Optical element driving device

Abstract

The present application aims to increase the moving amount of the optical element holding member without excessively increasing the size of the current flowing in the coil. The optical element driving device (100) attracts the movable side magnetic member (4) to the core portion (8W) side by electromagnetic force, thereby moving the optical element holding member (5). The core portion has a first top end portion (8W1) and a second top end portion (8W2). The movable side magnetic member has a first movable side magnetic member (4A) facing the first top end portion and a second movable side magnetic member (4B) facing the second top end portion. When the optical element holding member is in a first position, a first gap (G1) between the first top end portion and the first movable side magnetic member is smaller than a second gap (G2) between the second top end portion and the second movable side magnetic member, is larger than the first gap when the optical element holding member is in a second position, and the second gap is larger than the second gap when the optical element holding member is in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to optical element driving devices. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a lens driving device was known that moved a lens holder, which served as an optical element holding member, up and down relative to a fixed-side member (see Patent Document 1). This lens driving device was configured to attract a metal plate fixed to the lens holder using electromagnetic force generated by an electromagnet consisting of a coil wound around a portion (iron core) of the fixed-side member, thereby enabling the lens holder to move downward relative to the fixed-side member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-158714 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] However, in this configuration, the greater the mobility of the lens holder, the greater the distance between the metal plate and the iron core, and the greater the current flowing in the coil. This is because the magnitude of the electromagnetic force decreases inversely proportional to the distance between the metal plate and the iron core.

[0008] Therefore, ideally, the amount of movement of the optical element holding component can be increased without excessively increasing the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] An optical element driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a fixed-side member; an optical element holding member having an opening extending through in the vertical direction for arranging an optical element; a support member supporting the optical element holding member so as to be movable relative to the fixed-side member; a movable-side magnetic member connected to the optical element holding member; and an electromagnetic mechanism including a fixed-side magnetic member having an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core, wherein the movable-side magnetic member is attracted toward the iron core by electromagnetic force, thereby moving the optical element holding member from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction. The iron core has a first top end and a second top end, and the movable-side magnetic member has a first movable-side magnetic member connected to the first top end in the vertical direction. The optical element holding member is connected to the optical element holding member in the opposite state; and the second movable magnetic member is connected to the optical element holding member in the opposite state to the second top end in the vertical direction. When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the first interval between the first top end and the first movable magnetic member in the vertical direction is smaller than the second interval between the second top end and the second movable magnetic member in the vertical direction. The first interval when the optical element holding member is in the first position is larger than the first interval when the optical element holding member is in the second position. The second interval when the optical element holding member is in the first position is larger than the second interval when the optical element holding member is in the second position.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] The aforementioned optical element driving device can increase the movement of the optical element holding component without excessively increasing the current flowing in the coil. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example of the configuration of an optical element driving device.

[0014] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the optical element driving device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of the frame component.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the lower component.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the movable side component and the fixed side magnetic component.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a top view of the movable side component.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the movable side component.

[0020] Figure 8A Right-side view of the optical element drive unit with the cover component removed.

[0021] Figure 8B Right-side view of the optical element drive unit with the cover component removed.

[0022] Figure 8C Right-side view of the optical element drive unit with the cover component removed.

[0023] Figure 8D Right-side view of the optical element drive unit with the cover component removed.

[0024] Figure 9A This is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component, the optical element holding component, and the fixed magnetic component.

[0025] Figure 9B This is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component, the optical element holding component, and the fixed magnetic component.

[0026] Figure 9C This is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component, the optical element holding component, and the fixed magnetic component.

[0027] Figure 9D This is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component, the optical element holding component, and the fixed magnetic component.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1…Cover component 1A…Outer peripheral wall portion 1A1…First side plate portion 1A2…Second side plate portion 1A3…Third side plate portion 1A4…Fourth side plate portion 1B…Top plate portion 1K…Opening 1S…Receiving portion 2…Frame component 2S…Stop portion 2SL…Left stop portion 2SR…Right stop portion 2U…Protruding setting portion 3…Upper leaf spring 3E…Outer portion 3G…Elastic arm portion 3I…Inner portion 4…Modible side magnetic component 4A…First movable side magnetic component 4B…Second movable side magnetic component 4C…Third movable side magnetic component 4F…Protruding piece 4F1…First protruding piece 4F2…Second protruding piece 4F3…Third protruding piece 4FL…Left Side protrusion 4FL1… First left side protrusion 4FL2… Second left side protrusion 4FL3… Third left side protrusion 4FR… Right side protrusion 4FR1… First right side protrusion 4FR2… Second right side protrusion 4FR3… Third right side protrusion 4V… Joint 4V1… First joint 4V2… Second joint 4V3… Third joint 5… Optical element holding part 5C… Cylindrical part 5F… Protrusion 5F1… First protrusion 5F2… Second protrusion 5F3… Third protrusion 5K… Opening 5P… Rotation limiting part 5PL… Left rotation limiting part 5PR… Right rotation limiting part 6… Lower leaf spring 6E… Outer side Part 6G… Elastic arm 6I… Inner part 7… Coil 7L… Left coil 7R… Right coil 8… Fixed side magnetic component 8C… Base 8H… Through hole 8K… Opening 8W… Core part 8W1… First top part 8W2… Second top part 8W3… Third top part 8WL… Left core part 8WL1… First left top part 8WL2… Second left top part 8WL3… Third left top part 8WR… Right core part 8WR1… First right top part 8WR2… Second right top part 8WR3… Third right top part 9… Base component 9K… Opening 9P… Columnar part 9Q, 9T… Protruding setting part 10 …Metal component 10A…First metal component 10AP…First connecting part 10AT…First terminal part 10B…Second metal component 10BP…Second connecting part 10BT…Second terminal part 10C…Third metal component 10CPL…Third left connecting part 10CPR…Third right connecting part 11…Gap component 11A…First gap component 11B…Second gap component 100…Optical element drive device DM…Electromagnetic mechanism DM1…First electromagnetic mechanism DM2…Second electromagnetic mechanism FB…Fixed side component HS…Housing LB…Lower side component MB…Modible side component OA…Optical axis SB…Support component SD…Solder. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, an optical element driving device 100, which is an example of the configuration of an optical element driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the optical element driving device 100. Figure 2This is an exploded perspective view of the optical element driving device 100.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In this system, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis constituting a 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 a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. Figure 1 In the diagram, the X1 side of the optical element driving device 100 corresponds to the front side (front view side) of the optical element driving device 100, and the X2 side corresponds to the rear side (rear view side) of the optical element driving device 100. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the optical element driving device 100 corresponds to the left side of the optical element driving device 100, and the Y2 side corresponds to the right side of the optical element driving device 100. Additionally, the Z1 side of the optical element driving device 100 corresponds to the upper side of the optical element driving device 100, and the Z2 side corresponds to the lower side of the optical element driving device 100. The same applies to other components in the other figures.

