Lens driving device and camera module

Abstract

In the lens driving device (101), the lens holding member (2) is driven by the piezoelectric element (8) vibrating. The force applying member (6) is composed of a leaf spring member, has a fixed portion (6F) fixed to the base member (7), a support portion (6S) supporting the piezoelectric driving portion (PD), and an elastically deformable elastic deformation portion (6E) provided between the fixed portion (6F) and the support portion (6S). The support portion (6S) has a plate-like base portion (6B) connected to the elastic deformation portion (6E), and a bent portion (6N) bent in an L shape from the base portion (6B) and protruding toward the lens holding member (2) side. The piezoelectric driving portion (PD) is fixed to the bent portion (6N).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates, for example, to a lens driving device mounted on a portable device with a camera. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was known that a lens drive unit (lens drive device) could move a lens carrier (lens holding member) relative to a module base (base member) along the optical axis direction by friction drive utilizing the bending motion of a piezoelectric element (see Patent Document 1). In this device, a helical spring is used to push the piezoelectric element toward the lens holding member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-097216 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the above configuration requires multiple helical springs, making the structure complex.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a lens driving device that can apply force to the lens holding member side of the piezoelectric element with a simpler construction.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The lens driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a fixed-side member; a lens holding member capable of holding a lens body; a guiding mechanism for guiding the lens holding member to be movable relative to the fixed-side member along the optical axis; a piezoelectric driving unit configured to have a piezoelectric element extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis, for moving the lens holding member along the optical axis; and a force-applying member for applying force to the piezoelectric driving unit toward the lens holding member, the force-applying member being configured as a leaf spring member, having a fixed portion fixed to the fixed-side member, a support portion supporting the piezoelectric driving unit, and an elastically deformable portion disposed between the fixed portion and the support portion, the support portion having a plate-shaped base connected to the elastically deformable portion, and a bent portion that bends in an L-shape from the base and protrudes toward the lens holding member, the piezoelectric driving unit being fixed to the bent portion.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] The aforementioned lens driving device can apply force to the lens holding component side with a simpler construction. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A This is a three-dimensional diagram of the lens driving device.

[0014] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the lens drive device with the cover component removed.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the lens driving device.

[0016] Figure 3A This is a top view of the base component with the linkage mechanism installed.

[0017] Figure 3B This is a left view of the base component with the linkage mechanism installed.

[0018] Figure 3C This is a perspective view of the base component with only the second link component installed.

[0019] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the lens holding component with the linkage mechanism installed.

[0020] Figure 4B This is a left view of the lens holding component with the linkage mechanism installed.

[0021] Figure 4C This is a left view of the lens holding component with the linkage mechanism installed.

[0022] Figure 5A This is a front view of the lens holding component with the linkage mechanism installed.

[0023] Figure 5B This is a front view of the lens holding component with the linkage mechanism installed.

[0024] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the lens drive device with the cover component removed.

[0025] Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the lens drive device with the cover component removed.

[0026] Figure 7A This is a three-dimensional view of the base component.

[0027] Figure 7B It is a perspective view of the base component with ball bearings installed.

[0028] Figure 8A It is a three-dimensional view of the base component with the lens holding component and the ball bearing installed.

[0029] Figure 8B This is a perspective view of a part of the base component.

[0030] Figure 9A This is a three-dimensional view of the lens holding component mounted on the base component.

[0031] Figure 9B This is a three-dimensional view of a part of the lens holding component.

[0032] Figure 10A This is a three-dimensional view of the lens holding component.

[0033] Figure 10B This is a perspective view of a lens retaining component equipped with ball bearings.

[0034] Figure 11A This is a perspective view of the lens drive device with the covered component installed.

[0035] Figure 11B This is a perspective view of a part of a lens drive device with the covered component installed.

[0036] Figure 12A This is a three-dimensional view of the piezoelectric drive unit.

[0037] Figure 12B This is an exploded perspective view of the piezoelectric drive unit.

[0038] Figure 13A It is a three-dimensional diagram of the force-applying component.

[0039] Figure 13B This is the front view of the force-applying component.

[0040] Figure 13C This is a top view of the force-applying component.

[0041] Figure 13D This is the left view of the force-applying component.

[0042] Figure 14A It is a three-dimensional view of the force-applying component equipped with a piezoelectric drive unit.

[0043] Figure 14B This is a front view of the force-applying component with a piezoelectric drive unit installed.

[0044] Figure 14C This is a top view of the force-applying component with a piezoelectric drive unit installed.

[0045] Figure 14D This is a left view of the force-applying component with a piezoelectric drive unit installed.

[0046] Figure 15A This is a front view of a part of the force-applying component equipped with a piezoelectric drive unit.

[0047] Figure 15B This is a left view of the force-applying component with a piezoelectric drive unit installed.

[0048] Figure 16A It is a three-dimensional view of the base component with the force-applying parts installed.

[0049] Figure 16B This is a top view of a base component on which the force-applying parts are installed.

[0050] Figure 17A This is a perspective view of another configuration example of a lens drive device with the cover component removed.

[0051] Figure 17B This is a perspective view of another configuration example of a lens drive device with some components removed.

[0052] Figure 18A This is a perspective view of another example of a force-applying component.

[0053] Figure 18B This is a front view of another example of a force-applying component.

[0054] Figure 18C This is a top view of another example of the force-applying component.

[0055] Figure 18D This is a left view of another example of the force-applying component. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Hereinafter, the lens driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the lens driving device 101. Specifically, Figure 1A This is a three-dimensional view of the lens driving device 101 as a whole. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101 with the cover component 1 installed. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device 101.

[0057] Figure 1A as well as Figure 1BIn the coordinate system, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the X1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the front side (front face side) of the lens driving device 101, and the X2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the rear side (back face side) of the lens driving device 101. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the left side of the lens driving device 101, and the Y2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the right side of the lens driving device 101. Also, the Z1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the upper side of the lens driving device 101, and the Z2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the lower side of the lens driving device 101. The same applies to other figures.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the lens driving device 101 includes a fixed-side component FB and a movable-side component MB. The fixed-side component FB includes a cover component 1 and a base component 7. The movable-side component MB includes a lens holding component 2 and a linkage mechanism LM. The movable-side component MB is configured to be guided in the optical axis direction by a guiding mechanism GM. The optical axis direction includes the direction of the optical axis JD associated with the lens body and a direction parallel to the optical axis JD. Furthermore, the movable-side component MB is configured to move in the optical axis direction via a piezoelectric drive unit PD.

[0059] The cover member 1 is configured to cover the movable side member MB. In this embodiment, the cover member 1 is manufactured by stamping and drawing a metal sheet. However, the cover member 1 may also be formed of other materials such as synthetic resin. Specifically, such as... Figure 1A As shown, the cover member 1 has a rectangular cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 1A and a flat, rectangular annular top 1B that is continuous with the upper end (Z1 side end) of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A. A circular opening 1K is formed in the center of the top 1B. Furthermore, the cover member 1 has a box-shaped shape that defines the storage portion 1S, configured to accommodate the movable side member MB within the storage portion 1S. In addition, the cover member 1 is bonded to the base member 7 by adhesive, and together with the base member 7, they form a frame HS.

[0060] The lens holding member 2 is configured to hold the lens body (not shown) via the cylindrical portion 2C. In this embodiment, the lens holding member 2 is manufactured by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The lens body is, for example, a cylindrical lens barrel having at least one lens.

[0061] The linkage mechanism LM is an example of a limiting mechanism. Distributed between the lens holding member 2 and the fixed-side member FB, the limiting mechanism is used to suppress changes in the posture of the lens holding member 2 when it moves along the optical axis. Changes in the posture of the lens holding member 2 include, for example, the tilting of the optical axis JD relative to the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the linkage mechanism LM includes a first linkage member 3 and a second linkage member 4, disposed between the lens holding member 2 and the base member 7, which serves as the fixed-side member FB, and is configured to suppress changes in the posture of the lens holding member 2 when it moves along the optical axis.

