the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment. In the optical unit 100 of FIG. 13, the case 130 has a case body 130a and a metal member 138a, and the case 130 has a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) FP inserted into the case 130, except that the case 130 has a case body 130a and a metal member 138a. It has the same configuration as the optical unit 100 shown in FIG. 2b, and duplicate description is omitted in order to avoid redundancy. Here, in order to avoid overly complicated drawings, the outer edge of the case 130 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the optical unit 100, the case 130 has a case body 130a and a metal member 138a. The metal member 138a faces the first magnet 142.

Here, the metal member 138a is arranged inside the case body 130a. Further, the metal member 138a is arranged in the vicinity of the first coil 144 located inside the case main body 130a. The metal member 138a allows the holder 120 including the first magnet 142 and the first magnet 142 to be positioned at a predetermined position when no current flows through the first coil 144. By arranging the metal member 138a with respect to the first swing mechanism 140, the position of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 when no current is passed through the first coil 144 can be defined. Since the magnetic force generated between the metal member 138a and the first magnet 142 is weaker than the magnetic force generated when a current flows through the first coil 144, even if the metal member 138a is provided, the first coil 144 has a magnetic force. By passing an electric current, the holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130.

Note that, in FIG. 13, the metal member 138a is arranged in the vicinity of the first coil 144 of the first swing mechanism 140, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The metal member 138a may be arranged so as to face the second magnet 152 and in the vicinity of the second coil 154 of the second swing mechanism 150.

It is preferable that the metal member 138a is arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the first coil 144. In FIG. 13, the metal member 138a extends in the y direction like the N pole 142n and the S pole 142s of the first magnet 142, and the center of the metal member 138a along the x direction is the N pole 142n and the S pole. It is located between 142s. In this case, since the first magnet 142 is attracted to the metal member 138a arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the first coil 144, the position of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 can be appropriately controlled. Similarly, the metal member 138a is preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the second coil 154. As a result, the second magnet 152 is attracted to the metal member 138a arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the second coil 154, so that the position of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 can be appropriately controlled.

Further, in FIG. 13, the flexible printed circuit board FP is inserted into the case 130. The first coil 144 and the metal member 138a are mounted on the flexible printed circuit board FP. By inserting the flexible printed circuit board FP into the case 130, the first coil 144 and the metal member 138a can be arranged at predetermined positions with respect to the first magnet 142 of the holder 120. The first coil 144 is preferably arranged inside the flexible printed circuit board FP. On the other hand, the metal member 138a may be arranged inside the flexible printed substrate FP, or may be arranged on the outer surface of the flexible printed substrate FP (for example, the outer surface on the −z axis direction side).

As shown in FIG. 1, when the optical unit 100 is used for a smartphone, the gyro sensor in the smartphone detects the posture of the smartphone, and the first swing mechanism 140 and the second swing mechanism 150 are in the posture of the smartphone. It is controlled accordingly. On the other hand, it is preferable that the posture of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 can be detected. As a result, the posture of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 can be controlled with high accuracy.

Next, the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment. The optical unit 100 of FIG. 14 has the same configuration as the optical unit 100 shown in FIG. 13, except that the case 130 has a Hall element 138b instead of the metal member 138a, in order to avoid redundancy. The description that overlaps with is omitted. Again, the outer edge of the case 130 is shown as a dashed line to avoid over-complicated drawings.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the optical unit 100, the case 130 has a case body 130a and a Hall element 138b. Here, the Hall element 138b is arranged inside the case body 130a. Further, the Hall element 138b is arranged near the center of the first coil 144 located inside the case body 130a. The Hall element 138b can acquire the position of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130.

Note that, in FIG. 14, the Hall element 138b is arranged in the vicinity of the first coil 144 of the first swing mechanism 140, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The Hall element 138b may be arranged in the vicinity of the second coil 154 of the second swing mechanism 150.

The Hall element 138b is preferably arranged at the center of the first coil 144. As a result, the Hall element 138b can appropriately detect the magnetic force from the first magnet 142. Similarly, the Hall element 138b is preferably arranged in the center of the second coil 154. As a result, the Hall element 138b can appropriately detect the magnetic force from the second magnet 152.

The optical unit 100 shown in FIG. 13 has a metal member 138a, and the optical unit 100 shown in FIG. 14 has a Hall element 138b, but the optical unit 100 has both the metal member 138a and the Hall element 138b. Needless to say, you may have it.