[0032] The optical element driving device 100 is a device for moving an optical element (not shown) in the vertical direction. In the example shown, the optical element driving device 100 is configured to move a cylindrical optical element vertically, but it can also be configured to move optical elements of other shapes, such as cuboids, vertically. The optical element may be, for example, a lens, a mirror, a prism, a diffraction grating, a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, an imaging element, or an optical filter. The lens is a cylindrical lens tube having at least one lens. In the example shown, the optical element is a lens. Therefore, hereinafter, the upper side of the optical element driving device 100 is sometimes referred to as the "object side," the lower side of the optical element driving device 100 as the "imaging element side," and the vertical direction as the "optical axis direction." Furthermore, the "optical axis direction" includes the direction about the optical axis OA of the lens and the direction parallel to the optical axis OA.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the optical element driving device 100 includes: a cover component 1, a frame component 2, an upper leaf spring 3, a movable magnetic component 4, an optical element holding component 5, a lower leaf spring 6, a coil 7, a fixed magnetic component 8, a base component 9, a metal component 10, and a spacer component 11. Furthermore, the cover component 1, frame component 2, coil 7, fixed magnetic component 8, base component 9, and metal component 10 constitute the fixed side component FB, and the coil 7, fixed magnetic component 8, base component 9, and metal component 10 constitute the lower side component LB. Additionally, the cover component 1 and base component 9 constitute the housing HS, the upper leaf spring 3 and lower leaf spring 6 constitute the support component SB, the movable magnetic component 4, optical element holding component 5, and spacer component 11 constitute the movable side component MB, and the movable magnetic component 4, coil 7, fixed magnetic component 8, and metal component 10 constitute the electromagnetic mechanism DM.

[0034] The fixed-side component FB is a component that is fixedly disposed in the optical element drive device 100. The movable-side component MB is a component that is disposed in the optical element drive device 100 and is movable relative to the fixed-side component FB. The support component SB is a component that is disposed between the fixed-side component FB and the movable-side component MB in such a way that the movable-side component MB can move relative to the fixed-side component FB, thereby supporting the movable-side component MB. In addition, the support component SB also functions as a force-applying component to restore the movable-side component MB, which has moved due to the electromagnetic mechanism DM, to its original position.

[0035] Cover component 1 is a component that covers other components constituting the optical element drive device 100. In the example shown, cover component 1 is manufactured by stamping and deep drawing processes on a sheet metal made of a non-magnetic metal such as austenitic stainless steel. Because it is made of a non-magnetic metal, cover component 1 will not cause any adverse magnetic effects on electromagnetic mechanisms such as DM that utilize electromagnetic forces.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 1 has a shape defining the receiving portion 1S. Specifically, the cover member 1 has a generally rectangular cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 1A and a generally rectangular annular and flat top plate portion 1B that is continuous with the upper end (Z1 side end) of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A. A generally rectangular opening 1K is formed in the center of the top plate portion 1B. The outer peripheral wall portion 1A includes a first side plate portion 1A1 to a fourth side plate portion 1A4. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 are opposite each other, and the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 are opposite each other. The second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 extend perpendicularly to the first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3. Figure 1 As shown, the cover component 1 is bonded to the base component 9 by an adhesive and together with the base component 9 forms the housing HS.

[0037] The frame member 2 is configured to secure the upper leaf spring 3. In the example shown, the frame member 2 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the frame member 2 includes four circular convex protruding portions 2U. The protruding portions 2U are formed to protrude upwards (in the Z1 direction) from the bottom surface of the recesses formed at the four corners of the upper surface of the frame member 2.

[0038] The upper leaf spring 3 is configured to connect the fixed side member FB (frame member 2) and the movable side member MB (optical element holding member 5). In the example shown, the upper leaf spring 3 includes an annular inner portion 3I fixed to the optical element holding member 5, four outer portions 3E fixed to the frame member 2 which is the fixed side member FB, and four elastic arms 3G located between the inner portion 3I and each of the four outer portions 3E. In the example shown, the upper leaf spring 3 is configured to be rotationally symmetrical about the optical axis of the lens body.

[0039] The four protruding portions 2U formed on the frame member 2 correspond to the four outer portions 3E of the upper leaf spring 3, respectively. The frame member 2 and the upper leaf spring 3 are fixed together by thermal riveting the protruding portions 2U, which are inserted into the through holes formed on the four outer portions 3E. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the diagram, the protruding part 2U is shown in a deformed state at its top after being heat-riveted. The same applies to the other figures.

[0040] The movable magnetic component 4 is one of the components constituting the electromagnetic mechanism DM. This movable magnetic component 4 is supported by the optical element holding component 5 so that it can be pulled downwards by the fixed magnetic component 8 when the fixed magnetic component 8 is magnetized. In the example shown, the movable magnetic component 4 is mounted to the optical element holding component 5 in a manner that allows it to slide relative to the optical element holding component 5 in the vertical direction. The movable magnetic component 4 is formed of a magnetic, flat metal plate.

[0041] Furthermore, in the example shown, the movable magnetic component 4 includes two protruding pieces 4F configured to face the fixed magnetic component 8 in the vertical direction, and an annular connecting portion 4V that joins the two protruding pieces 4F. The two protruding pieces 4F include a left protruding piece 4FL protruding to the left (Y1 direction) and a right protruding piece 4FR protruding to the right (Y2 direction).

[0042] Specifically, the movable magnetic component 4 includes: a first movable magnetic component 4A disposed at the highest position in the vertical direction, a second movable magnetic component 4B disposed at the lowest position in the vertical direction, and a third movable magnetic component 4C disposed between the first movable magnetic component 4A and the second movable magnetic component 4B in the vertical direction.

[0043] Furthermore, the first movable magnetic component 4A includes a first left-side protrusion 4FL1, a first right-side protrusion 4FR1, and a first connecting portion 4V1 that connects the first left-side protrusion 4FL1 and the first right-side protrusion 4FR1. Similarly, the second movable magnetic component 4B includes a second left-side protrusion 4FL2, a second right-side protrusion 4FR2, and a second connecting portion 4V2 that connects the second left-side protrusion 4FL2 and the second right-side protrusion 4FR2. Additionally, the third movable magnetic component 4C includes a third left-side protrusion 4FL3, a third right-side protrusion 4FR3, and a third connecting portion 4V3 that connects the third left-side protrusion 4FL3 and the third right-side protrusion 4FR3. Moreover, the first left-side protrusion 4FL1, the second left-side protrusion 4FL2, and the third left-side protrusion 4FL3 constitute the left-side protrusion 4FL, and the first right-side protrusion 4FR1, the second right-side protrusion 4FR2, and the third right-side protrusion 4FR3 constitute the right-side protrusion 4FR. In addition, the first left protruding piece 4FL1 and the first right protruding piece 4FR1 constitute the first protruding piece 4F1, the second left protruding piece 4FL2 and the second right protruding piece 4FR2 constitute the second protruding piece 4F2, and the third left protruding piece 4FL3 and the third right protruding piece 4FR3 constitute the third protruding piece 4F3.