[0062] The piezoelectric drive unit PD is configured to move the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric drive unit PD is an example of a friction drive unit of the drive system disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,786,648, and includes a piezoelectric element 8, a contact member 9, and a circuit board 10.

[0063] The piezoelectric element 8 is configured to achieve bending vibration based on the applied voltage. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 8 extends along the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the optical axis (perpendicular to the optical axis JD), and is configured to achieve bending vibration with two nodes (sections). Specifically, the piezoelectric element 8 has a double-layer structure consisting of a first layer that achieves a first bending vibration in the XY plane and a second layer that achieves a second bending vibration in the YZ plane. The piezoelectric drive unit PD, by applying voltage to the piezoelectric element constituting the first layer and the piezoelectric element constituting the second layer separately at appropriate timing, can make the trajectory drawn by the midpoint of the piezoelectric element 8 a circular track centered on the rotation axis 8X. Figure 2 In the example shown, the rotation axis 8X is parallel to the Y-axis. The piezoelectric drive unit PD, by applying voltage at appropriate timing, can switch the direction of movement (rotation direction) along the midpoint of the circular track between clockwise and counterclockwise directions, as observed from the Y1 side. The lens holding member 2 moves upward (Z1 direction) when the rotation direction of the midpoint of the piezoelectric element 8 is clockwise, and downward (Z2 direction) when the rotation direction of the midpoint of the piezoelectric element 8 is counterclockwise. The midpoint of the piezoelectric element 8 is the point with the largest amplitude of the first bending vibration (corresponding to the antinode of the first bending vibration) and also the point with the largest amplitude of the second bending vibration (corresponding to the antinode of the second bending vibration). Thus, the piezoelectric element 8 of this embodiment is configured to achieve vibration (circular motion) in which its midpoint traces a circle. Furthermore, the circle (circular track) traced by the midpoint of the piezoelectric element 8 does not need to be a perfect circle; it only needs to be approximately circular.

[0064] Contact member 9 is mounted on piezoelectric element 8 and configured to contact lens holding member 2. In this embodiment, contact member 9 is bonded to the inner surface of piezoelectric element 8 by adhesive in a manner that covers the entire surface of the inner side (the side opposite to the optical axis JD). Contact member 9 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel and is configured to bend according to the bending vibration of piezoelectric element 8. In this embodiment, contact member 9 is a friction plate formed of stainless steel. Contact member 9 extends along the Y-axis direction, which is the same as the extending direction of piezoelectric element 8. Furthermore, contact member 9 is configured such that its central portion in the extending direction contacts receiving member 11 mounted on lens holding member 2. Specifically, contact member 9 is configured to contact receiving member 11 at the point where the amplitude of bending vibration is the largest (the portion of the antinode of bending vibration). Receiving member 11 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel. In this embodiment, receiving member 11 is a cylindrical pin formed of stainless steel that extends along the optical axis. The reason for making the metal contact member 9 contact with the metal receiving member 11 is to prevent wear of the lens holding member 2 caused by contact between the synthetic resin lens holding member 2 and the metal contact member 9. In addition, as long as contact between the contact member 9 and the receiving member 11 can be achieved, the length of the contact member 9 in the Y-axis direction can be different from that of the piezoelectric element 8.

[0065] The circuit board 10 is a substrate containing conductive patterns, configured to electrically connect an external power source to the piezoelectric element 8. In this embodiment, the circuit board 10 is a flexible printed circuit board with flexibility, configured to apply a voltage to the piezoelectric element 8. The piezoelectric element 8 is bonded to the inner surface of the circuit board 10 (the side opposite the optical axis JD) by an anisotropic conductive adhesive. The piezoelectric element 8 can also be bonded to the inner surface of the circuit board 10 by an anisotropic conductive adhesive film.

[0066] The piezoelectric drive unit PD is configured such that the force-applying member 6, fixed to the base member 7, applies force inward (in the direction close to the optical axis JD) and presses against the lens holding member 2. In this embodiment, the force-applying member 6 is formed of a metal plate, configured such that portions corresponding to the two segments formed during the bending vibration of the piezoelectric element 8 respectively contact the outer surface (the side away from the optical axis JD) of the piezoelectric element 8 via the circuit board 10. The bonding between the force-applying member 6 and the piezoelectric drive unit PD is achieved, for example, by an adhesive.

[0067] The guiding mechanism GM is configured to movably guide the lens holding member 2 relative to the fixed side member FB along the optical axis. In this embodiment, the guiding mechanism GM includes a movable side groove 2G formed in the columnar portion 2B of the lens holding member 2, a fixed side groove 7G formed in the columnar portion 7B of the base member 7, and a ball 5 clamped between the movable side groove 2G and the fixed side groove 7G. Furthermore, the columnar portion 2B of the lens holding member 2 includes a left columnar portion 2BL and a right columnar portion 2BR, and the movable side groove 2G includes a left movable side groove 2GL formed in the left columnar portion 2BL and a right movable side groove 2GR formed in the right columnar portion 2BR.

[0068] Specifically, the guide mechanism GM has two guide portions (right guide portion GMR and left guide portion GML) configured to face each other across the receiving portion 11 mounted on the lens holding member 2.

[0069] The right guide portion GMR has a right movable side groove 2GR formed in the right columnar portion 2BR of the lens holding member 2, a right fixed side groove 7GR formed in the right columnar portion 7BR of the base member 7, and a right ball 5R disposed between the right movable side groove 2GR and the right fixed side groove 7GR. The right ball 5R includes an upper right ball 5RU and a lower right ball 5RD.

[0070] The left guide portion GML has a left movable side groove 2GL formed in the left columnar portion 2BL of the lens holding member 2, a left fixed side groove 7GL formed in the left columnar portion 7BL of the base member 7, and a left ball bearing 5L disposed between the left movable side groove 2GL and the left fixed side groove 7GL. The left ball bearing 5L includes an upper left ball bearing 5LU and a lower left ball bearing 5LD.

[0071] The base component 7 is manufactured by injection molding using a synthetic resin such as a liquid crystal polymer. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the base component 7 has a generally rectangular plate-like shape with a circular opening 7K formed in the center. Furthermore, on the subject-side (Z1 side) surface (upper surface) of the base component 7, two upwardly projecting angular columnar portions 7B and one angularly projecting wall portion 7W are provided. Additionally, two upwardly projecting clamping portions 7C are formed at the two front corners of the base component 7, and two upwardly projecting third-axis support portions 7H are formed at the two rear corners of the base component 7. The clamping portions 7C are configured to clamp the force-applying component 6, including a left clamping portion 7CL and a right clamping portion 7CR. The third-axis support portions 7H are configured to support the third axis portion 3S of the first connecting rod component 3, including a left third-axis support portion 7HL and a right third-axis support portion 7HR. Furthermore, as... Figure 3CAs shown, a fourth shaft support portion 7J is formed at the left front corner and the left rear corner of the base member 7. The fourth shaft support portion 7J is a portion configured to be open at least on the right side (Y2 side) to support the fourth shaft portion 4S of the second link member 4, including a front fourth shaft support portion 7JF and a rear fourth shaft support portion 7JB.

[0072] A sensor 12 is mounted on the wall portion 7W of the base component 7. Specifically, the sensor 12, which is mounted on a sensor circuit board (not shown), is mounted on the rear surface (X2 side) of the wall portion 7W in a manner opposite to the magnet 13 mounted on the lens holding component 2.

[0073] Sensor 12 is configured to detect the position of the movable side member MB. In this embodiment, sensor 12 is composed of a Hall element and measures the output voltage that varies according to the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 13 received by sensor 12, thereby detecting the position of the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2) including the magnet 13. However, sensor 12 may also be configured to detect the position of the movable side member MB using a magnetoresistive element such as a giant magnetoresistive effect (GMR) element, a semiconductor magnetoresistive (SMR) element, an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) element, or a tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) element.

