Optical element driving device and camera module

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of suppressing rotation of a lens about an optical axis when the lens is moved along the optical axis. The lens drive device (101) is provided with a drive unit (DM) configured to have a shape memory alloy wire (SA) that moves the lens holding member (2) in the optical axis direction. The shape memory alloy wire (SA) includes a first wire (SA1) provided between the support member (8) and the intermediate member (3), and a second wire (SA2) provided between the intermediate member (3) and the lens holding member (2). The front end portion of the first wire (SA1) is disposed at a position higher than the rear end portion, and the front end portion of the second wire (SA2) is disposed at a position higher than the rear end portion. When a current flows through the first wire (SA1) and the second wire (SA2), rotation around the optical axis (OA) is suppressed by contraction of the first wire (SA1) and contraction of the second wire (SA2), and the lens holding member (2) moves in the direction of the optical axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical element driving device and a camera module. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a lens driving device has been known that is configured to move a lens holding member in a direction along an optical axis while rotating the lens holding member about the optical axis with respect to a support structure by a shape memory alloy wire (see Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2021-240165 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] With the development of high pixel count (high definition) of an image pickup element, the lens driving device can possibly cause adverse effects on definition due to rotation of a lens body about the optical axis.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an optical element driving device that can suppress rotation of an optical element such as a lens body about a prescribed axis.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] An optical element driving device of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a support member, an optical element holding member having an opening in which an optical element can be disposed, which is movable in a prescribed direction along a prescribed axis with respect to the support member, a driving portion configured to have a shape memory alloy wire that moves the optical element holding member in the prescribed direction, and an intermediate member provided between the optical element holding member and the support member, which is movable with respect to the support member and is movable with respect to the optical element holding member, the shape memory alloy wire includes a first wire provided between the support member and the intermediate member and a second wire provided between the intermediate member and the optical element holding member, one end portion of the first wire supported on the support member is disposed at a higher position than the other end portion supported on the intermediate member, one end portion of the second wire supported on the intermediate member is disposed at a higher position than the other end portion supported on the optical element holding member, and the optical element holding member is moved in the prescribed direction by contraction of the first wire and contraction of the second wire when current flows through the first wire and the second wire, and rotation about the prescribed axis is suppressed.

[0011] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The optical element driving device described above can suppress rotation of the optical element around the prescribed axis when moving the optical element along the prescribed axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module including a lens driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lens driving device.

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lens holding member, a lens-side metal member, a leaf spring, a flexible metal member, and a lens-side buried member.

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a lens holding member and a flexible metal member.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an intermediate member, an intermediate-side metal member, and an intermediate-side buried member.

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a support-side metal member, a leaf spring, a flexible metal member, a support member, and a support-side buried member.

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lens driving device in a state in which a cover member is removed.

[0020] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a metal member and a shape memory alloy wire.

[0021] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a metal member, a flexible metal member, a lens-side buried member, an intermediate-side buried member, a support-side buried member, and a shape memory alloy wire.

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a metal member, a flexible metal member, a lens-side buried member, an intermediate-side buried member, a support-side buried member, and a shape memory alloy wire.

[0023] Figure 11 is a plan view and a front view of a lens holding member, an intermediate member, and a support member.

[0024] Figure 12 is a plan view and a front view of a lens holding member, an intermediate member, and a support member.

[0025] Figure 13 is a plan view and a front view of a lens holding member, an intermediate member, and a support member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, a lens driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module CM including the lens driving device 101. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device 101.

[0027] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , X1 denotes one direction of an X-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 denotes the other direction of the X-axis. Also, Y1 denotes one direction of a Y-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 denotes the other direction of the Y-axis. Similarly, Z1 denotes one direction of a Z-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 denotes the other direction of the Z-axis. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the X1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the front side (front face side) of the lens driving device 101, and the X2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the rear side (back face side) of the lens driving device 101. Also, the Y1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the left side of the lens driving device 101, and the Y2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the right side of the lens driving device 101. Also, the Z1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the upper side (subject side) of the lens driving device 101, and the Z2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the lower side (imaging element side) of the lens driving device 101. The same applies to other drawings.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1 , the camera module CM is configured to include a substrate SU, the lens driving device 101, a lens body LS mounted to the lens driving device 101, and an imaging element IS mounted to the substrate SU in opposition to the lens body LS. Also, the camera module CM is connected to a control device not shown, which is configured of a microcomputer or the like including a CPU, a memory, and the like. In the illustrated example, the control device is disposed outside the camera module CM, but can be disposed inside the camera module CM. As shown in Figure 1 , the lens driving device 101 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape is mounted on the substrate SU on which the imaging element IS is mounted.

