Drive device, photographing device, and electronic device, and manufacturing method of base station

Abstract

Provided are a lens driving device having a base that is not easily thermally deformed, an imaging device and an electronic device, and a manufacturing method of the base. The lens driving device has a moving body including a lens support body, a base that supports the moving body to freely move in an optical axis direction of a lens, the base having a base body that is a quadrangular plate shape as viewed in the optical axis direction of the lens, and a ring-shaped metal member embedded in the base body, the base body being formed of resin, the metal member forming a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the base body at each side of the quadrangle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a lens driving device, a camera device, and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A small camera device is mounted on an electronic device such as a cellular phone and a smart phone. In a lens driving device suitable for such a small camera device, a lens driving device having, for example, an auto focus function is known. SUMMARY

[0003] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] A lens driving device having the above-described auto focus function has a movable body including a lens support body, and a base supporting the movable body to be freely movable in an optical axis direction. The base is formed by embedding a metal member in a resin base body.

[0005] However, there is a problem that the resin base body and the metal member have different thermal shrinkage rates, and are easily deformed by heat when the base is molded.

[0006] The present application aims to eliminate the above-described conventional problems, and to provide a lens driving device, a camera device, and an electronic device having a base which is not easily deformed by heat.

[0007] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0008] One aspect of the present application is a lens driving device having a movable body including a lens support body, and a base supporting the movable body to be freely movable in an optical axis direction, the base including a base body having a quadrangular plate shape as viewed in the optical axis direction of the lens, and a ring-shaped metal member embedded in the base body, the base body being formed of resin, and the metal member having a protruding portion exposed to an outer side of the base body at each side of the quadrangle.

[0009] Preferably, the base body has a standing portion standing in a direction of the movable body at each corner of the base body.

[0010] Further, preferably, the standing portion is formed such that a base end portion of the base body is wider than a tip end portion.

[0011] Further, preferably, the standing portion is bent in a right angle direction in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the lens.

[0012] Further, preferably, the standing portion mounts a flexible printed substrate.

[0013] Furthermore, preferably, a guide shaft for supporting the free movement of the movable body is fixed on the metal component. Moreover, the metal component is rectangular, and when viewed from the optical axis of the lens, the corners of the rectangular shape coincide with the erected portion.

[0014] Another embodiment of the invention is a photographic apparatus having the lens driving device and a lens supported by the lens support.

[0015] Another embodiment of the invention is an electronic device having the photographic apparatus described above.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a base, comprising:

[0017] Each metal component is housed within a unit of a four-corner frame-shaped mounting frame, with each side of the four-corner frame connected to the mounting frame via connecting parts.

[0018] The resin constituting the base body is injected into the annular gap between the metal component and the mounting frame along a trajectory line. After cooling, the connecting portion is cut off, resulting in protrusions on the metal component that project outwards on all four sides. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the base body of the metal component embedded in the four-cornered plate-shaped resin base body has protrusions extending outward from the base body on each side. During base manufacturing, the metal component is cooled while the protrusions on each side are partially supported by the outside of the base body. Therefore, even if there is a difference in the thermal shrinkage rate between the resin base body and the metal component, the thermal deformation of the base can be reduced. [Attached Image Description]

[0020] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the photographic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken from an oblique top view.

[0021] Figure 2 To constitute Figure 1 An exploded oblique view of the moving body 18 of the photographic device 10 when it is disassembled and viewed from an oblique top.

[0022] Figure 3 To view from a diagonal angle Figure 2 The exploded oblique view of the moving body at time 18.

[0023] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the fixture 16 used in the photographic apparatus 10 of an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from an oblique angle.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4Oblique view of the flexible print substrate 78 mounted on the fixed body 16.

[0025] Figure 6 Plan view of the mobile body 18 when viewed from above. Figure 2

[0026] Figure 7A VIIA-VIIA line cross-sectional view of the mobile body 18, Figure 6 VIIB-VIIB line cross-sectional view of the mobile body 18. Figure 7B Figure 6

[0027] VIIIA-VIIIA line cross-sectional view of the mobile body 18, Figure 8A VIIIB-VIIIB line cross-sectional view of the mobile body 18. Figure 7A Figure 8B Figure 7A IXA-IXA line cross-sectional view of the mobile body 18,

[0028] IXB-IXB line cross-sectional view of the mobile body 18. Figure 9A Figure 7B Figure 9B Figure 7B

[0029] Figure 10 Enlarged plan view of the optical axis direction guide mechanism 102 of the present embodiment when viewed from above.

[0030] Figure 11 Oblique view of the base from an oblique perspective.

[0031] Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the base of the present embodiment.

[0032] Figure 13 Plan view showing the metal material when making the base of the present embodiment.