[0074] The lens drive unit 101 has a generally rectangular shape and is mounted on a substrate (not shown) on which an imaging element (not shown) is mounted. The substrate, the lens drive unit 101, the lens body (not shown) mounted on the lens holding member 2, and the imaging element mounted on the substrate opposite to the lens body constitute a camera module. The piezoelectric element 8 is connected to an external power source via the circuit board 10. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 8, the piezoelectric element 8 undergoes a first bending vibration and a second bending motion, generating a force that moves the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis. This force is accompanied by frictional force from the contact between the receiving member 11 mounted on the lens holding member 2 and the contact member 9 engaged on the piezoelectric element 8.

[0075] The lens driving device 101 uses this force to move the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis on the Z1 side (subject side) of the imaging element, thereby realizing the automatic focus adjustment function. Specifically, the lens driving device 101 can perform macro shooting by moving the lens holding member 2 away from the imaging element, and can perform infinity shooting by moving the lens holding member 2 closer to the imaging element.

[0076] Next, refer to Figures 3A-3C , Figures 4A to 4C , Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The details of the linkage mechanism LM, which is an example of a limiting mechanism, will be explained. Figures 3A-3C This is a diagram of base component 7 with the linkage mechanism LM installed. Specifically, Figure 3A This is a top view of the base component 7 with the linkage mechanism LM installed. Figure 3B This is a left view of the base component 7 with the linkage mechanism LM installed. Figure 3C This is a perspective view of the base component 7 with only the second connecting rod component 4 installed. Additionally, Figures 3A-3C Both indicate the appearance of the lens holding member 2, which is movable in the optical axis direction, when it is located at the bottom (Z2 side). Figures 4A to 4C , Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B This is a diagram of the lens holding member 2 with the linkage mechanism LM installed. Specifically, Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the lens holding component 2 with the linkage mechanism LM installed. Figure 4B as well as Figure 4C This is a left view of the lens holding component 2 with the linkage mechanism LM installed. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B This is a front view of the lens holding member 2 with the linkage mechanism LM installed. Additionally, Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B This shows the appearance of the lens holding member 2 when it is located at the bottommost side (Z2 side). Figure 4C This shows the lens holding member 2 when it is located at the topmost side (Z1 side). Furthermore, Figure 5A This shows the appearance of the lens holding member 2 when it is located at the bottommost side (Z2 side). Figure 5B This shows the appearance of the lens holding member 2 when it is located at the top (Z1 side).

[0077] like Figures 3A-3C , Figures 4A to 4C , Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B As shown, the linkage mechanism LM has a first linkage component 3 and a second linkage component 4. In this embodiment, the first linkage component 3 and the second linkage component 4 are manufactured by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0078] The first link member 3 is connected to the lens holding member 2 in a manner rotatable about the first rotation axis RA1, and the second link member 4 is connected to the lens holding member 2 in a manner rotatable about the second rotation axis RA2. Furthermore, the first link member 3 is connected to the base member 7 in a manner rotatable about the third rotation axis RA3, and the second link member 4 is connected to the base member 7 in a manner rotatable about the fourth rotation axis RA4. Moreover, the first and third rotation axes RA1 and RA3 are arranged parallel to each other, and the second and fourth rotation axes RA2 and RA4 are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, viewed from above along the optical axis, each of the first and third rotation axes RA1 and RA3 is arranged orthogonally to each of the second and fourth rotation axes RA2 and RA4. Specifically, viewed from above along the optical axis, the first rotation axis RA1 and the second rotation axis RA2 are arranged orthogonally to each other at the position of the optical axis JD, and the third rotation axis RA3 and the fourth rotation axis RA4 are arranged orthogonally to each other at the left rear corner of the base component 7. Furthermore, the first rotation axis RA1 and the second rotation axis RA2 are each orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0079] like Figure 5A , Figure 8A as well as Figure 10A As shown, the lens holding member 2 has a pair of first axis portions 2S (left first axis portion 2SL and right first axis portion 2SR) and a pair of second axis portions 2T (front second axis portion 2TF and rear second axis portion 2TB).

[0080] like Figure 3A As shown, the first connecting rod member 3 has: a first base 3B, on which a pair of third shaft portions 3S (left third shaft portion 3SL and right third shaft portion 3SR) are rotatably supported on the base member 7; and a pair of first arm portions 3A (left first arm portion 3AL and right first arm portion 3AR), connected to the first base 3B and facing each other. Furthermore, a first shaft support portion 3H (left first shaft support portion 3HL and right first shaft support portion 3HR) is formed at the front end of each pair of first arm portions 3A. Figure 5A As shown, the left first axis support portion 3HL is formed on the left first axis portion 2SL of the lens holding member 2, and the right first axis support portion 3HR is formed on the right first axis portion 2SR of the lens holding member 2. Furthermore, as... Figure 3A As shown, the left third shaft portion 3SL is supported by the left third shaft support portion 7HL formed at the left rear corner of the base member 7, and the right third shaft portion 3SR is supported by the right third shaft support portion 7HR formed at the right rear corner of the base member 7.

[0081] like Figure 3CAs shown, the second connecting rod member 4 has: a second base 4B, on which a pair of fourth shaft portions 4S (front fourth shaft portion 4SF and rear fourth shaft portion 4SB) rotatably supported on the base member 7 are formed; and a pair of second arms 4A (front second arm portion 4AF and rear second arm portion 4AB), connected to the second base 4B and facing each other. Furthermore, a second shaft support portion 4H (front second shaft support portion 4HF and rear second shaft support portion 4HB) is formed at the front end of each pair of second arms 4A. The front second shaft support portion 4HF supports the front second shaft portion 2TF formed on the lens holding member 2 (see reference). Figure 8A The rear second axis support 4HB is supported on the rear second axis 2TB of the lens holding member 2 (see reference). Figure 10A 。). And, as Figure 3C As shown, the front fourth shaft portion 4SF is supported by the front fourth shaft support portion 7JF formed at the left front corner of the base member 7, and the rear fourth shaft portion 4SB is supported by the rear fourth shaft support portion 7JB formed at the left rear corner of the base member 7.

[0082] Thus, the lens holding member 2 and the first connecting rod member 3 are connected via the first shaft portion 2S and the first shaft support portion 3H, and the lens holding member 2 and the second connecting rod member 4 are connected via the second shaft portion 2T and the second shaft support portion 4H.

[0083] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4B As shown, the first shaft support portion 3H has a U-shaped first recess UR1 that is open on the front side (X1 side). The first shaft portion 2S is located inside the first recess UR1 and is configured to form a gap D1 between the inner bottom surface of the first recess UR1 and the first shaft portion 2S.

[0084] like Figure 5A As shown, the second shaft support portion 4H has a U-shaped second recess UR2 that is open on the right side (Y2 side). The second shaft portion 2T is located inside the second recess UR2 and is configured to form a gap D2 between the inner bottom surface of the second recess UR2 and the second shaft portion 2T.

[0085] The linkage mechanism LM is configured such that the sizes of gaps D1 and D2 change as the lens holding member 2 moves along the optical axis. This is to suppress changes in the posture of the lens holding member 2 as it moves along the optical axis. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4B as well as Figure 4C As shown, the linkage mechanism LM is configured such that the gap D1 decreases when the lens holding member 2 moves upward (in the Z1 direction). Furthermore, as... Figure 5A as well as Figure 5BAs shown, the linkage mechanism LM is configured such that the size of the gap D2 decreases when the lens holding member 2 moves upward (in the Z1 direction).

