Magnetic sensor assembly and camera module having the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor assembly and a camera module having the same, which detect the positional relationship and rotational direction of a movable part relative to a fixed part with a simple structure. The magnetic sensor assembly (1) has a first component (10) including first to third magnetic sensors (13A to 13C) and a second component (20) including first to third magnets (22A to 22C). The second component (20) can move relative to the first component (10) in the X and Y directions and rotate relative to the Z axis in a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system (101). The first to third magnetic sensors (13A to 13C) are respectively opposite to the first to third magnets (22A to 22C) in the Z direction. The outputs of the first to third magnetic sensors (13A to 13C) change monotonically. The output change of the first magnetic sensor (13A) is different from the output change of the second magnetic sensor (13B). The first to third magnets (22A to 22C) are respectively located on the first to third straight lines (L1 to L3). The angle formed by the first straight line (L1) and the X-axis, the angle formed by the second straight line (L2) and the X-axis, and the angle formed by the third straight line (L3) and the Y-axis are the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-178346 filed on October 23, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor assembly and a camera module equipped with the same, and in particular to the structure of the magnetic sensor assembly. Background Art

[0003] A magnetic sensor assembly that detects the relative position of a movable part relative to a fixed part is used in various applications. Patent document 1 discloses an image shake correction device applied to a camera module. A plurality of Hall elements are provided in a movable part including an image pickup element, and a magnet facing the Hall elements is provided in a camera body. The movement amount of the movable part in two directions orthogonal to the camera body and the rotation angle around an axis orthogonal to the two directions are obtained based on the output change amount of the plurality of Hall elements.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-94185

[0007] In the image stabilization device described in Patent Document 1, the amount of change in the element output remains the same regardless of the direction in which the Hall element rotates relative to the magnet. Therefore, a separate mechanism is required to detect the rotation direction of the movable portion. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic sensor module capable of detecting the positional relationship and rotational direction of a movable part relative to a fixed part with a simple structure.

[0009] The magnetic sensor assembly of the present invention has a first component including first to third magnetic sensors and a second component including first to third magnets. The second component can move relative to the first component in the X and Y directions and rotate relative to the Z axis in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. The first to third magnetic sensors are opposite to the first to third magnets in the Z direction, respectively. The output of the first magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement of the first magnetic sensor in the X direction relative to the first magnet, the output of the second magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement of the second magnetic sensor in the X direction relative to the second magnet, and the output of the third magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement of the third magnetic sensor in the Y direction relative to the third magnet. When the second component is relatively displaced in the X and Y directions relative to the first component and relatively rotated around the Z axis, the output change of the first magnetic sensor and the output change of the second magnetic sensor are different from each other. The first to third magnets are respectively located on the first to third straight lines with the origin of the specified XY plane as one end. The first angle formed by the first straight line and the X axis, the second angle formed by the second straight line and the X axis, and the third angle formed by the third straight line and the Y axis are the same.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a magnetic sensor module capable of detecting the positional relationship and rotational direction of a movable portion with respect to a fixed portion with a simple structure.

[0011] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a camera module including the magnetic sensor assembly of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2A , 2B yes Figure 1 A top view of the magnetic sensor assembly is shown.

[0014] Figures 3A to 3C yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the magnetic sensor assembly is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a top view of the magnetic sensor module according to the first embodiment and its modified example.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a top view of a magnetic sensor module according to another modified example of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a top view of a magnetic sensor module according to another modified example of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 71 is a top view of a magnetic sensor assembly of a comparative example.

[0019] Fig. 8A , 8B It is a top view of the magnetic sensor module of the second embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a top view of a magnetic sensor module according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a top view of the magnetic sensor module of the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig.11 It is a top view of the magnetic sensor module of the fourth embodiment.

[0023] Fig.12 It is a diagram for explaining other modified examples.

[0024] Fig.13A , 13B It is a diagram for explaining other modified examples.

[0025] Figures 14A to 14C It is a diagram for explaining other modified examples.

[0026] Explanation of symbols

[0027] 1 Magnetic sensor assembly

[0028] 10. First Part

[0029] 13A to 13C First to third magnetic sensors

[0030] 20 Second Part

[0031] 21 Housing

[0032] 22A~22C First to third magnets

[0033] 122A First Magnet

[0034] 22D Balancer

[0035] 24 Boundary surface between N pole and S pole

[0036] 30 Third Part

[0037] 100 Camera Module

[0038] L1~L4 The first to fourth straight lines

[0039] θ1~θ4 First to fourth angles DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The magnetic sensor assembly of several embodiments of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are three mutually orthogonal directions defined by a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. The X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens described below, and the Z direction is parallel to the optical axis of the lens. In addition, the directions indicated by the arrows in the X, Y, and Z directions in the figure are sometimes referred to as the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction, and the directions on the opposite sides thereof are referred to as the -X direction, the -Y direction, and the -Z direction.

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a camera module 100 including a magnetic sensor assembly 1 of a first embodiment. The camera module 100 is mounted on the main body of a portable phone, but can also be mounted on a camera body of a dedicated camera machine. The camera module 100 has a first component 10 fixed to the main body of the portable phone. The first component 10 is fixed relative to a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. The first component 10 includes a substrate 11, an imaging element 12, first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C, a first coil (not shown), etc. The imaging element 12 is composed of CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) and the like. The imaging element 12 and the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C are mounted on the substrate 11. The substrate 11 is connected to an electrical wiring component 14 that connects the imaging element 12 to the outside.

