Drive device, photographic device, and electronic device

Abstract

Provided are a lens driving device, a photographic device, and an electronic device that can ensure smooth movement of a lens support. The lens driving device includes a lens support that supports a lens, a frame body that supports the lens support, and a guiding mechanism that guides the lens support to freely move in a direction orthogonal to the lens optical axis direction with respect to a specified component that constitutes the frame body. The guiding mechanism has a guiding projection that protrudes in the optical axis direction and is formed on the specified component, and a guiding groove that is recessed in the optical axis direction and is formed on the lens support. The guiding projection is inserted into the guiding groove. Furthermore, one surface of the lens support on which the guiding groove is formed has a dummy recess formed near the guiding groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving device, a photographic device, and an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] A small photographic device is mounted in an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart phone.

[0003] As is well known, for example, as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 049209, such a small camera has a shake compensation function.

Summary of the Invention

[0004]

Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The camera module of the patent document 1 has a lens support body that supports a lens and a frame body around the lens support body. In order to support the lens support body to move freely relative to the frame body in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the lens, a plurality of balls are used.

[0006] It is considered to form a guide protrusion on the frame body side instead of a plurality of spheres, and insert the guide protrusion into a guide groove formed on the lens support body in a freely sliding manner, and support the lens support body to move freely through the guide protrusion and the guide groove. However, if the thickness of the lens support body is large, the deformation amount of the guide groove during the molding of the lens support body also becomes large, which may prevent the lens support body from moving smoothly.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above problems that have existed, and provides a lens driving device, a photographic device, and an electronic device that can ensure the smooth movement of the lens support body.

[0008]

Technical Solution

[0009] A mode of the present invention is a lens driving device, which has a lens support body that supports a lens, a frame body that supports the lens support body, and a guiding mechanism that guides the lens support body to move freely in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the lens with respect to a specified component that constitutes the frame body. The guiding mechanism has a guide protrusion formed on the specified component and protruding toward the optical axis direction, and a guide groove formed on the lens support body and recessed toward the optical axis direction. The guide protrusion is inserted into the guide groove, and one surface of the lens support body on which the guide groove is formed has a dummy recess formed near the guide groove.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom height of the dummy recess is substantially equal to the bottom height of the guide groove.

[0011] Moreover, preferably, a mark of the material injection port is provided at a position where the lens support is not coincident with the guide groove in the optical axis direction, and the mark is located on a surface opposite to the surface on which the guide groove and the dummy recess are formed.

[0012] Moreover, preferably, a mark of the material injection port is provided at a position where the lens support coincides with the dummy recess in the optical axis direction, and the mark is located on a surface opposite to the surface on which the guide groove and the dummy recess are formed.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a photographic apparatus, which includes the lens driving device and a lens supported by the lens support.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device, which includes the photographic apparatus.

[0015]

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the guiding mechanism includes a guiding protrusion protruding in the optical axis direction formed on the specified component and a guiding groove formed on the lens support and recessed in the optical axis direction. The guiding protrusion is inserted into the guiding groove. Further, one surface of the lens support on which the guiding groove is formed has a dummy recess formed near the guiding groove. Therefore, the dummy recess of the lens driving device of the present invention can reduce the thickness of the substantial lens support, reduce the deformation amount of the upper guiding groove when the lens support is molded, and thus ensure the smooth movement of the lens support.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 Fig. is an exploded perspective view of the photographic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention when disassembled and viewed obliquely from above.

[0018] Figure 2 For disassembling Figure 1 the moving body 18 of the photographic apparatus 10 and viewing it obliquely from above, it is an exploded perspective view.

[0019] Figure 3 For viewing Figure 2 the moving body 18 obliquely from below, it is an exploded perspective view.

[0020] Figure 4 Fig. is an exploded perspective view of a part of the fixed body 16 used in the photographic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed obliquely from above.

[0021] Figure 5 For Figure 4 the flexible printed circuit board 78 mounted on the fixed body 16, it is a perspective view.

[0022] Figure 6 For viewing from aboveFigure 2 Plan view of the moving body 18

[0023] Figure 7A is Figure 6 Cross-sectional view taken along the VIIA-VIIA line of Figure 7B is Figure 6 Cross-sectional view taken along the VIIB-VIIB line of

[0024] Figure 8A is Figure 7A Enlarged cross-sectional view of the VIIIA part of Figure 8B is Figure 7A Enlarged cross-sectional view of the VIIIB part of

[0025] Figure 9A is Figure 7B Enlarged cross-sectional view of the IXA part of Figure 9B is Figure 7B Enlarged cross-sectional view of the IXB part of

[0026] Figure 10 Enlarged plan view of the optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 of the present embodiment as viewed from above

[0027] Figure 11 Oblique view of the lens support of the present embodiment as viewed from obliquely below

[0028] Figure 12 Plan view of the lens support of the present embodiment as viewed from above

[0029] Figure 13A In the present embodiment, by Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the mold for forming the lens support cut along the XIIA line of , showing the resin injection state