[0044] Here, refer to Figure 3 The positional relationship between the frame component 2 and the movable magnetic component 4 is explained. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the lower part of frame component 2. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, the frame component 2 includes two square-shaped convex stops 2S protruding downwards (in the Z2 direction) from the end face of the image sensor side (Z2 side). The stops 2S include a first left-side protruding piece 4FL1 (see reference 4FL1) that connects to the movable-side magnetic component 4. Figure 2 The corresponding left stop 2SL and the first right protruding piece 4FR1 of the movable magnetic component 4 (see reference) Figure 2 The corresponding right-side stop 2SR. The stop 2S is configured to contact the upper surface of the protrusion 4F (first left-side protrusion 4FL1 and first right-side protrusion 4FR1) of the movable-side magnetic member 4 in the initial state of the optical element drive device 100 to prevent further upward movement of the movable-side magnetic member 4. Furthermore, the initial state of the optical element drive device 100 means the state of the optical element drive device 100 when no current flows in the coil 7. In the initial state of the optical element drive device 100, the movable-side magnetic member 4 is not in contact with the fixed-side magnetic member 8.

[0045] The optical element holding member 5 is configured to hold an optical element. In the example shown, the optical element holding member 5 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the optical element holding member 5 has a cylindrical portion 5C extending in the vertical direction and a pair of rotation limiting portions 5P protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 5C. An opening 5K for inserting the optical element is formed in the cylindrical portion 5C. The pair of rotation limiting portions 5P includes a left rotation limiting portion 5PL and a right rotation limiting portion 5PR. The optical element is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the opening 5K, for example, by an adhesive. The rotation limiting portions 5P are structural parts used to limit the relative rotation between the movable side magnetic member 4 and the optical element holding member 5. In addition, the inner portion 3I of the upper leaf spring 3 is fixed to the upper surface of the rotation limiting portion 5P by an adhesive.

[0046] The lower leaf spring 6 is configured to connect the optical element holding member 5 to the base member 9. In the example shown, the lower leaf spring 6 includes an annular inner portion 6I fixed to the optical element holding member 5, which is a movable side member MB; four outer portions 6E fixed to the base member 9, which is a fixed side member FB; and four elastic arms 6G located between the inner portion 6I and each of the four outer portions 6E. In the example shown, the lower leaf spring 6 is configured to be rotationally symmetrical about the optical axis OA.

[0047] The lower component LB is a combination of components located below the movable component MB in the fixed component FB. The lower component LB includes a coil 7, a fixed magnetic component 8, a base component 9, and a metal component 10.

[0048] Here, refer to Figure 4 The details of the lower component LB are explained below. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the lower component LB.

[0049] Coil 7 is a component fixed to the magnetic component 8 on the fixed side. Figure 4 In the example shown, coil 7 is a wound coil, including the left coil 7L and the right coil 7R.

[0050] The fixed-side magnetic component 8 is configured to be fixed to the upper surface of the base component 9. In the example shown, the fixed-side magnetic component 8 includes two iron core portions 8W configured to face the movable-side magnetic component 4 in the vertical direction and a base portion 8C connecting the two iron core portions 8W. The fixed-side magnetic component 8 is formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet. The two iron core portions 8W include a left iron core portion 8WL extending upward from the left end of the base portion 8C toward the left side protrusion 4FL of the movable-side magnetic component 4, and a right iron core portion 8WR extending upward from the right end of the base portion 8C toward the right side protrusion 4FR of the movable-side magnetic component 4. A left coil 7L is arranged around the left iron core portion 8WL, and a right coil 7R is arranged around the right iron core portion 8WR. An opening 8K is formed in the center of the base portion 8C to accommodate the lower end of the optical element holding component 5.

[0051] The substrate component 9 is configured to fix the lower leaf spring 6 and the fixed-side magnetic component 8. In the example shown, the substrate component 9 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the base component 9 is a rectangular ring-shaped component viewed from above with an opening 9K in the central part. The base component 9 includes four square convex columnar portions 9P protruding upwards from the four corners, and four circular convex protruding portions 9Q protruding upwards from the end face of the subject being photographed. Furthermore, the base component 9 includes four circular convex protruding portions 9T protruding upwards from the upper ends of the four columnar portions 9P.

[0053] The columnar portion 9P is used to support the lower leaf spring 6. In the example shown, the columnar portion 9P is configured to support the outer portion 6E of the lower leaf spring 6 through its upper end.

[0054] The protruding parts 9Q are for fixing the fixed-side magnetic component 8 to the base component 9. The fixing between the fixed-side magnetic component 8 and the base component 9 is achieved by thermal riveting the four protruding parts 9Q that are inserted into the four through holes 8H formed in the base 8C of the fixed-side magnetic component 8. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the diagram, the protruding part 9Q is shown in a deformed state at its top after being heat-riveted. The same applies to the other figures.

[0055] The protruding part 9T is for fixing the lower leaf spring 6 to the base component 9. The fixing between the lower leaf spring 6 and the base component 9 is achieved by inserting into a through hole formed in the outer part 6E of the lower leaf spring 6 (see reference). Figure 2 The protruding part 9T is achieved through hot riveting. Additionally, in Figure 4In the figure, the protruding part 9T is shown in a deformed state after being heat-riveted. The same is true in the other figures. In addition, the inner part 6I of the lower leaf spring 6 is fixed to the lower surface of the rotation restriction part 5P of the optical element holding member 5 by adhesive.

[0056] The metal component 10 functions as a conductive path for supplying current to the coil 7. In the example shown, the metal component 10 is embedded in the base component 9 by insert molding. Specifically, the metal component 10 includes a first metal component 10A, a second metal component 10B, and a third metal component 10C. Alternatively, the metal component 10 can also be fixed to the surface of the base component 9.

[0057] The first metal component 10A includes a first terminal portion 10AT for connection to the outside and a first connection portion 10AP connected to one end of the right coil 7R via solder SD.

[0058] The second metal component 10B includes a second terminal portion 10BT for connection to the outside and a second connection portion 10BP connected to the other end of the left coil 7L via solder SD.

[0059] The third metal component 10C includes a third right-side connector 10CPR connected to the other end of the right-side coil 7R via solder SD and a third left-side connector 10CPL connected to one end of the left-side coil 7L via solder SD.

[0060] With this configuration, the left coil 7L and the right coil 7R are connected in series. Furthermore, coil 7 is configured such that, when current flows through it, the top ends of the left iron core 8WL and the right iron core 8WR become different magnetic poles. In the example shown, when coil 7 is energized, the left coil 7L is positioned around the left iron core 8WL in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from above, making the top end of the left iron core 8WL the N pole, and the right coil 7R is positioned around the right iron core 8WR in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, making the top end of the right iron core 8WR the S pole.

[0061] The spacer 11 is a non-magnetic component configured to prevent each of the plurality of movable-side magnetic components 4 from contacting each other. When current is supplied to the coil 7 and the fixed-side magnetic component 8 is magnetized, if the first movable-side magnetic component 4A adsorbed to the fixed-side magnetic component 8 and the third movable-side magnetic component 4C not adsorbed to the fixed-side magnetic component 8 come into contact with each other, the first movable-side magnetic component 4A and the third movable-side magnetic component 4C will attract each other. In this case, it is difficult to pull the third movable-side magnetic component 4C away from the first movable-side magnetic component 4A so that the third movable-side magnetic component 4C magnetically adsorbs to the fixed-side magnetic component 8, and it may be difficult to move the optical element holding component 5 further downward. Therefore, in the example shown, the optical element driving device 100 is configured to arrange the spacer 11 between the two movable-side magnetic components 4. Specifically, the spacer 11 is manufactured by stamping or the like by forming a sheet of non-magnetic metal such as copper, and includes a first spacer 11A and a second spacer 11B. Furthermore, the spacer 11 is mounted to the optical element holding member 5 in a manner that allows it to slide relative to the optical element holding member 5 in the vertical direction.