[0043] The camera module 100 has a second component 20 that can move in a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. The second component 20 has a rectangular housing 21 and first to third magnets 22A to 22C fixed to the housing 21. The second component 20 can move relative to the first component 10 in the X and Y directions (translation) and can rotate relative to the Z axis in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. A lens 31 that is circular when viewed from the Z direction is accommodated inside the housing 21, and the housing 21 surrounds the lens 31. The lens 31 is supported by the housing 21 in a manner that allows relative movement in the Z direction relative to the housing 21. The lens 31 constitutes a part of a movable component (third component 30) that can move independently of the second component 20. A second coil (not shown) is arranged around the lens 31. When the second coil is energized, the lens 31 is driven relative to the housing 21 in the Z direction by the Lorentz force generated between the second coil and the first to third magnets 22A to 22C. Thus, the autofocus function is performed. In addition, when the first coil is energized, the second component 20 moves relative to the first component 10 in the X and Y directions and rotates relative to the Z axis due to the Lorentz force generated between the first coil and the first to third magnets 22A to 22C. As a result, an optical image stabilization (OIS) function is achieved. In this embodiment, the first to third magnets 22A to 22C are used to drive the lens 31, but an OIS magnet for driving the lens 31 may also be provided separately.

[0044] Figure 2A , 2B It is a plan view of the magnetic sensor unit 1 as viewed from the Z direction, and shows the first to third magnets 22A to 22C, the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C, the lens 31 , and the housing 21 . Figure 2A Indicates the state where the first to third magnets 22A to 22C are in the reference position (reference state), Figure 2B The second member 20 is shown in a state where it is rotated counterclockwise by dθ relative to the first member 10. Here, the reference position refers to a position where the centers of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C coincide with the centers of the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C in the Z direction. Figures 3A to 3C Along the Figure 2A , 2B Partial cross-sectional views of line AA, line BB and line CC.

[0045] The first to third magnets 22A to 22C are located in the first XY plane P1 (predetermined XY plane) of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. The first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C are located in the second XY plane P2 (on the -Z side in this embodiment) different from the first XY plane P1 of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. The first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C are respectively opposite to the first to third magnets 22A to 22C in the Z direction. Specifically, in the reference state, a line passing through the center of the first magnetic sensor 13A and the center of the first magnet 22A is parallel to the Z axis, in the reference state, a line passing through the center of the second magnetic sensor 13B and the center of the second magnet 22B is parallel to the Z axis, and in the reference state, a line passing through the center of the third magnetic sensor 13C and the center of the third magnet 22C is parallel to the Z axis. The first magnetic sensor 13A and the first magnet 22A constitute the first position detection body 2A, the second magnetic sensor 13B and the second magnet 22B constitute the second position detection body 2B, and the third magnetic sensor 13C and the third magnet 22C constitute the third position detection body 2C.

[0046] When viewed from the Z direction, the first magnetic sensor 13A and the first magnet 22A (first position detection body 2A) and the second magnetic sensor 13B and the second magnet 22B (second position detection body 2B) are located in quadrants that are opposite to each other across the X axis of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. In addition, when viewed from the Z direction, the third magnetic sensor 13C and the third magnet 22C (third position detection body 2C) are located in a quadrant (first quadrant I) that is different from the quadrant (second quadrant II) where the first magnetic sensor 13A and the first magnet 22A (first position detection body 2A) are located and the quadrant (third quadrant III) where the second magnetic sensor 13B and the second magnet (second position detection body 2B) are located. In addition, when viewed from the Z direction, the centers of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C and the centers of the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C are located on the same circle R1 centered at the origin of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. In addition, all of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C have the same structure and the same weight. Therefore, it is possible to easily ensure the weight balance in the circumferential direction of the second member 20. In addition, it is preferable that all of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C have the same size.

[0047] When viewed from the Z direction, the centers of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C are respectively located on the first to third straight lines L1 to L3 with the origin O of the first XY plane P1 as one end. The first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are arranged at positions symmetrical about the X-axis, and the first angle θ1 formed by the first straight line L1 and the X-axis and the second angle θ2 formed by the second straight line L2 and the X-axis are equal. The third straight line L3 is orthogonal to the first straight line L1. Therefore, the third angle θ3 formed by the third straight line L3 and the Y-axis is equal to the first and second angles θ1 and θ2. Here, the first to third angles θ1 to θ3 are defined within the range of 0 to 90 degrees. Although described in detail later, the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 can be any angle (i.e., an included angle or a right angle) that is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and can be appropriately determined according to the size, position, shape, size, etc. of the magnets, the housing 21, etc.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are preferably separated to a certain extent. Specifically, the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are preferably 20 to 70 degrees. Thus, the first to third magnets 22A to 22C can be disposed at the corner 23 of the housing 21 or in its vicinity, which can prevent the size of the housing 21 from increasing, and further prevent the camera module 100 from being enlarged. In addition, by ensuring the separation distance between the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B in the Y direction, the first magnetic sensor 13A can mainly detect the magnetic flux generated by the first magnet 22A, and the second magnetic sensor 13B can mainly detect the magnetic flux generated by the second magnet 22B. As a result, the accuracy of the magnetic sensor assembly 1 is improved.