[0030] Figure 13B In the present embodiment, by Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the mold for forming the lens support cut along the XIIB line of , showing the resin injection state

[0031] Figure 14A In other embodiments, by Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the mold for forming the lens support cut along the XIIA line of , showing the resin injection state

[0032] Figure 14B In the present embodiment, by Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the mold for forming the lens support cut along the XIIB line of , showing the resin injection state

[0033]

Symbol description

[0034] 10 Camera device

[0035] 12 Lens driving device

[0036] 14 Lens

[0037] 16 Fixed body

[0038] 18 Moving body

[0039] 20 Lens support

[0040] 22 First frame body

[0041] 24 Lens mounting hole

[0042] 26 First moving body plate

[0043] 28 Second moving body plate

[0044] 30 First cover

[0045] 32, 34, 36 Opening

[0046] 38 Orthogonal direction guiding mechanism

[0047] 40 First guiding mechanism

[0048] 42 Second guiding mechanism

[0049] 44, 44A, 44B Lower guiding protrusion

[0050] 46, 46A, 46B Lower guiding groove

[0051] 48, 48A, 48B Upper guiding protrusion

[0052] 50, 50A, 50B Upper guiding groove

[0053] 52 First magnet

[0054] 54 Second magnet

[0055] 56 First magnetic component

[0056] 58 Second magnetic component

[0057] 60 Mounting part

[0058] 62 Mounting hole

[0059] 64 Part to be mounted

[0060] 66 Third magnet

[0061] 68 Second frame body

[0062] 70 Third magnetic component

[0063] 72 First coil

[0064] 74 Second coil

[0065] 76 Third coil

[0066] 78 Flexible printed substrate

[0067] 80 Base

[0068] 82 Second cover

[0069] 84, 86 Through holes

[0070] 88 Opening

[0071] 90 Terminal part

[0072] 92 Y-direction position detection element

[0073] 94 X-direction position detection element

[0074] 96 Z-direction position detection element

[0075] 98 Connecting part

[0076] 100 Separation opening

[0077] 102 Optical axis direction guiding mechanism

[0078] 104 Third guiding mechanism

[0079] 106 Fourth guiding mechanism

[0080] 108 +X side guiding shaft

[0081] 110 +X side guiding hole

[0082] 110A Guiding surface

[0083] 110B Y side surface

[0084] 112 -X side guiding shaft

[0085] 114 -X side guiding groove

[0086] 114A Protrusion

[0087] 116 Lower fixing part

[0088] 118 Upper fixing part

[0089] 120 Insertion hole

[0090] 122 Flat part

[0091] 124 False concave part

[0092] Traces of the material inlets of 126A and 126B

[0093] Mold for forming the lens support 128

[0094] Guide groove forming portion 130

[0095] Dummy recess forming portion 132

[0096] Material inlets 134A and 134B

Detailed implementation manners

[0097] Hereinafter, an implementation manner of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following implementation manners show the lens driving device, the photographic device, and the electronic device of the present invention by way of examples, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following implementation manners.

[0098] Figure 1 The photographic device 10 involved in the implementation manner of the present invention is shown. The photographic device 10 is mounted on an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smart phone, and has a lens driving device 12 and a lens 14 mounted on the lens driving device 12.

[0099] Moreover, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the optical axis direction of the lens 14 is referred to as the Z direction, one direction orthogonal to the Z direction is referred to as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the Z direction and the X direction is referred to as the Y direction. Moreover, the subject side of the optical axis (corresponding to Figure 1 the upper side in ) is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side thereof (i.e., the side where the image sensor is disposed without being illustrated) is referred to as the lower side.

[0100] The lens driving device 12 has a fixed body 16 and a moving body 18 that is supported relative to the fixed body 16 and is freely movable in the optical axis direction. The moving body 18 is disposed inside the fixed body 16.

[0101] The moving body 18 is as Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, and has a lens support 20 that supports the lens 14 and a first frame body 22 that surrounds the periphery of the lens support 20. When observing the lens support 20 and the first frame body 22 from above, their outer shapes are generally rectangular.

[0102] Inside the lens support 20, when observed from the Z direction, a circular lens mounting hole 24 is formed, which penetrates from the upper side to the lower side. The lens 14 is mounted on the lens mounting hole 24.

[0103] The first frame body 22 includes a first moving body plate 26, a second moving body plate 28, and a first cover 30 that are each substantially quadrilateral in shape when viewed from above. The lens support 20, the first moving body plate 26, and the second moving body plate 28 are made of an engineering plastic, such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, or the like. The first cover 30 is made of, for example, metal. Openings 32, 34, and 36 through which light passes are respectively formed in the first moving body plate 26, the second moving body plate 28, and the first cover 30, extending from the upper side to the lower side. The openings 32, 34, and 36 are each substantially circular in shape.

