Optical element driving device

Abstract

An optical element driving device (100) that increases the amount of movement of an optical element holding member without excessively increasing the magnitude of current flowing through a coil, includes a movable-side magnetic member (4), an optical element holding member (5), and an electromagnetic mechanism (DM). The electromagnetic mechanism includes a fixed-side magnetic member (8) having a core portion (8W) and a coil (7) wound around the core portion. The electromagnetic mechanism attracts an opposing portion (4F) of the movable-side magnetic member, which opposes the tip portion of the core portion, toward the tip portion of the core portion by electromagnetic force, thereby moving the optical element holding member from a first position to a second position. When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the interval (G1) between the rear end portion of the opposing portion and the tip portion of the core portion is smaller than the interval (G2) between the front end portion of the opposing portion and the tip portion of the core portion. The interval when the optical element holding member is in the first position is larger than the interval when the optical element holding member is in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Previously, there were known lens driving devices (see Patent Document 1) that moved a lens holder, which served as an optical element holding member, up and down relative to a fixed-side member. These lens driving devices were 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 (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 technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[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, which increases the magnitude of 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, it is desirable to increase the movement of the optical element holding component without excessively increasing the current flowing through the coil.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[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 in a manner that allows the optical element holding member to move relative to the fixed-side member; a movable-side magnetic member connected to the optical element holding member; and an electromagnetic mechanism having a fixed-side magnetic member having an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core, and using electromagnetic force to attract the opposing portion of the movable-side magnetic member, which faces the top end of the iron core in the vertical direction, toward the top end of the iron core, thereby causing the optical element to move in the vertical direction. The retaining member moves from a first position to a second position. The opposing portion extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and has a first portion and a second portion that are separated from each other in the extending direction. The movable magnetic member is connected to the optical element retaining member on the second portion side. When the optical element retaining member is in the first position, the first interval between the first portion of the opposing portion and the top end in the vertical direction is smaller than the second interval between the second portion of the opposing portion and the top end in the vertical direction. The second interval when the optical element retaining member is in the first position is larger than the second interval when the optical element retaining 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 through 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 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical component driving device.

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

[0016] Figure 4 This is a top view of the frame component, the upper leaf spring, the movable magnetic component, and the optical element holding component.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the lower component.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a top view of the optical element drive unit with the cover and frame components removed.

[0019] Figure 7This is a right view of the optical element drive unit with the cover component removed.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a right view of the optical element drive device with the coil and fixed-side magnetic components removed.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a right view of the movable magnetic component and the fixed magnetic component.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a right view of the upper leaf spring and the optical element holding component.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of another configuration example of an optical element driving device.

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The right view of the frame component, movable magnetic component, and optical element holding component in the optical element driving device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an optical element driving device 100, which is a configuration example 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 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical element driving device 100.

[0026] 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 this diagram, the X1 side of the optical element driving device 100 corresponds to the front side (front face) of the optical element driving device 100, and the X2 side corresponds to the rear side (back face) 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 other figures.

[0027] The optical element driving device 100 is a device for moving an optical element (not shown) in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, 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 illustrated example, the optical element is a lens. Therefore, hereinafter, the upper side of the optical element driving device 100 is sometimes referred to as the "subject side," the lower side as the "imaging element side," and the vertical direction as the "optical axis direction." Furthermore, the "optical axis direction" includes the direction of the optical axis OA associated with the lens and the direction parallel to the optical axis OA.

[0028] like Figure 2 As 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, and a metal component 10. 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 and optical element holding component 5 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.

[0029] The fixed-side component FB is a component that is fixedly disposed in the optical element driving device 100. The movable-side component MB is a component that is movable relative to the fixed-side component FB in the optical element driving device 100. The support component SB is disposed between the fixed-side component FB and the movable-side component MB and supports the movable-side component MB so that the movable-side component MB can move relative to the fixed-side component FB. In addition, the support component SB also functions as a force-applying component to restore the movable-side component MB to its original position after it has been moved by the electromagnetic mechanism DM.

[0030] The cover component 1 is a component that covers other components constituting the optical element drive device 100. In the illustrated example, the cover component 1 is manufactured by punching and stretching a sheet metal made of a non-magnetic metal such as austenitic stainless steel. Because it is made of a non-magnetic metal, the cover component 1 will not have any adverse magnetic effects on electromagnetic mechanisms such as DM that utilize electromagnetic forces.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 1 has a defined shape for the storage 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 continuously disposed from 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 adhesive and together with the base component 9 forms the housing HS.

[0032] The frame component 2 is configured to secure the upper leaf spring 3. In the illustrated example, the frame component 2 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0033] The upper leaf spring 3 is configured to connect the fixed-side component FB (frame component 2), the movable-side magnetic component 4, and the optical element holding component 5. In the illustrated example, the upper leaf spring 3 has a first fixing portion 3A fixed to the fixed-side component FB (frame component 2), a second fixing portion 3B fixed to the movable-side magnetic component 4, a third fixing portion 3C fixed to the optical element holding component 5, and a torsional deformable connecting portion 3D connecting the second fixing portion 3B and the third fixing portion 3C. Furthermore, the first fixing portion 3A is located at one end of the second fixing portion 3B, and the connecting portion 3D is located at the other end of the second fixing portion 3B. Additionally, the first fixing portion 3A includes a first left-side fixing portion 3AL and a first right-side fixing portion 3AR, the second fixing portion 3B includes a second left-side fixing portion 3BL and a second right-side fixing portion 3BR, and the connecting portion 3D includes a left-side connecting portion 3DL and a right-side connecting portion 3DR. In the illustrated example, the upper leaf spring 3 is configured to be linearly symmetrical about a straight line passing through the optical axis OA and parallel to the X-axis.

[0034] The movable magnetic component 4 is one of the components constituting the electromagnetic mechanism DM, and is supported by the upper leaf spring 3 in such a way that it can be attracted downward by the fixed magnetic component 8 when the fixed magnetic component 8 is magnetized. In the illustrated example, the movable magnetic component 4 includes two opposing portions 4F that are opposed to the fixed magnetic component 8 in the vertical direction, and a connecting portion 4C that joins the two opposing portions 4F. The two opposing portions 4F include a left opposing portion 4FL that extends and is fixed along the second left fixed portion 3BL of the upper leaf spring 3, and a right opposing portion 4FR that extends and is fixed along the second right fixed portion 3BR of the upper leaf spring 3.