[0062] A first spacer 11A is disposed between a first movable-side magnetic component 4A and a third movable-side magnetic component 4C to prevent the first movable-side magnetic component 4A from contacting the third movable-side magnetic component 4C. Furthermore, a second spacer 11B is disposed between a third movable-side magnetic component 4C and a second movable-side magnetic component 4B to prevent the third movable-side magnetic component 4C from contacting the second movable-side magnetic component 4B.

[0063] The electromagnetic mechanism DM is a mechanism for electromagnetically moving the movable side member MB, supported by the supported member SB, along the optical axis. In the example shown, the electromagnetic mechanism DM consists of a movable side magnetic member 4, a coil 7, a fixed side magnetic member 8, and a metal member 10. Specifically, the electromagnetic mechanism DM includes a pair of electromagnetic mechanisms (first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 and second electromagnetic mechanism DM2) positioned opposite each other across the opening 5K of the optical element holding member 5.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 includes a left protruding piece 4FL of a movable magnetic member 4 located to the left of the optical element holding member 5, and a left core portion 8WL of a fixed magnetic member 8 with a left coil 7L arranged around it. Similarly, as Figure 2 As shown, the second electromagnetic mechanism DM2 includes a right protrusion 4FR of a movable magnetic component 4 located on the right side of the optical element holding component 5, and a right core portion 8WR of a fixed magnetic component 8 with a right coil 7R arranged around it.

[0065] The optical element drive device 100, composed of the various components described above, is mounted on a main substrate (not shown). The coil 7 is connected to a current supply source via the metal component 10 and the main substrate. When current flows in the coil 7, the electromagnetic mechanism DM generates an electromagnetic force along the optical axis.

[0066] When the optical element is a lens, the optical element drive device 100 uses the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnetic mechanism DM along the optical axis to move the lens as an optical element along the optical axis, thereby enabling the switching between macro photography and normal photography.

[0067] Next, refer to Figures 5-7 Details of the movable side component MB are explained below. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the movable side component MB and the fixed side magnetic component 8. Figure 6 This is a top view of the movable side component MB. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the movable side component MB. Additionally, in... Figure 6 In the image, for clarity, frame component 2 is represented by a dashed line. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In order to make it clear, the movable magnetic component 4 is given a dense dot pattern, and the optical element holding component 5 is given a sparse dot pattern.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the optical element holding member 5 includes a cylindrical protrusion 5F that protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 5C.

[0069] The protrusion 5F is configured to position the movable magnetic member 4 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the protrusion 5F has a three-layer cylindrical shape, including a first protrusion 5F1 configured to position the first movable magnetic member 4A, a second protrusion 5F2 configured to position the second movable magnetic member 4B, and a third protrusion 5F3 configured to position the third movable magnetic member 4C.

[0070] More specifically, the first protrusion 5F1 is configured to support the lower surface of the first coupling portion 4V1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A via its upper surface. Similarly, the second protrusion 5F2 is configured to support the lower surface of the second coupling portion 4V2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B via its upper surface, and the third protrusion 5F3 is configured to support the lower surface of the third coupling portion 4V3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C via its upper surface.

[0071] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the first spacer member 11A has the same size as the third joint portion 4V3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C. Specifically, the inner dimension ID3, which is the inner diameter of the third movable magnetic member 4C, is the same as the inner dimension ID4, which is the inner diameter of the first spacer member 11A, and the outer dimension ED3, which is the outer diameter of the third movable magnetic member 4C (see reference). Figure 9A The second spacer 11B has the same outer dimensions (outer diameter) as the first spacer 11A. Furthermore, the second spacer 11B has the same size as the second joint portion 4V2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B. Specifically, the inner dimension ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B is the same as the inner dimension ID5 of the second spacer 11B, and the outer dimension ED2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B (refer to...) Figure 9A It has the same external dimensions as the second spacer 11B.

[0072] Furthermore, the inner dimension ID1 of the first movable magnetic component 4A is smaller than the inner dimension ID3 of the third movable magnetic component 4C, and the inner dimension ID3 of the third movable magnetic component 4C is smaller than the inner dimension ID2 of the second movable magnetic component 4B.

[0073] Furthermore, the inner dimension ID1 of the first movable magnetic component 4A and the outer dimension ED0 of the cylindrical portion 5C (refer to...) Figure 9A The inner dimension ID3 of the third movable magnetic component 4C is roughly the same as the outer dimension ED11 of the first protrusion 5F1 (see reference). Figure 9A The inner dimension ID2 of the second movable magnetic component 4B is roughly the same as the outer dimension ED13 of the third protrusion 5F3.

[0074] Furthermore, the outer dimension ED1 of the first movable magnetic component 4A (refer to...) Figure 9A The inner dimension ID3 of the third movable magnetic component 4C is larger than that of the third movable magnetic component 4C. The outer dimension ED3 of the third movable magnetic component 4C is (refer to...). Figure 9A It is larger than the inner dimension ID2 of the second movable side magnetic component 4B.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 9A As shown, the outer dimension ED11 of the first protrusion 5F1 is smaller than the outer dimension ED13 of the third protrusion 5F3, and the outer dimension ED13 of the third protrusion 5F3 is smaller than the outer dimension ED12 of the second protrusion 5F2. Furthermore, the outer dimension ED12 of the second protrusion 5F2 is smaller than the outer dimension ED2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B, and smaller than the inner dimension ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B (see reference). Figure 5 )big.

[0076] Furthermore, in the example shown, the three movable magnetic components 4 (first movable magnetic component 4A, second movable magnetic component 4B, and third movable magnetic component 4C) are formed so that their dimensions in the vertical direction are the same. Similarly, the two spacer components 11 (first spacer component 11A and second spacer component 11B) are formed so that their dimensions in the vertical direction are the same. Moreover, the three movable magnetic components 4 are each formed so that their dimensions in the vertical direction are smaller than the dimensions of the spacer components 11.

[0077] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the left core portion 8WL of the fixed-side magnetic component 8 is formed in a stepped shape with three top portions at different positions (heights) in the vertical direction. Specifically, the three top portions include a first left top portion 8WL1, a third left top portion 8WL3, and a second left top portion 8WL2. The first left top portion 8WL1 is formed to protrude upwards from the third left top portion 8WL3, and the third left top portion 8WL3 is formed to protrude upwards from the second left top portion 8WL2.