[0104] The first frame body 22 supports the lens support 20 to move freely in two directions, the first direction (i.e., the X direction) and the second direction (i.e., the Y direction). Specifically, a guiding mechanism (i.e., the orthogonal direction guiding mechanism 38) is provided on the lens support 20 and the first frame body 22 to support the lens support 20 to move freely in the X direction and the Y direction relative to a specified component (i.e., the second moving body plate 28) that constitutes the frame body. The orthogonal direction guiding mechanism 38 is composed of a first guiding mechanism 40 provided on one side (the lower side) in the Z direction and a second guiding mechanism 42 provided on the other side (the upper side) in the Z direction.

[0105] The first guiding mechanism 40 is composed of a lower guiding protrusion 44 protruding from the lower side of the first moving body plate 26 in the -Z direction and a lower guiding groove 46 recessed in the -Z direction so that the lower guiding protrusion 44 can be inserted above the second moving body plate 28. The lower guiding protrusion 44 and the lower guiding groove 46 are formed near the four corners of the first moving body plate 26 and the second moving body plate 28, respectively, and extend along the X direction.

[0106] The lower guiding protrusion 44 and the lower guiding groove 46 each extend along the X direction, so they can move relative to each other only in the X direction, restricting their movement in the Y direction. Thus, the first moving body plate 26 can move relative to the second moving body plate 28 only in the X direction, restricting its movement in the Y direction. In other words, due to the first guiding mechanism 40, the lens support 20 can move in the X direction relative to the second moving body plate 28 together with the first moving body plate 26.

[0107] Moreover, the lower guide protrusions 44 and the lower guide grooves 46 are arranged on one side and the other side in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the first moving body plate 26 (i.e., the Y direction). Specifically, the lower guide protrusions 44 include two lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A provided on one side (-Y side) in the Y direction and two lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B provided on the other side (+Y side) in the Y direction. Moreover, the lower guide grooves 46 include two lower guide grooves 46A, 46A provided on one side in the Y direction and two lower guide grooves 46B, 46B provided on the other side in the Y direction.

[0108] As Figure 7A , Figure 8B shown, when observed from the X direction, the cross sections of the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A on one side in the Y direction are V-shaped. The shape of the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A changes such that the width becomes smaller as it approaches the bottom of the groove. In order to make the width smaller as it approaches the bottom of the groove, the guide grooves are inclined. Moreover, the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A are semicircular. Thus, the arc portions of the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A and the linear portions of the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A are in line contact with each other at two locations. Moreover, a space is formed between the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A and the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A for the portion between the two line contact positions and the bottom of the groove. The cross-sectional shape of the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A may also be square. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A may also be V-shaped or U-shaped. By making line contact at two locations, the position of the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A relative to the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A in the Y direction can be determined without deviation.

[0109] Moreover, as Figure 7A , Figure 8AAs shown, when viewed from the X direction, the cross-sections of the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B on the other side in the Y direction are square respectively. That is, the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B have a plane extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B at the bottom of the grooves, and the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B have a plane that makes surface contact with this plane. Thus, the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B make surface contact with each other on the other side in the Y direction. Thereby, the height of the first moving body plate 26 relative to the second moving body plate 28 in the Z direction can be determined. Moreover, the plane of the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B is larger than that of the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B. Therefore, even if the distance between the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A and the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B is different from the distance between the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A and the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B due to manufacturing errors, assembly can still be carried out, enabling the first moving body plate 26 to move smoothly.

[0110] The second guide mechanism 42 is composed of an upper guide protrusion 48 formed to protrude from the upper side of the first moving body plate 26 in the +Z direction and an upper guide groove 50 formed to be recessed in the +Z direction so that the upper guide protrusion 48 can be inserted below the lens support 20. The upper guide protrusion 48 and the upper guide groove 50 are formed near the four corners of the first moving body plate 26 and the lens support 20, and extend along the Y direction respectively.

[0111] Since the upper guide protrusion 48 and the upper guide groove 50 extend in the Y direction respectively, they can only move relative to each other in the Y direction, restricting their movement in the X direction. Thus, the lens support 20 can only move relative to the first moving body plate 26 in the Y direction, restricting its movement in the X direction. In other words, due to the second guide mechanism 42, the lens support 20 can move relative to the first moving body plate 26 in the Y direction. Combining with the first guide mechanism 40, the lens support 20 can move relative to the second moving body plate 28 in the X direction and the Y direction respectively. Moreover, the first guide mechanism 40 and the second guide mechanism 42 are independent guide mechanisms. Even when driving in the X - Y directions simultaneously, no force in the rotational direction around the Z direction is generated, preventing the lens support 20 from vibrating in the rotational direction.

[0112] Moreover, the upper guide protrusions 48 and the upper guide grooves 50 are arranged on one side and the other side in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the lens support 20 (i.e., the X direction). Specifically, the upper guide protrusions 48 include two upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A provided on one side (-X side) in the X direction and two upper guide protrusions 48B, 48B provided on the other side (+X side) in the X direction. Moreover, the upper guide grooves 50 include two upper guide grooves 50A, 50A provided on one side in the X direction and two upper guide grooves 50B, 50B provided on the other side in the X direction.