[0029] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the lens driving device 101 includes a cover member 1 and a support member 8 as a part of a fixed side member FB. The cover member 1 is configured to function as a part of a housing HS of the lens driving device 101. In the illustrated example, the cover member 1 is formed of a non-magnetic metal. However, the cover member 1 can be formed of a magnetic metal.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2As shown, the lid member 1 has a bottomless box-like outer shape that defines a housing portion 1S. That is, the lid member 1 has a rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 1A and a rectangular ring-shaped and flat plate-shaped top plate portion 1B provided in a continuous manner with the upper end (end portion on the Z1 side) of the outer wall portion 1A. A substantially rounded rectangular-shaped opening 1K is formed in the center of the top plate portion 1B. The outer wall portion 1A includes first to fourth side plate portions 1A1 to 1A4. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 face each other, and the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 face each other. Also, the first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 extend perpendicularly with respect to the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid member 1 has a substantially rectangular-shaped opening 1K in the center of the top plate portion 1B. Figure 1 As shown, the lid member 1 and the support member 8 are joined by an adhesive to constitute the frame body HS.

[0031] As shown, the lid member 1 and the support member 8 are joined by an adhesive to constitute the frame body HS. Figure 2 As shown, the lid member 1 and the support member 8 are joined by an adhesive to constitute the frame body HS.

[0032] The lens holding member 2 is a member capable of holding a lens body LS (see FIG. 2) and constitutes a movable side member MB. The lens body LS is, for example, a lens barrel provided with at least one lens and is configured so that a central axis thereof is along the optical axis OA. Figure 1

[0033] In addition, the lens holding member 2 is a member capable of moving in the Z-axis direction with respect to the intermediate member 3 while rotating around the optical axis OA and constitutes the movable side member MB. In the illustrated example, the lens holding member 2 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the lens holding member 2 has a substantially rectangular-shaped outer shape in plan view (top view) when viewed in the direction along the optical axis and has a substantially rounded rectangular-shaped opening 2K in the center. Specifically, the lens holding member 2 includes a rectangular ring-shaped cylindrical portion 2C formed so as to surround the opening 2K and a pedestal portion 2D formed so as to protrude from the cylindrical portion 2C to the radially outer side of a circle centered on the optical axis OA. The pedestal portion 2D includes first to fourth pedestal portions 2D1 to 2D4. The first pedestal portion 2D1 and the third pedestal portion 2D3 are disposed so as to extend in opposite directions in the radial direction (X-axis direction) with the optical axis OA interposed therebetween, and the second pedestal portion 2D2 and the fourth pedestal portion 2D4 are disposed so as to extend in opposite directions in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) with the optical axis OA interposed therebetween. Also, a portion of the flat spring 6 is placed on the upper end surface of the cylindrical portion 2C. In addition, the first to fourth lens-side metal members 5L are respectively placed on the first to fourth pedestal portions 2D1 to 2D4.

[0034] ​The drive unit DM is configured to move the movable side member MB relative to the fixed side member FB. In the example shown, the drive unit DM includes shape memory alloy wire SA, which is an example of a shape memory actuator. Specifically, the drive unit DM includes a first drive unit DM1 for moving the lens holding member 2 downward (Z2 side) and a second drive unit DM2 for moving the lens holding member 2 upward (Z1 side). The shape memory alloy wire SA includes a first wire SA1 to an eighth wire SA8. Furthermore, the first drive unit DM1 includes a third wire SA3, a fourth wire SA4, a seventh wire SA7, and an eighth wire SA8, and the second drive unit DM2 includes a first wire SA1, a second wire SA2, a fifth wire SA5, and a sixth wire SA6.

[0035] Shape memory alloy wire (SA) is configured such that when current flows, the temperature rises, and it contracts accordingly with the increase in temperature. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the shape memory alloy wire SA is configured to be stretched linearly along the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 1A of the cover member 1 when an electric current is supplied, enabling the lens holding member 2 to move relative to the support member 8. Furthermore, one end of each of the first wire SA1, the third wire SA3, the fifth wire SA5, and the seventh wire SA7 is fixed to the support-side metal member 5F by crimping or welding, and the other end is fixed to the intermediate-side metal member 5M by crimping or welding. Additionally, one end of each of the second wire SA2, the fourth wire SA4, the sixth wire SA6, and the eighth wire SA8 is fixed to the intermediate-side metal member 5M by crimping or welding, and the other end is fixed to the lens-side metal member 5L by crimping or welding.