[0049] The first to third magnets 22A to 22C are mounted on the housing 21 with their N poles facing the center of the housing 21 or the lens 31, or the origin O of the first XY plane P1. However, a perpendicular line drawn from the end surface 25 of the N poles of the first and second magnets 22A and 22B is parallel to the X axis and does not pass through the origin O. A perpendicular line drawn from the end surface 25 of the N pole of the third magnet 22C is parallel to the Y axis and does not pass through the origin O. The first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are magnetized in the same direction, and the third magnet 22C is magnetized in a direction orthogonal to the first and second magnets 22A and 22B. Specifically, in the reference state, the N poles of the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B face the +X direction, and the N pole of the third magnet 22C faces the -Y direction.

[0050] The first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C include a magnetic field detection element that senses a magnetic field in a specified direction. The magnetic field detection element may be a Hall element, or a magnetoresistive element such as a GMR element, a TMR element, or an AMR element. The first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C have the same structure and the same sensitivity. The magnetic sensor assembly 1 has a calculation unit (not shown) that processes the output from the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C. The calculation unit is usually arranged outside the housing 21, but may also be arranged inside the housing 21.

[0051] The operation of the magnetic sensor assembly 1 is described below. Here, it is assumed that the second component 20 is relatively displaced (translated) by dX in the +X direction and by dY in the +Y direction relative to the first component 10, and relatively rotated by dθ counterclockwise around the Z axis. These displacements and rotations are minute, so they can be considered separately. First, it is assumed that the second component 20 is rotated by dθ counterclockwise. At this time, Figure 2B and Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the first magnet 22A moves in the -X direction, the second magnet 22B moves in the +X direction, and the third magnet 22C moves in the +Y direction.

[0052] The magnetic field detection elements of the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C have a magnetic sensitivity axis in the Z direction. Here, it is assumed that the output voltage of the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C is proportional to the detected magnetic flux density, and increases when a magnetic flux toward the -Z direction is detected, and decreases when a magnetic flux toward the +Z direction is detected. Figures 3A to 3C As shown by the solid line in the middle, at the reference position, when viewed from the Z direction, the centers of the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C coincide with the centers of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C, respectively. Therefore, the Z-direction magnetic field detected by the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C is substantially zero. Figure 3A As shown by the dotted line, when the first magnet 22A moves in the -X direction, the magnetic flux toward the -Z direction is detected, so the output voltage of the first magnetic sensor 13A increases. Figure 3B As shown by the dotted line, when the second magnet 22B moves in the +X direction, the magnetic flux toward the +Z direction is detected, so the output voltage of the second magnetic sensor 13B decreases. Figure 3CAs shown by the dotted line in the middle, when the third magnet 22C moves in the +Y direction, the magnetic flux toward the -Z direction is detected, so the output voltage of the third magnetic sensor 13C increases. When the first to third magnets 22A to 22C move in the opposite direction, the increase or decrease in the output voltage is also opposite. Therefore, the output of the first magnetic sensor 13A changes monotonically according to the relative displacement of the first magnetic sensor 13A and the first magnet 22A in the X direction, the output of the second magnetic sensor 13B changes monotonically according to the relative displacement of the second magnetic sensor 13B and the second magnet 22B in the X direction, and the output of the third magnetic sensor 13C changes monotonically according to the relative displacement of the third magnetic sensor 13C and the third magnet 22C in the Y direction. For convenience, it can be understood that in Figure 2B In the case where the center of the magnetic sensor faces the N pole, the output voltage increases, and in the case where it faces the S pole, the output voltage decreases.

[0053] The same consideration can be applied to the case where the second member 20 is relatively displaced (translationally moved) by dX in the X direction relative to the first member 10. Figure 3A It can be seen that when the first magnet 22A moves in the +X direction, the output voltage of the first magnetic sensor 13A decreases, and when it moves in the -X direction, the output voltage of the first magnetic sensor 13A increases. Figure 3B It can be seen that when the second magnet 22B moves in the +X direction, the output voltage of the second magnetic sensor 13B decreases, and when it moves in the -X direction, the output voltage of the second magnetic sensor 13B increases. Figure 3C It can be seen that if the third magnet 22C moves in the +Y direction, the output voltage of the third magnetic sensor 13C increases, and if it moves in the -Y direction, the output voltage of the third magnetic sensor 13C decreases. In addition, from the above, it can be seen that the first and second magnetic sensors 13A and 13B function as displacement sensors in the X direction, and the third magnetic sensor 13C functions as a displacement sensor in the Y direction.

[0054] The Y-direction dimension of the first and second magnets 22A and 22B is longer than the Y-direction dimension of the first and second magnetic sensors 13A and 13B. In addition, in the reference state, the first and second magnetic sensors 13A and 13B are located at the Y-direction center of the first and second magnets 22A and 22B, respectively. Therefore, even if the second component 20 moves in the Y-direction, the outputs of the first and second magnetic sensors 13A and 13B will not be affected. Similarly, the X-direction dimension of the third magnet 22C is longer than the X-direction dimension of the third magnetic sensor 13C. In addition, in the reference state, the third magnetic sensor 13C is located at the X-direction center of the third magnet 22C. Therefore, even if the second component 20 moves in the X-direction, the output of the third magnetic sensor 13C will not be affected.