[0113] As Figure 7B , Figure 9A shown, when viewed from the Y direction, the cross-sections of the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A on one side in the X direction are V-shaped. The shape of the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A changes such that the width becomes smaller as it approaches the bottom of the groove. In order to make the width smaller as it approaches the bottom of the groove, the guide grooves are inclined. Moreover, the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A are semi-circular. Thus, the arc portions of the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A and the linear portions of the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A are in line contact with each other at two places. Moreover, a space is formed between the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A and the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A for the portion between the two line contact positions and the bottom of the groove. The cross-sectional shape of the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A may also be square. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A may also be V-shaped or U-shaped. By making line contact at two places, the position of the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A relative to the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A in the X direction can be determined without deviation.

[0114] Moreover, as Figure 7B , Figure 9B shown, when viewed from the Y direction, the cross-sections of the upper guide protrusions 48B, 48B and the upper guide grooves 50B, 50B on the other side in the X direction are square, respectively. That is, the upper guide grooves 50B, 50B have a plane extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the upper guide protrusions 48B, 48B and the upper guide grooves 50B, 50B at the bottom of the groove, and the upper guide protrusions 48B, 48B have a plane that makes surface contact with this plane. Thus, the upper guide protrusions 48B, 48B and the upper guide grooves 50B, 50B are in surface contact with each other on the other side in the X direction. Thereby, the height of the lens support 20 relative to the first moving body plate 26 in the Z direction can be determined. Moreover, the plane of the upper guide grooves 50B, 50B is larger than the upper guide protrusions 48B, 48B. Therefore, even if the distance between the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A and the distance between the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A are different due to manufacturing errors, assembly can be performed and the lens support 20 can move smoothly.

[0115] Outside the lens support 20, plate-shaped first magnet 52 and second magnet 54 are fixed. The first magnet 52 has its plate surface facing the Y direction and is arranged on one side in the Y direction, i.e., the side where the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A and the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A are in line contact. The second magnet 54 has its plate surface facing the X direction and is arranged on one side in the X direction, i.e., the side where the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A and the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A are in line contact. The first magnet 52 has its S pole set on the plate surface facing the Y direction and its N pole set on the other plate surface. The second magnet 54 has its S pole set on the plate surface facing the X direction and its N pole set on the other plate surface.

[0116] Below the second moving body plate 28, a first magnetic member 56 and a second magnetic member 58 made of magnetic material are respectively arranged. The first magnetic member 56 is arranged along the X direction on one side in the Y direction and is parallel to the first magnet 52. The second magnetic member 58 is arranged along the Y direction on one side in the X direction and is parallel to the second magnet 54. Thus, the first magnetic member 56 and the first magnet 52 face each other in the Z direction with the second moving body plate 28 therebetween. Similarly, the second magnetic member 58 and the second magnet 54 face each other in the Z direction with the second moving body plate 28 therebetween.

[0117] On one side in the Y direction, the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic member 56 are arranged between the combination of the lower guide protrusions 44A and lower guide grooves 46A on one side and the combination of the lower guide protrusions 44A and lower guide grooves 46A on the other side, and attract each other. For this reason, compared with arranging the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic member 56 at other positions, the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A and the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A in line contact can make a more powerful contact, so the positioning in the Y direction can be more accurately performed.

[0118] On one side in the X direction, the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic member 58 are arranged between the combination of the upper guide protrusions 48A and upper guide grooves 50A on one side and the combination of the upper guide protrusions 48A and upper guide grooves 50A on the other side, and attract each other. For this reason, compared with arranging the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic member 58 at other positions, the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A and the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A in line contact can make a more powerful contact, so the positioning in the X direction can be more accurately performed.

[0119] At the four corners of the first cover 30, mounting portions 60 are provided, extending downward in the Z direction. Mounting holes 62 having a quadrangular shape are formed in each of the mounting portions 60. Further, mounted portions 64 are formed at the four corners of the second moving body plate 28, protruding laterally. The mounting holes 62 are fitted into the mounted portions 64, whereby the first cover 30 is fixed to the second moving body plate 28. Moreover, between the lower side of the first cover 30 and the upper side of the lens support 20, as Figure 7A , Figure 7B shown, a necessary minimum clearance including errors caused by tolerances and the like is formed. Thereby, even when impacted, the lens support 20, the first moving body plate 26, and the second moving body plate 28 are regulated, and an excessive distance is not generated between them.

[0120] On the second moving body plate 28, on the outer surface on the side opposite to the side where the first magnet 52 is provided (i.e., the +Y side), a plate-shaped third magnet 66 is fixed, with its plate surface facing the Y direction. The third magnet 66 is divided into two parts, an upper side and a lower side in the Z direction, and an S pole and an N pole are provided on the plate surface, and this configuration makes the upper and lower polarities opposite.