[0033]

Explanation of Symbols

[0034] 10 photographing device

[0035] 12 lens driving device

[0036] 14 lens

[0037] 16 fixed body

[0038] 18 mobile body

[0039] 20 lens support body

[0040] 22 first frame body

[0041] 24 lens mounting hole

[0042] 26 first mobile body plate​​​​​​​

[0043] 28 second moving body plate

[0044] 30 first cover

[0045] 32, 34, 36 opening

[0046] 38 orthogonal direction guide mechanism

[0047] 40 first guide mechanism

[0048] 42 second guide mechanism

[0049] 44, 44A, 44B lower side guide protrusion

[0050] 46, 46A, 46B lower side guide groove

[0051] 48, 48A, 48B upper side guide protrusion

[0052] 50, 50A, 50B upper side guide groove

[0053] 52 first magnet

[0054] 54 second magnet

[0055] 56 first magnetic member

[0056] 58 second magnetic member

[0057] 60 mounting portion

[0058] 62 mounting hole

[0059] 64 mounted portion

[0060] 66 third magnet

[0061] 68 second frame body

[0062] 70 third magnetic member

[0063] 72 first coil

[0064] 74 second coil

[0065] 76 third coil

[0066] 78 flexible printed board

[0067] 80 base

[0068] 82 second cover

[0069] 84, 86 through hole

[0070] 88 opening portion

[0071] 90 terminal portion

[0072] 92 Y-direction position detecting element

[0073] 94 X-direction position detecting element

[0074] 96 Z-direction position detecting element

[0075] 98 Connecting portion

[0076] 100 Separation opening

[0077] 102 Optical axis direction guide mechanism

[0078] 104 Third guide mechanism

[0079] 106 Fourth guide mechanism

[0080] 108 +X-side guide shaft

[0081] 110 +X-side guide hole

[0082] 110A Guide surface

[0083] 110B Y-side surface

[0084] 112 -X-side guide shaft

[0085] 114 -X-side guide groove

[0086] 114A Protruding portion

[0087] 116 Lower side fixing portion

[0088] 118 Upper side fixing portion

[0089] 120 Insertion hole

[0090] 122 Abutment body

[0091] 124 Metal member

[0092] 126 Vertical portion

[0093] 126A Base end portion

[0094] 126B Top end portion

[0095] 128 Fixing hole

[0096] 130 Mounting frame

[0097] 132 Connecting portion

[0098] 134 Protruding portion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] An embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to drawings. The following embodiments show a lens driving device, a camera, and an electronic device of the present application, but the present application is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0100] Figure 1 A camera 10 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The camera 10 is mounted on an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone, and has a lens driving device 12 and a lens 14 mounted on the lens driving device 12.

[0101] Moreover, in the following description, the direction of the optical axis 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 a 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 the upper side in FIG. 1) is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side thereof (i.e., the side on which the image sensor is not disposed, which is not shown) is referred to as the lower side. Figure 1

[0102] The lens driving device 12 has a fixed body 16 and a movable body 18 supported with respect to the fixed body 16 so as to be freely movable in the optical axis direction. The movable body 18 is disposed inside the fixed body 16.

[0103] The movable body 18 has a lens support body 20 supporting the lens 14 and a frame body, i.e., a first frame body 22, surrounding the periphery of the lens support body 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Figure 2 Figure 3 The lens support body 20 and the first frame body 22 have substantially quadrangular shapes when viewed from the upper side.

[0104] A lens mounting hole 24 having a circular shape is formed inside the lens support body 20 and penetrates from the upper side to the lower side when viewed from the Z direction. The lens 14 is mounted on the lens mounting hole 24.

[0105] The first frame body 22 includes a first movable body plate 26, a second movable body plate 28, and a first cover 30 each having substantially quadrangular shapes when viewed from the upper side. The first movable body plate 26 and the second movable body plate 28 are made of engineering plastics 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 formed in the first movable body plate 26, the second movable body plate 28, and the first cover 30, respectively, and penetrate from the upper side to the lower side. The openings 32, 34, and 36 each have a substantially circular shape.

[0106] ​​The first frame body 22 supports the lens support body 20 to be freely movable in both the first direction (i.e., the X direction) and the second direction (i.e., the Y direction). Specifically, a guide mechanism (i.e., an orthogonal direction guide mechanism 38) is provided on the lens support body 20 and the first frame body 22, and supports the lens support body 20 to be freely movable in both the X direction and the Y direction with respect to a prescribed member (i.e., a second movable body plate 28) constituting the frame body. The orthogonal direction guide mechanism 38 is composed of a first guide mechanism 40 provided on the Z direction side (lower side) and a second guide mechanism 42 provided on the Z direction opposite side (upper side).