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B This section provides a detailed explanation of the guiding organization GM. Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101 with the cover component 1 removed. Specifically, Figure 6A This shows the appearance of the lens holding member 2 when it is located at the bottommost side (Z2 side). Figure 6B This shows the appearance of the lens holding member 2 when it is located at the top (Z1 side). Figure 7A as well as Figure 7B This is a perspective view of the base component 7 as a whole. Specifically, Figure 7A This shows the appearance when the fixed side groove 7G formed in the columnar portion 7B of the base component 7 is not provided with the ball bearing 5. Figure 7B This shows the appearance when the ball bearing 5 is installed in the fixed side groove 7G. Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B This is a 3D view of the front of the guiding organization, GM. Specifically, Figure 8A This is a perspective view of the base component 7, which is equipped with the lens holding component 2 and the ball bearing 5. Figure 8B It is by Figure 8A An enlarged view of the area R1 enclosed by the dashed line shown. Additionally, in Figure 8B For clarity, the illustrations of components other than base component 7 have been omitted. Figure 9A as well as Figure 9B This is a 3D view of the back of the guiding organization, GM. Specifically, Figure 9A This is a perspective view of the lens holding component 2 mounted on the base component 7. Figure 9B It is by Figure 9A An enlarged view of the area R2 enclosed by the dashed line shown. Additionally, in Figure 9B For clarity, the diagrams of components other than lens holding component 2 have been omitted. Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B This is a perspective view of the lens holding component 2 as a whole. Specifically, Figure 10A This indicates the appearance when the movable side groove 2G of the columnar portion 2B formed in the lens holding member 2 is not equipped with the ball bearing 5. Figure 10B This indicates the appearance when ball bearings 5 ​​are installed in the movable side groove 2G.

[0087] like Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B As shown, the guide mechanism GM includes a right guide portion GMR and a left guide portion GML configured to face each other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) across the receiving member 11. Specifically, the right guide portion GMR has a right movable side groove 2GR provided in the right columnar portion 2BR of the lens holding member 2 (see reference). Figure 10A ), and the right fixed side groove 7GR, which is provided on the base component 7 and opposite the right movable side groove 2GR (refer to Figure 7A ), and the right ball bearing 5R disposed between the right movable side groove 2GR and the right fixed side groove 7GR (see reference). Figure 7B 。).

[0088] Specifically, such as Figure 7A As shown, the right fixed side groove 7GR is divided into two recesses 7V. The recesses 7V include a right upper recess 7VRU and a right lower recess 7VRD. Furthermore, as... Figure 7B As shown, the right-side ball bearing 5R includes an upper right ball bearing 5RU housed in the upper right recess 7VRU, and a lower right ball bearing 5RD housed in the lower right recess 7VRD. On the other hand, as... Figure 10A As shown, the right movable side groove 2GR is not divided into two recesses, but extends continuously in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). With this configuration, the upper right ball 5RU and the lower right ball 5RD will not approach each other even when the lens holding member 2 moves along the optical axis direction, but will be maintained at a predetermined interval. This is because the upper right ball 5RU and the lower right ball 5RD are restricted from moving in the optical axis direction by the upper right recess 7VRU and the lower right recess 7VRD.

[0089] Similarly, the left guide portion GML has a left movable side groove 2GL provided on the left columnar portion 2BL of the lens holding member 2 (see reference). Figure 10A ), and the left fixed side groove 7GL, which is provided on the base component 7 and opposite the left movable side groove 2GL (see reference). Figure 7A ), and the left ball bearing 5L disposed between the left movable side groove 2GL and the left fixed side groove 7GL (see reference). Figure 7B 。).

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 8BAs shown, the left fixed side groove 7GL is divided into two recesses 7V. The recesses 7V include a left upper recess 7VLU and a left lower recess 7VLD. Furthermore, as... Figure 7B As shown, the left ball bearing 5L includes an upper left ball bearing 5LU housed in the upper left recess 7VLU, and a lower left ball bearing 5LD housed in the lower left recess 7VLD. On the other hand, as... Figure 9B As shown, the left movable side groove 2GL is not divided into two recesses, but extends continuously in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). According to this configuration, the upper left ball bearing 5LU and the lower left ball bearing 5LD will not approach each other even when the lens holding member 2 moves along the optical axis direction, thus maintaining stability. Figure 10B The state shown is separated by a predetermined interval. This is because the upper left ball 5LU and the lower left ball 5LD are restricted from moving in the optical axis direction by the upper left recess 7VLU and the lower left recess 7VLD.

[0091] By providing the aforementioned guide mechanism GM, the lens drive device 101 enables the lens holding member 2 to move smoothly along the optical axis. Furthermore, by providing the aforementioned linkage mechanism LM, the lens drive device 101 can suppress the tilting of the lens holding member 2 when it moves along the optical axis.

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figures 13A to 13D , Figures 14A to 14D , Figure 15A , Figure 15B , Figure 16A as well as Figure 16B The details of the piezoelectric drive unit (PD) are explained. Figure 11A as well as Figure 11B This is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101 with the cover component 1 removed. Specifically, Figure 11A This is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101 with the piezoelectric drive unit PD and the force application component 6 removed. Figure 11B It is by Figure 11A An enlarged view of the area R3 enclosed by the dashed line shown. Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B This is a 3D view of the piezoelectric drive unit (PD). Specifically, Figure 12A This is a 3D view of the piezoelectric drive unit (PD). Figure 12B This is an exploded perspective view of the piezoelectric drive unit (PD). Figures 13A to 13D This is a detailed diagram of the force-applying component 6. Specifically, Figure 13A This is a 3D view of force-applying component 6. Figure 13B This is the front view of the force-applying component 6. Figure 13C This is a top view of the force-applying component 6. Figure 13D This is the left view of the force-applying component 6. Figures 14A to 14D This is a detailed drawing of the force-applying component 6, which is equipped with a piezoelectric drive unit PD. Figures 13A to 13D Corresponding. Specifically, Figure 14A This is a perspective view of the force-applying component 6, which is equipped with a piezoelectric drive unit PD, and... Figure 13A correspond. Figure 14B This is a front view of the force-applying component 6, which is equipped with a piezoelectric drive unit PD. Figure 13B correspond. Figure 14C This is a top view of the force-applying component 6, which is equipped with a piezoelectric drive unit PD. Figure 13C correspond. Figure 14D This is a left view of the force-applying component 6, which is equipped with a piezoelectric drive unit PD. Figure 13D correspond. Figure 15A as well as Figure 15B This is a diagram of a force-applying component 6, to which a piezoelectric drive unit PD is mounted via adhesive AD. Specifically, Figure 15A It is by Figure 14B An enlarged view of the area R4 enclosed by the dashed line shown. Figure 15B This is a left view of the force-applying component 6, to which the piezoelectric drive unit PD is mounted via adhesive AD, and... Figure 13D as well as Figure 14D correspond. Figure 16A as well as Figure 16B This is a diagram of the base component 7 on which the force-applying component 6 is installed. Specifically, Figure 16A This is a three-dimensional view of the base component 7, on which the force-applying component 6 is installed. Figure 16B It is by Figure 16A An enlarged top view of the area R5 enclosed by the dashed line shown.

[0093] In this embodiment, the force-applying component 6 is composed of a leaf spring component. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figures 13A to 13D As shown, the force-applying component 6 has a fixing part 6F fixed to the base component 7, a support part 6S supporting the piezoelectric drive part PD, and an elastically deformable part 6E disposed between the fixing part 6F and the support part 6S.

[0094] Specifically, the fixing part 6F includes a left fixing part 6FL and a right fixing part 6FR, and the support part 6S includes a left support part 6SL and a right support part 6SR. Furthermore, the elastic deformation part 6E includes a left elastic deformation part 6EL disposed between the left fixing part 6FL and the left support part 6SL, and a right elastic deformation part 6ER disposed between the right fixing part 6FR and the right support part 6SR.