[0036] In the example diagram, lines SA1, SA2, SA5, and SA6 are each arranged to intersect (approximately orthogonally) with lines SA3, SA4, SA7, and SA8 when viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis). Furthermore, the intersection of two shape memory alloy lines means that a straight line passing through one end of one shape memory alloy line intersects a straight line passing through one end of the other shape memory alloy line. In other words, lines SA1, SA2, SA5, and SA6 are arranged to extend parallel to the X-axis, while lines SA3, SA4, SA7, and SA8 are arranged to extend parallel to the Y-axis.

[0037] The first driving section DM1 can move the lens holding member 2 to the lower side (Z2 side) along the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) which is a direction parallel to the optical axis OA by contraction of the third wire SA3, the fourth wire SA4, the seventh wire SA7, and the eighth wire SA8 respectively. Further, the third wire SA3, the fourth wire SA4, the seventh wire SA7, and the eighth wire SA8 are configured so that, when one or more of them contracts, the lens holding member 2 moves and the other one or more of them stretches by the movement of the lens holding member 2. Similarly, the second driving section DM2 can move the lens holding member 2 to the upper side (Z1 side) along the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) by contraction of the first wire SA1, the second wire SA2, the fifth wire SA5, and the sixth wire SA6 respectively. Further, the first wire SA1, the second wire SA2, the fifth wire SA5, and the sixth wire SA6 are configured so that, when one or more of them contracts, the lens holding member 2 moves and the other one or more of them stretches by the movement of the lens holding member 2.

[0038] The intermediate member 3 is a member that can move in the Z axis direction with respect to the fixed side member FB (support member 8) while rotating around the optical axis OA, and constitutes the movable side member MB. In the illustrated example, the intermediate member 3 is formed by injection molding using a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the intermediate member 3 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view (top view), and has a substantially rounded rectangular opening 3K in the center. Specifically, the intermediate member 3 has a rectangular ring-shaped base portion 3B formed so as to surround the opening 3K, and a portion protruding upward from the base portion 3B, that is, a pedestal portion 3D. The pedestal portion 3D includes first to eighth pedestal portions 3D1 to 3D8. The first to fourth pedestal portions 3D1 to 3D4 and the fifth to eighth pedestal portions 3D5 to 3D8 are arranged so as to face each other in the radial direction across the optical axis OA. More specifically, in the base portion 3B, the first to fourth pedestal portions 3D1 to 3D4 are provided at the corners on the right front side, and the fifth to eighth pedestal portions 3D5 to 3D8 are provided at the corners on the left rear side. Further, the intermediate side metal member 5M is placed on each of the first to eighth pedestal portions 3D1 to 3D8.

[0039] The metal member 5 is configured so that a part of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed. In the illustrated example, the metal member 5 is formed of a non-magnetic metal, and includes a support side metal member 5F, a lens side metal member 5L, and an intermediate side metal member 5M. The support side metal member 5F is configured to be fixed to the pedestal portion 8D of the support member 8. The lens side metal member 5L is configured to be fixed to the pedestal portion 2D of the lens holding member 2. The intermediate side metal member 5M is configured to be fixed to the pedestal portion 3D of the intermediate member 3. Further, the support side metal member 5F can be embedded in the pedestal portion 8D of the support member 8, the lens side metal member 5L can be embedded in the pedestal portion 2D of the lens holding member 2, and the intermediate side metal member 5M can be embedded in the pedestal portion 3D of the intermediate member 3.

[0040] More specifically, the support-side metal members 5F include first to fourth support-side metal members 5F1 to 5F4, the lens-side metal members 5L include first to fourth lens-side metal members 5L1 to 5L4, and the intermediate-side metal members 5M include first to eighth intermediate-side metal members 5M1 to 5M8.