In the description with reference to FIGS. 2a to 14, the first swing mechanism 140 has the first magnet 142 and the first coil 144, and the second swing mechanism 150 has the second magnet 152 and the second coil. It had 154, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The first swing mechanism 140 and the second swing mechanism 150 may have different configurations. For example, the first swing mechanism 140 and the second swing mechanism 150 may be mechanisms having a shape memory alloy.

In the above description with reference to FIG. 1, in the optical element 110, the reflective surface 110r is formed on the surface of the prism, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The optical element 110 may not include a prism, and the reflective surface 110r may not be formed on the surface of the prism. For example, as the optical element 110, a thin plate-shaped reflective member (for example, a mirror) may be attached to the attachment portion 121 of the holder 120.

However, it is preferable that the optical element 110 includes a prism. By including the prism, the optical element 110 can shorten the optical path. Such an optical unit 100 is suitably used as a telephoto image sensor.

In the above description with reference to FIGS. 2a to 14, the optical unit includes an optical element 110 that changes the path of light by reflection, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The optical unit may include an optical element that does not change the path of light.

<Second embodiment>
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the second swing axis is parallel to the incident light Lb (that is, parallel to the x-axis direction). Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention will be shown with reference to FIGS. 15a to 18b. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, only the configurations relating to the first recess 135 and the second recess 136 and the first swing mechanism 140 and the second swing mechanism 150 are different. Therefore, in the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the parts different from those in the first embodiment will be described.

15a and 15b are schematic exploded perspective views of the optical element 110, the holder 120, and the case 130 in the optical unit of the second embodiment. The case 130 swingably supports the holder 120. The case 130 supports the holder 120 from both end portions in the y-axis direction. The holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130. The holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130 with respect to the y-axis. Further, the holder 120 swings with respect to the case 130 with reference to the x-axis. On the other hand, in the optical unit 100, the swing of the holder 120 with respect to the z-axis is suppressed with respect to the case 130.

The first swing mechanism 140 is located on the −x direction side of the holder 120. The first swing mechanism 140 swings the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 with respect to the y-axis direction.

Further, the second swing mechanism 150 is located on the −z direction side of the holder 120. The second swing mechanism 150 swings the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 with respect to the x-axis direction.

The case 130 has a first recess 135. The first recess 135 is provided on the first holder facing surface (132b) facing the first case facing surface (120e) of the holder 120. The first concave portion 135 accommodates at least a part of the first convex portion 125. Here, the first recess 135 extends in the z-axis direction. The length of the first concave portion 135 in the z-axis direction is larger than the length of the first convex portion 125 in the z-axis direction.

The case 130 has a second recess 136. The second recess 136 is provided on the second holder facing surface (132c) facing the second case facing surface (120f) of the holder 120. The second concave portion 136 accommodates at least a part of the second convex portion 126. Here, the second recess 136 extends in the z-axis direction. The length of the second concave portion 136 in the z-axis direction is larger than the length of the second convex portion 126 in the z-axis direction.

Next, the holder 120, the first swing mechanism 140, and the second swing mechanism 150 in the optical unit 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16a and 16b. 16a and 16b are schematic perspective views of the first swing mechanism 140 and the second swing mechanism 150 in the optical unit of the second embodiment. In FIGS. 16a and 16b, the case 130 is omitted except for the first coil 144 and the second coil 154.

The first swing mechanism 140 includes a first magnet 142 and a first coil 144. The first magnet 142 is provided on one of the holder 120 and the case 130, and the first coil 144 is provided on the other of the holder 120 and the case 130 with respect to the first magnet 142. Specifically, one of the first magnet 142 and the first coil 144 is provided on the surface 120g of the holder 120, and the other of the first magnet 142 and the first coil 144 faces the surface 132a or the surface 132a of the case 130. It is arranged inside the case 130.

Here, the first magnet 142 is attached to the holder 120. Specifically, the first magnet 142 is attached to the surface 120 g of the holder 120. The first magnet 142 has an N pole 142n and an S pole 142s. The N pole 142n and the S pole 142s each extend in the y direction and are arranged side by side in the z direction.

The first coil 144 is provided in the case 130. By switching the direction of the current flowing through the first coil 144, the first magnet 142 receives a force along the z-axis direction.

The second swing mechanism 150 includes a second magnet 152 and a second coil 154. The second magnet 152 is provided on one of the holder 120 and the case 130, and the second coil 154 is provided on the other of the holder 120 and the case 130 with respect to the second magnet 152. Specifically, one of the second magnet 152 and the second coil 154 is provided on the surface 120h of the holder 120, and the other of the second magnet 152 and the second coil 154 faces the surface 132d or the surface 132d of the case 130. It is arranged inside the case 130.