[0078] Similarly, the right-side core portion 8WR of the fixed-side magnetic component 8 is formed in a stepped shape with three top portions at different positions (heights) in the vertical direction. Specifically, the three top portions include a first right-side top portion 8WR1, a third right-side top portion 8WR3, and a second right-side top portion 8WR2. The first right-side top portion 8WR1 is formed to protrude upwards from the third right-side top portion 8WR3, and the third right-side top portion 8WR3 is formed to protrude upwards from the second right-side top portion 8WR2.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first movable magnetic component 4A has a first left-side protrusion 4FL1 positioned vertically opposite to the first left-side top portion 8WL1 and a first right-side protrusion 4FR1 positioned vertically opposite to the first right-side top portion 8WR1. Furthermore, the third movable magnetic component 4C has a third left-side protrusion 4FL3 positioned vertically opposite to the third left-side top portion 8WL3 and a third right-side protrusion 4FR3 positioned vertically opposite to the third right-side top portion 8WR3. Furthermore, the second movable magnetic component 4B has a second left-side protrusion 4FL2 positioned vertically opposite to the second left-side top portion 8WL2 and a second right-side protrusion 4FR2 positioned vertically opposite to the second right-side top portion 8WR2.

[0080] With this configuration, when current flows in the left coil 7L, the three left protruding pieces 4FL (first left protruding piece 4FL1, third left protruding piece 4FL3, and second left protruding piece 4FL2) are each pulled downwards and made into contact by one of the corresponding three top portions (first left top portion 8WL1, third left top portion 8WL3, and second left top portion 8WL2). Similarly, when current flows in the right coil 7R, the three right protruding pieces 4FR (first right protruding piece 4FR1, third right protruding piece 4FR3, and second right protruding piece 4FR2) are each pulled downwards and made into contact by one of the corresponding three top portions (first right top portion 8WR1, third right top portion 8WR3, and second right top portion 8WR2).

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the movable magnetic component 4 and the spacer component 11 are assembled from above onto the outer periphery of the optical element holding component 5 in the order of the second movable magnetic component 4B, the second spacer component 11B, the third movable magnetic component 4C, the first spacer component 11A, and the first movable magnetic component 4A, and are stacked. In the example shown, the second movable magnetic component 4B, the second spacer component 11B, the third movable magnetic component 4C, the first spacer component 11A, and the first movable magnetic component 4A can slide independently in the vertical direction while assembled onto the outer periphery of the optical element holding component 5. However, the lower surface of the first spacer component 11A may be attached to the upper surface of the third movable magnetic component 4C with an adhesive or the like, so that it can move up and down together with the third movable magnetic component 4C. Similarly, the lower surface of the second spacer component 11B may be attached to the upper surface of the second movable magnetic component 4B with an adhesive or the like, so that it can move up and down together with the second movable magnetic component 4B.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the openings of the second movable-side magnetic component 4B, the second spacer component 11B, the third movable-side magnetic component 4C, the first spacer component 11A, and the first movable-side magnetic component 4A each have a pair of expansion portions. The pair of expansion portions are configured such that one (left) expansion portion engages with the left rotation limiting portion 5PL, and the other (right) expansion portion engages with the right rotation limiting portion 5PR. The second movable-side magnetic component 4B, the second spacer component 11B, the third movable-side magnetic component 4C, the first spacer component 11A, and the first movable-side magnetic component 4A are held by the optical element holding member 5 so that they can slide but cannot rotate relative to each other through their respective expansion portions engaging with the rotation limiting portion 5P.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, the frame member 2 is configured such that the stop portion 2S faces the first protrusion 4F1 of the first movable-side magnetic member 4A in the vertical direction. Specifically, the frame member 2 is configured such that the left stop portion 2SL faces the first left protrusion 4FL1, and the right stop portion 2SR faces the first right protrusion 4FR1. With this configuration, when the optical element holding member 5 moves upward, the upper surface of the first protrusion 4F1 of the first movable-side magnetic member 4A, which is pushed upward by the first protrusion 5F1 of the optical element holding member 5, can contact the lower surface of the stop portion 2S, thereby restricting further upward movement of the optical element holding member 5.

[0084] Next, refer to Figures 8A to 8D as well as Figures 9A to 9D The states of each component of the optical element holding member 5 as it shifts from a first position through a third and a fourth position to a second position are explained. In the example shown, the first position of the optical element holding member 5 is the position of the optical element holding member 5 when the optical element driving device 100 is in its initial state, that is, when current is not flowing in the coil 7. The second position of the optical element holding member 5 is the position of the optical element holding member 5 when current is flowing in the coil 7. The third and fourth positions are intermediate positions between the first and second positions, with the third position being closer to the first position than the fourth position.

[0085] Figures 8A to 8D This is a right-side view of the optical element drive unit 100 with the cover component 1 removed. Specifically, Figure 8A A right-side view of the optical element drive unit 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position. Figure 8B A right-side view of the optical element drive unit 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position. Figure 8C A right-side view of the optical element drive unit 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the fourth position. Figure 8D Right side view of the optical element drive unit 100 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the second position.

[0086] also, Figures 9A to 9D This is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component 4, the optical element holding component 5, and the fixed magnetic component 8. Specifically, Figure 9A This is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component 4, the optical element holding component 5, and the fixed magnetic component 8 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the first position. Figure 9B This is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component 4, the optical element holding component 5, and the fixed magnetic component 8 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the third position. Figure 9CThis is a right-side view of the movable magnetic component 4, the optical element holding component 5, and the fixed magnetic component 8 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the fourth position. Figure 9D The right side view of the movable magnetic component 4, the optical element holding component 5, and the fixed magnetic component 8 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the second position.

[0087] In addition, Figures 8A to 8D as well as Figures 9A to 9D In order to make it clear, the movable magnetic component 4 is given a dense dot pattern, and the optical element holding component 5 is given a sparse dot pattern.

[0088] In addition, refer to Figures 8A to 8D as well as Figures 9A to 9D The following description is mainly about the relationship between the right protruding piece 4FR of the movable magnetic component 4 and the right iron core portion 8WR of the fixed magnetic component 8, but it also applies to the relationship between the left protruding piece 4FL of the movable magnetic component 4 and the left iron core portion 8WL of the fixed magnetic component 8.

[0089] With the optical element holding component 5 in the first position, such as Figure 8A as well as Figure 9A As shown, the right protruding piece 4FR of the movable magnetic component 4 does not contact the right iron core portion 8WR of the fixed magnetic component 8.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 8A As shown, the first interval G1, which is the interval between the first top end portion 8W1 and the first movable side magnetic member 4A in the vertical direction, is value G1A; the second interval G2, which is the interval between the second top end portion 8W2 and the second movable side magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction, is value G2A; and the third interval G3, which is the interval between the third top end portion 8W3 and the third movable side magnetic member 4C in the vertical direction, is value G3A. Furthermore, as... Figure 9A As shown, the fourth interval G4, which serves as the gap between the first movable magnetic component 4A and the third movable magnetic component 4C in the vertical direction, has the value G4A, and is equivalent to the length (thickness) of the first gap component 11A in the vertical direction. Similarly, the fifth interval G5, which serves as the gap between the third movable magnetic component 4C and the second movable magnetic component 4B in the vertical direction, has the value G5A, and is equivalent to the length (thickness) of the second gap component 11B in the vertical direction.

[0091] Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the smallest gap between the magnetized magnetic member (fixed-side magnetic member 8) and the unmagnetized magnetic member (movable-side magnetic member 4) is called the first gap G1. Therefore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the first movable-side magnetic member 4A receives the maximum magnetic force (attraction) from the magnetized magnetic member (first tip 8W1).

