Drive device, camera module, and camera mounting device

Abstract

In a drive device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device, the drive device includes: a lens unit having a lens; a driving unit that moves the lens unit; a housing accommodating the lens unit and the driving portion; a first support portion supporting the lens unit with respect to the housing; and a second support portion that supports the drive portion with respect to the housing, the drive portion having: a frame; a motor unit which is disposed on the frame and moves the frame; and a connecting portion connecting the frame and the lens unit to move the lens unit by movement of the frame.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with the application date of December 21, 2020, application number 202080089267.6, invention name “Lens drive device, camera module and camera mounting device”, and the applicant being Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a lens driving device, a camera module and a camera mounting device. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, there is known a camera module mounted on a thin camera-mounted device such as a smartphone. Such a camera module is known to include a lens driving device having a zoom function for enlarging or reducing an image of a subject.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure including: a fixed lens on which light from a subject is incident; two movable lenses on which light refracted by the fixed lens is incident; and a lens driving unit that moves the two movable lenses in the direction of the optical axis.

[0005] The lens driving unit has a feed screw mechanism, which is a mechanism based on motors corresponding to the two movable lenses. In the area adjacent to the fixed lens and the movable lens in the housing of the camera module, each motor is respectively arranged on both end sides in the direction of the optical axis. A locking nut is provided on the driving shaft of each motor, and the locking nut is engaged with the frame of the movable lens and can be moved on the driving shaft by the rotation of the driving shaft. The locking nut is driven by the rotation of the motor to move on the driving shaft, thereby moving the movable lens.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-36416 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, from the perspective of improving the zoom function of the lens driving device, it is preferable to expand the moving range of each movable lens. However, since motors such as stepping motors have a certain size, in the case of a structure in which two motors are provided as described in Patent Document 1, the outer shape of the lens driving device may be too large in consideration of the amount of movement of the movable lens.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a lens driving device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device that can achieve miniaturization while ensuring the moving range of a movable lens.

[0012] Solutions to the problem

[0013] A driving device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0014] A lens unit having a lens;

[0015] A driving unit for moving the lens unit;

[0016] A housing for accommodating the lens unit and the driving unit;

[0017] a first supporting portion that supports the lens unit relative to the housing; and

[0018] a second supporting portion, supporting the driving portion relative to the housing,

[0019] The driving unit has:

[0020] frame;

[0021] a motor unit, disposed on the frame and configured to move the frame; and

[0022] The connecting portion connects the frame and the lens unit so that the lens unit moves by the movement of the frame.

[0023] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0024] The above-mentioned driving device;

[0025] The lens is held by the lens unit; and

[0026] The imaging unit captures the image of the object formed by the lens.

[0027] The lens driving device of the present invention comprises:

[0028] A first movable portion and a second movable portion arranged along the direction of the optical axis and capable of holding the first movable lens and the second movable lens, respectively; and

[0029] a first driving unit and a second driving unit for driving the first movable unit and the second movable unit along the direction of the optical axis,

[0030] The first driving unit and the second driving unit respectively include a first ultrasonic motor and a second ultrasonic motor, the first ultrasonic motor and the second ultrasonic motor are arranged on opposite sides relative to the optical axis, and independently drive the first movable unit and the second movable unit along the direction of the optical axis.

[0031] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0032] The lens driving device mentioned above;

[0033] a lens section including the first movable lens and the second movable lens held by the first movable section and the second movable section; and

[0034] an imaging unit for capturing an image of an object formed by the lens unit,

[0035] The camera module drives the first movable lens and the second movable lens along the direction of the optical axis.

[0036] The camera-mounted device of the present invention is an information device or a transportation device, which comprises:

[0037] The camera module mentioned above; and

[0038] The imaging control unit processes the image information obtained by the camera module.

[0039] Effects of the Invention

[0040] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve miniaturization while ensuring the moving range of the movable lens. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is a diagram simply showing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a diagram simply showing the structure of the camera module according to the present embodiment as seen from the side.

[0043] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a casing portion of a camera module.

[0044] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the bottom wall portion of the housing portion of the camera module.

[0045] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the housing and the lens unit.

[0046] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the side wall and the bottom wall in the housing.

[0047] Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom wall portion.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the casing viewed from the + side in the Z direction.

[0049] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the opposing portion of the magnet and the position detection unit.

[0050] Fig. 10A It is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the magnet and the position detection unit.

[0051] Fig. 10B It is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the magnet and the position detection unit.

[0052] Fig. 10C It is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the magnet and the position detection unit.

[0053] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the connection portion between the lens unit and the frame.

[0054] Fig.12 It is a figure which shows the structure of an intervening part.

[0055] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the interposing portion and the ultrasonic motor.

[0056] Fig.14 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an ultrasonic motor.

[0057] Fig.15 It is an exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic motor.

[0058] Fig.16 This is an enlarged view of the contact portion between the resonance portion and the interposition portion.

[0059] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing a structure having a plurality of position detection units.

[0060] Fig.18A The diagram shows a smartphone equipped with a camera module.

[0061] Fig.18B The diagram shows a smartphone equipped with a camera module.

[0062] Fig.19A This is a diagram showing a car equipped with a camera module.

[0063] Fig.19B This is a diagram showing a car equipped with a camera module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Figure 1 This is a diagram simply showing a camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram simply showing the structure of the camera module 1 according to the present embodiment as seen from the side.

[0065] The camera module 1 is mounted on, for example, a smartphone M (see Fig.18A , Fig.18B ), mobile phones, digital cameras, notebook computers, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, car cameras and other thin camera-mounted devices.