[0055] In this embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction, the surface 24 between the N pole and the S pole of the first and second magnets intersects with the circle R1. Figure 2A The first magnet 22A located at the dotted line in the figure represents a comparative example, and the middle surface 24 is in contact with the circle R1, so it does not intersect with the circle R1. In this case, as can be understood from the above description, no matter which direction the first magnet 22A rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the N pole is opposite to the center of the first magnetic sensor 13A, and the output voltage of the first magnetic sensor 13A increases. Therefore, it is possible to detect the rotation of the second component 20, but it is impossible to detect in which direction it rotates. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the middle surface 24 intersects with the circle R1, so the output voltage of the first magnetic sensor 13A increases or decreases according to the direction in which the second component 20 rotates. Therefore, it is possible to detect in which direction the second component 20 rotates. The same is true for the second magnetic sensor 13B and the third magnetic sensor 13C. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the second component 20 rotates around the Z axis, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B move to opposite sides of each other in the X direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the output change of the first magnetic sensor 13A is different from the output change of the second magnetic sensor 13B.

[0056] Based on the above, the output change V of the first magnetic sensor 13A when the second component 20 is displaced (translated) by dX in the X direction, displaced (translated) by dY in the Y direction, and rotated by dθ around the Z axis relative to the first component 10 is: x1 , the output change V of the second magnetic sensor 13B x2 , the output change V of the third magnetic sensor 13C y It is found as follows.

[0057] V X1 =f (dX) +f (dθ) ···(Formula 1)

[0058] V X2 =f (dX) -f (dθ) ···(Formula 2)

[0059] V y =f (dY) +f (dθ) ···(Formula 3)

[0060] Here, f (dX) 、f (dY) 、f (dθ) is the output change of each magnetic sensor, f (dX) 、f (dY) 、f (dθ)They are generated by dX, dY, and dθ respectively. When (Equation 1) to (Equation 3) are transformed, they are as follows:

[0061] f (dx) =V x1 -(V x1 -V x2 ) / 2···(Formula 4)

[0062] f (dy) =V y -(V x1 -V x2 ) / 2···(Formula 5)

[0063] f (dθ) =(V x1 -V x2 ) / 2···(Formula 6). It can be based on f (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) The amount of movement (dX, dY, dθ) of the second member 20 relative to the first member 10 is obtained. This calculation can be performed by the calculation unit 16 .

[0064] Thus, in this embodiment, the relative movement of the second member 20 in the X direction and the Y direction relative to the first member 10 and the relative rotation angle around the Z axis can be obtained by using the three magnets 22A to 22C and the three magnetic sensors 13A to 13C. Since the selectable range of the first to third angles θ1 to θ3 is large, the magnetic sensor assembly 1 can be miniaturized by studying the arrangement of the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C and the first to third magnets 22A to 22C.

[0065] (Modifications and Comparative Examples of the First Embodiment)

[0066] The positions at which the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C and the first to third magnets 22A to 22C are arranged are not limited to those of the first embodiment as long as (Formula 1) to (Formula 6) hold. Figure 4Represents the first embodiment and its modified example. The second component 20 is rotated counterclockwise by dθ. In modified example 1-1, the third magnet 22C is arranged in the second quadrant II in the same manner as the first magnet 22A, and the third straight line L3 is orthogonal to the second straight line L2. In other words, the third magnet 22C and the third magnet 22C of the first embodiment are in a symmetrical relationship about the Y axis. In modified example 1-2, the third magnet 22C is arranged in the fourth quadrant IV, and the third straight line L3 is orthogonal to the second straight line L2. In other words, the third magnet 22C and the third magnet 22C of the first embodiment are in a symmetrical relationship about the X axis. In modified example 1-3, the third magnet 22C is arranged in the third quadrant III, and the third straight line L3 is orthogonal to the first straight line L1. In other words, the third magnet 22C and the third magnet 22C of the first embodiment are in a point-symmetrical relationship about the origin O. In these cases, if the second member 20 rotates counterclockwise by dθ, the N pole of the third magnet 22C faces the center of the third magnetic sensor 13C, so (Formula 1) to (Formula 6) also hold true.

[0067] Figure 5 Another modification of the first embodiment is shown. The second member 20 is rotated counterclockwise by dθ. The positions of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C in modifications 1-4 to 1-7 are the same as those in the first embodiment and modifications 1-1 to 1-3, respectively, but the magnetization direction of the third magnet 22C is opposite. In these cases, the following equation holds.