[0107] The first guide mechanism 40 is composed of a lower side guide protrusion 44 protruding in the -Z direction from the lower side of the first movable body plate 26 and a lower side guide groove 46 recessed in the -Z direction so that the lower side guide protrusion 44 can be fitted into the upper side of the second movable body plate 28. The lower side guide protrusion 44 and the lower side guide groove 46 are formed in the vicinity of the four corners of the first movable body plate 26 and the second movable body plate 28, respectively, and extend in the X direction.

[0108] The lower side guide protrusion 44 and the lower side guide groove 46 extend in the X direction, respectively, and thus are relatively movable only in the X direction, and are restricted from moving in the Y direction. Thus, the first movable body plate 26 is movable only in the X direction with respect to the second movable body plate 28, and is restricted from moving in the Y direction. In other words, the lens support body 20 is movable in the X direction with respect to the second movable body plate 28 together with the first movable body plate 26 due to the first guide mechanism 40.

[0109] Further, the lower side guide protrusion 44 and the lower side guide groove 46 are disposed on one side and the other side in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the first movable body plate 26 (i.e., the Y direction). Specifically, the lower side guide protrusion 44 has two lower side guide protrusions 44A, 44A disposed on the one side (-Y side) in the Y direction and two lower side guide protrusions 44B, 44B disposed on the other side (+Y side) in the Y direction. Further, the lower side guide groove 46 has two lower side guide grooves 46A, 46A disposed on the one side in the Y direction and two lower side guide grooves 46B, 46B disposed on the other side in the Y direction.

[0110] As Figure 7A , Figure 8BAs shown, viewed from the X direction, the lower guide grooves 46A and 46A on one side of the Y direction have a V-shaped cross-section. The shape of the lower guide grooves 46A and 46A changes so that their width decreases closer to the bottom of the groove. To achieve this smaller width closer to the bottom, the guide grooves are inclined. Furthermore, the lower guide protrusions 44A and 44A are semi-circular. Thus, the arc-shaped portions of the lower guide protrusions 44A and 44A and the straight portions of the lower guide grooves 46A and 46A are in line contact with each other at two points. Moreover, a space is formed between the lower guide protrusions 44A and 44A and the lower guide grooves 46A and 46A in the portion between the two line contact points and the bottom of the groove. The cross-sectional shape of the lower guide protrusions 44A and 44A can also be square; in this case, the cross-sectional shape of the lower guide grooves 46A and 46A can also be V-shaped or U-shaped. By making line contact at two points, the position of the lower guide protrusions 44A, 44A relative to the lower guide grooves 46A, 46A in the Y direction can be determined, and there is no offset.

[0111] Moreover, such as Figure 7A , Figure 8A As shown, viewed from the X direction, the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B on the other side of the Y direction have square cross-sections. Specifically, the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B have a plane extending at their bottom in a direction orthogonal to the extending directions of the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B, and the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B have a plane that makes surface contact with this plane. Therefore, the lower guide protrusions 44B, 44B and the lower guide grooves 46B, 46B make surface contact with each other on the other side of the Y direction. This allows the height of the first moving body plate 26 relative to the second moving body plate 28 in the Z direction to be determined. Furthermore, 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 performed, thereby allowing the first moving body plate 26 to move smoothly.

[0112] The second guide mechanism 42 consists of an upper guide protrusion 48 protruding from the upper part of the first moving body plate 26 in the +Z direction, and an upper guide groove 50 recessed in the +Z direction to allow the upper guide protrusion 48 to be embedded in the lower part of 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.

[0113] The upper guide protrusion 48 and the upper guide groove 50 extend in the Y direction, thus allowing relative movement only in the Y direction and restricting movement in the X direction. Consequently, the lens support 20 can move relative to the first moving plate 26 only 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 plate 26 in the Y direction; combined with the first guide mechanism 40, the lens support 20 can move relative to the second moving plate 28 in both the X and Y directions. Furthermore, the first guide mechanism 40 and the second guide mechanism 42 are independent guide mechanisms; even if driven simultaneously in the X and Y directions, no force is generated in the rotational direction around the Z direction, preventing the lens support 20 from vibrating in the rotational direction.

[0114] Furthermore, the upper guide protrusion 48 and the upper guide groove 50 are disposed on one side and the other side in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the lens support 20 (i.e., the X direction). Specifically, the upper guide protrusion 48 has two upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A disposed on one side (-X side) in the X direction and two upper guide protrusions 48B, 48B disposed on the other side (+X side) in the X direction. Similarly, the upper guide groove 50 has two upper guide grooves 50A, 50A disposed on one side in the X direction and two upper guide grooves 50B, 50B disposed on the other side in the X direction.