[0066] When describing the structure of the camera module 1 of the present embodiment, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used. In the following figures, the same orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is also used. For example, the camera module 1 is mounted in the following manner, that is, when the camera mounting device actually performs shooting, the X direction is the left-right direction, the Y direction is the up-down direction, and the Z direction is the front-back direction. Light from the object is incident from the Z direction - side (negative side), and after refraction, it is guided to the Y direction + side (positive side). By reducing the thickness of the camera module 1 in the Z direction, the camera mounting device can be made thinner.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera module 1 includes a housing 10, a reflection driving unit 20, a lens unit 30, an imaging unit 40, and a guide shaft 50 (see Figure 3 )、The lens driving unit 60 (refer to Figure 5 )、position detection unit 70 (refer to Fig. 9 ), and a drive control unit 100.

[0068] The drive control section 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU reads out a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM and expands it in the RAM, and cooperates with the expanded program to centrally control the lens drive section 60. Thus, the drive control section 100 drives the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 described later of the lens section 30 accommodated in the housing 10 in the Y direction (the direction of the optical axis). As a result, the camera module 1 performs stepless optical zoom and automatic focusing. The housing 10, the guide shaft 50, the lens drive section 60, the position detection section 70 and the drive control section 100 correspond to the "lens drive device" of the present invention.

[0069] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the camera module 1 , the incident light L1 enters the housing 10 via the reflection drive unit 20 . The reflection drive unit 20 includes a reflection housing 21 , a reflection mirror 22 , and a reflection drive control unit 23 . Figure 1 and Figure 2In the example shown, the reflective housing 21 is arranged adjacent to the end of the housing 10 on the - side in the Y direction. The reflective mirror 22 is provided in the reflective housing 21, and reflects the incident light L1 as reflected light L2 toward the housing 10. The reflective drive control unit 23 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the direction of the reflective mirror 22.

[0070] In addition, the reflector 22 of this embodiment has two rotation axes (not shown) extending in the X direction and the Z direction. In the reflection drive unit 20, the reflector 22 rotates around the rotation axes under the control of the reflection drive control unit 23. As a result, the camera module 1 has a shake correction function (OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) function) that optically corrects the shake (vibration) generated during shooting to reduce image blur.

[0071] The reflected light L2 that has entered the housing 10 is output to the imaging unit 40 via the lens unit 30 accommodated in the housing 10 .

[0072] The imaging unit 40 is disposed on the outer side surface on the positive side in the Y direction of the housing 10 (a disposition portion 112B of the second wall 112 described later) and is configured to allow the reflected light L2 to enter through the lens unit 30. The imaging unit 40 includes an imaging element and a substrate (not shown).

[0073] The imaging element is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor, etc. The imaging element is mounted on a substrate and electrically connected to wiring on the substrate via bonding wires. The imaging element captures the image of the object formed by the lens unit 30 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the image of the object.

[0074] In addition, a printed wiring substrate (not shown) is electrically connected to the substrate of the camera unit 40, and power is supplied to the camera element and an electrical signal of the image of the object captured by the camera element is output through the printed wiring substrate. The electrical signal is output to the camera control unit 200 provided in the camera mounting device. The camera control unit 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and processes the image information obtained by the camera module 1. The camera control unit 200 only needs to be mounted on the camera mounting device, but it can also be built into the camera module 1.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 10 accommodates the lens unit 30, the guide shaft 50 and the lens driving unit 60 (see also Figure 5 The housing 10 has a side wall portion 11 and a bottom wall portion 12.

[0076] The side wall portion 11 is made of resin, for example, and is formed into a U-shaped wall portion that opens toward the Y direction - side, and includes a first wall 111, a second wall 112, a third wall 113, and a fourth wall 114 (see also Figure 8 wait).

[0077] A pair of first walls 111 are provided on both sides in the X direction, and the first walls 111 are extended in the Y direction. A placement portion 111A is provided on the inner side surface of the housing 10 in the first wall 111, and a piezoelectric element described later is placed in the placement portion 111A. Figure 4 As shown, an engaged portion 111B is formed on the bottom surface (the surface on the - side in the Z direction) of the first wall 111, and the engaged portion 111B is engaged with the positioning portion 121 of the bottom wall portion 12. The pair of first walls 111 corresponds to the "pair of wall portions" of the present invention.

[0078] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second wall 112 is formed to extend in the X direction and is provided in a manner to connect the ends of the pair of first walls 111 on the positive side in the Y direction. In addition, guide support portions 112A for supporting the guide shaft 50 are provided on both sides in the X direction on the top surface (the surface on the positive side in the Z direction) of the second wall 112. A configuration portion 112B is provided on the outer side surface of the second wall 112, and the imaging unit 40 is configured in the configuration portion 112B.

[0079] In addition, a drive support portion 112C and an opening portion 112D are provided in the configuration portion 112B of the second wall 112. In the present embodiment, the drive support portion 112C is a hole for supporting a drive shaft 61 described later, and the drive support portions 112C are provided on both sides of the configuration portion 112B in the X direction. The opening portion 112D is an opening for the fourth lens unit 34 of the lens portion 30 to be fitted, and is provided in the center portion of the configuration portion 112B in the X direction.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the third wall 113 is provided at the end of the - side of the pair of first walls 111 in the Y direction. The pair of third walls 113 are respectively provided in a manner of surrounding the space formed by the first wall 111 and the second wall 112. Between the pair of third walls 113, there is a gap of a degree for the first lens unit 31 of the lens portion 30 to enter.