[0041] The leaf spring 6 is configured to support the lens holding member 2 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA with respect to the support member 8. In the illustrated example, the leaf spring 6 is made of, for example, a metal plate in which a copper alloy, a titanium-copper alloy (titanium copper), a copper-nickel alloy (nickel tin copper), or the like is used as a main material. In the illustrated example, the leaf spring 6 links the lens holding member 2 and the support member 8 in such a manner that the center of the lens holding member 2, the center of the intermediate member 3, and the center of the support member 8 coincide with each other in a neutral state of the lens driving device 101. That is, the leaf spring 6 is configured to center the lens holding member 2 in the XY plane with respect to the intermediate member 3 and the support member 8, respectively. Specifically, the leaf spring 6 links the cylindrical portion 2C of the lens holding member 2 and the seating portions 8D (first and fourth seating portions 8D1 and 8D4) of the support member 8. Further, the neutral state of the lens driving device 101 is, for example, a state in which electric currents are supplied to the first to eighth lines SA1 to SA8, respectively, and a state in which the movable-side member MB (the lens holding member 2 and the intermediate member 3) is positioned at the middle of the movable range in the optical axis direction, that is, a state in which the movable-side member MB (the lens holding member 2 and the intermediate member 3) is positioned at a neutral position. Typically, in the neutral state of the lens driving device 101, the lens holding member 2 and the intermediate member 3 are positioned at the center of the movable range in the optical axis direction, respectively.

[0042] The flexible metal members 7 are members for supplying electric currents to the shape memory alloy lines SA, respectively. Specifically, the flexible metal members 7 have fixed engagement portions fixed to the support member 8, movable engagement portions fixed to the lens holding member 2, and elastic arm portions elastically deformable to link the fixed engagement portions and the movable engagement portions. In the illustrated example, the flexible metal members 7 include first to fourth flexible metal members 7A to 7D.

[0043] The support member 8 is a member for supporting the movable-side member MB. In the illustrated example, the support member 8 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and constitutes the fixed-side member FB. Specifically, the support member 8 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view (top view), and has a substantially rounded rectangular opening 8K in the center. In addition, the support member 8 has a rectangular ring-shaped base portion 8B formed so as to surround the opening 8K.

[0044] The lens-side embedded member 20 is a metal member embedded in the lens holding member 2. In the illustrated example, the lens-side embedded member 20 is a member embedded in the lens holding member 2 by insert molding, has an upper side joint portion and a lower side joint portion exposed on the surface of the lens holding member 2 for joint with other metal members. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3 the lens-side embedded member 20 includes a first lens-side embedded member 20A to a fourth lens-side embedded member 20D.

[0045] The intermediate-side embedded member 30 is a metal member embedded in the intermediate member 3. In the illustrated example, the intermediate-side embedded member 30 is a member embedded in the intermediate member 3 by insert molding, has a front side joint portion and a rear side joint portion exposed on the surface of the intermediate member 3 for joint with other metal members. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5 the intermediate-side embedded member 30 includes a first intermediate-side embedded member 30A to a fourth intermediate-side embedded member 30D.

[0046] The support-side embedded member 80 is a metal member embedded in the support member 8. In the illustrated example, the support-side embedded member 80 is a member embedded in the support member 8 by insert molding, has a terminal portion for electrical connection with the outside and a joint portion exposed on the surface of the support member 8 for joint with other metal members. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6 the support-side embedded member 80 includes a first support-side embedded member 80A to an eighth support-side embedded member 80H.

[0047] Next, the positional relationship between the members mounted to the lens holding member 2 and the lens holding member 2 is described with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Figure 3 is a top view of the lens holding member 2, the lens-side metal member 5L, the leaf spring 6, the flexible metal member 7, and the lens-side embedded member 20. Specifically, Figure 3 the upper drawing (the drawing on the upper side of the block arrow) of Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view, Figure 4 the lower drawing (the drawing on the lower side of the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view.

[0048] In Figure 3In the example shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 1, the first lens-side metal member 5L1 is fixed to the upper surface of the first seat portion 2D1. Specifically, the first lens-side metal member 5L1 is fixed to the first seat portion 2D1 by an adhesive in a state in which the first lens-side metal member 5L1 is in contact with the first upper-side joint portion 20AP of the first lens-side buried member 20A exposed on the upper surface of the first seat portion 2D1. The adhesive is, for example, a photocurable adhesive. The photocurable adhesive is, for example, an ultraviolet-curable adhesive or a visible light-curable adhesive, or the like. Similarly, the second lens-side metal member 5L2 is fixed to the second seat portion 2D2 by an adhesive in a state in which the second lens-side metal member 5L2 is in contact with the second upper-side joint portion 20BP of the second lens-side buried member 20B exposed on the upper surface of the second seat portion 2D2, the third lens-side metal member 5L3 is fixed to the third seat portion 2D3 by an adhesive in a state in which the third lens-side metal member 5L3 is in contact with the third upper-side joint portion 20CP of the third lens-side buried member 20C exposed on the upper surface of the third seat portion 2D3, and the fourth lens-side metal member 5L4 is fixed to the fourth seat portion 2D4 by an adhesive in a state in which the fourth lens-side metal member 5L4 is in contact with the fourth upper-side joint portion 20DP of the fourth lens-side buried member 20D exposed on the upper surface of the fourth seat portion 2D4. In the illustrated example, the lens-side metal members 5L are welded to the lens-side buried members 20.