[0115] like Figure 7B , Figure 9A As shown, viewed from the Y direction, the upper guide grooves 50A and 50A on one side of the X direction have a V-shaped cross-section. The shape of the upper guide grooves 50A and 50A changes in that their width decreases towards the bottom of the groove. To achieve this smaller width towards the bottom, the guide grooves are inclined. Furthermore, the upper guide protrusions 48A and 48A are semi-circular. Thus, the arc-shaped portions of the upper guide protrusions 48A and 48A and the straight portions of the upper guide grooves 50A and 50A are in line contact with each other at two points. Moreover, a space is formed between the upper guide protrusions 48A and 48A and the upper guide grooves 50A and 50A in the portion between the two line contact points and the bottom of the groove. The cross-sectional shape of the upper guide protrusions 48A and 48A can also be square; in this case, the cross-sectional shape of the upper guide grooves 50A and 50A can also be V-shaped or U-shaped. By making line contact at two points, the position of the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A relative to the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A in the X direction can be determined, and there is no offset.

[0116] Moreover, such as Figure 7B , Figure 9BAs shown, the upper side guide protrusions 48B, 48B and the upper side guide grooves 50B, 50B on the other side in the X direction, as viewed in the Y direction, have a square cross section, respectively. That is, the upper side guide grooves 50B, 50B have a flat surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the upper side guide protrusions 48B, 48B and the upper side guide grooves 50B, 50B at the groove bottom, and the upper side guide protrusions 48B, 48B have a flat surface in surface contact with the flat surface. Thus, the upper side guide protrusions 48B, 48B and the upper side guide grooves 50B, 50B are in surface contact with each other on the other side in the X direction. Thus, the height of the lens support 20 in the Z direction with respect to the first moving body plate 26 can be determined. Further, the flat surface of the upper side guide grooves 50B, 50B is larger than the flat surface of the upper side guide protrusions 48B, 48B. Therefore, even if the distance between the upper side guide protrusions 48A, 48A and the upper side guide protrusions 48B, 48B and the distance between the upper side guide grooves 50A, 50A and the upper side guide grooves 50B, 50B are different due to manufacturing errors, assembly can be performed, and the lens support 20 can be smoothly moved.

[0117] On the outer side of the lens support 20, a plate-shaped first magnet 52 and a second magnet 54 are fixed. The first magnet 52 is disposed on the side in the Y direction, i.e., the side on which the lower side guide protrusions 44A, 44A and the lower side guide grooves 46A, 46A are in line contact, with the plate surface facing the Y direction. The second magnet 54 is disposed on the side in the X direction, i.e., the side on which the upper side guide protrusions 48A, 48A and the upper side guide grooves 50A, 50A are in line contact, with the plate surface facing the X direction. The first magnet 52 has an S pole on the plate surface on the side facing the Y direction and an N pole on the plate surface on the other side. The second magnet 54 has an S pole on the plate surface on the side facing the X direction and an N pole on the plate surface on the other side.

[0118] On the lower side of the second moving body plate 28, a first magnetic member 56 and a second magnetic member 58 composed of a magnetic material are disposed, respectively. The first magnetic member 56 is disposed on the side in the Y direction, i.e., the side on which the first magnet 52 is disposed, in parallel with the first magnet 52 in the X direction. The second magnetic member 58 is disposed on the side in the X direction, i.e., the side on which the second magnet 54 is disposed, in parallel with the second magnet 54 in the Y direction. 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 interposed therebetween, and 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 interposed therebetween.

[0119] On one side of the Y direction, the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic component 56 are arranged between the combination of the lower guide protrusion 44A and the lower guide groove 46A on one side and the combination of the lower guide protrusion 44A and the lower guide groove 46A on the other side, attracting each other. Therefore, compared to arranging the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic component 56 in other positions, the lower guide protrusions 44A and 44A and the lower guide grooves 46A and 46A that are in line contact with each other can make a stronger contact, thus enabling more accurate positioning in the Y direction.

[0120] On one side in the X direction, the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic component 58 are disposed between the combination of the upper guide protrusion 48A and the upper guide groove 50A on one side and the combination of the upper guide protrusion 48A and the upper guide groove 50A on the other side, attracting each other. Therefore, compared to disposing the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic component 58 in other positions, the upper guide grooves 50A, 50A and the upper guide protrusions 48A, 48A that are in line contact with each other can make a stronger contact, thus enabling more accurate positioning in the X direction.

[0121] Mounting portions 60 are provided at the four corners of the first cover 30, extending downward in the Z direction. Each mounting portion 60 has a four-cornered mounting hole 62. Furthermore, mounting portions 64 are formed at the four corners of the second movable body plate 28, protruding laterally. The mounting holes 62 are inserted into the mounting portions 64, thereby fixing the first cover 30 to the second movable body plate 28. Moreover, between the lower part of the first cover 30 and the upper part of the lens support 20, as shown... Figure 7A , Figure 7B As shown, a necessary minimum gap is formed, including errors caused by tolerances, etc. Therefore, even when subjected to impact, the lens support 20, the first moving plate 26, and the second moving plate 28 are controlled, and no excessive distance is generated between them.