[0035] The optical element holding member 5 is configured to hold an optical element. In the illustrated example, the optical element holding member 5 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the optical element holding member 5 has a cylindrical portion 5C extending in a vertical direction and a protrusion 5P protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 5C. An opening 5K for inserting an optical element is formed in the cylindrical portion 5C. The optical element is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the opening 5K, for example, by an adhesive.

[0036] Here, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The connection relationship between the frame component 2, the upper leaf spring 3, the movable magnetic component 4, and the optical element holding component 5 will be explained. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of frame component 2. Figure 4 This is a top view of the frame component 2, the upper leaf spring 3, the movable magnetic component 4, and the optical element holding component 5. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the middle, for clarity, the frame component 2 is represented by a dashed line.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the frame component 2 includes two circular protrusions 2T that protrude downwards (in the Z2 direction) from the end face of the camera element side (Z2 side), and two square-shaped stops 2S.

[0038] The protrusion 2T includes a left protrusion 2TL corresponding to the first left fixing portion 3AL of the upper leaf spring 3, and a right protrusion 2TR corresponding to the first right fixing portion 3AR of the upper leaf spring 3. The frame member 2 is fixed to the upper leaf spring 3 by interlocking through a first through hole 3H1 formed in the first fixing portion 3 (see reference). Figure 4 The protrusion 2T of the frame component 2 is achieved by heat riveting. Specifically, the fixing between the frame component 2 and the upper leaf spring 3 is achieved by inserting into the first left through hole 3H1L formed in the first left fixing part 3AL (refer to...). Figure 4The left protrusion 2TL and the first right through hole 3H1R formed in the first right fixing part 3AR (see reference) Figure 4 The right-side protrusion 2TR is achieved through heat riveting. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the diagram, the protrusion 2T is represented by the deformed state of its top end after hot riveting. The same applies to other diagrams.

[0039] The stop portion 2S includes a left stop portion 2SL corresponding to the left opposing portion 4FL of the movable magnetic member 4, and a right stop portion 2SR corresponding to the right opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4. The stop portion 2S is configured to contact the upper surface of the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic member 4 in the initial state of the optical element driving device 100, thereby preventing the movable magnetic member 4 from moving further upward. Furthermore, the initial state of the optical element driving device 100 refers to the state of the optical element driving device 100 when no current flows in the coil 7.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the second fixing portion 3B of the upper leaf spring 3 is fixed to the upper surface of the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic component 4. The fixing between the upper leaf spring 3 and the movable magnetic component 4 is achieved by laser welding using the second through hole 3H2 and the third through hole 3H3 formed in the second fixing portion 3B. Specifically, the fixing between the second left fixing portion 3BL of the upper leaf spring 3 and the left opposing portion 4FL of the movable magnetic component 4 is achieved by laser welding using the second left through hole 3H2L and the third left through hole 3H3L formed in the second left fixing portion 3BL. Similarly, the fixing between the second right fixing portion 3BR of the upper leaf spring 3 and the right opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic component 4 is achieved by laser welding using the second right through hole 3H2R and the third right through hole 3H3R formed in the second right fixing portion 3BR. Furthermore, the movable magnetic component 4 is formed of a magnetic metal plate.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the third fixing portion 3C of the upper leaf spring 3 is fixed to the upper surface of the protrusion 5P of the optical element holding member 5. The fixing between the upper leaf spring 3 and the optical element holding member 5 is achieved by applying adhesive to the four fourth through holes 3H4 formed in the third fixing portion 3C, with the annular third fixing portion 3C placed on the upper surface of the protrusion 5P. Alternatively, the fixing between the upper leaf spring 3 and the optical element holding member 5 can also be achieved by thermal riveting, similar to the fixing between the frame member 2 and the upper leaf spring 3. In this case, four circular protrusions projecting upwards (in the Z1 direction) can also be formed on the upper surface of the protrusion 5P of the optical element holding member 5.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower leaf spring 6 is configured to connect the optical element holding member 5 to the base member 9. In the illustrated example, 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 the four outer portions 6E. In the illustrated example, the lower leaf spring 6 is configured to be twice rotationally symmetric about the optical axis OA. The inner portion 6I of the lower leaf spring 6 is fixed to the lower surface of the protrusion 5P of the optical element holding member 5 by adhesive.

[0043] The lower component LB is a combination of components located below the movable component MB within the fixed component FB, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes a coil 7, a fixed-side magnetic component 8, a base component 9, and a metal component 10.

[0044] Here, refer to Figure 5 The details of the lower component LB are explained. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the lower component LB.

[0045] Coil 7 is a component fixed to the magnetic component 8 on the fixed side. Figure 5 In the example shown, coil 7 is a winding type coil, which includes a left coil 7L and a right coil 7R.

[0046] The fixed-side magnetic component 8 is configured to be fixed to the upper surface of the base component 9. In the illustrated example, the fixed-side magnetic component 8 includes two iron core portions 8W that are opposed to 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 bending a metal plate. The two iron core portions 8W include a left iron core portion 8WL extending upward from the left end of the base 8C toward the left opposing portion 4FL of the movable-side magnetic component 4, and a right iron core portion 8WR extending upward from the right end of the base 8C toward the right opposing portion 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 is formed in the center of the base 8C to accommodate the lower end of the optical element holding component 5.

[0047] The base component 9 is configured to fix the lower leaf spring 6 and the fixed-side magnetic component 8. In the illustrated example, the base component 9 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 5As shown, the base component 9 is a rectangular ring-shaped component with an opening 9K in the center when viewed from above. It includes four square convex columnar portions 9P protruding upwards from the four corners, four circular convex protrusions 9Q protruding upwards from the end face on the subject side, and a pair of stops 9W extending upwards in a manner that sandwiches the opening 9K. In addition, the base component 9 includes four circular convex protrusions 9T protruding upwards from the end face of each of the four columnar portions 9P.

[0049] The columnar portion 9P is used to support the lower leaf spring 6. In the illustrated example, the columnar portion 9P is configured to support the outer portion 6E of the lower leaf spring 6 at its end face.

[0050] The protrusions 9Q are used to fix 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 thermally riveting the four protrusions 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 5 In the diagram, the protrusion 9Q is shown as the deformed state of its top end after hot riveting. The same applies to other diagrams.

[0051] The protrusion 9T is used to fix the lower leaf spring 6 to the base component 9. The lower leaf spring 6 is fixed to the base component 9 by means of a through hole formed in the outer portion 6E of the lower leaf spring 6 (see reference). Figure 2 The protrusion 9T is achieved by hot riveting. Additionally, in Figure 5 In the diagram, the protrusion 9T is shown as the deformed state of its top end after hot riveting. The same applies to other diagrams.