[0068] V X1 =f (dX) +f (dθ) (Formula 1)

[0069] V X2 =f (dX) -f (dθ) (Formula 2)

[0070] V y =f (dY) -f (dθ) (Formula 3')

[0071] f (dx) =V x1 -(V x1 -V x2 ) / 2 (Formula 4)

[0072] f (dy) =V y +(V x1 -V x2 ) / 2 (Formula 5')

[0073] f (dθ) =(V x1 -V x2 ) / 2 (Formula 6)

[0074] That is, by simply changing (Formula 3) and (Formula 5), ​​f can be obtained by basically the same method as in the first embodiment. (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) Although not shown in the figure, the same result can be obtained even if the polarity of the third sensor is reversed (ie, the output voltage decreases when the magnetic flux toward the -Z direction is detected, and the output voltage increases when the magnetic flux toward the +Z direction is detected).

[0075] Figure 6 Another modified example of the first embodiment is shown. Figure 6 The magnetic sensor assembly 1 of this modification example is viewed from the Z direction. Figure 2A Same top view. In this modification, the first to third angles θ1 to θ3 are all 90 degrees. The perpendicular line drawn from the end face 25 of the N pole of the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B is parallel to the X-axis and does not pass through the origin O. The perpendicular line drawn from the end face 25 of the N pole of the third magnet 22C is parallel to the Y-axis and does not pass through the origin O. The first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are magnetized in the same direction, and the third magnet 22C is magnetized in a direction orthogonal to the first and second magnets 22A and 22B. That is, this modification is the same as the first embodiment except that the first to third angles θ1 to θ3 are all 90 degrees. Therefore, this modification satisfies equations (1) to (6) and works in the same way as the first embodiment.

[0076] Figure 7 1-1 to 1-4 correspond to the first embodiment and modified examples 1-1 to 1-3, respectively, but the magnetization direction of the second magnet 22B is opposite. Therefore, when the second component 20 rotates counterclockwise by dθ, the N pole of the second magnet 22B is opposite to the center of the second magnetic sensor 13B. Since the N pole of the first magnet 22A is also opposite to the center of the first magnetic sensor 13A, the outputs of the first magnetic sensor 13A and the second magnetic sensor 13B are the same (V x1 =V x2 ). In this case, since it is impossible to find f (dx) , so it is impossible to find f (dy) 、f (dθ) As can be seen from the comparative example, in order for (Formula 1) to (Formula 6) to hold true, the outputs of the first magnetic sensor 13A and the second magnetic sensor 13B need to be different.

[0077] (Second Embodiment)

[0078] Fig. 8A , 8B The magnetic sensor assembly 1 of the second embodiment is viewed from the Z direction. Figure 2A , 2B Same top view. Fig. 8A Indicates the state where the first to third magnets 22A to 22C are in the reference position (reference state), Figure 8B Represents the state of the second component 20 after rotating counterclockwise by dθ relative to the first component 10. In the present embodiment, the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 are located on the same straight line, and the third straight line L3 is orthogonal to the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2. When viewed from the Z direction, the first magnetic sensor 13A and the first magnet 22A (first position detection body 2A) and the second magnetic sensor 13B and the second magnet 22B (second position detection body 2B) are located in quadrants opposite to each other across the origin of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. That is, the first magnetic sensor 13A and the first magnet 22A (first position detection body 2A) are located in the second quadrant II, and the second magnetic sensor 13B and the second magnet 22B (second position detection body 2B) are located in the fourth quadrant IV. In addition, the third magnetic sensor 13C and the third magnet 22C (third position detection body 2C) are located in the first quadrant I. Therefore, compared with the first embodiment, the circumferential weight balance of the second component 20 is further improved. From Figure 8B It can be seen that the positional relationship between the second magnet 22B and the second magnetic sensor 13B when the second component 20 rotates counterclockwise by dθ is the same as that of the first embodiment (the S pole of the second magnet 22B is opposite to the center of the second magnetic sensor 13B). Therefore, (Formula 1) to (Formula 6) are also valid in this embodiment. Although not shown in the figure, the third magnet 22C can also be set in the third quadrant III, i.e. Fig. 8A , 8B The position shown is point symmetrical with respect to the origin O of the third magnet 22C.

[0079] (Variation of the Second Embodiment)

[0080] Fig. 9 The magnetic sensor assembly 1 of the modified example of the second embodiment is viewed from the Z direction. Figure 2ASame top view. In this variation, a balancer 22D having the same weight as the first to third magnets 22A to 22C is provided on the opposite side of the magnet 22C across the origin O. The balancer 22D may be a magnet having the same weight as the first to third magnets 22A to 22C, but any magnet may be used as long as the weight is the same. When viewed from the Z direction, the center of the balancer 22D is located on the fourth straight line L4 having the origin O of the first XY plane P1 as one end. The fourth straight line L4 is orthogonal to the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2. Therefore, the fourth angle θ4 formed by the fourth straight line L4 and the Y axis is equal to the first to third angles θ1 to θ3. Since the first to third magnets 22A to 22C and the balancer 22D are arranged at 90 degree intervals on the same circle, the circumferential weight balance of the second component 20 is further improved compared to the second embodiment. The balancer 22D only needs to be located in a quadrant different from the quadrant where the first magnetic sensor 13A and the first magnet 22A (first position detection body 2A) are located, the quadrant where the second magnetic sensor 13B and the second magnet 22B (second position detection body 2B) are located, and the quadrant where the third magnetic sensor 13C and the third magnet 22C (third position detection body 2C) are located, and it does not need to have a rotationally symmetrical relationship with the first to third magnets 22A to 22C.