[0121] As Figure 1 shown, the fixing body 16 includes a second frame body 68 having a base 80 and a second cover 82, a third magnetic member 70 mounted on the second frame body 68, a first coil 72, a second coil 74, a third coil 76, and a flexible printed circuit board 78. The base 80 and the second cover are each made of resin or non-magnetic metal, and have a quadrangular shape when viewed from above in the Z direction. The second cover 82 is fitted into the outside of the base 80, thereby forming the second frame body 68. The second frame body 68 surrounds the periphery of the first frame body 22 of the moving body 18. Through holes 84, 86 are formed in the base 80 and the second cover 82 so that light passes through or a lens 14 is inserted.

[0122] Moreover, as Figure 1 , Figure 4 shown, openings 88 that are open upward in the Z direction are formed on the four side surfaces of the base 80, respectively. Further, the flexible printed circuit board 78 is arranged to surround three side surfaces of the base 80. That is, the flexible printed circuit board 78 is bent into a U shape, surrounding two side surfaces orthogonal to the Y direction of the base 80 and one side surface (-X side) orthogonal to the X direction.

[0123] On the inner side of the flexible printed circuit board 78, the first coil 72 and the third coil 76 are fixed on two surfaces orthogonal to the Y direction, and the second coil 74 is fixed on one surface orthogonal to the X direction. At the lower part of the flexible printed circuit board 78 in the Z direction, a terminal portion 90 is provided, and current, signals, etc. are supplied through the terminal portion 90.

[0124] Moreover, as Figure 5As shown, on the inner side of the flexible printed substrate 78, a Y-direction position detection element 92 is arranged on the middle side of the first coil 72, an X-direction position detection element 94 is arranged on the middle side of the second coil 74, and a Z-direction position detection element 96 is arranged at an adjacent position of the third coil 76.

[0125] The first coil 72 and the Y-direction position detection element 92 are arranged inside the opening 88 adjacent to the inner side of the base 80 and face the first magnet 52. Similarly, the second coil 74 and the X-direction position detection element 94 are arranged inside the opening 88 and face the second magnet 54. Moreover, the third coil 76 and the Z-direction position detection element 96 are arranged inside the opening 88 and face the third magnet 66.

[0126] Moreover, as Figure 1 shown, outside the fixed portion of the third coil 76 of the flexible printed substrate 78, a third magnetic member 70 made of a magnetic body is arranged in parallel with the third coil 76. The third magnetic member 70 is attached and fixed to the side surface of the base 80 through the flexible printed substrate 78. The third magnetic member 70 and the third magnet 66 sandwich the flexible printed substrate 78 and the third coil 76 and face each other.

[0127] The magnetic flux from the third magnet 66 flows to the third magnetic member 70, and an attractive force is generated between the third magnet 66 and the third magnetic member 70. For this reason, a Y-direction attractive force with respect to the fixed body 16 is generated on the moving body 18.

[0128] Two partition openings 100, 100 that are separated in the X direction by a connecting portion 98 extending in the Z direction are formed in the third magnetic member 70. The connecting portion 98 may also extend in the Y direction. In this case, the partition openings 100, 100 are separated into two parts in the Z direction. The third magnetic member is made of a magnetic stainless steel plate or iron subjected to a plating treatment. By forming the partition openings 100, 100 in the third magnetic member 70, the attractive force between it and the third magnet 66 can be adjusted to a desired strength. In other words, the driving force required for movement in the Z direction can be reduced, and at the same time, when an external impact is applied, the damage to the optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 described below can be reduced.

[0129] As Figure 1As shown, the moving body 18 is supported by the optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 and can move in the Z direction relative to the fixed body 16. In other words, the optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 guides the first frame body 22 to move freely in the Z-axis direction relative to the second frame body 68. That is, thereby, the lens support body 20 is guided and moves freely in the optical axis direction together with the first frame body 22. The optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 is composed of a third guiding mechanism 104 and a fourth guiding mechanism 106. The third guiding mechanism 104 is composed of a +X side guiding shaft 108 provided on the second frame body 68 and a +Z side guiding hole 110 provided on the moving body 18 for receiving the +X side guiding shaft 108. The fourth guiding mechanism 106 is composed of a -X side guiding shaft 112 provided on the second frame body 68 and a -X side guiding groove 114 provided on the moving body 18.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 are cylindrical and extend in the Z direction, and are made of, for example, ceramics, metal, or resin. The +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 are arranged near the corner inside the side surface of the base 80 where the third coil 76 is arranged. Moreover, the +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 are circular in the X_Y direction cross-section, but only a part thereof may be circular, or may be elliptical. It may also be in a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape.

[0131] Near the corners of the side surface of the third coil 76 arranged on the bottom surface portion around the through hole 84 of the base 80, lower fixing portions 116, 116 for forming a cylindrical insertion groove are provided. The lower ends of the +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 are inserted and fixed in the lower fixing portions 116, 116. Moreover, upper fixing portions 118, 118 that are bent in the Y direction are formed at both ends in the X direction at the upper end of the third magnetic member 70. Insertion holes 120 are formed in each upper fixing portion 118. The upper ends of the +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 are inserted and fixed in the insertion holes 120, 120. Thus, the +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 are fixed to the base 80. The third magnetic member 70 is responsible for the supporting function of the +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 together. Compared with the case of using other components for support, the number of components can be reduced, and thus the +X side guiding shaft 108 and the -X side guiding shaft 112 can be stably supported.