Here, the second magnet 152 is attached to the holder 120. Specifically, the second magnet 152 is attached to the surface 120h of the holder 120. The second magnet 152 has an N pole 152n and an S pole 152s. The N pole 152n and the S pole 152s each extend in the x direction and are arranged side by side in the y direction.

As in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the holder 120 includes the first magnet 142 and the second magnet 152, and the case 130 includes the first coil 144 and the second coil 154. As a result, the swing of the holder 120 with respect to the case 130 can be easily controlled by passing a current through the first coil 144 and / or the second coil 154 of the case 130.

Next, the swing in the optical unit 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17a and 17b. FIG. 17a is a schematic diagram for explaining the swing by the first swing mechanism 140 in the optical unit 100 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 17b is a second swing mechanism in the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the swing by 150.

As shown in FIG. 17a, the first swing mechanism 140 includes a first magnet 142 and a first coil 144. The first magnet 142 is provided in the holder 120, and the first coil 144 is provided in the case 130. Further, the second swing mechanism 150 includes a second magnet 152 and a second coil 154. The second magnet 152 is provided in the holder 120, and the second coil 154 is provided in the case 130.

By switching the direction of the current flowing through the first coil 144, the first magnet 142 receives a force along the z-axis direction. In this case, the first magnet 142 will move along the z-axis direction. Therefore, the holder 120 to which the first magnet 142 is attached swings with respect to the case 130 with respect to the x-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 17b, the second magnet 152 receives a force along the y-axis direction by switching the direction of the current flowing through the second coil 154. In this case, the second magnet 152 moves along the y-axis direction. Therefore, the holder 120 to which the second magnet 152 is attached swings with respect to the case 130 with respect to the x-axis direction.

Next, the optical module 100A provided with the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18a and 18b. FIG. 18a is a schematic perspective view of a smartphone 200 including an optical module 100A including an optical unit 100 of the present embodiment and another optical unit 101.

As shown in FIG. 18a, the smartphone 200 can perform two types of imaging. The smartphone 200 includes a lens 202 and a lens 204 on which light is incident. In the smartphone 200, the optical module 100A is arranged inside the lens 202 and the lens 204. Specifically, the lens 202 is arranged corresponding to the optical unit 100, and the lens 204 is arranged corresponding to the optical unit 101.

Light L is incident on the smartphone 200 from the outside in the incident direction via the lens 202, and a subject image is imaged based on the light that has passed through the optical unit 100. Similarly, the light L is incident from the outside through the lens 204 in the incident direction, and the subject image is imaged based on the light that has passed through the optical unit 101.

FIG. 18b is a schematic perspective view of the optical module 100A of the present embodiment. The optical module 100A of FIGS. 18a and 18b includes an optical unit 100 having the same configuration as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, and another optical unit 101.

As shown in FIG. 18b, the optical unit 100 reflects the optical axis of the incident light La1 incident along the z-axis direction as reflected light Lb in the x-axis direction. After that, the reflected light Lb is received by the image pickup device 220 via the lens module 210 of the smartphone 200. The lens module 210 includes various lenses depending on the application.

The optical unit 101 receives the incident light La2 incident along the z-axis direction. The optical unit 101 receives light from the image sensor 221 via the lens module 211 without changing the direction of the optical axis from the z-axis direction. The lens module 211 includes various lenses depending on the application.

Note that FIGS. 1 and 18a show a smartphone as an example of the use of the optical unit 100 of the present embodiment, but the use of the optical unit 100 is not limited to this. The optical unit 100 is suitably used as a digital camera or a video camera. For example, the optical unit 100 may be used as part of a drive recorder. Alternatively, the optical unit 100 may be mounted on a camera for a flying object (eg, a drone).

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments. In addition, components across different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. In order to make it easier to understand, the drawings are schematically shown with each component as the main component, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each of the illustrated components are actual for the convenience of drawing creation. May be different. Further, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially deviating from the effects of the present invention. be.

100 optical unit

110 optics

120 holder

125 First convex part

126 Second convex part

127 1st containment

128 Second containment

130 cases

135 1st recess

136 Second recess

305 1st elastic part

306 Second elastic part

Claims

An optical element having a reflecting surface that reflects light in the first axis direction,

A holder that holds the optical element and

A case that swingably supports the holder and

A first swing mechanism that swings the holder around the first swing axis with respect to the case,

A second swing mechanism that swings the holder around a second swing axis that is orthogonal to the first swing axis with respect to the case.

The first convex portion including the first elastic portion and the first convex portion,

The second convex portion including the second elastic portion and the second convex portion,

Equipped with

The holder is

A first accommodating portion provided on a surface facing the first case facing the case and accommodating at least a part of the first convex portion.

