A shape memory alloy apparatus (1) comprising: a member (3) comprising a first end portion (5) and a second end portion (7); and a shape memory alloy component (9) connected to the member (3). The shape memory alloy component (9) being configured to, on contraction, change the separation between the first end portion (5) and the second end portion (7) of the member (3), the member (3) being configured to be in tension during contraction of the shape memory alloy component (9), wherein the said separation changes in a direction that is angled to the direction of contraction.

A shape memory alloy apparatus (1) comprising: a member (3) comprising a first end portion (5) and a second end portion (7); and a shape memory alloy component (9) connected to the member (3). The shape memory alloy component (9) being configured to, on contraction, change the separation between the first end portion (5) and the second end portion (7) of the member (3), the member (3) being configured to be in tension during contraction of the shape memory alloy component (9), wherein the said separation changes in a direction that is angled to the direction of contraction.

An optical apparatus which is capable of being miniaturized is provided. The optical apparatus includes a lens unit, a drive unit configured to include a base member, a shift member, and an urging member, a cylindrical body configured to support the drive unit, and a first coupling portion configured to be coupled with the urging member. A groove along a direction of an optical axis of the lens unit is provided inside the cylindrical body. The urging member urges the shift member with respect to the base member. The first coupling portion and the groove overlap with each other when viewed from the direction of the optical axis.

An optical apparatus which is capable of being miniaturized is provided. The optical apparatus includes a lens unit, a drive unit configured to include a base member, a shift member, and an urging member, a cylindrical body configured to support the drive unit, and a first coupling portion configured to be coupled with the urging member. A groove along a direction of an optical axis of the lens unit is provided inside the cylindrical body. The urging member urges the shift member with respect to the base member. The first coupling portion and the groove overlap with each other when viewed from the direction of the optical axis.

One embodiment of a lens driving apparatus may comprise: a bobbin having a first coil disposed on the outer circumferential surface thereof; a position detection sensor which is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin and which moves together with the bobbin; a first magnet disposed opposite to the first coil; a housing for supporting the first magnet; upper and lower elastic members which are coupled to the bobbin and the housing; and a plurality of wirings which are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin so as to electrically connect at least one of the upper or lower elastic members with the position detection sensor.

One embodiment of a lens driving apparatus may comprise: a bobbin having a first coil disposed on the outer circumferential surface thereof; a position detection sensor which is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin and which moves together with the bobbin; a first magnet disposed opposite to the first coil; a housing for supporting the first magnet; upper and lower elastic members which are coupled to the bobbin and the housing; and a plurality of wirings which are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin so as to electrically connect at least one of the upper or lower elastic members with the position detection sensor.

A control apparatus includes a tilt driving unit configured to tilt at least one of an image sensor and an imaging optical system relative to a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, a focus driving unit configured to perform focus driving by moving a focus lens that constitutes at least part of the imaging optical system in an optical axis direction, and a controlling unit configured to control the focus driving unit and the tilt driving unit so as to adjust a focal plane to a predetermined surface. The controlling unit moves the focal plane in a vertical direction to the focal plane while maintaining the focal plane substantially parallel to the predetermined plane.

A camera may include at least one suspension assembly as part of optical image stabilization and/or autofocus systems of the camera. The suspension assembly may include an inner frame, an outer frame, and one or more flexure arms. Electrical traces may be deposited at both sides of the suspension assembly. A connection may be created, for electrical traces at the different sides of the suspension assembly, through the suspension assembly by removing (e.g., using an etching process) one or more parts in the body of the suspension assembly to create one or more cavities. A remaining part of the suspension assembly surrounded (and thus isolated) by the cavities may thus form at least a part of the connection for the electrical traces. The connection may further include one or more filled trenches connecting the electrical traces to the remaining part of the suspension assembly.

A camera may include at least one suspension assembly as part of optical image stabilization and/or autofocus systems of the camera. The suspension assembly may include an inner frame, an outer frame, and one or more flexure arms. Electrical traces may be deposited at both sides of the suspension assembly. A connection may be created, for electrical traces at the different sides of the suspension assembly, through the suspension assembly by removing (e.g., using an etching process) one or more parts in the body of the suspension assembly to create one or more cavities. A remaining part of the suspension assembly surrounded (and thus isolated) by the cavities may thus form at least a part of the connection for the electrical traces. The connection may further include one or more filled trenches connecting the electrical traces to the remaining part of the suspension assembly.

The driving unit includes: a first contact portion and a second contact portion that move relatively to each other while making contact with each other during driving; in which the second contact portion includes a coating layer at a contact face with the first contact portion, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion generate heat along with relative movement to vaporize a worn-away part of the coating layer.