[0052] The stop portion 9W includes a left stop portion 9WL corresponding to the left opposing portion 4FL of the movable magnetic member 4, and a right stop portion 9WR corresponding to the right opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4. The stop portion 9W is configured such that when current is supplied to the coil 7 and the movable magnetic member 4 is attracted by the fixed magnetic member 8, the stop portion 9W contacts the lower surface of the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic member 4, thereby preventing the movable magnetic member 4 from moving further downward. Furthermore, by preventing the movable magnetic member 4 from moving further downward, the stop portion 9W prevents the movable magnetic member 4 from contacting the fixed magnetic member 8.

[0053] The metal component 10 functions as a conductive path for supplying current to the coil 7. In the illustrated example, the metal component 10 is embedded in the base component 9 by an insert molding process. 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 may be fixed to the surface of the base component 9.

[0054] The first metal component 10A includes a first terminal portion 10AT for external connection and a first connection portion 10AP for connection to one end of the right coil 7R via solder SD.

[0055] The second metal component 10B includes a second terminal portion 10BT for external connection and a second connection portion 10BP for connection to the other end of the left coil 7L via solder SD.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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, the top ends of the left iron core 8WL and the right iron core 8WR become opposite magnetic poles. In the illustrated example, when coil 7 is energized, the left coil 7L is positioned around the left iron core 8WL with the top end of the left iron core 8WL as the N pole and the current flow direction counterclockwise when viewed from above. The right coil 7R is positioned around the right iron core 8WR with the top end of the right iron core 8WR as the S pole and the current flow direction clockwise when viewed from above.

[0058] The electromagnetic mechanism DM is a mechanism for electromagnetically moving the movable side member MB, supported by the support member SB, along the optical axis. In the illustrated example, 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) arranged opposite each other in a manner that clamps the opening 5K of the optical element holding member 5.

[0059] The first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 includes a left opposing portion 4FL of a movable magnetic component 4 that is welded to the lower surface of the second left fixed portion 3BL of the upper leaf spring 3, and a left core portion 8WL of a fixed magnetic component 8 with a left coil 7L arranged around it.

[0060] The second electromagnetic mechanism DM2 includes a right-side opposing portion 4FR of a movable magnetic component 4 that is welded to the lower surface of the second right-side fixed portion 3BR of the upper leaf spring 3, and a right-side iron core portion 8WR of a fixed magnetic component 8 with a right-side coil 7R arranged around it.

[0061] An optical element drive device 100, having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, is mounted on a main substrate (not shown). A coil 7 is connected to a current supply source via a metal component 10 and the main substrate. If current flows in the coil 7, the electromagnetic mechanism DM generates an electromagnetic force along the optical axis.

[0062] 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 switching between macro photography and normal photography.

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 6 The positional relationship between the upper leaf spring 3, the movable magnetic component 4, the core portion 8W of the fixed magnetic component 8, and the stop portion 9W of the base component 9 will be explained. Figure 6 This is a top view of the optical element driving device 100. Specifically, Figure 6 The image above is a top view of the optical element driving device 100 with the cover component 1 and frame component 2 removed. Figure 6 The following figure is a top view of the optical element drive device 100 with the upper leaf spring 3 and the movable magnetic component 4 further removed. Additionally, in Figure 6 In the diagram below, the position where the upper leaf spring 3 is installed is indicated by a dotted line, and the position where the movable magnetic component 4 is installed is indicated by a dashed line.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown in the figure below, the left opposing portion 4FL of the movable magnetic member 4 is arranged to cover the top ends of the left core portion 8WL of the fixed magnetic member 8 and the left stop portion 9WL of the base member 9. Similarly, the right opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4 is arranged to cover the top ends of the right core portion 8WR of the fixed magnetic member 8 and the right stop portion 9WR of the base member 9. Furthermore, the top surface of the left stop portion 9WL is positioned higher than the top surface of the left core portion 8WL, and the top surface of the right stop portion 9WR is positioned higher than the top surface of the right core portion 8WR.

[0065] According to this configuration, the left opposing portion 4FL is attracted downwards by the left core portion 8WL when current flows through the left coil 7L, but it comes into contact with the left stop portion 9WL before contacting the left core portion 8WL. Therefore, the left opposing portion 4FL will not come into contact with the left core portion 8WL. The same applies to the right opposing portion 4FR.

[0066] Furthermore, the second left-side fixing portion 3BL of the upper leaf spring 3, when positioned directly above the left-side stop portion 9WL of the base component 9, is welded to the upper surface of the left-side opposing portion 4FL of the movable magnetic component 4. The left-side stop portion 9WL of the base component 9 is located closer to the optical element holding component 5 than the left-side core portion 8WL of the fixed magnetic component 8. That is, the second left-side fixing portion 3BL is not positioned directly above the left-side core portion 8WL. Additionally, in the Y-axis direction, the width of the second left-side fixing portion 3BL is approximately the same as the width of the left-side stop portion 9WL. The same applies to the second right-side fixing portion 3BR of the upper leaf spring 3.

[0067] Next, refer to Figures 7-10 The states of each component when the optical element holding member 5 is displaced from the first position to the second position will be described. In the illustrated example, 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 the initial state, that is, when there is no current 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 there is current flowing in the coil 7.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a right view of the optical element drive device 100 with the cover component 1 removed. Specifically, Figure 7 The above figure is a right view of the optical element drive device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position. Figure 7 The figure below is a right view of the optical element drive device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position. Figure 7 The central view is a right view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the intermediate position between the first position and the second position. Additionally, in Figure 7 In order to make it clear, a fine dot pattern is added to the movable magnetic component 4, and a coarse dot pattern is added to the fixed magnetic component 8.

[0069] in addition, Figure 8 This is a right view of the optical element drive device 100 with the coil 7 and the fixed-side magnetic component 8 removed. Specifically, Figure 8 The above figure is a right view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position. Figure 8 The following figure is a right view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position. Figure 8 The central view is a right view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the middle position. Additionally, in Figure 8In order to make it clear, a fine dot pattern is added to the movable magnetic component 4, and a coarse dot pattern is added to the right stop portion 9WR of the base component 9.

[0070] in addition, Figure 9 This is a right view of the movable magnetic component 4 and the fixed magnetic component 8. Specifically, Figure 9 The figure above is a right view of the movable magnetic component 4 and the fixed magnetic component 8 when the optical element holding component 5 (not shown) is in the first position. Figure 9 The figure below is a right view of the movable magnetic component 4 and the fixed magnetic component 8 when the optical element holding component 5 (not shown) is in the second position. Figure 9 The central view is a right view of the movable magnetic component 4 and the fixed magnetic component 8 when the optical element holding component 5 (not shown) is in the middle position.