[0122] On the second movable plate 28, on the outside of the side opposite to where the first magnet 52 is located (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 in the Z direction, an upper part and a lower part, with S poles and N poles provided on the plate surface, such that its upper and lower polarities are opposite.

[0123] like Figure 1As shown, the fixture 16 includes a second frame 68 having a base 80 and a second cover 82, a third magnetic component 70 mounted on the second frame 68, a first coil 72, a second coil 74, a third coil 76, and a flexible printed substrate 78. The base 80 and the second cover are respectively made of resin or non-magnetic metal and are rectangular in shape when viewed from above in the Z direction. The second cover 82 is embedded in the outside of the base 80, thereby forming the second frame 68. The second frame 68 surrounds the first frame 22 of the movable body 18. Through holes 84 and 86 are formed on the base 80 and the second cover 82 to allow light to pass through or to insert the lens 14.

[0124] Moreover, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, openings 88 in the Z direction are formed on the four sides of the base 80. Furthermore, the flexible printing substrate 78 is disposed thereto surrounds three sides of the base 80. Specifically, the flexible printing substrate 78 is bent into a U-shape, surrounding the two sides orthogonal to the Y direction of the base 80 and the one side orthogonal to the X direction (-X side).

[0125] On the inner side of the flexible printing substrate 78, a first coil 72 and a third coil 76 are fixed on two surfaces orthogonal to the Y direction, and a second coil 74 is fixed on one surface orthogonal to the X direction. A terminal portion 90 is provided at the lower part of the flexible printing substrate 78 in the Z direction, through which current and output signals are supplied.

[0126] Moreover, such as Figure 5 As 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.

[0127] The first coil 72 and the Y-direction position detection element 92 are disposed within the opening 88 near the inner side of the base 80, facing the first magnet 52. Similarly, the second coil 74 and the X-direction position detection element 94 are disposed within the opening 88, facing the second magnet 54. Furthermore, the third coil 76 and the Z-direction position detection element 96 are disposed within the opening 88, facing the third magnet 66.

[0128] Moreover, such as Figure 1 As shown, a third magnetic component 70, composed of magnetic materials, is disposed on the outer side of the portion where the third coil 76 is fixed on the flexible printed substrate 78, parallel to the third coil 76. The third magnetic component 70 is tightly attached to and fixed to the side of the base 80 by the flexible printed substrate 78. The third magnetic component 70 and the third magnet 66 sandwich the flexible printed substrate 78 and the third coil 76 in the middle and face each other.

[0129] Magnetic flux from the third magnet 66 flows to the third magnetic component 70, generating an attractive force between the third magnet 66 and the third magnetic component 70. This results in a Y-direction attractive force on the moving body 18 relative to the stationary body 16.

[0130] Two separating openings 100, 100 are formed on the third magnetic component 70, which are divided into two parts in the X direction by a connecting portion 98 extending in the Z direction. The connecting portion 98 may also extend in the Y direction, in which case the separating openings 100, 100 are divided into two parts in the Z direction. The third magnetic component is made of a magnetic stainless steel plate or plated iron. By forming the separating openings 100, 100 on the third magnetic component 70, the attractive force between it and the third magnet 66 can be adjusted to the desired strength. In other words, the driving force required for movement in the Z direction can be reduced, and damage to the optical axis direction guide mechanism 102 described below can be reduced when an external impact is applied.

[0131] like Figure 1 As shown, the movable body 18 is supported by the optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 and can move relative to the fixed body 16 in the Z direction. In other words, the optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 guides the first frame body 22 to move freely relative to the second frame body 68 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the lens support 20 is thus guided to move freely together with the first frame body 22 in the optical axis direction. The optical axis direction guiding mechanism 102 consists of a third guiding mechanism 104 and a fourth guiding mechanism 106. The third guiding mechanism 104 consists of a +X side guide shaft 108 provided on the second frame body 68 and a +Z side guide hole 110 provided on the movable body 18 to receive the +X side guide shaft 108. The fourth guiding mechanism 106 consists of a -X side guide shaft 112 provided on the second frame body 68 and a -X side guide groove 114 provided on the movable body 18.

[0132] In this embodiment, the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112 are cylindrical extending in the Z direction and are made of, for example, ceramic, metal, or resin. The +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112 are disposed near the inner corner of the side surface of the already disposed third coil 76 on the base 80. Furthermore, the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112 are circular in cross-section in the X-Y direction, but only a portion may be circular, or they may be elliptical. They may also be polygonal shapes such as quadrilaterals.