[0081] A guide support portion 113A for supporting the guide shaft 50 is provided on the top surface (surface on the positive side in the Z direction) of the pair of third walls 113. A drive support portion 113B for supporting a drive shaft 61 described later is provided near the center of the pair of third walls 113 in the Z direction.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the height of the driving support portion 113B is the same as the height of the driving support portion 112C of the second wall 112 described above.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the fourth wall 114 constitutes the bottom wall of the space formed by the first walls 111, the third wall 113 corresponding to the first wall 111, and the second wall 112, and the fourth wall 114 is provided in the region corresponding to the third wall 113 in the X direction (see also Figure 8 ). Therefore, a gap is provided between the fourth walls 114 on both sides in the X direction.

[0084] The wall portion of the fourth wall 114 region on the + side in the X direction and the wall portion of the fourth wall 114 region on the - side in the X direction in the side wall portion 11 correspond to the “wall portions on both end sides in the direction of the optical axis” of the present invention.

[0085] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the bottom wall portion 12 is a metal plate, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape, constituting the bottom wall of the housing 10, and is provided to bridge the fourth wall 114 and the pair of first walls 111 on both sides in the X direction. The bottom wall portion 12 is integrated with the bottom surface portion of the side wall portion 11 including the bottom of the pair of first walls 111 by insert molding.

[0086] Positioning portions 121 are provided at both ends of the bottom wall 12 in the X direction. The positioning portions 121 protrude from both ends of the bottom wall 12 and engage with the engaged portions 111B of the first wall 111. Thus, the bottom wall 12 can be positioned in the Y direction.

[0087] In addition, if Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a bent portion 122 is provided at the side ends in the X direction and the Y direction of the bottom wall portion 12. The bent portion 122 is provided by bending the side end toward the + side in the Z direction. The bent portion 122 at the two side ends in the Y direction is configured to be shorter than the bent portion 122 at the two side ends in the X direction.

[0088] In addition, a groove (not shown) into which the bent portion 122 enters is formed in a portion of the housing 10 corresponding to the bent portion 122. The bent portion 122 enters the groove, so that the bottom wall 12 is fixed to the housing 10.

[0089] In addition, since the side wall portion 11 is configured in a substantially U-shape, for example, the bent portion 122A at the end portion of the bottom wall portion 12 located on the - side in the Y direction (direction of the optical axis) is located in a portion where no wall exists. In other words, the end portion of the bottom wall portion 12 located on the light incident side in the Y direction is bent toward the side wall portion 11. By providing the bent portion 122 in this way, the strength of the bottom wall portion of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0090] In addition, a plurality of half punched holes 123 arranged in the Y direction are formed on the surface of the bottom wall portion 12. The half punched holes 123 are provided over the X direction of the bottom wall portion 12. In the present embodiment, a total of five half punched holes 123 are provided.

[0091] By providing the half punched hole 123 in this way, the strength of the bottom wall portion of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0092] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the lens unit 30 is provided to include the reflected light L2 (refer to Figure 2 ) passes through, and is sandwiched by a pair of first walls 111. The lens portion 30 includes a first lens unit 31, a second lens unit 32, a third lens unit 33, and a fourth lens unit 34 arranged in the Y direction.

[0093] The first lens unit 31 is arranged on the most upstream side in the incident direction of the reflected light L2 (direction toward the positive side of the Y direction), and is fixed between the pair of third walls 113 in the housing 10 .

[0094] The side surface of the first lens unit 31 is configured to be curved, for example, with the central portion in the Z direction being convex. The side surface of the third wall 113 on the first lens unit 31 side has, for example, a shape along the side surface of the first lens unit 31, and is configured to fit the curved portion of the first lens unit 31. Thus, the first lens unit 31 is fixed between the pair of third walls 113.

[0095] The second lens unit 32 is arranged at a position downstream of the first lens unit 31 in the incident direction, and has a main body 32A and a supported portion 32B. The third lens unit 33 is arranged at a position downstream of the second lens unit 32 in the incident direction, and has a main body 33A and a supported portion 33B. The second lens unit 32 corresponds to the "first movable portion" of the present invention, and the third lens unit 33 corresponds to the "second movable portion" of the present invention.

[0096] The main bodies 32A and 33A hold lenses through which light passing through the first lens unit 31 passes. The supported parts 32B and 33B are supported by the guide shaft 50 so as to be movable along the guide shaft 50 and are provided on both sides of the main bodies 32A and 33A in the X direction.

[0097] The lens included in the main body 32A of the second lens unit 32 corresponds to the “first movable lens” of the present invention. The lens included in the main body 33A of the third lens unit 33 corresponds to the “second movable lens” of the present invention.

[0098] The fourth lens unit 34 is arranged at the most downstream side in the incident direction and is configured to include a lens. The fourth lens unit 34 is supported by the guide shaft 50 at a position adjacent to the second wall 112 of the housing 10. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a convex portion 34A is provided on the surface on the + side in the Y direction of the fourth lens unit 34 .

[0099] Furthermore, the lenses in the first to fourth lens units 31 to 34 may be incorporated into the housing 10 when the lens driving device is manufactured, or may be incorporated into the housing 10 when the camera module 1 is manufactured from the lens driving device.

[0100] The convex portion 34A has a size that can be fitted into the opening portion 112D of the second wall 112. The fourth lens unit 34 is fixed to the housing 10 by fitting the convex portion 34A into the opening portion 112D.

[0101] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the guide shaft 50 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The guide shaft 50 extends in the Y direction and is provided in each region of the pair of third walls 113. In the present embodiment, each guide shaft 50 is formed to have an equal length to each other and is supported by the guide support portion 113A of the third wall 113 and each guide support portion 112A of the second wall 112.

[0102] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, each pair of walls in the pair of first walls 111, the third wall 113, and the fourth wall 114 has, for example, substantially the same shape, and is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the X direction with respect to the optical axis O in the lens portion 30. Specifically, each pair of walls in the pair of first walls 111, the third wall 113, and the fourth wall 114 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the optical axis O, so that each of the pair of first walls 111 is arranged at a position at a predetermined distance from the optical axis O.

