An actuator capable of attaining high output. The actuator includes a frame structure part that forms a frame structure surrounding a housing part, and a volume change part housed in the housing part. The volume change part increases a volume thereof by input of external energy. The frame structure part has a higher Young's modulus than a Young's modulus of the volume change part. The housing part has an anisotropic shape, with a maximum width in first direction of the housing part longer than a maximum width in second direction different from the first direction of the housing part.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a first drive device and a second drive device. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The first drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The second drive device is configured to displace the drive subject in a different direction that is different from the deforming direction of the actuator member.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a first drive device and a second drive device. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The first drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The second drive device is configured to displace the drive subject in a different direction that is different from the deforming direction of the actuator member.

An actuator device includes an operating member that deforms in response to a change in temperature, and a heating member that applies heat to the operating member. The operating member deforms in response to a change in temperature within a range in which a stress generated between the operating member and the heating member remains at or below an elastic limit of the operating member.

An actuator device includes an operating member that deforms in response to a change in temperature, and a heating member that applies heat to the operating member. The operating member deforms in response to a change in temperature within a range in which a stress generated between the operating member and the heating member remains at or below an elastic limit of the operating member.

The present disclosure provides a small and well-focused lens driving device, a camera including the lens driving device, and a portable electronic apparatus. The lens driving device includes a fixing base, a cover, a lens holder, a support frame, a support member, and a shape memory alloy portion. In the lens driving device, a receiving space is defined by the fixing base and the cover. The lens holder configured to receive a lens, as well as the support frame, the support member, and the shape memory alloy portion that cause the lens holder to move freely in an optical axis direction are provided in the receiving space. The shape memory alloy portion has a shape memory alloy and a crimping lug, and the shape memory alloy portion is provided on the fixing base and the support frame to cause the lens holder to move freely in the optical axis direction.

The present disclosure provides a small and well-focused lens driving device, a camera including the lens driving device, and a portable electronic apparatus. The lens driving device includes a fixing base, a cover, a lens holder, a support frame, a support member, and a shape memory alloy portion. In the lens driving device, a receiving space is defined by the fixing base and the cover. The lens holder configured to receive a lens, as well as the support frame, the support member, and the shape memory alloy portion that cause the lens holder to move freely in an optical axis direction are provided in the receiving space. The shape memory alloy portion has a shape memory alloy and a crimping lug, and the shape memory alloy portion is provided on the fixing base and the support frame to cause the lens holder to move freely in the optical axis direction.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a drive device, and a tension applicator. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside of the actuator member. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The tension applicator is configured to apply the actuator member a tension, which enables correction of a tension change generated by at least one of elongation and contraction of the actuator member that is induced by natural deformation of the actuator member.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a drive device, and a tension applicator. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside of the actuator member. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The tension applicator is configured to apply the actuator member a tension, which enables correction of a tension change generated by at least one of elongation and contraction of the actuator member that is induced by natural deformation of the actuator member.

An actuator device that includes a first actuating segment of an artificial muscle fiber, where one end of the first actuating segment is connected to a first terminal and the other end of the first actuating segment is connected to a second terminal. The device also includes a second actuating segment of an artificial muscle fiber, where one end of the second actuating segment is connected to a third terminal and the other end of the second actuating segment is connected to a fourth terminal. The device also includes a paddle disposed on both the first and second actuating segments and a heating provision disposed on the first and second actuating segments. The heating provision independently provides energy in the form of heat to the first and second actuating segments, and the actuator device moves rotates the paddle to a desired position through activating the first or second actuating segments.