[0071] in addition, Figure 10 This is a right view of the upper leaf spring 3 and the optical element holding component 5. Specifically, Figure 10 The image above shows the upper leaf spring 3 and the right view of the optical element holding member 5 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position. Figure 9 The following figure is a right view of the upper leaf spring 3 and the optical element holding member 5 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position. Figure 9 The central view shows the upper leaf spring 3 and the right view of the optical element holding member 5 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the middle position.

[0072] Reference Figures 7-10 The following description mainly concerns the relationship between the second right fixed part 3BR of the upper leaf spring 3, the right opposing part 4FR of the movable magnetic component 4, and the right iron core part 8WR of the fixed magnetic component 8, but it also applies to the relationship between the second left fixed part 3BL of the upper leaf spring 3, the left opposing part 4FL of the movable magnetic component 4, and the left iron core part 8WL of the fixed magnetic component 8.

[0073] With the optical element holding component 5 in the first position, such as Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the right-side opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic component 4 does not contact the right-side stop portion 9WR of the base component 9. However, when the optical element holding component 5 is in the intermediate position, as... Figure 8 As shown in the central view, the lower surface of the right-side opposing portion 4FR contacts the rear end portion of the top surface of the right-side stop portion 9WR (refer to the portion surrounded by the dotted circle). Furthermore, with the optical element holding member 5 in the second position, as... Figure 8As shown in the figure below, the lower surface of the right opposing portion 4FR contacts the entire area of ​​the top surface of the right stop portion 9WR (refer to the portion surrounded by the dotted circle). However, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the right opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4 can also contact a portion (the rear end portion of the top surface) of the right stop portion 9WR. Additionally, as... Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the top surface of the right stop 9WR is configured to form an angle θ1 relative to the surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown in the figure above, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the right opposing portion 4FR does not contact the top surface of the right core portion 8WR of the fixed-side magnetic member 8. Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the intermediate position, as... Figure 9 As shown in the central diagram, the right-side opposing portion 4FR does not contact the top surface of the right-side iron core portion 8WR. Furthermore, with the optical element holding member 5 in the second position, as... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram below, the right-side opposing portion 4FR does not contact the top surface of the right-side core portion 8WR. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram above, the top surface of the right-side core section 8WR is configured to form an angle θ2 relative to a surface parallel to the XY plane. In the example shown, angle θ2 is set to the same size as angle θ1.

[0075] That is, the right stop portion 9WR is configured to prevent the right opposing portion 4FR from contacting the right iron core portion 8WR when the optical element holding member 5 moves from the first position to the second position. This is because if the right opposing portion 4FR contacts the right iron core portion 8WR midway through the movement of the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the second position, a magnetic circuit is formed at the contact point, resulting in a decrease in the magnetic flux passing through the space between the right opposing portion 4FR and the right iron core portion 8WR. In other words, this is because the magnetic attraction pulling the other parts of the right opposing portion 4FR toward the right iron core portion 8WR weakens, and the movement (oscillation) of the movable magnetic member 4 stops.

[0076] Specifically, such as Figure 9As shown in the figure above, with the optical element holding member 5 (not shown) in the first position, the distance G1 between the first part (rear end part) of the right opposing portion 4FR and the right core portion 8WR is value G1A, the distance G2 between the second part (front end part) of the right opposing portion 4FR and the right core portion 8WR is value G2A, and the distance G3 between the third part (central part) of the right opposing portion 4FR and the right core portion 8WR is value G3A. Furthermore, in this state, value G3A is larger than value G1A, and value G2A is larger than value G3A. That is, in the illustrated example, the right opposing portion 4FR is configured such that the distance between the right opposing portion 4FR and the right core portion 8WR continuously increases from the first part to the second part of the right opposing portion 4FR.

[0077] Moreover, such as Figure 9 As shown in the central diagram, with the optical element holding member 5 (not shown) in the middle position, interval G1 is a value G1B smaller than G1A, interval G2 is a value G2B smaller than G2A, and interval G3 is a value G3B smaller than G3A. Furthermore, in this state, value G3B is larger than value G1B, and value G2B is larger than value G3B.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown in the figure below, with the optical element holding member 5 (not shown) in the second position, interval G1 is approximately the same as value G1B (G1C), interval G2 is smaller than value G2B (G2C), and interval G3 is smaller than value G3B (G3C). Furthermore, in this state, values ​​G1C, G2C, and G3C are all approximately the same.

[0079] With the optical element holding component 5 in the first position, such as Figure 10 As shown in the figure above, the right connecting portion 3DR of the upper leaf spring 3 did not twist. This is because the upper surface of the second right fixing portion 3BR of the upper leaf spring 3 is approximately parallel to the upper surface of the third fixing portion 3C of the upper leaf spring 3.

[0080] With the optical element holding component 5 in the middle position, such as Figure 10 As shown in the central diagram, the right-side connecting portion 3DR is twisted. This is because the angle α formed between the upper surface of the second right-side fixed portion 3BR and the upper surface of the third fixed portion 3C becomes a value α1 greater than zero.

[0081] Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position, such as Figure 10 As shown in the diagram below, the right-hand connecting section 3DR undergoes greater torsion. This is because the angle α becomes a value α2, which is larger than α1.

[0082] With the configuration described above, the optical element driving device 100 is configured such that, in the initial state before energizing the coil 7, the initial gap between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 in the first part (the rear end of the iron core 8W) is the initial gap (refer to...). Figure 9 The value G1A in the above figure is greater than the desired movement of the optical element holding component 5 (refer to...). Figure 9 The value G2A in the above figure is small. Furthermore, the optical element driving device 100 is configured such that, during the period when energizing the coil 7 to move the optical element holding member 5 to the second position, the distance between the movable-side magnetic member 4 and the fixed-side magnetic member 8 in other parts besides the first part (see reference) is also kept small. Figure 9 The value of the central plot (G3B) is different from the initial interval in other parts (refer to...). Figure 9 The value G3A in the above figure is small. Therefore, even when the desired amount of movement of the optical element holding member 5 is larger than the initial interval in the first part, this configuration can generate sufficient electromagnetic force to move the optical element holding member 5 to the second position side without excessively increasing the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 7. In other words, this configuration can suppress excessive increase of the current flowing in the coil 7 when the optical element holding member 5 is moved by the desired amount of movement.

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 11 An optical element driving device 100A, which is an embodiment of the optical element driving device of the present invention, will be described. Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical element driving device 100A, corresponding to Figure 2 .