[0081] (Third Embodiment)

[0082] Fig.10 The magnetic sensor assembly 1 of the third embodiment is viewed from the Z direction. Figure 2A Same top view. When viewed from the Z direction, the center of any one of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C and the center of any other are located on concentric circles R1 and R2 with different diameters centered on the origin of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101. In the present embodiment, the center of the first magnet 22A is farther from the origin O than the centers of the second and third magnets 22B and 22C. Accordingly, the center of the first magnetic sensor 13A is also farther from the origin O than the centers of the second and third magnetic sensors 13B and 13C. Therefore, the X-direction displacement of the first magnetic sensor 13A when rotated by dθ becomes larger. In other words, the sensitivity of the first magnetic sensor 13A is improved. If the distance from the center of the first magnet 22A to the origin O: the distance from the center of the second and third magnets 22B and 22C to the origin O = n:1, then (Formula 1) to (Formula 6) are rewritten as follows.

[0083] V X1 =f (dX) +n×f (dθ) (Formula 1")

[0084] V X2 =f (dX) -f (dθ) (Formula 2)

[0085] V y =f (dY) +f (dθ) (Formula 3)

[0086] f (dx) =V x1 -(V x1 -V x2 ) / (1+n) (Formula 4")

[0087] f (dy) =V y -(V x1 -V x2 ) / (1+n) (Formula 5")

[0088] f (dθ) =(V x1 -V x2 ) / (1+n) (Formula 6")

[0089] That is, by simply changing (Formula 1) and (Formula 4) to (Formula 6), f can be obtained by basically the same method as in the first embodiment. (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) In this embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction, the surface 24 between the N pole and the S pole of the first and second magnets 22A and 22B intersects with the circle R1, but they may also be in contact. This is because, since n≠1, it is different from the comparative example and does not become V x1 =V x2 .

[0090] Although not shown in the figure, the third magnet 22C can also be arranged in the third quadrant III, that is, Fig.10 The third magnet 22C shown is located at a point symmetrical position about the origin O. In addition, the second magnet 22B can also be arranged in the third quadrant III, i.e. Figure 2A , 2B The position of the second magnet 22B shown in FIG. 1 can also be applied in this case. Figure 4 , 5 In the present embodiment, the position of the first magnet 22A is changed from that of the first embodiment, but the position of the second magnet 22B or the third magnet 22C may be changed, and the first to third magnets 22A to 22C may be arranged at positions with different distances from the origin O.

[0091] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0092] Fig.11 The magnetic sensor assembly 1 of the fourth embodiment is viewed from the Z direction. Figure 2ASame top view. In this embodiment, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are integrated with the X-axis to form the first magnet 122A. The third magnet 22C extends to the second quadrant II in a manner symmetrical about the Y-axis. That is, the third magnet 22C extends parallel to the X-axis on both sides of the Y-axis. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As can be understood from the comparison of , the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B rotate around the origin O without changing their positional relationship with each other. In other words, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B can move in the same way as in the first embodiment even if they are constrained to each other (that is, even if they are integrated as in the present embodiment). Therefore, the magnetic sensor assembly 1 of the present embodiment satisfies equations (1) to (6) and operates in the same way as the magnetic sensor assembly 1 of the first embodiment. In particular, when the first magnet 22A or the second magnet 22B is long, it is necessary to pay attention to the installation position and method of the magnet in order to avoid interference with the lens 31.

[0093] By making the magnets 122A and 22C elongated, the freedom of the installation positions of the first to third magnetic sensors 13A to 13C is increased, for example, the first to third angles θ1 to θ3 can be set smaller. That is, according to this embodiment, the design freedom of the magnetic sensor assembly 1 can be increased. The arrangement of the magnets in the camera module is not limited to Figure 1 The examples shown, for example, are sometimes Fig.11 The magnets for driving the lens 31 and for OIS are arranged at the positions shown. In this embodiment, such magnets can be used as the first magnet 122A and the third magnet 22C. In addition, the third magnet 22C does not need to be elongated, and can have the same shape as the first to third embodiments.

[0094] If the above embodiments are further generalized, the output change V of the first magnetic sensor 13A when the second component 20 is displaced (translated) by dX in the X direction, displaced (translated) by dY in the Y direction, and rotated by dθ around the Z axis relative to the first component 10 is x1 , the output change V of the second magnetic sensor 13B x2 , the output change V of the third magnetic sensor 13C y It is determined as follows.

[0095] V X1 =f (dX) +a×f (dθ) (Formula 7)

[0096] V X2 =f (dX) +b×f (dθ) (Formula 8)

[0097] Vy =f (dY) +c×f (dθ) (Formula 9)

[0098] Here, f (dX) 、f (dY) 、f (dθ) is the output change of each magnetic sensor based on dX, dY, dθ, and a, b, c are constants. When (Equation 7) to (Equation 9) are transformed, they are as follows:

[0099] f (dx) =V x1 -a×(V x1 -V x2 ) / (ab) (Formula 10)

[0100] f (dy) =V y -c×(V x1 -V x2 ) / (ab) (Formula 11)

[0101] f (dθ) =(V x1 -V x2 ) / (ab) (Formula 12).