[0092] As a result, the first movable magnetic component 4A is pulled to the first top end 8W1 and moves downward together with the optical element holding component 5. Then, the optical element holding component 5 moves from the first position to the third position.

[0093] Furthermore, when the optical element holding component 5 is in the third position, such as Figure 8B as well as Figure 9B As shown, the lower surface of the first right protruding piece 4FR1 in the right protruding piece 4FR is in contact with the first right top part 8WR1 in the right iron core part 8WR.

[0094] Specifically, such as Figure 8B As shown, the first interval G1 is the value G1B (zero), which is smaller than the value G1A; the second interval G2 is the value G2B, which is smaller than the value G2A; and the third interval G3 is the value G3B, which is smaller than the value G3A. Furthermore, as... Figure 9B As shown, the fourth interval G4 is the same as the value G4A, and the fifth interval G5 is the same as the value G5A, and the fifth interval G5 is the same as the value G5A, and the fifth interval G5 is the same as the value G5B.

[0095] Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, the value G3B of the third interval G3 is smaller than the value G4B of the fourth interval G4. That is, the smallest interval among the intervals between the magnetized magnetic members (the fixed-side magnetic member 8 and the first movable-side magnetic member 4A adsorbed to the fixed-side magnetic member 8) and the unmagnetized magnetic members (the second movable-side magnetic member 4B and the third movable-side magnetic member 4C) is the third interval G3. Therefore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, the third movable-side magnetic member 4C receives the greatest magnetic force (attraction) from the magnetized magnetic member (the third tip 8W3). In addition, in the example shown, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, the value G3B of the third interval G3 is the same as the value G1A of the first interval G1.

[0096] As a result, the third movable magnetic component 4C is pulled to the third top end 8W3 and moves downward together with the optical element holding component 5. Then, the optical element holding component 5 moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0097] Furthermore, when the optical element holding component 5 is in the fourth position, such as Figure 8Cas well as Figure 9C As shown, the lower surface of the third right protruding piece 4FR3 in the right protruding piece 4FR is in contact with the third right top part 8WR3 in the right iron core part 8WR.

[0098] Specifically, such as Figure 8C As shown, the first interval G1 is the same as the value G1B, G1C (zero); the third interval G3 is the smaller than the value G3B, G3C (zero); and the second interval G2 is the smaller than the value G2B, G2C. Furthermore, as... Figure 9C As shown, the fourth interval G4 is a value G4C that is larger than G4B, and is larger than the length (thickness) of the first interval member 11A in the vertical direction. That is, if the optical element holding member 5 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the first interval member 11A, which has been in contact with the first movable side magnetic member 4A, will move away from the first movable side magnetic member due to its own weight and move downward together with the optical element holding member 5. In addition, the fifth interval G5 is the same value G5C as G5B.

[0099] Furthermore, with the optical element holding member 5 in the fourth position, the value G2C of the second interval G2 is greater than the value G5C of the fifth interval G5 (refer to...). Figure 9C The smallest of the intervals between the magnetized magnetic components (fixed-side magnetic component 8 and the first movable-side magnetic component 4A and the third movable-side magnetic component 4C adsorbed onto the fixed-side magnetic component 8) and the unmagnetized magnetic component (second movable-side magnetic component 4B) is called the second interval G2. Therefore, when the optical element holding component 5 is in the fourth position, the second movable-side magnetic component 4B receives the maximum magnetic force (attraction force) from the magnetized magnetic component (second tip 8W2). In addition, in the example shown, when the optical element holding component 5 is in the fourth position, the value G2C of the second interval G2 is the same as the value G1A of the first interval G1.

[0100] As a result, the second movable magnetic component 4B is pulled to the second top end 8W2 and moves downward together with the optical element holding component 5. Then, the optical element holding component 5 moves from the fourth position to the second position.

[0101] Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position, such as Figure 8D as well as Figure 9D As shown, the lower surface of the second right protruding piece 4FR2 in the right protruding piece 4FR contacts the second right top part 8WR2 in the right iron core part 8WR.

[0102] Specifically, such as Figure 8DAs shown, the first interval G1 is the same as the value G1C, G1D (zero); the third interval G3 is the same as the value G3C, G3D (zero); and the second interval G2 is the smaller than the value G2C, G2D (zero). Furthermore, as... Figure 9D As shown, the fourth interval G4 is the same as the value G4C, G4D, and the fifth interval G5 is a value G5D that is larger than the value G5C, and is larger than the length (thickness) of the second interval member 11B in the vertical direction. That is, if the optical element holding member 5 moves from the fourth position to the second position, the second interval member 11B, which has been in contact with the third movable side magnetic member 4C, will leave the third movable side magnetic member 4C due to its own weight and move downward together with the optical element holding member 5.

[0103] Furthermore, if the current supply to coil 7 is stopped, the optical element holding member 5, located in the second position, is pushed upward and returns to the first position by the restoring force of the support member SB (upper leaf spring 3 and lower leaf spring 6), which acts as the force-applying member. This is because the attraction force between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 disappears.

[0104] In this way, the electromagnetic mechanism DM supplies current to the coil 7 to magnetize the iron core 8W of the fixed-side magnetic component 8, thereby enabling the optical element holding component 5, located in the first position, to move to the second position by electromagnetic force. Furthermore, the electromagnetic mechanism DM stops supplying current to the coil 7 to stop the magnetization of the iron core 8W of the fixed-side magnetic component 8, thereby enabling the optical element holding component 5, located in the second position, to move to the first position by the restoring force of the support component SB.

[0105] Therefore, the optical element driving device 100 can move the optical element holding member 5 from the third position to the fourth position, and then from the fourth position to the second position, by using a current of the same magnitude as the current used to move the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the third position. That is, the optical element driving device 100 can move the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the second position by using a current of the same magnitude as the current used to move the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the third position.

[0106] As mentioned above, such as Figure 2As shown, the optical element driving device 100 includes: a fixed-side member FB, an optical element holding member 5 having an opening 5K extending vertically for arranging an optical element, a support member SB supporting the optical element holding member 5 so as to be movable relative to the fixed-side member FB, a movable-side magnetic member 4 connected to the optical element holding member 5 (which can be slidably combined with the optical element holding member 5), and an electromagnetic mechanism DM. The electromagnetic mechanism DM includes a fixed-side magnetic member 8 having an iron core portion 8W and a coil 7 wound around the iron core portion 8W. The movable-side magnetic member 4 is attracted towards the iron core portion 8W by electromagnetic force, thereby moving the optical element holding member 5 vertically from a first position to a second position. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, in the optical element driving device 100, the core portion 8W has a first top end portion 8W1 and a second top end portion 8W2. The movable magnetic member 4 has a first movable magnetic member 4A connected to the optical element holding member 5 in a vertically opposed state to the first top end portion 8W1, and a second movable magnetic member 4B connected to the optical element holding member 5 in a vertically opposed state to the second top end portion 8W2. Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the value G1A of the first interval G1 between the first top end portion 8W1 and the first movable magnetic member 4A in the vertical direction (refer to...) Figure 8A The value of G2A (refer to) the second interval G2 between the second top end 8W2 and the second movable side magnetic component 4B in the vertical direction. Figure 8A Small. Furthermore, the value of the first interval G1 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position is G1A (refer to...). Figure 8A The value of G1D (refer to) the first interval G1 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the second position. Figure 8D Large. Furthermore, the value G2A of the second interval G2 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position (refer to...) Figure 8A The value of the second interval G2 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the second position is G2D (refer to the value of the second interval G2). Figure 8D )big.