[0103] The pair of first walls 111, the third wall 113, and the fourth wall 114 are arranged as described above, whereby the pair of guide shafts 50 supported by the pair of third walls 113 are arranged symmetrically about the optical axis O. More specifically, the pair of guide shafts 50 are arranged to extend on both sides of the optical axis O and to be equidistant from the optical axis O.

[0104] The pair of guide shafts 50 corresponds to the "guide portion" of the present invention. The guide shaft 50 on the + side of the X direction corresponds to the "first guide shaft" of the present invention, and the guide shaft 50 on the - side of the X direction corresponds to the "second guide shaft" of the present invention.

[0105] The lens driving unit 60 is provided corresponding to the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, respectively. Under the control of the drive control unit 100, the lens driving unit 60 makes the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, to which the lens driving unit 60 corresponds, independently move. The lens driving unit 60 is respectively arranged in the area of ​​the fourth wall 114 surrounded by the first wall 111, the second wall 112 and the third wall 113 on both sides of the X direction. That is, one lens driving unit 60 is provided on each side of the optical axis in the housing 10.

[0106] In this embodiment, the lens driving unit 60 on the + side of the X direction drives the second lens unit 32 along the Y direction, and the lens driving unit 60 on the - side of the X direction drives the third lens unit 33 along the Y direction. That is, the lens driving unit 60 on the + side of the X direction corresponds to the "first driving unit" of the present invention, and the lens driving unit 60 on the - side of the X direction corresponds to the "second driving unit" of the present invention.

[0107] In the present embodiment, each lens driving unit 60 has the same shape, so in the following description, unless otherwise specified, only the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the second lens unit 32 will be described, and the description of the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the third lens unit 33 will be omitted. In addition, in the present embodiment, each lens driving unit 60 is symmetrically arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, so the relationship between the + side and the - side of the direction in the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the third lens unit 33 is opposite to the relationship between the + side and the - side of the direction in the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the second lens unit 32.

[0108] The lens driving section 60 includes a driving shaft 61 , a frame 62 , a connecting portion 63 , a sandwiching portion 64 , and an ultrasonic motor 65 .

[0109] The drive shaft 61 is a shaft made of non-magnetic or low-magnetic ceramic (e.g., zirconia) for moving the frame 62 in the Y direction, and extends in the Y direction. The drive shaft 61 is supported by the drive support portion 112C of the second wall 112 and the drive support portion 113B of the third wall 113, and is arranged on the - side of the guide shaft 50 in the Z direction. The drive shafts 61 are respectively arranged on the third wall 113 on both sides in the X direction, so that the distances between the two drive shafts 61 and the optical axis O are equal to each other.

[0110] The two drive shafts 61 are configured to have a length substantially equal to the length from the second wall 112 to the third wall 113 and to be longer than the guide shaft 50. The drive shaft 61 is configured to be thinner than the guide shaft 50.

[0111] The drive shaft 61 on the + side in the X direction corresponds to the “first drive shaft” of the present invention, and the drive shaft 61 on the − side in the X direction corresponds to the “second drive shaft” of the present invention.

[0112] The frame 62 is connected to one of the supported portions 32B and 33B of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 via the connecting portion 63 .

[0113] The frame 62 on the + side in the X direction corresponds to the “first frame” of the present invention, and the frame 62 on the − side in the X direction corresponds to the “second frame” of the present invention.

[0114] The frame 62 is supported by the drive shaft 61 so as to be movable in the Y direction. As the frame 62 moves along the drive shaft 61 , the second lens unit 32 or the third lens unit 33 connected to the frame 62 via the connection portion 63 also moves along the guide shaft 50 .

[0115] In addition, in the present embodiment, the frame 62 is configured to have a length longer than the movable distance of the frame 62. Specifically, the length of the frame 62 in the Y direction is longer than the movable distance of the frame 62 in the housing 10.

[0116] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, a magnet portion 621 for position detection of the frame 62 is provided on the - side portion of the frame 62 in the Z direction. The magnet portion 621 has two magnets 621A and 621B arranged in the X direction. The magnet portion 621 is, for example, arranged in a recess formed on the surface of the - side of the frame 62 in the Z direction.

[0117] In addition, a position detection unit 70 is provided at a portion of the housing 10 that is opposite to the magnet unit 621. The position detection unit 70 is, for example, a Hall element that detects the position of the frame 62 in the Y direction, and detects the position of the magnet unit 621 based on a predetermined reference position. The predetermined reference position is a position common to each of the two magnets 621A and 621B, and is set at an appropriate position, such as the end of the bottom wall 12 in the Y direction, such as the + side or - side.

[0118] In the magnet portion 621, one magnet 621A is arranged so that its N pole faces the position detection portion 70, and the other magnet 621B is arranged so that its S pole faces the position detection portion 70. That is, the two magnets 621A and 621B are magnetized so that different poles face the position detection portion 70 in the direction along the direction in which the magnet portion 621 faces the position detection portion 70 (Z direction in this embodiment).

[0119] The magnets 621A and 621B are arranged in a state of contact with each other. Therefore, different poles are arranged adjacent to each other on a facing surface 621C of the magnet portion 621 that faces the position detection portion 70 .

[0120] In addition, if Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C As shown in FIG. 1 , the magnet portion 621 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the Y direction. That is, the boundary 621D between different poles in the magnet portion 621 extends to be inclined with respect to the optical axis.

[0121] By doing so, the ratio of the N poles and the S poles in the facing portion between the position detection unit 70 and the magnet unit 621 can be changed according to the movement of the frame 62 in the Z direction.