[0095] The support portion 6S has a plate-shaped base 6B connected to the elastically deformable portion 6E, and a bent portion 6N that bends in an L-shape from the base 6B and protrudes toward the side (X2 side) where the lens holding member 2 is located. Furthermore, a recess RS (see reference) is formed at the front end of the bent portion 6N. Figure 13D The recess RS is an open recess on one side where the lens holding member 2 is located. Specifically, the base 6B includes a left base 6BL as part of the left support 6SL and a right base 6BR as part of the right support 6SR. Furthermore, the bend 6N includes a left bend 6NL as part of the left support 6SL and a right bend 6NR as part of the right support 6SR. The recess RS is formed with the same shape and size at the front ends of both the left bend 6NL and the right bend 6NR. Figure 14D As shown, the piezoelectric drive unit PD, with a portion located within the recess RS and in contact with the inner edge BE of the recess RS, performs as follows: Figure 15B As shown, it is fixed to the bending portion 6N using adhesive AD. Additionally, in Figure 14D For clarity, the diagram shows a gap between the bent portion 6N and the piezoelectric drive portion PD (circuit board 10), but in reality, the bent portion 6N is in contact with the piezoelectric drive portion PD (circuit board 10).

[0096] More specifically, such as Figure 14D As shown, the recess RS has an upper edge portion UE and a lower edge portion DE that are opposed to each other across an inner edge portion BE. Furthermore, a piezoelectric drive portion PD is disposed between the upper edge portion UE and the lower edge portion DE.

[0097] like Figure 12A As shown, the position where the inner edge BE of the recess RS contacts the piezoelectric drive unit PD corresponds to the joint position ND of the piezoelectric drive unit PD that realizes bending vibration. The joint position ND includes a first position ND1 and a second position ND2. Figure 12A For clarity, the ND symbols at the node positions are marked with cross patterns.

[0098] The position where the inner edge BE of the recess RS contacts the piezoelectric drive unit PD corresponds to a position at a predetermined distance from the end of the piezoelectric drive unit PD. This predetermined distance is, for example, approximately one-quarter of the total length of the piezoelectric drive unit PD. That is, the first position ND1, which is one location where the inner edge BE of the recess RS contacts the piezoelectric drive unit PD, is located at a distance DX1 from the left end LE of the piezoelectric drive unit PD. Furthermore, the distance DX1 is approximately one-quarter of the total length (length in the Y-axis direction) of the piezoelectric drive unit PD. Similarly, the second position ND2, which is another location where the inner edge BE of the recess RS contacts the piezoelectric drive unit PD, is located at a distance DX2 from the right end RE of the piezoelectric drive unit PD. Furthermore, the distance DX2 is approximately one-quarter of the total length of the piezoelectric drive unit PD.

[0099] like Figure 15A as well as Figure 15B As shown, the piezoelectric drive unit PD and the bent portion 6N are fixed together by adhesive AD. In this embodiment, adhesive AD is a UV-curable adhesive. However, adhesive AD can also be other types of adhesives such as moisture-curable or heat-curable adhesives. Furthermore, adhesive AD is attached between one side of the bent portion 6N and the piezoelectric drive unit PD, and between the other side of the bent portion 6N and the piezoelectric drive unit PD.

[0100] Specifically, such as Figure 12A As shown, adhesive AD is applied to the front surface (X1 side) of the circuit board 10 at positions ND1 and ND2. That is, adhesive AD includes adhesive AD applied at position ND1 and adhesive AD applied at position ND2. Based on this, the force-applying member 6 is pressed against the front surface of the circuit board 10 by the recess RS provided at the front end of the bending portion 6N, so that the adhesive AD applied to the front surface of the circuit board 10 is flattened.

[0101] The result, such as Figure 15A As shown, the adhesive AD applied at position ND1 is divided into adhesive AD1L, which adheres to the left side of the left bend 6NL and the piezoelectric drive unit PD, and adhesive AD1R, which adheres to the right side of the left bend 6NL and the piezoelectric drive unit PD. Similarly, the adhesive AD applied at position ND2 is divided into adhesive AD2L, which adheres to the left side of the right bend 6NR and the piezoelectric drive unit PD, and adhesive AD2R, which adheres to the right side of the right bend 6NR and the piezoelectric drive unit PD.

[0102] like Figure 13AAs shown, two elastically deformable portions 6E extend from their corresponding bases 6B in a direction separating them from each other. Specifically, the left elastically deformable portion 6EL extends to the left (Y1 direction) from the left base 6BL, and the right elastically deformable portion 6ER extends to the right (Y2 direction) from the right base 6BR. Furthermore, as... Figure 14C As shown, the extension direction of the elastic deformation part 6E is along the extension direction of the piezoelectric element 8, i.e., the Y-axis direction.

[0103] A fixing part 6F is provided on the extension line of the elastically deformable part 6E. Furthermore, as... Figure 16B As shown, the fixing part 6F is clamped by the clamping part 7C of the base member 7. Specifically, the clamping part 7C has a cylindrical protrusion PL extending upward (in the Z1 direction) from the upper surface of the base member 7, and a corner wall CN formed at the corner of the base member 7 in a plan view that is L-shaped. The fixing part 6F of the force-applying member 6 is inserted from above between the protrusion PL and the corner wall CN, thereby being clamped between the protrusion PL and the corner wall CN. In addition, the clamping of the fixing part 6F by the clamping part 7C can be achieved by adhesive, or it can be reinforced by adhesive.

[0104] In this embodiment, such as Figure 13A as well as Figure 13B As shown, an opening 6H is formed at the base 6B of the force-applying member 6. Specifically, the opening 6H includes a left opening 6HL formed at the left base 6BL of the left support portion 6SL, and a right opening 6HR formed at the right base 6BR of the right support portion 6SR. The left opening 6HL is configured to allow visual confirmation of the connection status between the left bending portion 6NL and the piezoelectric drive portion PD from the front (X1 side). The connection status includes, for example, whether the adhesive AD1L is properly configured. Similarly, the right opening 6HR is configured to allow visual confirmation of the connection status between the right bending portion 6NR and the piezoelectric drive portion PD from the front (X1 side). The connection status includes, for example, whether the adhesive AD2R is properly configured.

[0105] The force-applying component 6 has a connecting portion 6C that connects the two base portions 6B. Specifically, as shown... Figure 13A as well as Figure 13B As shown, the force-applying component 6 has an upper connecting portion 6CU and a lower connecting portion 6CD that connect the left base portion 6BL and the right base portion 6BR.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 17A , Figure 17B as well as Figures 18A to 18D The lens driving device 101A, which is another configuration example of the lens driving device 101, will be described. Figure 17A as well as Figure 17B This is a perspective view of the lens driving device 101A. Specifically, Figure 17AThis is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101A with the cover component 1 removed. Figure 17B This is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101A with the piezoelectric drive unit PD, force application component 60, sensor 12, and sensor circuit board removed. Figures 18A to 18D This is a detailed drawing of the force-applying component 60. Specifically, Figure 18A This is a three-dimensional view of the force-applying component 60. Figure 18B This is the front view of the force-applying component 60. Figure 18C This is a top view of the force-applying component 60. Figure 18D This is the left view of the force-applying component 60.

[0107] The lens drive device 101A differs from the lens drive device 101, which has force-applying members 6 fixed to the base member 7 at both ends, mainly in that it has a force-applying member 60 fixed at its lower end to the base member 7. However, it is the same as the lens drive device 101 in other respects. Therefore, the description of the common parts will be omitted below, and the different parts will be described in detail.

[0108] The force-applying component 60 is the same as the force-applying component 6, and is composed of a leaf spring component. Figures 18A to 18D In the example shown, the force-applying component 60 has a fixing part 60F fixed to the base component 7, a support part 60S supporting the piezoelectric drive part PD, an elastically deformable part 60E disposed between the fixing part 60F and the support part 60S, and a sensor mounting part 60T on which the sensor 12 is mounted.