[0102] a, b, c are constants determined by the configuration positions of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C, a=1, b=-r2 / r1, c=r3 / r1 (here, r1, r2, r3 are the distances from the centers of the first to third magnets 22A to 22C to the origin in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system 101 as viewed from the Z direction). As can be seen from (Equation 7) to (Equation 9), a, b, c are coefficients related to f(dθ), so, for example, they can also be constants proportional to the sensitivity of the third magnetic sensor 13C. As can be seen from (Equation 10) to (Equation 12), when V x1 =V x2 When f (dx) =V x1 , f (dy) =V y , f (dθ) = 0, the rotation angle cannot be calculated. Therefore, V x1 ≠V x2 It is a necessary condition. In addition, according to (Formula 10) to (Formula 12), a≠b is also required, but according to the comparison of (Formula 7) and (Formula 8), if Vx1≠Vx2, this condition is automatically satisfied.

[0103] The present invention has been described above by taking several embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in this embodiment, the first component 10 is a fixed component and the second component 20 is a movable component, but the first component 10 may be a movable component and the second component 20 may be a fixed component. In addition, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are respectively arranged in one quadrant, but they may also be arranged on the X-axis or the Y-axis (for example, Figure 2A In this case, if the plane 24 between the N pole and the S pole of the first and second magnets 22A and 22B intersects the circle R1, then V x1 ≠V x2 Therefore, the displacement of the second member 20 can be obtained according to (Equation 1) to (Equation 6). In addition, although the present invention is described here by way of example in which the magnetic sensor unit 1 of the camera module 100 is applied, the magnetic sensor unit 1 can of course be applied to purposes other than the camera module 100.

[0104] In the first embodiment, it is described that by setting the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 to 20 to 70 degrees, the size of the housing 21 can be prevented from increasing. On the other hand, by setting the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 to 0 to 20 degrees, the size of the housing 21 can also be prevented from increasing. Here, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the magnetic sensor rotates, but the same is true even if the magnet rotates. Fig.12 In FIG. 2 , the magnetic sensor 113 and the magnet 222 are opposite to each other and are arranged at an initial position of an angle θ. Fig.12 The magnetic sensor 113 is also shown rotated counterclockwise by dθ from the initial position. If the moving distances of the magnetic sensor 113 in the X direction and the Y direction after the rotation by dθ are set as a and b, and the distance between the magnetic sensing part of the magnetic sensor 113 and the origin is set as r, then,

[0105] a=2×r×sin(dθ / 2)×sin(dθ / 2+θ)=C×sin(θ)

[0106] b=2×r×sin(dθ / 2)×cos(dθ / 2+θ)=C′×cos(θ). Here, C and C′ are constants. dθ is realized by, for example, an OIS function.

[0107] If the magnetic sensing part of the magnetic sensor 113 is located inside the magnet 222 when viewed from the Z direction, the magnetic sensor 113 can work, but if it is located outside the magnet 222, the magnetic sensor 113 is difficult to work. When the angle θ is small, as shown in the above formula, a becomes smaller. Therefore, the X-direction dimension of the magnet 222 is reduced, thereby preventing the size of the housing 21 from increasing. The angle θ is preferably in the range of 0<θ≤~20°, and in one example θ=8°.

[0108] In addition, refer to Figure 7 , which shows that f cannot be obtained in Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-4. (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) However, in this case, f can also be obtained by changing the signal processing. (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) . Fig.13A A magnetic sensor that represents a first to fourth magnetic field detection element S1 to S4 such as a Hall element and an MR element connected to each other through a bridge circuit (Wheatstone bridge). The four magnetic field detection elements S1 to S4 are divided into two groups S1, S2 and S3, S4, and the magnetic field detection elements S1, S2 and the magnetic field detection elements S3, S4 of each group are connected in series. One end of each of the groups S1, S2 and S3, S4 of the magnetic field detection elements is connected to the power supply voltage Vcc, and the other end is grounded (GND). In addition, the midpoint voltage V1 between the magnetic field detection element S1 and the magnetic field detection element S2 and the midpoint voltage V2 between the magnetic field detection element S3 and the magnetic field detection element S4 are taken out. The voltage drop in each magnetic field detection element S1 to S4 is roughly proportional to the resistance of each magnetic field detection element S1 to S4. Therefore, when the resistances of the magnetic field detection elements S1 to S4 are respectively set to R1 to R4, the midpoint voltages V1 and V2 are respectively obtained as shown below. Usually, the midpoint voltage difference V1-V2 is output as the output of the magnetic sensor.

[0109] [Number 1]

[0110]

[0111] [Number 2]

[0112]

[0113] Fig. 13B This shows the general configuration and output processing method of the magnet and magnetic field detection element. Case 1 and Case 3 are the output methods of differential output that are usually performed. However, as can be seen from the comparison between Case 1 and Case 2 (or the comparison between Case 3 and Case 4), even if the magnetization directions of the magnets are the same, the polarity of the output will change depending on whether the differential output dV is set to V1-V2 or V2-V1. Fig.14A is with Figure 7 The schematic structure diagram of the magnetic sensor of Comparative Example 1-3 shown in the figure is the same as that of the magnetic sensor of Comparative Example 1-3. Fig. 14B The output of each magnetic sensor when the differential output dV of all magnetic sensors is V1-V2 is conceptually shown. In this case, since the outputs of the first and second magnetic sensors 13A and 13B are the same, it is impossible to find f (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) In contrast, Fig. 14CThe differential output dV of the second magnetic sensor 13B is set to V2-V1. Thus, the outputs of the magnetic sensors 13A and 13B are different from each other, and f can be obtained. (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) In this way, by making the polarities of the differential outputs of the first and second magnetic sensors 13A and 13B opposite to each other, f can also be obtained. (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) .