[0122] For example, Fig. 10A As shown, when the frame 62 is located at the most -side position in the Y direction, the position detector 70 faces the end of the magnet 621 on the +side in the Y direction. The position detector 70 faces the portion of the end where the S-pole magnet 621B occupies a larger proportion.

[0123] When the frame 62 moves to the + side in the Y direction, the magnet 621 also moves with the frame 62, so the portion of the position detector 70 facing the magnet 621 also changes. Since the magnet 621 is inclined, the proportion of the N pole in the portion facing the position detector 70 gradually increases.

[0124] like Fig. 10B As shown, when frame 62 moves to a position where position detector 70 faces the center portion of frame 62 , a portion where the ratio of the S pole (magnet 621B) and the ratio of the N pole (magnet 621A) are substantially equal becomes a portion facing position detector 70 .

[0125] In addition, if Fig. 10C As shown, when the frame 62 moves to a position where the position detector 70 faces the end portion on the - side of the frame 62 in the Y direction, the portion where the N pole (magnet 621A) occupies a larger proportion becomes the portion facing the position detector 70 .

[0126] Thus, the strength of the magnetic force detected by the position detection unit 70 can be made different depending on the position of the frame 62 , so that the position of the frame 62 in the Y direction can be detected with high accuracy by the position detection unit 70 .

[0127] like Fig.11 As shown, the connection portion 63 is a plate-shaped spring member (elastic member) fixed to the surface on the + side in the Z direction of the frame 62, and fixed to the surface on the - side in the Y direction of one of the supported portions 32B and 33B of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33. By forming the connection portion 63 with a spring member, even if the positional relationship between the frame 62 and the supported portions 32B and 33B deviates due to manufacturing tolerances, the deviation in the positional relationship can be absorbed by the elastic force of the spring member.

[0128] The connection portion 63 on the + side in the X direction corresponds to the “first elastic member” of the present invention, and the connection portion 63 on the − side in the X direction corresponds to the “second elastic member” of the present invention.

[0129] The clamping portion 64 is composed of, for example, a plate-shaped metal member and is fixed to the surface of the frame 62 on the side opposite to the lens portion. The clamping portion 64 has a main body portion 641 and a contact portion 642. The clamping portion 64 on the + side of the X direction corresponds to the "first clamping portion" of the present invention, and the clamping portion 64 on the - side of the X direction corresponds to the "second clamping portion" of the present invention.

[0130] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the main body 641 has a plane parallel to the direction of the optical axis (Y direction), and is bonded and fixed to the frame 62. In this embodiment, the length of the main body 641 in the Y direction is shorter than the length of the frame 62 in the Y direction (see also Figure 8 ). In other words, the length of the frame 62 is longer than the length of the main body 641.

[0131] The contact portion 642 is a portion that contacts the vibrator of the ultrasonic motor 65, and is formed by bending the ends of both sides of the main body 641 in the Z direction to the side opposite to the lens portion. In other words, the main body 641 is provided between the pair of contact portions 642 in a manner of connecting the pair of contact portions 642.

[0132] By constructing the contact portion 642 in this way, a force is applied from the vibrator of the ultrasonic motor 65 to the contact portion 642, thereby generating a thrust in the direction of the optical axis (Y direction) in the clamping portion 64. As a result, a thrust for moving along the direction of the optical axis (Y direction) can be imparted from the clamping portion 64 to the frame 62.

[0133] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, a plurality of openings 643 are formed at the connection portion between the main body portion 641 and the contact portion 642. Specifically, five openings 643 are formed at the connection portion on both sides in the Z direction with the same size.

[0134] Since the opening 643 is formed, the connection portion connects the plate-shaped portion 641A of the main body 641 and the contact portion 642 and is composed of six connection portions 641B arranged at intervals in the direction of the optical axis.

[0135] In this embodiment, the width of each connection portion 641B in the Y direction (direction of the optical axis) is wider as the connection portion 641B is located closer to the outside from the center in the Y direction. In other words, the width of the connection portion 641B in the center in the Y direction is narrower than the width of the connection portions 641B at both ends in the Y direction.

[0136] like Figure 6 and Fig.13 As shown, the ultrasonic motor 65 is a driving source for generating a driving force for moving the frame 62, and is fixedly disposed at the respective placement portions 111A of the pair of first walls 111. Fig.14 As shown, the ultrasonic motor 65 has a resonance portion 651 , a piezoelectric element 652 , a first electrode 653 , and a second electrode 654 .

[0137] The ultrasonic motor 65 on the + side of the X direction corresponds to the “first ultrasonic motor” of the present invention, and the ultrasonic motor 65 on the − side of the X direction corresponds to the “second ultrasonic motor” of the present invention.

[0138] The resonance part 651 is formed of, for example, a conductive material, and resonates with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 652, converting the vibration motion into a linear motion of the frame 62. Specifically, the resonance part 651 vibrates in a direction inclined relative to the direction of the optical axis (the Y direction) based on the vibration of the piezoelectric element 652, and presses the clamping part 64, thereby generating a thrust for the frame 62 to move in the direction of the optical axis through the clamping part 64. The resonance part 651 is arranged in a manner to be sandwiched between the two contact parts 642 in the clamping part 64. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the resonance portion 651 includes a body portion 651A, two vibrators 651B, a protruding portion 651C, and a current-carrying portion 651D.

[0139] The trunk portion 651A is, for example, a portion that is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and is sandwiched by the piezoelectric element 652. The two vibrators 651B extend in the Y direction from both ends of the trunk portion 651A in the Z direction. The two vibrators 651B have symmetrical shapes, and their respective free ends are in contact with the contact portion 642 of the sandwiching portion 64. The two vibrators 651B correspond to the "first vibrator" and the "second vibrator" of the present invention.