[0109] Specifically, the fixing part 60F includes an upper fixing part 60FU, a central fixing part 60FC, and a lower fixing part 60FD, and the support part 60S includes a left support part 60SL and a right support part 60SR. Furthermore, the elastic deformation part 60E includes a left elastic deformation part 60EL disposed between the upper fixing part 60FU and the left support part 60SL, and a right elastic deformation part 60ER disposed between the upper fixing part 60FU and the right support part 60SR.

[0110] The support portion 60S has a plate-shaped base 60B connected to the elastically deformable portion 60E, and a bent portion 60N that bends in an L-shape from the base 60B and protrudes toward the side (X2 side) where the lens holding member 2 is located. A recess RS is formed at the front end of the bent portion 60N. Specifically, the base 60B includes a left base 60BL, which is part of the left support portion 60SL, and a right base 60BR, which is part of the right support portion 60SR. Furthermore, the bent portion 60N includes a left bent portion 60NL, which is part of the left support portion 60SL, and a right bent portion 60NR, which is part of the right support portion 60SR. The recess RS is formed with the same shape and size at the respective front ends of the left bent portion 60NL and the right bent portion 60NR. Furthermore, the piezoelectric drive portion PD and... Figure 14D The piezoelectric drive unit PD in the lens drive device 101 shown is the same, and is fixed to the bending part 60N by adhesive while a portion of it is located in the recess RS and in contact with the inner edge BE of the recess RS.

[0111] like Figure 18D As shown, the recess RS has an upper edge portion UE and a lower edge portion DE that are opposed to each other across an inner edge portion BE. Furthermore, a piezoelectric drive portion PD is disposed between the upper edge portion UE and the lower edge portion DE.

[0112] The position of contact between the inner edge BE of the recess RS and the piezoelectric drive part PD is... Figure 12A The case of the piezoelectric drive unit PD in the lens drive device 101 shown is the same, corresponding to the position ND of the segment of the piezoelectric drive unit PD that performs bending vibration. The position ND of the segment includes a first position ND1 and a second position ND2.

[0113] The piezoelectric drive unit PD and the bending unit 60N are fixed together by an adhesive. The adhesive is, for example, a UV-curable adhesive. The adhesive is applied between one side of the bending unit 60N and the piezoelectric drive unit PD, and between the other side of the bending unit 60N and the piezoelectric drive unit PD. Based on this, the force-applying member 60 is pressed against the front surface of the circuit board 10 by a recess RS provided at the front end of the bending unit 60N, thereby flattening the adhesive applied to the front surface of the circuit board 10.

[0114] like Figure 18A As shown, two elastically deformable portions 60E extend downward (in the Z2 direction) from the corresponding base 60B. In this example, the extending direction of the elastically deformable portions 60E is the same as the extending direction of the piezoelectric element 8. Figure 17B The direction parallel to the rotation axis 8X shown is perpendicular to it.

[0115] A fixing part 60F is provided on the extension line of the elastically deformable part 60E. Furthermore, as... Figure 17Aas well as Figure 17B As shown, the fixing part 60F is configured to clamp the front side (X1 side) of the rectangular frame portion 7F of the base member 7. Specifically, the fixing part 60F is configured such that the upper fixing part 60FU contacts the upper surface of the rectangular frame portion 7F, the central fixing part 60FC contacts the front surface of the rectangular frame portion 7F, and the lower fixing part 60FD contacts the lower surface of the rectangular frame portion 7F. Furthermore, the clamping of the rectangular frame portion 7F by the fixing part 60F can be achieved by adhesive, or reinforced by adhesive.

[0116] The force-applying component 60 has a connecting portion 60C that connects the two bases 60B. Specifically, as... Figure 18A As shown, the connecting portion 60C extends parallel to the Y-axis direction, and is configured to connect the upper end of the left base portion 60BL to the upper end of the right base portion 60BR.

[0117] The sensor mounting portion 60T is configured to mount a sensor 12 (not shown). In this example, the sensor mounting portion 60T is configured to extend in the X2 direction from the upper fixing portion 60FU and then in the Z1 direction. Specifically, the sensor mounting portion 60T is configured to allow the sensor 12 mounted on the sensor mounting portion 60T to face the magnet 13 mounted on the lens holding member 2. In addition, the sensor 12 is mounted on the rear surface of the sensor mounting portion 60T with a sensor circuit board (not shown) sandwiched between the front surface (X1 side surface) of the sensor 12 and the rear surface (X2 side surface) of the sensor mounting portion 60T.

[0118] As described above, the lens driving device 101 of the embodiment of the present invention is configured to have at least a fixed-side member FB, a lens holding member 2 capable of holding a lens body, a guide mechanism GM that guides the lens holding member 2 to be movable relative to the fixed-side member FB along the optical axis direction, and a piezoelectric element 8 extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction. It also includes a piezoelectric driving section PD that moves the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis direction, and a force applying member 6 that applies force to the piezoelectric driving section PD toward the lens holding member 2. Furthermore, the lens holding member 2 is configured to be driven by the vibration of the piezoelectric element 8.

[0119] Force-applying component 6 is composed of a leaf spring component, such as Figure 13A As shown, it has a fixing part 6F fixed to the fixing side member FB, a support part 6S supporting the piezoelectric drive part PD, and an elastically deformable part 6E disposed between the fixing part 6F and the support part 6S. The support part 6S has a plate-shaped base 6B connected to the elastically deformable part 6E, and a bent part 6N that bends in an L-shape from the base 6B and protrudes toward the lens holding member 2 side, i.e., the rear side (X2 side). Furthermore, as... Figure 14D As shown, the piezoelectric drive unit PD is fixed to the bending part 6N.

[0120] According to this configuration, the lens driving device 101 can hold the piezoelectric drive unit PD by the force-applying member 6 with a simple structure, and can apply force to the piezoelectric drive unit PD.

[0121] A recess RS may also be formed at the front end of the bent portion 6N. In the lens driving device 101, such as... Figure 14D As shown, the recess RS has an inner edge BE, and an upper edge UE (a first edge) and a lower edge DE (a second edge) that are opposed to each other across the inner edge BE. A portion of the piezoelectric drive unit PD is located within the recess RS and is disposed between the upper edge UE and the lower edge DE. The piezoelectric drive unit PD is fixed to the bending portion 6N in a state of contact with the inner edge BE of the recess RS.

[0122] According to this configuration, the lens drive device 101 can determine the position of the piezoelectric drive unit PD through the force-applying component 6 with a simple structure.

[0123] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 12A As shown, the position where the bent portion 6N (the inner edge BE of the recess RS) contacts the piezoelectric drive portion PD corresponds to the position ND of the section of the piezoelectric drive portion PD (piezoelectric element 8). For example, in the lens drive device 101, the position where the bent portion 6N (the inner edge BE of the recess RS) contacts the piezoelectric drive portion PD corresponds to a position at a predetermined distance from the end of the piezoelectric drive portion PD. Furthermore, the predetermined distance is, for example, approximately one-quarter of the total length of the piezoelectric drive portion PD.

[0124] According to this configuration, the lens drive device 101 can support the joint position ND of the piezoelectric drive unit PD at the edge of the bending portion 6N of the force application member 6, and can suppress vibrations that unnecessarily hinder the piezoelectric drive unit PD.

[0125] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 15A as well as Figure 15B As shown, the piezoelectric drive unit PD and the bent part 6N are fixed together by adhesive AD. Adhesive AD is attached between one side of the bent part 6N and the piezoelectric drive unit PD, and between the other side of the bent part 6N and the piezoelectric drive unit PD. Figure 15AIn the example shown, adhesive AD includes adhesive AD1L, which is attached between the left (Y1 side) surface of the left bend 6NL and the front (X1 side) surface of the circuit board 10; adhesive AD1R, which is attached between the right (Y2 side) surface of the left bend 6NL and the front (X1 side) surface of the circuit board 10; adhesive AD2L, which is attached between the left (Y1 side) surface of the right bend 6NR and the front (X1 side) surface of the circuit board 10; and adhesive AD2R, which is attached between the right (Y2 side) surface of the right bend 6NR and the front (X1 side) surface of the circuit board 10. Furthermore, as... Figure 15B As shown, the adhesive AD is applied in such a way that it adheres to both the upper (Z1 side) surface of the circuit board 10 and the bent portion 6N, and the lower (Z2 side) surface of the circuit board 10 and the bent portion 6N. This configuration can improve the bonding strength between the piezoelectric drive portion PD and the force-applying member 6.