[0132] As Figure 2 、 Figure 6 shown, the +X side guiding hole 110 is a hollow through hole that penetrates from the upper surface in the Z direction to the lower surface of the second moving body plate 28. Moreover, the -X side guiding groove 114 extends and penetrates from the upper side to the lower side in the Z direction of the second moving body plate 28, and a groove that opens outward is formed in the -X direction.

[0133] AsFigure 6 , Figure 10 As shown, regarding the cross-sectional shape of the +X side guide hole 110 in the X-Y plane, the -Y side has a V-shaped opening towards the fixed body side (i.e., the +Y side), and the +Y side is square. The cross-sectional shape of the +Y side can also be a semi-circular shape.

[0134] Due to the adsorption force between the third magnet 66 and the third magnetic component 70 mounted on the moving body 18, the moving body 18 is pulled in the +Y direction. Thus, at least on the -Y side of the +X side guide hole 110, when observed from the Z direction, guide surfaces 110A, 110A in an X-shaped form are in line contact with the outer surface of the +X side guide shaft 108 at two places. Thereby, the moving body 18 can be accurately positioned relative to the fixed body 16 in the X direction and the Y direction. Moreover, it is preferable that the square portion of the +X side guide hole 110 does not make line contact with the outer surface of the +X side guide shaft 108, and a very small gap is provided, but line contact can also be made.

[0135] Moreover, the -X side guide groove 114 is composed of two wall surfaces facing each other in the Y direction in the cross-section of the X_Y plane. Curved protruding portions 114A, 114A protruding in the Y direction are formed on these two wall surfaces. As Figure 10 shown, at least the center of the protruding portion 114A on the -Y side contacts the outer surface of the -X side guide shaft 112. That is, the -X side guide groove 114 and the -X side guide shaft 112 are in point contact with each other at at least one point, thereby reducing the frictional resistance. Moreover, it is preferable that the protruding portion 114A on the +Y side does not make point contact with the outer surface of the -X side guide shaft 112, and a very small gap is provided, but line contact can also be made. Thus, since the moving body 18 is pushed towards the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112 by the magnetic force, it is not inclined with respect to the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112. And if the lens 14 becomes larger, the weight of the moving body 18 carrying the lens 14 becomes larger. In such a case, conventionally, it has been necessary to increase the necessary adsorption force caused by this magnetic force, resulting in an increase in frictional force, and the increased driving force must be less than the increased part of the lens weight. However, in the present embodiment, due to the guide shaft structure, it is not necessary to increase the necessary adsorption force caused by this magnetic force, and the driving force is small, thus the problem can be solved.

[0136] In the lens driving device 12, the first magnet 52 and the first coil 72 constitute a driving mechanism that moves the lens support 20 relative to the second moving body plate 28 in the Y-axis direction. When the first coil 72 is energized, a current in the X direction flows through the first coil 72. The first magnet 52 facing the first coil 72 generates a magnetic flux having a Z-direction component, and thus a Lorentz force in the Y direction is generated on the first coil 72. Since the first coil 72 is fixed to the base 80, the corresponding reaction force generated on the first magnet 52 becomes a driving force relative to the lens support 20. The lens support 20 is guided by the second guiding mechanism 42 to move in the Y direction.

[0137] If, after the lens support 20 moves in the Y direction, the energization of the first coil 72 is terminated, the lens support 20 stops at the position when the energization of the first coil 72 is terminated due to the attraction between the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic body 56, the attraction between the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic body 58, the friction between the lower guiding projection 44 and the lower guiding groove 46, and the friction between the upper guiding projection 48 and the upper guiding groove 50.

[0138] Moreover, the second magnet 54 and the second coil 74 constitute a driving mechanism that moves the lens support 20 together with the first moving body plate 26 relative to the second moving body plate 28 in the X-axis direction. When the second coil 74 is energized, a current in the Y direction flows through the second coil 74. The second magnet 54 facing the second coil 74 generates a magnetic flux having a Z-direction component, and thus an X-direction Lorentz force is generated on the second coil 74. Since the second coil 74 is fixed to the base 80, the corresponding reaction force generated on the second magnet 54 becomes a driving force relative to the lens support 20 and the first moving body plate 26, and the lens support 20 and the first moving body plate 26 are guided by the first guiding mechanism 40 to move in the X direction.

[0139] If, after the lens support 20 and the first moving body plate 26 move in the X direction, the energization of the second coil 74 is terminated, the lens support 20 and the first moving body plate 26 stop at the position when the energization of the second coil 74 is terminated due to the attraction between the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic body 56, the attraction between the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic body 58, the friction between the lower guiding projection 44 and the lower guiding groove 46, and the friction between the upper guiding projection 48 and the upper guiding groove 50.