[0049] The leaf spring 6 has an outer side portion 6E fixed to the seat portion 8D (see Figure 2 ) of the support member 8, an inner side portion 6I fixed to the cylindrical portion 2C of the lens holding member 2, and an elastic portion 6G connecting the outer side portion 6E and the inner side portion 6I. Specifically, the outer side portion 6E includes a first outer side portion 6E1 and a second outer side portion 6E2, and the elastic portion 6G includes a first elastic portion 6G1 and a second elastic portion 6G2. The first elastic portion 6G1 links the inner side portion 6I and the first outer side portion 6E1, and the second elastic portion 6G2 links the inner side portion 6I and the second outer side portion 6E2.

[0050] In addition, as shown in Figure 3 , the leaf spring 6 is configured to be twice rotationally symmetrical about the optical axis OA. Therefore, the leaf spring 6 can support the lens holding member 2 in a well-balanced manner. In addition, the leaf spring 6 does not adversely affect the weight balance of the movable side member MB (the lens holding member 2 and the intermediate member 3) supported by the eight shape memory alloy wires SA (the first wire SA1 to the eighth wire SA8).

[0051] The first-lens-side embedded member 20A has a first upper-side joint portion 20AP exposed on the upper surface of the first pedestal portion 2D1 and a first lower-side joint portion 20AQ exposed on the lower surface of the second pedestal portion 2D2, and the second-lens-side embedded member 20B has a second upper-side joint portion 20BP exposed on the upper surface of the second pedestal portion 2D2 and a second lower-side joint portion 20BQ exposed on the lower surface of the second pedestal portion 2D2. Also, the first upper-side joint portion 20AP is joined to the first-lens-side metal member 5L1 by welding, the second upper-side joint portion 20BP is joined to the second-lens-side metal member 5L2 by welding, the first lower-side joint portion 20AQ is joined to the first-movable joint portion 7AP of the first flexible metal member 7A by welding, and the second lower-side joint portion 20BQ is joined to the second-movable joint portion 7BP of the second flexible metal member 7B by welding. Similarly, the third-lens-side embedded member 20C has a third upper-side joint portion 20CP exposed on the upper surface of the third pedestal portion 2D3 and a third lower-side joint portion 20CQ exposed on the lower surface of the fourth pedestal portion 2D4, and the fourth-lens-side embedded member 20D has a fourth upper-side joint portion 20DP exposed on the upper surface of the fourth pedestal portion 2D4 and a fourth lower-side joint portion 20DQ exposed on the lower surface of the fourth pedestal portion 2D4. Also, the third upper-side joint portion 20CP is joined to the third-lens-side metal member 5L3 by welding, the fourth upper-side joint portion 20DP is joined to the fourth-lens-side metal member 5L4 by welding, the third lower-side joint portion 20CQ is joined to the third-movable joint portion 7CP of the third flexible metal member 7C by welding, and the fourth lower-side joint portion 20DQ is joined to the fourth-movable joint portion 7DP of the fourth flexible metal member 7D by welding. Note that the joint by welding can be replaced by a joint based on a conductive adhesive or solder.

[0052] Next, the positional relationship between the components in contact with the intermediate member 3 and the intermediate member 3 will be described with reference to Figure 5 Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of the intermediate member 3, the intermediate-side metal member 5M, and the intermediate-side embedded member 30. Specifically, Figure 5 the upper drawing (the drawing on the upper side of the block arrow) of Figure 5 the lower drawing (the drawing on the lower side of the block arrow) of