[0126] In the lens driving device 101, two elastic deformation portions 6E extend from their corresponding bases 6B in a direction that separates them from each other. Furthermore, the extending direction of the elastic deformation portions 6E is along the extending direction of the piezoelectric element 8.

[0127] Compared to the case where the extension direction of the elastic deformation portion 6E is not along the extension direction of the piezoelectric element 8, this configuration allows for a reduction in the dimension of the lens drive device 101 in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, compared to the case where the extension direction of the elastic deformation portion 6E is not along the extension direction of the piezoelectric element 8, this configuration allows for an increase in the extension length of the elastic deformation portion 6E. Therefore, this configuration improves the design freedom of the leaf spring.

[0128] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 16A as well as Figure 16B As shown, a fixing part 6F is provided on the extension line of the elastically deformable part 6E. Furthermore, the fixing part 6F is clamped by a clamping part 7C provided on the base member 7, which serves as the fixing side member FB.

[0129] This configuration achieves the following effect: regardless of the position of the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis, the force exerted by the force-applying member 6, which pushes the piezoelectric drive unit PD against the lens holding member 2, can be maintained at a substantially constant level. Therefore, this configuration simplifies the control of the driving force of the piezoelectric drive unit PD required to move the lens holding member 2 a predetermined distance along the optical axis. This is because, when the force of the force-applying member 6 varies according to the position of the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis, the driving force of the piezoelectric drive unit PD required to move the lens holding member 2 a predetermined distance along the optical axis also varies.

[0130] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 13A As shown, an opening 6H is formed in the base 6B. The opening 6H is formed so that the connection state between the bent portion 6N and the piezoelectric drive portion PD can be visually confirmed from the front side (X1 side). Furthermore, as... Figure 13A As shown, the opening 6H can also reach a portion of the bend 6N.

[0131] This configuration allows the adhesive AD to be applied to the piezoelectric drive unit PD through the opening 6H. Furthermore, this configuration allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated through the opening 6H. Ultraviolet light is irradiated to cure the UV-curable adhesive AD.

[0132] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 13A As shown, the force-applying member 6 has an upper connecting portion 6CU and a lower connecting portion 6CD that connect the two base portions 6B. This configuration has the effect of increasing the strength of the support portion 6S of the force-applying member 6.

[0133] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 11A As shown, the lens holding member 2 has a metal receiving member 11, and the piezoelectric drive unit PD has a metal contact member 9. Furthermore, the lens drive device 101 is configured such that the receiving member 11 contacts the contact member 9. Additionally, heat treatment or other treatments can be applied to the contact member 9 and the receiving member 11 to improve wear resistance.

[0134] This configuration achieves the following effects: it prevents direct contact between the lens holding member 2 and the piezoelectric drive unit PD, thus preventing wear on the lens holding member 2. Furthermore, by using metal to manufacture the contact member 9 and the receiving member 11, its wear resistance is improved. Additionally, this configuration extends the lifespan of the contact member 9 and the receiving member 11, thereby extending the lifespan of the lens drive device 101.

[0135] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 6A As shown, the guide mechanism GM has two guide portions (left guide portion GML and right guide portion GMR) arranged opposite each other in the Y-axis direction separated by the piezoelectric drive portion PD. Furthermore, the left guide portion GML and the right guide portion GMR each have a movable side groove 2G (refer to) provided in the lens holding member 2 as a first groove portion. Figure 10A ), and the fixed side groove 7G, which is the second groove and is provided on the base member 7 and opposite the movable side groove 2G (see reference 7G). Figure 7A ), and ball bearings 5 ​​disposed between the movable side groove 2G and the fixed side groove 7G. Furthermore, as Figure 9B As shown, the movable side groove 2G is formed to extend along the optical axis direction. Figure 8BAs shown, the fixed-side groove 7G is divided into two recesses 7V to prevent the ball 5 from moving along the optical axis. The same applies to the lens drive device 101A. Alternatively, the guide mechanism GM can be configured such that the fixed-side groove 7G extends along the optical axis, and the movable-side groove 2G is divided into multiple recesses. Alternatively, the guide mechanism GM can be configured such that both the movable-side groove 2G and the fixed-side groove 7G extend along the optical axis.

[0136] The guide mechanism GM configured in this way can prevent the cylindrical portion 2C of the lens holding member 2 from deforming due to the force applied by the force-applying member 6. This is because both the guide mechanism GM and the force-applying member 6 are located on one side (X1 side) of the lens holding member 2. That is, this is because the cylindrical portion 2C of the lens holding member 2 is not clamped by the guide mechanism GM and the force-applying member 6.

[0137] Furthermore, as described above, at least one of the movable side groove 2G and the fixed side groove 7G can also be divided into at least two recesses. In this case, the ball 5 includes a first ball housed in one of the at least two recesses and a second ball housed in the other of the at least two recesses.

[0138] In the lens driving device 101, such as Figure 7A As shown, the left fixed-side groove 7GL is divided into a left upper recess 7VLU and a left lower recess 7VLD, and the right fixed-side groove 7GR is divided into a right upper recess 7VRU and a right lower recess 7VRD. Furthermore, as... Figure 7B As shown, the ball 5 includes an upper left ball 5LU housed in the upper left recess 7VLU, a lower left ball 5LD housed in the lower left recess 7VLD, an upper right ball 5RU housed in the upper right recess 7VRU, and a lower right ball 5RD housed in the lower right recess 7VRD.

[0139] This configuration prevents the gap between the upper left ball 5LU and the lower left ball 5LD, which are clamped between the left movable side groove 2GL and the left fixed side groove 7GL, from becoming smaller. Similarly, this configuration prevents the gap between the upper right ball 5RU and the lower right ball 5RD, which are clamped between the right movable side groove 2GR and the right fixed side groove 7GR, from becoming smaller. Therefore, this configuration can more reliably suppress the tilting of the lens holding member 2 when it moves along the optical axis.

[0140] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications or substitutions can be applied to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the features described with reference to the above embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they are not technically contradictory.

[0141] For example, in the above embodiment, the lens holding member 2 is configured to have shaft portions (first shaft portion 2S and second shaft portion 2T) but not shaft support portions, although it may also be configured to have shaft support portions. In this case, the first link member 3 may also be configured to have a shaft portion corresponding to its shaft support portion. The same applies to the second link member 4.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the base member 7 is configured to have shaft support portions (the third shaft support portion 7H and the fourth shaft support portion 7J) but not a shaft portion, although it may also be configured to have a shaft portion. In this case, the first link member 3 may also be configured to have a shaft support portion corresponding to its shaft portion. The same applies to the second link member 4.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first shaft portion 2S is configured to have a left first shaft portion 2SL and a right first shaft portion 2SR, i.e., it has a pair of shaft portions, but it can also be configured by combining shaft portions and shaft support portions. For example, the first shaft portion 2S can also be configured to have a left first shaft portion 2SL and a right first shaft support portion (not shown). In this case, the first shaft support portion 3H can also be configured to have a left first shaft support portion 3HL and a right first shaft portion (not shown). The same applies to the second shaft portion 2T, the second shaft support portion 4H, the third shaft portion 3S, the third shaft support portion 7H, the fourth shaft portion 4S, and the fourth shaft support portion 7J.