[0107] This configuration results in the following effect: when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, that is, in the initial state of the optical element driving device 100 where the coil 7 is not energized, the first interval G1 can be set to a value G1A smaller than the desired movement amount of the optical element holding member 5. In other words, this configuration allows for an increase in the movement amount of the optical element holding member 5 without excessively increasing the current flowing in the coil 7. Furthermore, in the example shown, the desired movement amount of the optical element holding member 5 is the sum of values ​​G1A, G3B, and G2C.

[0108] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first top end portion 8W1 and the second top end portion 8W2 of the core portion 8W can be configured to have different positions in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the example shown, the first top end portion 8W1 is positioned higher than the second top end portion 8W2.

[0109] For example, such as Figure 8D as well as Figure 9D As shown, this configuration allows for easy determination of the positions of the first movable side magnetic member 4A and the second movable side magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position.

[0110] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable side magnetic component 4A and the second movable side magnetic component 4B can respectively be as follows: Figures 5 to 7 The optical element holding member 5 is formed in a ring shape to surround its outer periphery. In this case, the optical element holding member 5 can be inserted into the openings of the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B in a state in which it cannot rotate relative to the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B, respectively.

[0111] This configuration results in the stability of the movement (sliding in the vertical direction) of the first movable magnetic component 4A and the second movable magnetic component 4B relative to the optical element holding component 5.

[0112] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable side magnetic component 4A and the second movable side magnetic component 4B can respectively be as follows: Figure 5 The shape shown includes a portion along the outer periphery of the optical element holding member 5. Furthermore, the optical element holding member 5 may have a first protrusion 5F1 and a second protrusion 5F2 on its outer periphery. Moreover, the second protrusion 5F2 may be formed at a position different from the first protrusion 5F1 in the vertical direction. In this case, in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (X-axis direction), the outer dimension ED11 of the first protrusion 5F1 (refer to...) Figure 9A The inner dimension ID1 of the first movable magnetic component 4A (refer to) Figure 5 Large, the outer dimension of the second protrusion 5F2 is ED12 (refer to...) Figure 9A The inner dimension ID2 of the second movable magnetic component 4B (refer to) Figure 5 Larger. Furthermore, the positions of the first movable magnetic component 4A and the second movable magnetic component 4B are different in the vertical direction. In the example shown, the first movable magnetic component 4A is positioned higher than the second movable magnetic component 4B.

[0113] This configuration makes it easier to assemble the first movable side magnetic component 4A and the second movable side magnetic component 4B relative to the optical element holding component 5.

[0114] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable side magnetic component 4A and the second movable side magnetic component 4B can respectively be as follows: Figure 5 The optical element holding member 5 is formed in a ring shape to surround its outer periphery. In this case, the size of the opening through which the optical element holding member 5 is inserted in the first movable magnetic member 4A (located on the side away from the coil 7, upper side) is typically smaller than the size of the opening through which the optical element holding member 5 is inserted in the second movable magnetic member 4B (located on the side closer to the coil 7, lower side).

[0115] This configuration makes it easier to assemble the first movable side magnetic component 4A and the second movable side magnetic component 4B relative to the optical element holding component 5.

[0116] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, such as Figure 8A As shown, the fixed side component FB (frame component 2) may have a stop 2S that restricts the position of the first movable side magnetic component 4A when the optical element holding component 5 is in the first position.

[0117] This configuration has the following effect: even if the first movable magnetic component 4A can move in the up and down direction, the position of the first movable magnetic component 4A when the optical element drive device 100 is in the initial state will be restricted by the stop part 2S. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the optical element drive device 100, the first gap G1 of an appropriate size can be maintained.

[0118] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electromagnetic mechanism DM may include a pair of electromagnetic mechanisms (a first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 and a second electromagnetic mechanism DM2) disposed between the opening 5K of the optical element holding member 5 and the opening 5K. Alternatively, one of the first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 and the second electromagnetic mechanism DM2 may be omitted.

[0119] The inclusion of a pair of electromagnetic mechanisms will result in the ability to stabilize the movement of the optical element 5 in the vertical direction.

[0120] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the fixed-side magnetic component 8 can be formed of a magnetic metal plate, and as... Figure 4The diagram shows a left core portion 8WL serving as a first core portion, a right core portion 8WR serving as a second core portion, and a base portion 8C connecting the left core portion 8WL and the right core portion 8WR. In this configuration, the left core portion 8WL extends upwards from the left end of the base portion 8C toward the side serving as the movable magnetic member 4, and the right core portion 8WR extends upwards from the right end of the base portion 8C toward the side serving as the movable magnetic member 4. Furthermore, a left coil 7L, serving as a first coil, wound around the left core portion 8WL, and a right coil 7R, serving as a second coil, wound around the right core portion 8WR, can be connected in series. Additionally, the fixed magnetic member 8 can be configured such that when current flows in the left coil 7L and the right coil 7R, the top ends of the left core portion 8WL and the right core portion 8WR become different magnetic poles.

[0121] This configuration will have the following effect: compared with the case where the top part of the left iron core 8WL and the top part of the right iron core 8WR are the same magnetic pole, it can enhance the magnetic force (attraction) between the movable side magnetic member 4 and the fixed side magnetic member 8.

[0122] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable-side magnetic member 4A and the second movable-side magnetic member 4B can each be formed of a magnetic metal plate. Also, a spacer member 11 formed of a non-magnetic member can be arranged between the first movable-side magnetic member 4A and the second movable-side magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the spacer member 11 can be omitted.

[0123] The configuration including the spacer 11 has the following effect: regardless of the orientation of the optical element driving device 100, when the first movable side magnetic member 4A moves toward the first top end 8W1, the second movable side magnetic member 4B and the spacer 11 can move together toward the second top end 8W2, thereby reducing the second gap G2.

[0124] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first movable magnetic component 4A may have a first protruding piece 4F1 that protrudes outward from the opening along a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction (XY plane), and the second movable magnetic component 4B may have a second protruding piece 4F2 that protrudes outward from the opening along a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction (XY plane) and is positioned differently from the first protruding piece 4F1 when viewed from above in the vertical direction. In this case, in the vertical direction, the first protruding piece 4F1 and the first top end portion 8W1 (refer to...) Figure 5 The second protruding piece 4F2 and the second top part 8W2 (see reference) can be opposite each other. Figure 5 () can be reversed.

[0125] This configuration will have the following effects: when the optical element holding member 5 moves in the vertical direction, it will prevent the first protrusion 4F1 from interfering with the contact between the second protrusion 4F2 and the second top end 8W2, and it will also prevent the second protrusion 4F2 from interfering with the contact between the first protrusion 4F1 and the first top end 8W1.