[0084] The optical element drive device 100A differs from the optical element drive device 100, which has a frame member 2X, an upper leaf spring 3X, a movable magnetic member 4X, and an optical element holding member 5X.

[0085] The frame member 2X is configured to secure the upper leaf spring 3X. In the illustrated example, the frame member 2X includes four circular protrusions 2U. The protrusions 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 2X.

[0086] The upper leaf spring 3X is configured to connect the frame member 2X and the optical element holding member 5X. In the illustrated example, the upper leaf spring 3X includes an annular inner portion 3I fixed to the optical element holding member 5X, four outer portions 3E fixed to the frame member 2X which serves as the fixed side member FB, and four elastic arms 3G located between the inner portion 3I and the four outer portions 3E respectively. In the illustrated example, the upper leaf spring 3X is configured to be rotationally symmetrical about the optical axis of the lens body.

[0087] The four protrusions 2U formed on the frame member 2X correspond to the four outer portions 3E of the upper leaf spring 3X, respectively. The frame member 2X and the upper leaf spring 3X are fixed by thermal riveting the protrusions 2U, which are inserted into the through holes formed in the four outer portions 3E. Furthermore, in Figure 11 In the diagram, the protrusion 2U is shown as the deformed state of its top end after hot riveting. The same applies to other diagrams.

[0088] The movable magnetic component 4X is one of the components constituting the electromagnetic mechanism DM, and is supported by the optical element holding component 5X in such a way that it can be attracted downward by the fixed magnetic component 8 when the fixed magnetic component 8 is magnetized.

[0089] The optical element holding member 5X is configured to hold an optical element. In the illustrated example, the optical element holding member 5X has a cylindrical portion 5C extending in a vertical direction, a protrusion 5P projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 5C, and a pair of shaft portions 5Q projecting outward from the side of the protrusion 5P parallel to the Y-axis. An opening 5K for inserting the optical element is formed in the cylindrical portion 5C. The optical element is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the opening 5K, for example, by an adhesive. The pair of shaft portions 5Q includes a left shaft portion 5QL projecting in the Y1 direction and a right shaft portion 5QR projecting in the Y2 direction.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the movable magnetic component 4X includes two opposing portions 4F that are vertically opposed to the fixed magnetic component 8, a pair of connecting portions 4G that are rotatably connected relative to a pair of shaft portions 5Q in the optical element holding component 5X, and a connecting portion 4C that joins the rear ends of the two opposing portions 4F. The two opposing portions 4F include a left opposing portion 4FL extending along the left core portion 8WL of the fixed magnetic component 8, and a right opposing portion 4FR extending along the right core portion 8WR of the fixed magnetic component 8. The pair of connecting portions 4G includes a left connecting portion 4GL extending downward from the front end of the left opposing portion 4FL, and a right connecting portion 4GR extending downward from the front end of the right opposing portion 4FR.

[0091] The connection between a pair of shaft portions 5Q in the optical element holding member 5X and a pair of connecting portions 4G in the movable magnetic member 4X is achieved by inserting the shaft portion 5Q into the through hole 4H formed in the connecting portion 4G. Specifically, the connection between the left shaft portion 5QL and the left connecting portion 4GL is achieved by inserting the left shaft portion 5QL into the left through hole 4HL formed in the left connecting portion 4GL, and the connection between the right shaft portion 5QR and the right connecting portion 4GR is achieved by inserting the right shaft portion 5QR into the right through hole 4HR formed in the right connecting portion 4GR.

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 12 The positional relationship between the movable magnetic component 4X and the optical element holding component 5X when the optical element holding component 5X is moved from the first position to the second position is explained. Figure 12 This is a right view of the frame component 2X, the movable side magnetic component 4X, and the optical element holding component 5X. Figure 12 For clarity, illustrations of components other than the frame member 2X, the movable-side magnetic member 4X, and the optical element holding member 5X are omitted, and the top of the iron core portion 8W (right iron core portion 8WR) in the fixed-side magnetic member 8 is indicated by a single-dotted line. Additionally, in Figure 12 In order to make it clearer, a fine dot pattern is added to the movable magnetic component 4X, and a sparse dot pattern is added to the frame component 2X. Specifically, Figure 12 The image above is a right view of the frame member 2X, the movable magnetic member 4X, and the optical element holding member 5X when the optical element holding member 5X is in the first position. Figure 12 The figure below is a right view of the frame member 2X, the movable magnetic member 4X, and the optical element holding member 5X when the optical element holding member 5X is in the second position. Figure 12 The central view is a right view of the frame member 2X, the movable side magnetic member 4X, and the optical element holding member 5X when the optical element holding member 5X is in the intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

[0093] Furthermore, when current is supplied to the coil 7 and the movable magnetic member 4X is attracted by the fixed magnetic member 8, the lower surface of the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic member 4X contacts the stop portion 9W of the base member 9, thereby preventing the movable magnetic member 4X from moving further downward. This is similar to the case of the optical element drive device 100 (see reference). Figure 8 The same applies. Furthermore, the fact that the movable magnetic component 4X does not contact the fixed magnetic component 8 is also similar to the case of the optical element drive device 100 (see reference). Figure 9 )same.

[0094] like Figure 12As shown in the figure above, when the optical element holding member 5X is in the first position, the right-side opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4X is attracted by the right-side iron core portion 8WR when current flows in the right-side coil 7R and the right-side iron core portion 8WR is magnetized. The same applies to the left-side opposing portion 4FL of the movable magnetic member 4X.

[0095] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown in the central diagram, the right-side opposing portion 4FR is tilted such that its front end (the end on the X1 side) is lower than its rear end (the end on the X2 side), that is, it is tilted so that the right-side connecting portion 4GR located at the front end moves downward. This is because the rear end of the right-side opposing portion 4FR is... Figure 8 As shown in the central diagram, the right-side stop 9WR of the base component 9 restricts its downward movement. On the other hand, this is because the front end of the right-side opposing portion 4FR... Figure 12 In the state shown in the central diagram, as Figure 8 As shown in the central diagram, it does not contact the right-side stop 9WR of the base component 9, and its downward movement is not restricted. The same applies to the left-side opposing part 4FL of the movable magnetic component 4X.

[0096] At this time, the optical element holding member 5X moves downward parallel without tilting. This is because the cylindrical shaft portion 5Q in the optical element holding member 5X is inserted into the circular through hole 4H formed by the descending connecting portion 4G. Specifically, as... Figure 12 As shown, this is because the cylindrical right-side shaft portion 5QR, protruding in the Y2 direction, is inserted into the circular right-side through hole 4HR formed by the descending right-side connecting portion 4GR. That is, this is because the right-side connecting portion 4GR rotates counterclockwise around the right-side shaft portion 5QR and descends when viewed from the right. The same applies to the left-side connecting portion 4GL.