[0140] The protrusion 651C extends from the center of the body portion 651A in the Z direction to the + side in the Y direction. The current-carrying portion 651D extends from the center of the body portion 651A in the Z direction to the side opposite to the protrusion 651C (the - side in the Y direction).

[0141] The piezoelectric element 652 is a plate-shaped vibration element made of, for example, a ceramic material, and vibrates when a high-frequency voltage is applied. Two piezoelectric elements 652 are provided, and the two piezoelectric elements 652 are arranged to sandwich the body 651A of the resonance part 651 in the X direction.

[0142] The first electrode 653 includes a clamping portion 653A that clamps the resonance portion 651 and the piezoelectric element 652, and an electrode portion 653B to which a voltage is applied. The first electrode 653 applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element 652 via the clamping portion 653A that clamps the piezoelectric element 652. The second electrode 654 is electrically connected to the current-carrying portion 651D of the resonance portion 651. The first electrode 653 and the second electrode 654 are electrically connected to a predetermined wiring of the camera-mounted device.

[0143] The two piezoelectric elements 652 are attached to the body 651A of the resonance part 651 and are electrically connected to each other by being sandwiched by the first electrode 653. For example, one of the power supply paths is connected to the first electrode 653 and the other is connected to the second electrode 654, thereby applying voltage to the piezoelectric element 652 to generate vibration.

[0144] The resonance part 651 has at least two resonance frequencies, and deforms in different actions for each resonance frequency. In other words, the overall shape of the resonance part 651 is set so that it deforms in different actions corresponding to the two resonance frequencies. The different actions are the action of moving the frame 62 to the + side of the Y direction by means of the clamping part 64, and the action of moving the frame 62 to the - side of the Y direction by means of the clamping part 64.

[0145] like Fig.16 As shown, the resonance portion 651 is configured in such a manner that one of the pair of contact portions 642 of the clamping portion 64 is opposite to the vibrator 651B, so that when the two vibrators 651B are deformed, the front end of the vibrator 651B presses the contact portion 642 from the side opposite to each contact portion 642 in a direction inclined relative to the Y direction (see arrow A).

[0146] When each contact portion 642 is pressed in the direction of arrow A by the front end of the vibrator 651B, a reaction force is generated at each contact portion 642 to return to the vibrator 651B side. In other words, the sandwiching portion 64 generates a reaction force in the direction from the outside to the inside of the pair of contact portions 642 based on the contact between each vibrator 651B and the pair of contact portions 642. The portion of the sandwiching portion 64 that includes the contact portion 642 corresponds to the "pressing portion" of the present invention.

[0147] Due to the reaction force of the sandwiching portion 64 against the pressing of the vibrator 651B, friction is generated between the vibrator 651B and the contact portion 642, and this friction generates a thrust in the Y direction in the sandwiching portion 64. Along with this, a thrust is applied to the frame 62 bonded to the sandwiching portion 64 to move in the Y direction (see arrow B). As a result, the second lens unit 32 or the third lens unit 33 connected to the frame 62 moves in the Y direction.

[0148] In addition, by configuring the contact portion 642 to extend in the Y direction, the contact portion 642 is pressed by the vibrator 651B and moves in the Y direction while in contact with the vibrator 651B in a sliding manner. Therefore, the contact portion 642 is continuously pressed by the vibrator 651B, so that the frame 62 bonded to the interposing portion 64 can be continuously moved in the Y direction. In addition, at one resonance frequency, the pressing direction of the vibrator 651B is the arrow A direction and the sliding direction of the contact portion 642 is the arrow B direction, whereas at another resonance frequency, the pressing direction of the vibrator 651B is the arrow C direction and the sliding direction of the contact portion 642 is the arrow D direction.

[0149] Such driving operation is performed by ultrasonic motors 65 provided on each of the first walls 111 on both sides in the X direction. That is, the ultrasonic motors 65 independently drive the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 along the optical axis.

[0150] However, if the two ultrasonic motors 65 are disposed on the same first wall 111, the two movable frames 62 also need to be disposed on the side of the first wall 111. As a result, the frames 62 interfere with each other, resulting in a narrower range of movement of each, and further resulting in a narrower range of movement of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33. Therefore, in order to ensure the range of movement, the length of the housing 10 in the Y direction needs to be increased.

[0151] In contrast, in the present embodiment, one of the two ultrasonic motors 65 is disposed on each of a pair of first walls 111 located on opposite sides relative to the optical axis, so that the space adjacent to each first wall 111 can be set as a dedicated movement range for each of the two frames 62. As a result, the volume of the housing 10 can be efficiently used for the lens driving section 60, so that the movement range of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 can be expanded without increasing the length of the housing 10 in the Y direction.

[0152] In addition, in this embodiment, the movement range of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 is expanded, thereby expanding the degree of freedom in selecting each lens, and further expanding the magnification range in the lens unit 30 for the zoom function and the depth of field for the focus function.

[0153] In addition, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic motor 65 formed by laminating thin plate-like components such as the resonance portion 651 and the piezoelectric element 652 is used in the lens driving unit 60, so that the configuration space of the driving source can be reduced. As a result, the camera module 1 (lens driving device) can be miniaturized compared with a structure using a stepping motor as a driving source.

[0154] In addition, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic motors 65 are provided on both sides of the optical axis, so that the weight distribution in the housing 10 can be made equal in the X direction, and the resistance of the device to vibration, falling, etc. can be improved.

[0155] In addition, in the present embodiment, the guide shaft 50 and the driving shaft 61 are provided on both sides of the optical axis, so that the inclination of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 which are movable parts during driving can be reduced.