[0114] Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope described in the claims.

Claims

1. A magnetic sensor assembly, characterized in that: A first component including first to third magnetic sensors and a second component including first to third magnets, wherein the second component can move relative to the first component in the X and Y directions and rotate relative to the Z axis in a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and the first to third magnetic sensors are opposite to the first to third magnets in the Z direction, respectively. The output of the first magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement between the first magnetic sensor and the first magnet in the X direction, the output of the second magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement between the second magnetic sensor and the second magnet in the X direction, and the output of the third magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement between the third magnetic sensor and the third magnet in the Y direction. When the second component is relatively displaced in the X direction and the Y direction relative to the first component and relatively rotated around the Z axis, the output change of the first magnetic sensor and the output change of the second magnetic sensor are different from each other. The first to third magnets are respectively located on first to third straight lines with the origin of a specified XY plane as one end, and a first angle formed by the first straight line and the X-axis, a second angle formed by the second straight line and the X-axis, and a third angle formed by the third straight line and the Y-axis are the same.

2. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are angles exceeding 0 degrees and not more than 90 degrees.

3. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first angle, the second angle and the third angle are in the range of 20 to 70 degrees.

4. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first angle, the second angle and the third angle are 90 degrees.

5. A magnetic sensor assembly, characterized in that: A first component including first to third magnetic sensors and a second component including first to third magnets, wherein the second component can move relative to the first component in the X and Y directions and rotate relative to the Z axis in a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and the first to third magnetic sensors are opposite to the first to third magnets in the Z direction, respectively. The output of the first magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement between the first magnetic sensor and the first magnet in the X direction, the output of the second magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement between the second magnetic sensor and the second magnet in the X direction, and the output of the third magnetic sensor changes monotonically according to the relative displacement between the third magnetic sensor and the third magnet in the Y direction. The output change of the first magnetic sensor when the second member is displaced by dx in the X direction, by dy in the Y direction, and rotated by dθ around the Z axis relative to the first member is V x1 , the output change of the second magnetic sensor is set to V x2 , the output change of the third magnetic sensor is set to V y When the output of the first to third magnetic sensors changes f (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) for, f (dx) =V x1 -a×(V x1 -V x2 ) / (a-b) f (dy) =V y -c×(V x1 -V x2 ) / (a-b) f (dθ) =(V x1 -V x2 ) / (a-b) Here, f (dx) 、f (dy) 、f (dθ) are generated by dx, dy, and dθ respectively, a, b, and c are constants, and V x1 ≠V x2 .

6. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the distances from the centers of the first to third magnets viewed in the Z direction to the origin in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system are represented by r1, r2, and r3, a=1, b=-r2 / r1, and c=r3 / r1.

7. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed from the Z direction, the first magnetic sensor and the first magnet and the second magnetic sensor and the second magnet are located in quadrants facing each other across the origin of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.

8. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed from the Z direction, the first magnetic sensor and the first magnet and the second magnetic sensor and the second magnet are located in quadrants that are opposite to each other across the X axis of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.

9. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 7, wherein: When viewed from the Z direction, the third magnetic sensor and the third magnet are located in a quadrant different from a quadrant in which the first magnetic sensor and the first magnet are located and a quadrant in which the second magnetic sensor and the second magnet are located.

10. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second member is movable relative to the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, the first to third magnets have the same weight, The second member is provided with a balancer having the same weight as the first to third magnets in a quadrant different from the quadrant in which the first magnet is located, the quadrant in which the second magnet is located, and the quadrant in which the third magnet is located.

11. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed from the Z direction, the centers of the first to third magnets are located on the same circle centered at the origin of a predetermined XY plane of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.

12. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 11, wherein: When viewed from the Z direction, the intermediate surfaces between the N poles and the S poles of the first and second magnets intersect with the circle.

13. The magnetic sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: When viewed from the Z direction, the center of any one of the first to third magnets and the center of any other one of the first to third magnets are located on concentric circles with different diameters centered on the origin of a predetermined XY plane of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.

14. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first magnet and the second magnet are magnetized in the same direction, and the third magnet is magnetized in a direction orthogonal to the first and second magnets.

15. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A third member is provided inside the second member and is driven so as to be relatively movable with respect to the second member via the first to third magnets.

16. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that: The second member has a rectangular housing surrounding the third member, the third member has a circular shape when viewed from the Z direction, and the first to third magnets are provided at corners of the housing.

17. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The first magnet and the second magnet are integrated with each other across the X-axis.

18. The magnetic sensor assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The third magnet extends parallel to the X-axis on both sides of the Y-axis.

19. A camera module, characterized in that: A magnetic sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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