[0097] Furthermore, with the optical element holding member 5X in the first position, such as Figure 12 As shown in the figure above, the entire area of ​​the lower surface of the right stop portion 2SR formed on the lower surface of the frame member 2X (refer to the portion surrounded by the dotted circle) is in contact with the upper surface of the right opposing portion 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4X. However, when the optical element holding member 5X is in the intermediate position, as... Figure 12 As shown in the central diagram, only the rear portion of the lower surface of the right stop 2SR (refer to the portion surrounded by the dotted circle) contacts the upper surface of the right opposing portion 4FR. Similarly, when the optical element holding member 5X is in the second position, as... Figure 12 As shown in the figure below, only the rear end of the lower surface of the right stop 2SR (refer to the part surrounded by the dotted circle) contacts the upper surface of the right opposing part 4FR.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown in the figure above, with the optical element holding member 5X in the first position, the distance G11 between the first part (rear end part) of the right opposing portion 4FR and the right core portion 8WR is value G11A, the distance G12 between the second part (front end part) of the right opposing portion 4FR and the right core portion 8WR is value G12A, and the distance G13 between the third part (central part) of the right opposing portion 4FR and the right core portion 8WR is value G13A. Furthermore, in this state, value G13A is larger than value G11A, and value G12A is larger than value G13A.

[0099] Moreover, such as Figure 12 As shown in the central diagram, with the optical element holding member 5X in the middle position, interval G11 is a value G11B smaller than G11A, interval G12 is a value G12B smaller than G12A, and interval G13 is a value G13B smaller than G13A. Furthermore, in this state, value G13B is larger than value G11B, and value G12B is larger than value G13B.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown in the figure below, with the optical element holding member 5X in the second position, interval G11 is a value G11C smaller than G11B, interval G12 is a value G12C smaller than G12B, and interval G13 is a value G13C smaller than G13B. Furthermore, in this state, values ​​G11C, G12C, and G13C are all approximately the same.

[0101] With the configuration described above, the optical element drive device 100A, like the optical element drive device 100, can generate sufficient electromagnetic force to move the optical element holding member 5X to the second position side without excessively increasing the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 7, even when the desired movement amount of the optical element holding member 5X is larger than the initial interval in the first part. In other words, this configuration can suppress excessive increase in the current flowing in the coil 7 when the optical element holding member 5X is moved by the desired movement amount.

[0102] As mentioned above, 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 through which an optical element can be placed, a support member SB that movably supports the optical element holding member 5 relative to the fixed-side member FB, a movable-side magnetic member 4 connected to 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. In the vertical direction, electromagnetic force attracts the opposing portion 4F of the movable-side magnetic member 4, which is opposite to the top end of the iron core portion 8W, toward the top end of the iron core portion 8W, thereby moving the optical element holding member 5 from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the opposing portion 4F extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (X-axis direction) and has a first portion (the rear end portion as the end on the X2 side) and a second portion (the front end portion as the end on the X1 side) that are separated from each other in this extending direction. In addition, the movable magnetic component 4 is connected to the optical element holding component 5 on one side of the second part.

[0103] In the optical element driving device 100, such as Figure 9 As shown in the figure above, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the value G1A of the first interval G1 between the first part (rear end part) of the opposing portion 4F in the vertical direction and the top end of the iron core portion 8W is smaller than the value G2A of the second interval G2 between the second part (front end part) of the opposing portion 4F in the vertical direction and the top end of the iron core portion 8W. Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, as... Figure 9 As shown in the figure below, the value of the interval G2 G2A when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position is greater than the value of the interval G2 G2C when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position.

[0104] Specifically, the electromagnetic mechanism DM is configured to have a fixed-side magnetic member 8 having an iron core portion 8W and a coil 7 wound around the iron core portion 8W. By causing the opposing portion 4F of the movable-side magnetic member 4 opposite to the iron core portion 8W to be attracted to the iron core portion 8W by electromagnetic force, the optical element holding member 5 is moved from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction.

[0105] Moreover, such as Figure 9 As shown, the core portion 8W has a top end portion that is opposed to the movable side magnetic member 4 in the vertical direction and extends along the opposing portion 4F in a generally X-axis direction.

[0106] In addition, the opposing portion 4F has a first portion (the rear end portion that is the end on the X2 side) and a second portion (the front end portion that is the end on the X1 side) that are separated from each other in its extending direction (X-axis), and a third portion (the middle portion) located between the first portion and the second portion.

[0107] Furthermore, the distance between the first part and the top end of the iron core 8W in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance between the third part and the top end of the iron core 8W in the vertical direction, and the distance between the second part and the top end of the iron core 8W in the vertical direction is larger than the distance between the third part and the top end of the iron core 8W in the vertical direction.

[0108] Furthermore, the movable magnetic component 4 is connected to the optical element retaining component 5 on one side (X1 side) of the second part. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the movable magnetic component 4 is connected to the optical element holding component 5 via the connecting portion 3D of the upper leaf spring 3 on one side (X1 side) of the second part. That is, the movable magnetic component 4 and the optical element holding component 5 are not in direct contact.

[0109] Furthermore, as the coil 7 is energized, the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic component 4 is attracted by the top end of the iron core portion 8W, the gap between the second and third portions and the top end of the iron core portion 8W decreases, and the optical element holding component 5 moves to the second position side.

[0110] Thus, the optical element driving device 100 is configured such that, in the initial state before energizing the coil 7, the initial gap between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 in the first part (the rear end portion of the iron core 8W) is smaller than the desired movement amount of the optical element holding member 5. Furthermore, the optical element driving device 100 is configured such that, during the period when energizing the coil 7 and moving the optical element holding member 5 to the second position, the gap between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 in other parts different from the first part is also smaller than the initial gap. Moreover, the position of the portion where the gap is smaller than the initial gap gradually moves forward. Therefore, this configuration can generate sufficient electromagnetic force to move the optical element holding member 5 to the second position without excessively increasing the current flowing through the coil 7, even when the desired movement amount of the optical element holding member 5 is larger than the initial gap. In other words, this configuration can suppress excessive increase in the current flowing in the coil 7 when moving the optical element holding member 5 by the desired amount.