[0156] In addition, in this embodiment, the guide shafts 50 are equidistant from the optical axis and have the same length, and the drive shafts 61 are equidistant from the optical axis and have the same length, so that the weight balance of the device in the X direction can be made uniform. As a result, the tolerance of the device to vibration, falling, etc. can be improved.

[0157] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sandwiching portion 64 is configured to sandwich the vibrator 651B of the ultrasonic motor 65 with the contact portion 642, so that the contact portion 642 of the sandwiching portion 64 passes through both sides of each vibrator 651B in the Z direction. In other words, the movement of the contact portion 642 does not interfere with the vibrator 651B. As a result, the movement range of the sandwiching portion 64 can be expanded, and the movement range of the frame 62 and the movable portion can be expanded.

[0158] In addition, in the present embodiment, regarding the width of each connecting portion 641B in the clamping portion 64 in the Y direction (direction of the optical axis), the closer the connecting portion 641B is to the outside from the center in the Y direction, the wider the width is. As a result, the pressing force caused by the vibrator 651B at each position of the contact portion 642 can be made uniform in the Y direction as a whole. As a result, in a device mounted on a portable terminal such as a smartphone, when performing a stepless optical zoom function, even if the movable portion is moved with a relatively long moving range (for example, 8 mm), the moving force based on the clamping portion 64 can be stably generated.

[0159] In addition, in the present embodiment, the frame 62 is configured to be longer than its own movable distance, so that it is possible to suppress excessive movement of the frame 62. As a result, the operational stability of the device can be improved.

[0160] However, for example, if the interposed portion 64 is structured to protrude from the frame 62 , when the vibrator 651B presses the protruding portion of the interposed portion 64 , the direction of the force applied to the interposed portion 64 is likely to change, and the frame 62 may be tilted.

[0161] In contrast, in this embodiment, the length of the frame 62 is longer than the length of the interposing portion 64 (main body 641 ), so that the direction change of the force applied to the interposing portion 64 can be suppressed, thereby improving the operational stability of the device.

[0162] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 61 is made of non-magnetic or low-magnetic ceramics, which can suppress the influence on the detection accuracy of the position detector 70 that detects the position of the frame 62. As a result, the position detection accuracy of the position detector 70 can be improved.

[0163] Furthermore, by forming the drive shaft 61 from a ceramic material such as zirconium oxide, the drive shaft 61 can be manufactured with high precision (for example, the precision of the diameter is about ±0.5 μm) even if the outer diameter is as small as about 0.8 mm. In addition, since the Young's modulus is relatively high, the strength can also be improved. In addition, since it has the toughness to recover even if it is bent momentarily, even if a heavy glass lens or the like is used for the lens portion, sufficient tolerance can be given to the device.

[0164] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the driving shaft 61 is supported by the second wall 112 and the third wall 113 , thereby making it possible to improve the strength of the housing 10 .

[0165] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 61 closer to the source of the drive force than the guide shaft 50 is longer than the guide shaft 50, so the frame 62 and the lens unit can be easily driven stably. As a result, the tilt of the components in the device can be suppressed.

[0166] Furthermore, when the magnet portion 621 is formed of a single magnet, the boundary between different poles includes a region without magnetic force. Therefore, when the position detector 70 crosses the boundary, the position of the frame 62 may not be detected in the region without magnetic force.

[0167] In contrast, in this embodiment, the two magnets 621A and 621B are brought into contact to form the boundary between different poles in the magnet portion 621, so that there is no region without magnetic force at the boundary portion. As a result, the position detection accuracy of the position detection unit 70 can be further improved.

[0168] In addition, in the present embodiment, by expanding the moving range of the frame 62 , the driving control section 100 can control the driving of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 with a resolution of 14 bits or more, for example.

[0169] When the resolution is set to 12 bits or the like, if the frame 62 is moved in a relatively long moving range (eg, 8 mm), the resolution width of the movement of the frame 62 increases, and the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 may not be driven finely.

[0170] Therefore, in the present embodiment, by performing control with a resolution of 14 bits or more, even when the frame 62 is moved in a relatively long moving range, the driving of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 can be controlled with relatively good accuracy.

[0171] In addition, in the above embodiment, a position detection unit 70 is provided on each frame 62, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of position detection units 70 are provided so as to be aligned in the direction of the optical axis (Y direction). With such a configuration, the accuracy of position detection of the frame 62 can be further improved.

[0172] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the guide shaft 50 is provided on both sides in the X direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guide shaft 50 may be provided only on one side in the X direction.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the drive shaft 61 is made of ceramics, but the present invention is not limited to this. The drive shaft only needs to be made of a material with relatively small magnetic force, and may be made of other materials.

[0174] In addition, in the above embodiment, the side wall portion 11 and the bottom wall portion 12 of the housing 10 are insert-molded, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the bottom wall portion may be adhesively fixed to the side wall portion 11 .

[0175] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure has two movable lenses composed of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be a structure with more than three movable lenses. In this case, it is sufficient to provide at least one lens driving unit on each of the pair of first walls.

[0176] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure has four lens units, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the structure has at least two movable lenses, any number of lens units may be provided.

[0177] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the plate-shaped metal member is bent to form the clamping portion 64, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the clamping portion 64 may be formed in any manner as long as it has the function of a pressure-applying portion. For example, as for the main body and the contact portion constituting the clamping portion, as long as the contact portion can generate a reaction force based on the contact of the vibrator, the main body and the contact portion may be formed of separate components.