[0144] Furthermore, the number of balls 5 arranged between the movable side groove 2G and the fixed side groove 7G can be more than three or as one.

[0145] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-010631, filed on January 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0146] Explanation of symbols:

[0147] 1: Cover component; 1A: Outer peripheral wall; 1B: Top; 1K: Opening; 1S: Storage part; 2: Lens holding component; 2B: Columnar part; 2BL: Left columnar part; 2BR: Right columnar part; 2C: Cylindrical part; 2G: Movable side groove; 2GL: Left movable side groove; 2GR: Right movable side groove; 2S: First axis part; 2SL: Left first axis part; 2SR: Right first axis part; 2T: Second axis part; 2TB: Rear second axis part; 2TF: Front second axis part; 3: First connecting rod component; 3A: First arm part; 3AL: Left first arm part; 3AR: Right first arm part; 3B: First base part; 3H: First axis support part; 3HL: Left first axis support part; 3HR: Right first axis support part; 3S: 3rd shaft section; 3SL: Left 3rd shaft section; 3SR: Right 3rd shaft section; 4: 2nd connecting rod assembly; 4A: 2nd arm section; 4AB: Rear 2nd arm section; 4AF: Front 2nd arm section; 4B: 2nd base section; 4H: 2nd shaft support section; 4HB: Rear 2nd shaft support section; 4HF: Front 2nd shaft support section; 4S: 4th shaft section; 4SB: Rear 4th shaft section; 4SF: Front 4th shaft section; 5: Ball bearing; 5L: Left ball bearing; 5LD: Lower left ball bearing; 5LU: Upper left ball bearing; 5R: Right ball bearing; 5RD: Lower right ball bearing; 5RU: Upper right ball bearing; 6: Force application component; 6B: Base section; 6BL: Left base section; 6BR: Right base section; 6C: Connecting section; 6CD: Lower connecting section 6CU: Upper connecting part; 6E: Elastic deformation part; 6EL: Left elastic deformation part; 6ER: Right elastic deformation part; 6F: Fixing part; 6FL: Left fixing part; 6FR: Right fixing part; 6H: Opening; 6HL: Left opening; 6HR: Right opening; 6N: Bending part; 6NL: Left bending part; 6NR: Right bending part; 6S: Support part; 6SL: Left support part; 6SR: Right support part; 7: Base component; 7B: Columnar part; 7BL: Left columnar part; 7BR: Right columnar part; 7C: Clamping part; 7CL: Left clamping part; 7CR: Right clamping part; 7F: Rectangular frame part; 7G: Fixed side groove part; 7GL: Left fixed side groove part; 7GR: Right fixed side groove part; 7H: 3rd axis support; 7HL: Left 3rd axis support; 7HR: Right 3rd axis support; 7J: 4th axis support; 7JB: Rear 4th axis support; 7JF: Front 4th axis support; 7K: Opening; 7V: Recess; 7VLD: Lower left recess; 7VLU: Upper left recess; 7VRD: Lower right recess; 7VRU: Upper right recess; 7W: Wall; 8: Piezoelectric element; 8X: Rotating axis; 9: Contact component; 10: Circuit board; 11: Receiving component; 12: Sensor; 13: Magnet; 60: Force-applying component; 60B: Base; 60BL: Left base; 60BR: Right base; 60C: Connecting part; 60E: Elastic deformation part; 60EL: Left elastic deformation part;60ER: Right side elastic deformation part; 60F: Fixing part; 60FC: Central fixing part; 60FD: Lower fixing part; 60FU: Upper fixing part; 60N: Bending part; 60NL: Left side bending part; 60NR: Right side bending part; 60S: Support part; 60SL: Left side support part; 60SR: Right side support part; 60T: Sensor mounting part; 101, 101A: Lens driving device; AD, AD1L, AD1R, AD2L, AD2R: Adhesive; BE: Inner edge part; CN: Corner wall part; DE: Lower edge part; FB: Fixing side component; GM: Guiding mechanism; GML: Left side guide Part; GMR: Right side guide part; HS: Frame; JD: Optical axis; LE: Left end; LM: Linkage mechanism; MB: Movable side part; ND: Position; ND1: First position; ND2: Second position; PD: Piezoelectric drive part; PL: Protrusion; RA1: First rotation axis; RA2: Second rotation axis; RA3: Third rotation axis; RA4: Fourth rotation axis; RE: Right end; RS: Recess; RX1: First rotation axis; RX2: Second rotation axis; RX3: Third rotation axis; RX4: Fourth rotation axis; RX5: Fifth rotation axis; UE: Upper side edge; UR1: First recess; UR2: Second recess.

Claims

1. A lens driving device, comprising: Fixed side components; Lens holding component, capable of holding the lens body; The guiding mechanism guides the lens holding member to be able to move relative to the fixed side member along the optical axis. The piezoelectric drive unit is configured to have a piezoelectric element extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis, thereby moving the lens holding member along the optical axis; and The force-applying component applies force to the piezoelectric drive unit towards the lens holding component. The lens driving device is characterized by the following features: The aforementioned force-applying component is composed of a leaf spring component, having a fixing part fixed to the aforementioned fixing side component, a support part supporting the aforementioned piezoelectric drive part, and an elastically deformable part disposed between the aforementioned fixing part and the aforementioned support part. The aforementioned support portion has a plate-shaped base connected to the aforementioned elastically deformable portion, and a bent portion that bends in an L-shape from the aforementioned base and protrudes toward the aforementioned lens holding member side. The piezoelectric drive unit is fixed to the bending portion.

2. The lens driving device according to claim 1, wherein, A recess is formed at the front end of the aforementioned bent portion. The aforementioned recess has an inner edge portion and a first edge portion and a second edge portion that are opposed to each other across the aforementioned inner edge portion. The piezoelectric drive unit is located in the recess and disposed between the first edge and the second edge, and is fixed to the bending portion while in contact with the inner edge of the recess.

3. The lens driving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The contact position between the aforementioned bent portion and the aforementioned piezoelectric drive portion corresponds to the position of the joint of the aforementioned piezoelectric drive portion that vibrates with two joints.

4. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The contact position between the aforementioned bent portion and the aforementioned piezoelectric drive portion corresponds to a position at a predetermined distance from the end of the aforementioned piezoelectric drive portion. The aforementioned specified distance is one-quarter of the total length of the piezoelectric drive unit.

5. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The piezoelectric drive unit and the bending unit are fixed together by an adhesive. The adhesive is attached between one side of the bent portion and the piezoelectric drive portion, and between the other side of the bent portion and the piezoelectric drive portion.

6. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The aforementioned force-applying components each have two of the aforementioned fixing parts, the aforementioned support parts, and the aforementioned elastic deformation parts. The two aforementioned elastically deformable portions extend from their respective bases in a direction that separates them from each other. The extension direction of the aforementioned elastic deformation portion is along the extension direction of the aforementioned piezoelectric element.

7. The lens driving device according to claim 6, wherein, The aforementioned fixing part is provided on the extension line of the aforementioned elastic deformation part. The aforementioned fixing part is clamped by a clamping part provided on the aforementioned fixing side component.

8. The lens driving device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, An opening is formed at the base.

9. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The force-applying component has an upper connecting portion and a lower connecting portion that connect the two base portions.

10. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The aforementioned lens holding component has a metal receiving part. The aforementioned piezoelectric drive unit has metal contact components. The aforementioned receiving component and the aforementioned contact component are in contact.

11. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The aforementioned guiding mechanism has two guiding portions configured to face each other across the aforementioned piezoelectric driving portion. The two guide portions each have a first groove provided in the lens holding member, a second groove provided in the fixing member and opposite to the first groove, and a ball disposed between the first groove and the second groove. At least one of the first groove and the second groove extends along the optical axis.

12. A camera module, comprising: The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The aforementioned lens body; and The imaging element is positioned opposite the aforementioned lens.

Images