[0111] Alternatively, the optical element driving device 100 can also be configured as follows: Figure 9As shown in the figure above, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the vertical distance between the top part of the iron core 8W and the opposing part 4F of the movable magnetic member 4 increases as the first part (the end on the X2 side) of the opposing part 4F, which extends from the direction intersecting the vertical direction (X-axis), moves toward the second part (the end on the X1 side).

[0112] This configuration provides the following effect: when the optical element holding member 5 is moved to the second position by energizing the coil 7, reliable and stable operation of the movable magnetic member 4, whose spacing between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 is smaller than the initial spacing, can be easily achieved. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the configuration shown, the position of the portion with a smaller interval than the initial interval moves forward (in the X1 direction) as the optical element holding member 5 descends. That is, the width of the portion with a smaller interval than the initial interval widens forward (in the X1 direction) as the optical element holding member 5 descends.

[0113] Additionally, in the optical element driving device 100, the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position (refer to...) Figure 9 Move the image above to the second position (refer to the image above). Figure 9 During the period shown in the figure below, the top part of the iron core 8W is separated from the opposing part 4F of the movable magnetic component 4.

[0114] This configuration enables the optical element holding member 5 to reliably move to the second position. This is because if the opposing part 4F contacts the iron core part 8W before the optical element holding member 5 reaches the second position, a magnetic circuit is formed in the contact portion, and no magnetic attraction force acts in the other parts (the non-contact portions of the opposing part 4F and the iron core part 8W which are separated by a short interval).

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the base component 9, which is the fixed side component FB, may also have a stop portion 9W as a first stop portion, which restricts the movement of the movable side magnetic component 4 of the optical element holding component 5 in the vertical direction from the first position to the second position.

[0116] This configuration provides the effect of reliably preventing contact between the opposing part 4F and the iron core part 8W.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the end face of the top portion of the core section 8W can also be inclined relative to a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. Figure 9 In the example shown, the end face of the top part of the core 8W is tilted by an angle θ2 relative to the plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0118] This configuration provides the following effect: when the optical element holding member 5 is moved to the second position by energizing the coil 7, it is easier to achieve reliable and stable operation of the movable magnetic member 4, which has a smaller gap between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 than the initial gap in other parts different from the first part.

[0119] Furthermore, the frame member 2, which serves as the fixed-side member FB, may also have a stop portion 2S as a second stop portion. Moreover, the first position of the optical element holding member 5 can also be determined by the stop portion 2S. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the first position of the optical element holding member 5 can also be determined as the position when the upper surface of the movable magnetic member 4 contacts the lower surface of the stop portion 2S of the frame member 2.

[0120] This configuration enables the precise determination of the initial position (first position) of the optical element holding component 5.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electromagnetic mechanism DM may also include a first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 and a second electromagnetic mechanism DM2 disposed between the opening 5K of the optical element holding member 5. This configuration provides the effect of stabilizing the operation of the optical element holding member 5.

[0122] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fixed-side magnetic member 8 can also be formed of a magnetic metal plate, and has a left iron core portion 8WL as a first iron core portion, a right iron core portion 8WR as a second iron core portion, and a base portion 8C connecting the left iron core portion 8WL and the right iron core portion 8WR. In this case, the left iron core portion 8WL extends from the left end of the base portion 8C toward the movable-side magnetic member side (upper side), and the right iron core portion 8WR extends from the right end of the base portion 8C toward the movable-side magnetic member side (upper side). In addition, the left coil 7L, which is the first coil wound around the left iron core portion 8WL, and the right coil 7R, which is the second coil wound around the right iron core portion 8WR, are connected in series. Furthermore, the fixed-side magnetic member 8 is configured such that when current flows in the coils 7 (left coil 7L and right coil 7R), the top ends of the left iron core portion 8WL and the top ends of the right iron core portion 8WR become different magnetic poles.

[0123] Compared to the case where the top ends of the left iron core 8WL and the right iron core 8WR are the same magnetic poles, this configuration results in an increase in the magnetic force acting between the movable magnetic component 4 and the fixed magnetic component 8.

[0124] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, the movable magnetic component 4 and the optical element holding component 5 can also be connected via a leaf spring (upper leaf spring 3).

[0125] This configuration results in a smooth, wobbly movement of the movable magnetic component 4 relative to the optical element holding component 5. This is because the configuration utilizes the elastic deformation of the upper leaf spring 3 to enable the movable magnetic component 4 to move (oscillate) relative to the optical element holding component 5.

[0126] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the upper leaf spring 3 may also have a first fixing portion 3A fixed to the fixed side member FB (frame member 2), a second fixing portion 3B extending forward (X1 direction) from the first fixing portion 3A along the opposing portion 4F of the movable side magnetic member 4 and fixed to the movable side magnetic member 4, a third fixing portion 3C fixed to the optical element holding member 5, and a connecting portion 3D connecting the second fixing portion 3B and the third fixing portion 3C and capable of torsional deformation. In this case, the first fixing portion 3A is located at one end of the second fixing portion 3B (the end on the X2 side), and the connecting portion 3D is located at the other end of the second fixing portion 3B (the end on the X1 side).

[0127] This configuration results in a smooth, wobbly movement (oscillation) of the movable magnetic component 4 relative to the optical element holding component 5. This is because the configuration utilizes the 3D torsional deformation of the connecting portion of the upper leaf spring 3 to allow the movable magnetic component 4 to move (oscillate) relative to the optical element holding component 5. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the upper leaf spring 3 also functions as a support member SB for the optical element holding member 5.

[0128] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the movable magnetic component 4X and the optical element holding component 5X can also be connected by a through hole 4H formed by a connecting portion 4G located closer to the second portion (the front end portion of the end portion on the X1 side) than the first portion (the rear end portion of the end portion on the X2 side) of the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic component 4X, and a shaft portion 5Q provided in the optical element holding component 5X and inserted into the through hole 4H.

[0129] This configuration enables the movable magnetic component 4X to move (oscillate) relative to the optical element holding component 5X smoothly without wobbling. This is because the configuration utilizes the combination of a circular through hole 4H formed in the connecting portion 4G and a cylindrical shaft portion 5Q to enable the movable magnetic component 4X to move (oscillate) relative to the optical element holding component 5X.

[0130] Alternatively, the movable magnetic component 4 can also be formed from a magnetic metal plate. This configuration makes the manufacture of the movable magnetic component 4 easier. This is because, in this configuration, the movable magnetic component 4 can be formed, for example, by bending, punching, or stretching the metal plate.