[0133] Near the corner of the side of the third coil 76 disposed on the bottom surface around the through hole 84 of the base 80, lower fixing portions 116, 116 forming cylindrical insertion slots are provided. The lower ends of the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112 are inserted into and fixed to these lower fixing portions 116, 116. Furthermore, upper fixing portions 118, 118 are formed at both ends in the X direction, bending towards the Y direction at both ends of the upper end of the third magnetic component 70. Insertion holes 120 are formed in each upper fixing portion 118. The upper ends of the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112 are inserted into and fixed to these insertion holes 120, 120. Thus, the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112 are fixed to the base 80. The third magnetic component 70 is also responsible for supporting the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112. Compared with the use of other components for support, the number of components can be reduced, thereby stably supporting the +X side guide shaft 108 and the -X side guide shaft 112.

[0134] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, the +X side guide hole 110 is a hollow through hole that extends downward from the Z direction of the second moving body plate 28. Furthermore, the -X side guide groove 114 extends downward from the Z direction of the second moving body plate 28, forming an outwardly opening groove in the -X direction.

[0135] like Figure 6 , Figure 10 As shown, regarding the cross-sectional shape of the X-Y plane of the +X side guide hole 110, the -Y side presents a V-shape 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.

[0136] Due to the attraction between the third magnet 66 and the third magnetic component 70 mounted on the movable body 18, the movable body 18 is pulled in the +Y direction. Consequently, at least on the -Y side of the +X side guide hole 110, when viewed from the Z direction, the V-shaped guide surfaces 110A and 110A make line contact with the outer surface of the +X side guide shaft 108 at two points. This allows for accurate positioning of the movable body 18 relative to the fixed body 16 in both the X and Y directions. Furthermore, 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, providing a very small gap, but line contact is still possible.

[0137] Furthermore, the -X side guide groove 114, in its cross-section on the X_Y plane, is composed of two opposing walls in the Y direction. Curved protrusions 114A, 114A protruding in the Y direction are formed on these two walls. For example... Figure 10As shown, the central portion of the -Y-side protrusion 114A 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, whereby the frictional resistance is reduced. Further, the +Y-side protrusion 114A preferably does not make point contact with the outer surface of the -X-side guide shaft 112, but a small gap is provided, or line contact can be made. Thus, the moving body 18 is urged to the +X-side guide shaft 108 and the -X-side guide shaft 112 by the magnetic force, and therefore does not tilt with respect to the +X-side guide shaft 108 and the -X-side guide shaft 112. Further, if the lens 14 is made larger, the weight of the moving body 18 on which the lens 14 is mounted becomes larger. In this case, the necessary suction force resulting from the magnetic force has conventionally been increased, and as a result, the frictional force is increased, and the driving force must be increased by an amount corresponding to the increase in the weight of the lens. However, in the present embodiment, since the guide shaft structure is used, it is not necessary to increase the necessary suction force resulting from the magnetic force, and the driving force is small, and thus the problem is solved.

[0138] In the lens driving device 12, the first magnet 52 and the first coil 72 constitute a driving mechanism that moves the lens support body 20 in the Y-axis direction with respect to the second moving body plate 28. When the first coil 72 is energized, the X-direction current flows to the first coil 72. The first magnet 52 that faces the first coil 72 generates magnetic flux having a Z-direction component, and thus a Y-direction Lorentz force is generated on the first coil 72. The first coil 72 is fixed to the base 80, and thus the corresponding reaction force generated on the first magnet 52 becomes a driving force with respect to the lens support body 20. The lens support body 20 is guided to move in the Y-direction by the second guide mechanism 42.

[0139] If the energization of the first coil 72 is terminated after the lens support body 20 is moved in the Y-direction, the lens support body 20 is stopped at the position at which the energization of the first coil 72 is terminated, due to the attractive force between the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic body 56, the attractive force between the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic body 58, the friction between the lower-side guide protrusion 44 and the lower-side guide groove 46, and the friction between the upper-side guide protrusion 48 and the upper-side guide groove 50.

[0140] Further, the second magnet 54 and the second coil 74 constitute a driving mechanism to move the lens support 20 in the X-axis direction together with the first movable body plate 26 relative to the second movable body plate 28. If the second coil 74 is energized, a current in the Y direction flows to the second coil 74. The second magnet 54 facing the second coil 74 generates a magnetic flux having a Z direction component, and thus a Lorentz force in the X direction is generated on the second coil 74. The second coil 74 is fixed to the base 80, and thus a corresponding reaction force generated on the second magnet 54 becomes a driving force relative to the lens support 20 and the first movable body plate 26, and the lens support 20 and the first movable body plate 26 are guided to move in the X direction by the first guide mechanism 40.