[0178] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the frame 62 and the clamping portion 64 are formed by separate parts, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the frame 62 and the clamping portion 64 may be formed integrally. That is, the lens driving portion may have a moving portion that moves in the direction of the optical axis along with the resonance of the resonance portion and is connected to each lens unit in a manner that transmits the movement in the direction of the optical axis.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the connection portion 63 connecting the frame 62 and the lens unit is formed of a spring member, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connection portion 63 may be formed of any member as long as it has elasticity.

[0180] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the position of the frame 62 is detected using the magnet portion 621 , but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the position of the frame may be detected by other methods.

[0181] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bottom wall portion is configured to have a bent portion or a half-punched hole. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the bottom wall portion may also have a structure without a bent portion or a half-punched hole.

[0182] In the above embodiment, the resonance unit 651 has a structure including two vibrators 651B, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the resonance unit 651 may have a structure including one vibrator.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the drive control unit, the reflection drive control unit and the camera control unit are separately provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least two of the drive control unit, the reflection drive control unit and the camera control unit may be constituted by one control unit.

[0184] In addition, for example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as an example of a camera-mounted device having a camera module 1, a smartphone as a portable terminal with a camera is cited for explanation, but the present invention can be applied to the following camera-mounted device, which has a camera module and an image processing unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module. The camera-mounted device includes information equipment and transportation equipment. Information equipment includes, for example, a portable phone with a camera, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, a portable game console, a web camera, a drone, and a vehicle-mounted device with a camera (for example, a rear monitoring device, a driving recorder device). In addition, transportation equipment includes, for example, a car and a drone.

[0185] Fig.19A , Fig.19B 1 is a diagram showing a car V as a camera mounting device on which a vehicle-mounted camera module VC (Vehicle Camera) is mounted. Fig.19A This is the front view of the car V. Fig.19B FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a car V. The car V is equipped with the camera module 1 described in the embodiment as a vehicle-mounted camera module VC. Fig.19A and Fig.19B As shown, the vehicle-mounted camera module VC is mounted on a windshield facing forward, or mounted on a tailgate facing backward. The vehicle-mounted camera module VC is used for rear monitoring, driving recorder, collision avoidance control, automatic driving control, and the like.

[0186] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are only examples of implementing the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited by these embodiments. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its main points or main features. For example, the shape, size, number and material of each part described in the above-mentioned embodiment are only examples, and can be appropriately changed for implementation.

[0187] The disclosure contents of the specification, drawings and abstract in Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-236300 filed on December 26, 2019 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0188] Industrial Applicability

[0189] The lens driving device of the present invention is useful as a lens driving device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device that can achieve miniaturization while ensuring the moving range of the movable lens.

[0190] Description of Reference Numerals

[0191] 1 Camera module

[0192] 10 Housing

[0193] 11 Side wall

[0194] 12 Bottom wall

[0195] 20 Reflection drive unit

[0196] 21 Reflective Shell

[0197] 22 Reflector

[0198] 23 Reflection drive control unit

[0199] 30 Lens

[0200] 31 First lens unit

[0201] 32 Second lens unit

[0202] 32A Main body

[0203] 32B Supported part

[0204] 33 Third lens unit

[0205] 33A Main body

[0206] 33B Supported part

[0207] 34 Fourth lens unit

[0208] 34A convex part

[0209] 40 Camera Department

[0210] 50 Guide shaft

[0211] 60 lens drive unit

[0212] 61 Drive shaft

[0213] 62 Frame

[0214] 63 Connection

[0215] 64 Clamping Department

[0216] 65 Ultrasonic Motor

[0217] 70 Position detection unit

[0218] 100 Drive control unit

[0219] 111 First Wall

[0220] 111A Configuration Department

[0221] 111B Engaged part

[0222] 112 Second Wall

[0223] 112A Guide support part

[0224] 112B Configuration Department

[0225] 112C Drive support

[0226] 112D Opening

[0227] 113 The Third Wall

[0228] 113A Guide support part

[0229] 113B Drive support

[0230] 114 The Fourth Wall

[0231] 121 Positioning unit

[0232] 122 Bending part

[0233] 123 Half Punching

[0234] 200 Camera Control Unit

[0235] 621 Magnet Department

[0236] 621A Magnet

[0237] 621B Magnet

[0238] 621C Opposite side

[0239] 621D Boundary

[0240] 641 Main body

[0241] 641A plate-shaped part

[0242] 641B Connection

[0243] 642 Contact Department

[0244] 643 Opening

[0245] 651 Resonance

[0246] 651A Torso

[0247] 651B Vibrator

[0248] 651C Protrusion

[0249] 651D Power supply unit

[0250] 652 Piezoelectric element

[0251] 653 First Electrode

[0252] 653A Clamping part

[0253] 653B Electrode Department

[0254] 654 Second Electrode

Claims

1. A driving device, characterized in that: have: A lens unit having a lens; A driving unit for moving the lens unit; A housing for accommodating the lens unit and the driving unit; a first supporting portion, supporting the lens unit relative to the housing; as well as a second supporting portion, supporting the driving portion relative to the housing, The driving unit has: frame; a motor unit, disposed on the frame and causing the frame to move; as well as The connecting portion connects the frame and the lens unit so that the lens unit moves by the movement of the frame.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The motor part is an ultrasonic motor, The ultrasonic motor has a piezoelectric element and a resonance portion, wherein the piezoelectric element is fixed to the resonance portion. The resonance portion abuts against an intervening portion fixed to the frame.

3. A camera module, characterized in that: have: The driving device according to claim 1; The lens is held by the lens unit; and The imaging unit captures the image of the object formed by the lens.

4. A camera-mounted device, which is information equipment or transportation equipment, wherein the camera-mounted device is characterized in that it has: The camera module of claim 3; and The imaging control unit processes the image information obtained by the camera module.

Images