[0140] The third magnet 66, the third coil 76, and the third magnetic member 70 constitute a drive mechanism that moves the moving body 18 relative to the fixed body 16 in the optical axis direction. If the third coil 76 is energized, a current in the X direction flows through the third coil 76. The third magnet 66 facing the third coil 76 generates a magnetic flux in the Y direction, and thus a Lorentz force in the Z direction is generated on the third coil 76. Since the third coil 76 is fixed to the base 80, the corresponding reaction force generated on the third magnet 66 becomes a driving force relative to the moving body 18, and the moving body 18 is guided by the optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 to move in the Z direction. That is, the lens support 20 moves in the optical axis direction.

[0141] If, after the moving body 18 moves in the Z direction, the energization of the third coil 76 is terminated, then due to the attraction between the third magnet 66 and the third magnetic body 66, and the friction between the +X side guide shaft 108 and the +X side guide hole 110, and the -X side guide shaft 112 and the -X side guide groove 114, the lens support 20 included in the moving body 18 stops at the position when the energization of the third coil is terminated.

[0142] Here, it is assumed that the imaging device 10 is subjected to an impact in the Y direction. Even if the +X side guide shaft 108 and the +X side guide hole 110, and the -X side guide shaft 112 and the -X side guide groove 114 are separated, they only return to their original positions immediately after separating by a very small distance, so the damage is extremely small. The lower guide protrusions 44A, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46A, 46B, and the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48B and the upper guide grooves 50A, 50B remain in contact respectively, so there is almost no damage.

[0143] Here, it is assumed that the imaging device 10 is subjected to an impact in the X direction. The +X side guide shaft 108 and the +X side guide hole 110, and the -X side guide shaft 112 and the -X side guide groove 114, the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46A, 46B, and the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48B and the upper guide grooves 50A, 50B remain in contact respectively, so there is almost no damage.

[0144] It is assumed that the imaging device 10 is subjected to an impact in the Z direction. The +X side guide shaft 108 and the +X side guide hole 110, and the -X side guide shaft 112 and the -X side guide groove 114 remain in contact respectively, so there is almost no damage. Even if the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46A, 46B, and the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48B and the upper guide grooves 50A, 50B are separated, they only return to their original positions immediately after separating by a very small distance, and the contact state is a line contact or a surface contact, so there is almost no damage.

[0145] Thus, regardless of the direction in which the imaging device 10 is impacted, the damage to the lens driving device 12 of the present embodiment is extremely small or almost non-existent. Therefore, smooth movement of the lens support 20 in the X, Y, and Z directions can be ensured.

[0146] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given of providing the lower guide protrusion 44 and the upper guide protrusion 48 on the first moving body plate 26, forming the lower guide groove 46 on the second moving body plate 28 facing it, and forming the upper guide groove 50 on the lens support 20. However, the positions of the protrusions and grooves can also be switched, with guide grooves formed above and below the first moving body plate 26, and guide protrusions formed on the second moving body plate 28 and the lens support 20 to face them. Moreover, only the upper side or only the lower side can be switched.

[0147] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given of mounting the first coil 72, the second coil 74, the third coil 76, and the third magnetic body 70 on the fixed body 12 and mounting the first magnet 52, the second magnet 54, and the third magnet 66 on the moving body 18. However, the first coil 72, the second coil 74, the third coil 76, and the third magnetic body 70 can also be mounted on the moving body 18, and the first magnet 52, the second magnet 54, and the third magnet 66 can be mounted on the fixed body 12.

[0148] The lens support 20 will be further described below.

[0149] As Figure 11 shown, at the four corners of the lens support 20, flat portions 122 are formed from the lower surface portion of the main body portion to a certain height above. The upper guide groove 50 is formed on the flat portion 122, and the upper guide groove 50 is recessed upward from the flat portion 122.

[0150] Moreover, a dummy recess 124 is formed near the upper guide groove 50 on the flat portion 122, and it is recessed upward from the flat portion 122. In this case, if the dummy recess 124 is not formed, the thickness of the lens support 20 is still relatively large, and the amount of deformation of the periphery including the upper guide groove 50 is also relatively large. However, if the dummy recess 124 is formed, the substantial thickness of the lens support 20 in the peripheral portion where the dummy recess 124 is formed becomes smaller. For this reason, the dummy recess 124 can reduce the thickness of the substantial lens support 20 and reduce the amount of deformation of the upper guide groove 50 when the lens support 20 is molded.

[0151] Moreover, not only the flat portion 122, but also the main body portion of the lens support 20 forms a dummy recess 124. The bottom height of the dummy recess 124 is substantially equal to the bottom height of the upper guide groove 50. That is, the distance from the flat portion 122 to the bottom of the upper guide groove 50 is substantially equal to the distance from the flat portion 122 to the bottom of the dummy recess 124. The same applies to the case of the dummy recess 124 formed in the main body portion, and the bottom height of this dummy recess 124 is substantially equal to the bottom height of the upper guide groove 50.