[0141] If the energization of the second coil 74 is terminated after the lens support 20 and the first movable body plate 26 are moved in the X direction, the lens support 20 stops together with the first movable body plate 26 at a position at which the energization of the second coil 74 is terminated due to the attractive force between the first magnet 52 and the first magnetic body 56, the attractive force between the second magnet 54 and the second magnetic body 58, the friction between the lower guide protrusion 44 and the lower guide groove 46, and the friction between the upper guide protrusion 48 and the upper guide groove 50.

[0142] The third magnet 66, the third coil 76, and the third magnetic member 70 constitute a driving mechanism to move the movable body 18 in the optical axis direction relative to the fixed body 16. If the third coil 76 is energized, a current in the X direction flows to 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. The third coil 76 is fixed to the base 80, and thus a corresponding reaction force generated on the third magnet 66 becomes a driving force relative to the movable body 18, and the movable body 18 is guided to move in the Z direction by the optical axis direction guide mechanism 102. That is, the lens support 20 is moved in the optical axis direction.

[0143] If the energization of the third coil 76 is terminated after the movable body 18 is moved in the Z direction, the lens support 20 included in the movable body 18 stops at a position at which the energization of the third coil is terminated due to the attractive force between the third magnet 66 and the third magnetic body 66, and the friction of 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.

[0144] Here, it is assumed that the photographing device 10 is subjected to an impact in the Y 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 are separated only by a small distance and then return to the original positions immediately, so damage is extremely small. The lower-side guide protrusions 44A, 44B and the lower-side guide grooves 46A, 46B and the upper-side guide protrusions 48A, 48B and the upper-side guide grooves 50A, 50B are in a state of being in contact, respectively, so there is almost no damage.

[0145] Here, it is assumed that the photographing 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-side guide protrusions 44A, 44B and the lower-side guide grooves 46A, 46B and the upper-side guide protrusions 48A, 48B and the upper-side guide grooves 50A, 50B are in a state of being in contact, respectively, so there is almost no damage.

[0146] It is assumed that the photographing 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 are in a state of being in contact, respectively, so there is almost no damage. The lower-side guide protrusions 44A, 44B and the lower-side guide grooves 46A, 46B and the upper-side guide protrusions 48A, 48B and the upper-side guide grooves 50A, 50B are separated only by a small distance and then return to the original positions immediately, while being in a state of being in contact in a line contact or a surface contact, so there is almost no damage.

[0147] Thus, regardless of the direction in which the photographing device 10 is subjected to an impact, the lens driving device 12 of the present embodiment has extremely small damage or almost no damage. Therefore, it is possible to ensure smooth movement of the lens support body 20 in the X, Y, Z directions.

[0148] In the embodiment, the case where the lower-side guide protrusions 44 and the upper-side guide protrusions 48 are provided on the first moving body plate 26, the lower-side guide grooves 46 are formed on the second moving body plate 28 which faces the first moving body plate 26, and the upper-side guide grooves 50 are formed on the lens support body 20 is explained. However, the positions of the protrusions and the grooves can be exchanged, the guide grooves can be formed on the first moving body plate 26 and the second moving body plate 28 and the lens support body 20 can be formed with the guide protrusions so as to face the guide grooves. Furthermore, only the upper side or only the lower side can be exchanged.

[0149] Moreover, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the first coil 72, the second coil 74, the third coil 76, and the third magnetic body 70 are mounted on the fixed body 12, and the first magnet 52, the second magnet 54, and the third magnet 66 are mounted on the movable body 18 is exemplified, but the first coil 72, the second coil 74, the third coil 76, and the third magnetic body 70 can be mounted on the movable body 18, and the first magnet 52, the second magnet 54, and the third magnet 66 can be mounted on the fixed body 12.

[0150] Further, by Figures 11 to 13 The base 80 is described in detail.

[0151] The base 80 is formed of resin, has a base body 122 which is a quadrangular plate when viewed from the optical axis direction, and a metal member 124 which is embedded by insert molding on the base body 122. A through-hole 84 which is circular is formed on the base body 122. Moreover, the four corners of the base body 122 are formed as erected portions 126 which are erected on the +Z side. The opening portions 88 are constituted between the erected portions 126. Moreover, the erected portions 126 are plate-shaped which are bent by 90 degrees in the XY plane. The flexible printed substrate 78 is fixed around the erected portions 126.

[0152] Moreover, the base body 122 side of the erected portions 126 (i.e., the base end portions 126A side) is wider than the top end portions 126B side. In this embodiment, the base end portions 126A are widened in the width direction of the plate-shaped thickness direction toward the inner side, but the length direction width of the plate-shaped which extends in the X or Y direction can be widened.