[0126] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the electromagnetic mechanism DM can be configured to move the optical element holding member 5 from a first position to a second position via a third position in the vertical direction. In this case, as... Figure 5 As shown, the core portion 8W may also have a third top portion 8W3. Furthermore, the movable magnetic member 4 may also have a third movable magnetic member 4C connected to the optical element holding member 5 when facing the third top portion 8W3 in the vertical direction. And, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the value G3A of the third interval G3, which is the interval between the third top portion 8W3 and the third movable magnetic member 4C in the vertical direction (refer to...) Figure 8A The value of G1A compared to the first interval G1 (refer to) Figure 8A Larger than the value G2A of the second interval G2 (refer to) Figure 8A Small. Furthermore, the value of the third interval G3 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position is G3A (refer to...). Figure 8A The value of the third interval G3 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the second position is G3D (refer to the value of G3D). Figure 8D Larger than the value G3B of the third interval G3 when the optical element holding component 5 is in the third position (refer to...). Figure 8B )big.

[0127] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, when the coil 7 is energized, the iron core 8W can sequentially attract the movable side magnetic component 4 in the order of the first movable side magnetic component 4A, the third movable side magnetic component 4C, and the second movable side magnetic component 4B.

[0128] This configuration further reduces the current flowing in the coil 7 compared to a two-order configuration of the core 8W. Additionally, the core 8W can have a fourth or higher order top section. This configuration further reduces the current flowing in the coil 7 compared to a three-order configuration of the core 8W.

[0129] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each feature described with reference to the above embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as it is not technically contradictory.

[0130] For example, in the above embodiment, the protrusion 5F of the optical element holding member 5 is configured to have a first protrusion 5F1, a second protrusion 5F2, and a third protrusion 5F3, but the first protrusion 5F1 and the third protrusion 5F3 may also be omitted. In this case, the first connecting portion 4V1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A, the first spacer 11A, the third connecting portion 4V3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C, the second spacer 11B, and the second connecting portion 4V2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B can be configured such that their inner dimensions (inner diameter) and outer dimensions (outer diameter) are equal to each other. Furthermore, the first spacer 11A and the second spacer 11B may be the same part.

Claims

1. An optical element driving device, characterized in that, have: Fixed side components; An optical element holding component has a through opening in the vertical direction that allows for the placement of optical elements; A support component supports the optical element holding component so that it can move relative to the fixed side component. A movable magnetic component is connected to the aforementioned optical element holding component; and The electromagnetic mechanism includes a fixed-side magnetic component having an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core. Electromagnetic force attracts the movable-side magnetic component towards the iron core, thereby moving the optical element holding component from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction. The aforementioned core portion has a first top end portion and a second top end portion. The aforementioned movable-side magnetic component includes: a first movable-side magnetic component connected to the optical element holding component when facing the first top end in the vertical direction; and a second movable-side magnetic component connected to the optical element holding component when facing the second top end in the vertical direction. When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the first interval between the first top end and the first movable magnetic member in the vertical direction is smaller than the second interval between the second top end and the second movable magnetic member in the vertical direction. The first interval when the optical element holding member is in the first position is larger than the first interval when the optical element holding member is in the second position. The second interval when the optical element holding member is in the first position is larger than the second interval when the optical element holding member is in the second position.

2. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second top ends of the core are configured such that the positions of the first and second top ends in the vertical direction are different from each other.

3. The optical element driving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first movable magnetic component and the second movable magnetic component are respectively formed in a ring shape to surround the outer periphery of the optical element holding component. The aforementioned optical element holding member is inserted into the respective openings of the first movable side magnetic member and the second movable side magnetic member in a state in which it cannot rotate relative to the first movable side magnetic member and the second movable side magnetic member, respectively.

4. The optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first movable-side magnetic component and the second movable-side magnetic component each have a shape that includes a portion along the outer periphery of the optical element holding component. The aforementioned optical element holding member has a first protrusion and a second protrusion on its outer periphery, the second protrusion being located at a different position from the first protrusion in the aforementioned vertical direction. In a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned vertical direction, the outer dimension of the first protrusion is larger than the inner dimension of the first movable magnetic component, and the outer dimension of the second protrusion is larger than the inner dimension of the second movable magnetic component. In the aforementioned vertical direction, the positions of the first movable magnetic component and the second movable magnetic component are different from each other.

5. The optical element driving device according to claim 4, wherein, The first movable magnetic component and the second movable magnetic component are respectively formed in a ring shape to surround the outer periphery of the optical element holding component. The size of the opening for the optical element holding member to be inserted in the side of the first movable magnetic component and the second movable magnetic component located away from the coil is smaller than the size of the opening for the optical element holding member to be inserted in the other side of the first movable magnetic component and the second movable magnetic component located closer to the coil.

6. The optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The fixed side component has a stop portion that restricts the position of the first movable side magnetic component when the optical element holding component is in the first position.

7. The optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The aforementioned electromagnetic mechanism includes a first electromagnetic mechanism and a second electromagnetic mechanism that clamp the opening of the aforementioned optical element holding member.

8. The optical element driving device according to claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned fixed-side magnetic component is formed of a magnetic metal plate and has a first iron core portion, a second iron core portion, and a base portion connecting the first iron core portion and the second iron core portion. The first iron core portion extends from the base to the movable magnetic component side. The second iron core portion extends from the base to the movable magnetic component side. The first coil wound around the first iron core portion and the second coil wound around the second iron core portion are connected in series. The aforementioned fixed-side magnetic component is configured such that when current flows through the first coil and the second coil, the top end of the first iron core and the top end of the second iron core become different magnetic poles.

9. The optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The first movable magnetic component and the second movable magnetic component are each formed of a magnetic metal plate. In the vertical direction, a spacer formed of a non-magnetic component is disposed between the first movable magnetic component and the second movable magnetic component.

10. The optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The aforementioned first movable magnetic component has a first protruding piece that protrudes outward from the opening along a surface perpendicular to the aforementioned vertical direction. The aforementioned second movable magnetic component has a second protruding piece that protrudes outward from the opening along a surface perpendicular to the aforementioned vertical direction and is positioned differently from the aforementioned first protruding piece when viewed from above along the aforementioned vertical direction. In the aforementioned vertical direction, the first protruding piece is opposite to the first top end portion, and the second protruding piece is opposite to the second top end portion.

11. The optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The electromagnetic mechanism is configured to move the optical element holding member from the first position to the second position via the third position in the vertical direction. The aforementioned core section also has a third top portion. The aforementioned movable magnetic component further includes a third movable magnetic component that is connected to the optical element holding component in a state where it is opposed to the third top end in the aforementioned vertical direction. When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the third interval between the third top portion and the third movable magnetic member in the vertical direction is larger than the first interval and smaller than the second interval. The third interval when the optical element holding member is in the first position is larger than the third interval when the optical element holding member is in the second position, and is also larger than the third interval when the optical element holding member is in the third position.

12. The optical element driving device according to claim 11, wherein, When the coil is energized, the iron core sequentially attracts the first movable side magnetic component, the third movable side magnetic component, and the second movable side magnetic component.

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