[0152] As described above, the lens support 20 is formed by resin molding. As Figure 12 shown, traces 126A and 126B of two material inlets are formed at point-symmetric positions on the lens support 20. The traces 126A and 126B of the material inlets are formed in the Z direction at positions that do not coincide with the upper guide groove 50 and coincide with the dummy recess 124. Moreover, the traces 126A and 126B of the material inlets are formed on the inner side in the Y direction of the dummy recess 124. The traces 126A and 126B of the material inlets are more recessed than their peripheries.

[0153] Figure 13A , 13B shows the state in which the lens support 20 is molded. The mold 128 for molding the lens support has a guide groove forming portion 130 and a dummy recess forming portion 132. The guide groove forming portion 130 and the dummy recess forming portion 132 have the same height, making the bottom heights of the upper guide groove 50 and the dummy recess 124 equal respectively, and the equality includes the meaning of being substantially equal.

[0154] Moreover, material inlets 134A and 134B are formed on the mold 128 for molding the lens support. The material inlets 134A and 134B face the dummy recess forming portion 132. The trace 126A of the material inlet corresponds to the material inlet 134A, and the trace 126B of the material inlet corresponds to the material inlet 134B.

[0155] In order to mold the lens support 20, as Figure 13A , 13BAs shown, if resin is injected into the lens support forming die 128 from the material injection ports 134A and 134B, it is expected that the resin will flow as indicated by the arrows. The closer the direction of the arrow on the guide groove forming portion 130 is to being parallel to the direction of the upper surface of the guide groove forming portion 130, the smoother the resin flow, indicating that it is difficult for unevenness to occur on the sliding surface of the upper guide groove 50. In this case, as described above, the heights of the guide groove forming portion 130 and the dummy recess forming portion 132 are substantially equal, so the dummy recess forming portion 132 rarely obstructs the resin flow, and the resin smoothly flows inward around the guide groove forming portion 130. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the sliding surface of the upper guide groove 50 from forming wavy unevenness, thus ensuring the stable and smooth movement of the lens support 20.

[0156] On the other hand, if the bottom height of the dummy recess 124 is made much higher than the bottom height of the upper guide groove 50, then as Figure 14A , 14B shown in other embodiments, the resin injected into the lens support forming die 128 from the material injection ports 134A and 134B immediately contacts the dummy recess forming portion 132, and the dummy recess forming portion 132 obstructs its smooth flow around. For this reason, waves are formed inward around the guide groove forming portion 130, and after molding, wavy unevenness is formed on the sliding surface of the upper guide groove 50.

[0157] In other embodiments, since the bottom height of the dummy recess 124 is made much higher than the bottom height of the upper guide groove 50, wavy unevenness is formed on the sliding surface of the upper guide groove 50. On the other hand, the deformation amount of the upper guide groove 50 can be reduced. As long as the unevenness on the sliding surface of the upper guide groove 50 is within the allowable range, the bottom of the dummy recess 124 can also be raised. Moreover, in Figure 13A , 13B , Figure 14A , 14B , two material injection ports 134A and 134B are provided, but one or more than three material injection ports can also be provided.

[0158] Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the lens driving device 12 used in the photographic apparatus 10 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other devices.

Claims

1. A lens driving device, characterized in that, including a lens support for supporting a lens, a frame body for supporting the lens support, a guiding mechanism for guiding the lens support to freely move in a direction orthogonal to the lens optical axis direction with respect to a specified component constituting the frame body, the guiding mechanism has a guiding protrusion formed on the specified component and protruding toward the optical axis direction, and a guiding groove formed on the lens support and recessed toward the optical axis direction, and the guiding protrusion is inserted into the guiding groove, inside the lens support, a lens mounting hole is formed penetrating from the upper side to the lower side in the optical axis direction, and the lens is mounted on the lens mounting hole, one surface of the lens support on which the guiding groove is formed has a dummy recess formed near the guiding groove; the dummy recess has a bottom; a flat portion is provided at a corner of the lens support, and the guiding groove and the dummy recess are formed on the flat portion, and the guiding groove and the dummy recess are recessed upward in the optical axis direction from the flat portion; the guiding groove and the dummy recess formed nearby are recessed toward the same side.

2. The lens driving device according to claim 1, wherein The bottom height of the dummy recess is equal to the bottom height of the guiding groove.

3. The lens driving device according to claim 2, wherein, A trace of a material injection port is provided at a position on the lens support that does not coincide with the guiding groove in the optical axis direction, and the trace is located on a surface opposite to the surface on which the guiding groove and the dummy recess are formed.

4. The lens driving device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A trace of a material injection port is provided at a position on the lens support that coincides with the dummy recess in the optical axis direction, and the trace is located on a surface opposite to the surface on which the guiding groove and the dummy recess are formed.

5. A photographic device, characterized in that, It has a lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a lens supported by the lens support.

6. An electronic device, characterized in that, It has a photographic device according to claim 5.

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