[0131] 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 and substitutions can be applied to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the various features described with reference to the above embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0132] For example, in the above-described embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the top end of the core portion 8W is configured such that its end face is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, but it can also be configured such that its end face is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The same applies to the stop portion 9W of the base member 9. In this case, the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic member 4 can also be configured such that its lower surface is inclined relative to the top end face of the core portion 8W. Specifically, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the opposing portion 4F can also be configured such that the distance between the rear end portion of its lower surface and the top end face of the core portion 8W is smaller than the distance between the front end portion of its lower surface and the top end face of the core portion 8W.

[0133] Furthermore, the core portion 8W can be configured such that most of its inclined top surface is straight when viewed from the right, but it can also be configured such that most of its top surface is curved when viewed from the right, or it can be configured such that its top surface is stepped. The same applies to the stop portion 9W of the base member 9. When the top surface of the core portion 8W is stepped, the opposing portion 4F of the movable magnetic member 4 can also be configured to have a stepped shape corresponding to the stepped shape of the core portion 8W.

[0134] Furthermore, the core portion 8W can be configured such that the middle portion of its top surface is higher than the front portion, and the rear portion of its top surface is higher than the middle portion. However, it can also be configured such that the middle portion of its top surface is lower than the front portion, and the rear portion of its top surface is lower than the middle portion. Alternatively, the core portion 8W can be configured such that the middle portion of its top surface is higher than either the front or rear portion, or it can be configured such that the middle portion of its top surface is lower than either the front or rear portion. Additionally, the core portion 8W can also be configured such that the height of the front portion is the same as the height of the rear portion.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the movable magnetic member 4 is configured such that, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the gap between the opposing portion 4F and the iron core portion 8W continuously increases from the rear end portion of the opposing portion 4F to the front end portion. However, the movable magnetic member 4 may also be configured such that the gap increases in stages (discontinuously) from the rear end portion of the opposing portion 4F to the front end portion.

[0136] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0137] 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, 2, 2X…Frame component, 2S…Stop portion, 2SL…Left stop portion, 2SR…Right stop portion, 2T…Protrusion, 2TL…Left protrusion, 2TR…Right protrusion, 2U…Protrusion, 3, 3X…Upper leaf spring, 3A…First fixing part, 3AL…First left fixing part, 3AR…First right fixing part, 3B…Second fixing part, 3BL…Second left fixing part, 3BR…Second right fixing part, 3C…Third fixing part, 3D…Connection 3DL…left connecting part, 3DR…right connecting part, 3E…outer part, 3G…elastic arm, 3H1…first through hole, 3H1L…first left through hole, 3H1R…first right through hole, 3H2…second through hole, 3H2L…second left through hole, 3H2R…second right through hole, 3H3…third through hole, 3H3L…third left through hole, 3H3R…third right through hole, 3H4…fourth through hole, 3I…inner part, 4, 4X…movable magnetic component, 4C…joint part, 4F…opposing part, 4FL…left opposing part, 4FR…right opposing part, 4G…connecting part, 4GL…left connecting part, 4 GR…Right connecting part, 4H…Through hole, 4HL…Left through hole, 4HR…Right through hole, 5, 5X…Optical element holding part, 5C…Cylindrical part, 5K…Opening, 5P…Protrusion, 5Q…Shaft part, 5QL…Left shaft part, 5QR…Right shaft part, 6…Lower leaf spring, 6E…Outer part, 6G…Elastic arm part, 6I…Inner part, 7…Coil, 7L…Left coil, 7R…Right coil, 8…Fixed side magnetic part, 8C…Base, 8H…Through hole, 8W…Core part, 8WL…Left core part, 8WR…Right core part, 9…Base part, 9K…Opening, 9P…Columnar part, 9Q, 9T…Protrusion, 9W…Stop part 9WL…Left stop, 9WR…Right stop, 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, 100, 100A…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.

Claims

1. An optical element driving device, comprising: Fixed side components; An optical element holding component has a vertically extending opening for arranging optical elements; A support member is provided to support the optical element holding member in a manner that allows the optical element holding member to move relative to the fixed side member; A movable magnetic component is connected to the optical element holding component; as well as An electromagnetic mechanism includes a fixed-side magnetic component with an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core. Electromagnetic force attracts the opposing portion of the movable-side magnetic component, which faces the top of the iron core, towards the top of the iron core in the vertical direction, thereby moving the optical element holding component from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction. The optical element driving device is characterized in that... The opposing portion extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and has a first portion and a second portion that are separated from each other in the extending direction. The movable magnetic component is connected to the optical element holding component on one side of the second part. When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the first interval between the first portion of the opposing portion and the top end portion in the vertical direction is smaller than the second interval between the second portion of the opposing portion and the top end portion in the vertical direction. 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 as described in claim 1, When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the distance between the top end of the iron core and the opposing portion of the movable magnetic member in the vertical direction increases as the first portion of the opposing portion, extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, moves toward the second portion.

3. The optical element driving device as described in claim 1 or 2, During the period when the optical element holding member moves from the first position to the second position, the top end of the iron core is separated from the opposing part of the movable magnetic member.

4. The optical element driving device as described in claim 3, The fixed-side component has a first stop that restricts the movement of the movable-side magnetic component of the optical element holding component in the direction from the first position toward the second position.

5. The optical element driving device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, The end face of the top portion of the core is inclined relative to the surface perpendicular to the vertical direction.

6. The optical element driving device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, The fixed side component has a second stop. The first position of the optical element holding component is determined by the second stop.

7. The optical element driving device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, The electromagnetic mechanism includes a first electromagnetic mechanism and a second electromagnetic mechanism disposed therebetween the opening of the optical element holding member.

8. The optical element driving device as described in claim 7, The 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 toward the movable magnetic component side. The second iron core portion extends from the base toward 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 fixed-side magnetic component is configured such that when current flows in 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 as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, The movable magnetic component and the optical element holding component are connected via a leaf spring.

10. The optical element driving device as described in claim 9, The leaf spring has a first fixing portion fixed to the fixed side component, a second fixing portion extending from the first fixing portion along the opposing portion of the movable side magnetic component and fixed to the movable side magnetic component, a third fixing portion fixed to the optical element holding component, and a torsional deformable connecting portion connecting the second fixing portion and the third fixing portion. The first fixing part is located at one end of the second fixing part. The connecting portion is located on the other end of the second fixed portion.

11. The optical element driving device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, The movable magnetic component and the optical element holding component are connected by a through hole formed at a connection portion located closer to the second portion than the first portion of the opposing portion of the movable magnetic component, and a shaft portion provided in the optical element holding component and inserted into the through hole.

12. The optical element driving device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, The movable magnetic component is formed of a magnetic metal plate.

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