[0153] The metal member 124 is a plate member which is a quadrangular frame shape, and is embedded in the base body 122. Fixing holes 128, 128 which constitute the lower side fixing portions 116, 116 are formed near the two corner portions of the metal member 124. The lower ends of the guide shafts 108, 112 are embedded in the fixing holes 128, 128 by fixing. The width of each corner portion of the metal member 124 is widened, and coincides with the erected portions 126 when viewed from the optical axis direction. Only the widened portion can coincide with the erected portions 126 on the inner side. Moreover, the corner portions where the fixing holes 128 are provided preferably coincide with the plate-shaped portions on both sides of the erected portions 126 which are bent by 90 degrees.

[0154] Each metal member 124 is formed as Figure 13As shown, in manufacturing, the metal member 124 is connected to the mounting frame 130 at each side of the four-sided frame of the mounting frame 130 in one unit. The connecting portions 132 are provided, for example, two by two at each side of the four-sided frame of the metal member 124. One connecting portion 132 can be provided at one side, but two or more are preferably provided in order to reduce thermal deformation of the base 80. The mounting frame 130 is provided by connecting a plurality of units in one direction or two orthogonal directions, and adjacent units share the frame.

[0155] The metal member 124 is formed by cutting the base body 122 at the connecting portions 132. Figure 13 As shown, the resin constituting the base body 122 is injected into the portions indicated by two-dot chain lines, and after cooling, the connecting portions 132 are cut at the portions indicated by two-dot chain lines. As a result of the cutting, the protruding portions 134 are formed on the metal member 124, and protrude outward at each side.

[0156] The protruding portions 134 are formed as shown. Figure 11 The protruding portions 134 remain at each side of the base body 122 and protrude outward.

[0157] When the base 80 is embedded by molding, the base 80 thermally shrinks, but the two protruding portions 134 of the base 80 at each side are connected to the mounting frame 130, which is less likely to deform due to heat, and thus the mounting frame 130 supports each side when cooled. Therefore, even if the thermal shrinkage rates of the resin portion of the base 80 and the metal member 124 differ, thermal deformation of the base 80 during manufacturing can be reduced.

[0158] Furthermore, if the thermal deformation of the base 80 is small, the deformation of the standing portion 126 is also small, and thus the mounting accuracy of the flexible printed board 78 is improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the metal member 124 coincides with the standing portion 126, and thus the standing portion 126 is less likely to tilt. Furthermore, if the thermal deformation of the base 80 is small, the tilt of the guide shafts 108, 112 is reduced. At the same time, the posture of the third magnetic member 70, which is in close contact with the standing portion 126 and supports the guide shafts 108, 112, is also more stable, and thus the tilt of the guide shafts 108, 112 is reduced.

[0159] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the lens driving device 12 used in the camera 10 is described, but the present application is also applicable to other devices.

Claims

1. A lens driving device, characterized in that, It includes: Including the movable body of the lens support, A base that supports the moving body to move freely in the optical axis direction. The base includes a base body that is square in shape when viewed from the optical axis of the lens, and a metal component embedded in the base body. The metal component is a closed square frame, and the base body is formed of resin. The metal components protrude outwards from each side of the four corner frames, forming protrusions that extend outwards from the base body. The base body has upright portions erected at the four corners of the base body along the optical axis. A flexible printing substrate is fixed around the upright portions. Terminal portions are provided on the lower side of the flexible printing substrate along the optical axis, through which current is supplied and signals are output.

2. The lens driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During manufacturing, the protrusion is formed by connecting each side of the metal component to the mounting frame via a connecting part, and then cutting off the connecting part after the resin is injected into the base body and cooled.

3. The lens driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The erected part is formed in such a way that the width of the base body side is greater than that of the top part side.

4. The lens driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upright portion is bent at a right angle in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens.

5. The lens driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide shaft for supporting the free movement of the moving body is fixed on the metal component.

6. The lens driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal component is square, and when viewed from the optical axis of the lens, the corner of the square coincides with the erected part.

7. A photographic apparatus, characterized in that, It has a lens driving device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and a lens supported by the lens support.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, It has the photographic apparatus as described in claim 7.

9. A method for manufacturing a base, characterized in that, include: Each closed, four-cornered frame-shaped metal component is disposed within a unit of a four-cornered frame-shaped mounting frame, and the metal component is connected to the mounting frame via connecting parts on each side of the four-cornered frame. Resin constituting the base body is injected into the annular gap between the mounting frame and the metal component, through holes are formed on the base body to allow light to pass through, and mounting parts are erected at the four corners of the base body along the optical axis. After cooling, the connecting part is cut off, and as a result of the cutting off, a protrusion is formed on the metal part, which protrudes outward on all four sides and is exposed outward from the base body.

Images