A second accommodating portion provided on the surface facing the second case facing the case and accommodating at least a part of the second convex portion.

Have,

The case is

A first concave portion provided on the first holder facing surface facing the first case facing surface of the holder and accommodating at least a part of the first convex portion.

With a second concave portion provided on the second holder facing surface facing the second case facing surface of the holder and accommodating at least a part of the second convex portion.

Have,

The first elastic portion is provided in at least one of the first accommodating portion and the first recess.

The second elastic portion is provided in at least one of the second accommodating portion and the second recess.

The first convex portion is in contact with the first accommodating portion and the first concave portion.

The second convex portion is an optical unit that is in contact with the second accommodating portion and the second concave portion.
The first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are

When the axis orthogonal to the first swing axis and the second swing axis is the third axis,

The optical unit according to claim 1, which is provided in a region connecting the third shaft end of the first recess and the second swing shaft.
The first convex portion has a partially spherical shape and has a spherical shape.

The optical unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second convex portion has a partially spherical shape.
The first swing mechanism is

The swing axis is defined as the second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction.

The second swing mechanism is

The swing axis is defined as the third axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction and the second axis direction, respectively.

The first recess is

A first side surface located on one side in the third axial direction with respect to the first convex portion,

A second side surface located on the other side in the third axial direction with respect to the first convex portion,

It has a bottom surface connecting the first side surface of the first recess and the second side surface of the first recess.

The second recess is

A first side surface located on one side in the third axial direction with respect to the second convex portion,

A second side surface located on the other side in the third axial direction with respect to the second convex portion,

The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a bottom surface connecting the first side surface of the second recess and the second side surface of the second recess.
The optical unit according to claim 4, wherein the bottom surface of the first recess and the bottom surface of the second recess form a part of the same circle.
The first elastic portion is provided in the first accommodating portion.

The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second elastic portion is provided in the second accommodating portion.
The first convex portion and the first elastic portion are separate members.

The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second convex portion and the second elastic portion are separate members.
The first convex portion is a first sphere and is

The optical unit according to claim 7, wherein the second convex portion is a second sphere.
The first elastic portion is

It has a first region on one side adjacent to the first convex portion and a second region on the other side.

The first region includes the end on the first convex side.

The first region has a lower coefficient of friction than the second region.

The second elastic portion is

It has a first region on one side adjacent to the second convex portion and a second region on the other side.

The first region includes the end on the second convex side.

The optical unit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first region has a lower coefficient of friction than the second region.
A first cushioning portion is provided between the first elastic portion and the first convex portion.

The first cushioning portion has a higher hardness than the first elastic portion and has a hardness higher than that of the first elastic portion.

A second cushioning portion is provided between the second elastic portion and the second convex portion.

The optical unit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second cushioning portion has a hardness higher than that of the second elastic portion.
The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the optical element includes a prism.
The first swing mechanism is

A first magnet provided on one of the holder and the case,

The first magnet includes the holder and the first coil provided on the other side of the case.

The second swing mechanism is

A second magnet provided on one of the holder and the case,

The second magnet includes the holder and the second coil provided on the other side of the case.

The holder includes the first magnet and the second magnet.

The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the case includes the first coil and the second coil.
The holder is

A first swing mechanism mounting surface connected to the first case facing surface and the second case facing surface and having a normal extending parallel to the first axial direction and the third axial direction orthogonal to the first swing axis. When,

With a second swing mechanism mounting surface connected to the first case facing surface and the second case facing surface and having a normal extending parallel to the first axial direction.

Have more

One of the first magnet and the first coil of the first rocking mechanism is mounted on the mounting surface of the first rocking mechanism.

The optical unit according to claim 12, wherein one of the second magnet and the second coil of the second rocking mechanism is mounted on the mounting surface of the second rocking mechanism.
The holder is located between the first case facing surface and the second case facing surface, and is optically arranged obliquely with respect to the first swing mechanism mounting surface and the second swing mechanism mounting surface. It also has an element mounting surface,

The optical unit according to claim 13, wherein the optical element is located on the optical element mounting surface of the holder.
The case further includes a case body and a Hall element.

The optical unit according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the Hall element is arranged at the center of at least one of the first coil and the second coil.
The case includes a case body and a metal member.

The metal member faces at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet.

The metal member is arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of at least one of the first coil and the second coil.

The optical unit according to any one of claims 12 to 15.
The optical unit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the elastic portion is a leaf spring.
The optical unit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the elastic portion is a coil.