[0053] In Figure 5 ​In the example shown in the upper view of FIG. 1, the first intermediate-side metal member 5M1 is fixed to the upper surface of the first land portion 3D1 of the intermediate member 3, the second intermediate-side metal member 5M2 is fixed to the upper surface of the second land portion 3D2 of the intermediate member 3, the third intermediate-side metal member 5M3 is fixed to the upper surface of the third land portion 3D3 of the intermediate member 3, and the fourth intermediate-side metal member 5M4 is fixed to the upper surface of the fourth land portion 3D4 of the intermediate member 3. Similarly, the fifth intermediate-side metal member 5M5 is fixed to the upper surface of the fifth land portion 3D5 of the intermediate member 3, the sixth intermediate-side metal member 5M6 is fixed to the upper surface of the sixth land portion 3D6 of the intermediate member 3, the seventh intermediate-side metal member 5M7 is fixed to the upper surface of the seventh land portion 3D7 of the intermediate member 3, and the eighth intermediate-side metal member 5M8 is fixed to the upper surface of the eighth land portion 3D8 of the intermediate member 3. In the illustrated example, the upper surfaces of the eight land portions 3D each become a surface perpendicular to the optical axis OA. In addition, the upper surfaces of the first land portion 3D1, the second land portion 3D2, the fifth land portion 3D5, and the sixth land portion 3D6 each are at the same height, the upper surfaces of the third land portion 3D3 and the seventh land portion 3D7 each are at the same height, and the upper surfaces of the fourth land portion 3D4 and the eighth land portion 3D8 each are at the same height.

[0054] The first intermediate-side buried member 30A has a first front-side joint portion 30AP exposed on the upper surface of the first land portion 3D1 of the intermediate member 3 and a first rear-side joint portion 30AQ exposed on the upper surface of the seventh land portion 3D7 of the intermediate member 3. The second intermediate-side buried member 30B has a second front-side joint portion 30BP exposed on the upper surface of the second land portion 3D2 of the intermediate member 3 and a second rear-side joint portion 30BQ exposed on the upper surface of the eighth land portion 3D8 of the intermediate member 3. The third intermediate-side buried member 30C has a third front-side joint portion 30CP exposed on the upper surface of the third land portion 3D3 of the intermediate member 3 and a third rear-side joint portion 30CQ exposed on the upper surface of the fifth land portion 3D5 of the intermediate member 3. The fourth intermediate-side buried member 30D has a fourth front-side joint portion 30DP exposed on the upper surface of the fourth land portion 3D4 of the intermediate member 3 and a fourth rear-side joint portion 30DQ exposed on the upper surface of the sixth land portion 3D6 of the intermediate member 3.

[0055] Also, the first front-side joining portion 30AP is joined to the first intermediate-side metal member 5M1 by welding. Further, the joining of the first front-side joining portion 30AP to the first intermediate-side metal member 5M1 can also be achieved by a conductive adhesive or solder, or the like. The same applies to the joining of the second front-side joining portion 30BP to the second intermediate-side metal member 5M2, the joining of the third front-side joining portion 30CP to the third intermediate-side metal member 5M3, the joining of the fourth front-side joining portion 30DP to the fourth intermediate-side metal member 5M4, the joining of the third rear-side joining portion 30CQ to the fifth intermediate-side metal member 5M5, the joining of the fourth rear-side joining portion 30DQ to the sixth intermediate-side metal member 5M6, the joining of the first rear-side joining portion 30AQ to the seventh intermediate-side metal member 5M7, and the joining of the second rear-side joining portion 30BQ to the eighth intermediate-side metal member 5M8.

[0056] Next, the positional relationship between the members mounted to the support member 8 and the support member 8 will be described with reference to Figure 6 Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the support-side metal member 5F, the flat spring 6, the flexible metal member 7, the support member 8, and the support-side buried member 80. Specifically, Figure 6 the upper drawing (the drawing on the upper side of the block arrow) of Figure 6 the lower drawing (the drawing on the lower side of the block arrow) of

[0057] In the example shown in the upper drawing of Figure 6 , the first support-side metal member 5F1 is fixed to the upper surface of the third pedestal portion 8D3 of the support member 8, the second support-side metal member 5F2 is fixed to the upper surface of the second pedestal portion 8D2 of the support member 8, the third support-side metal member 5F3 is fixed to the upper surface of the sixth pedestal portion 8D6 (refer to Figure 7 ) of the support member 8, and the fourth support-side metal member 5F4 is fixed to the upper surface of the fifth pedestal portion 8D5 of the support member 8. In the illustrated example, the upper surfaces of the six pedestal portions 8D each become a surface perpendicular to the optical axis OA. In addition, the upper surfaces of the first pedestal portion 8D1 and the fourth pedestal portion 8D4 each are at the same height, the upper surfaces of the second pedestal portion 8D2 and the fifth pedestal portion 8D5 each are at the same height, and the upper surfaces of the third pedestal portion 8D3 and the sixth pedestal portion 8D6 each are at the same height.

[0058] In addition, as Figure 6 ​As shown, the first to fourth flexible metal members 7A to 7D have first to fourth fixed joint portions 7AQ to 7DQ, respectively. In addition, the first to eighth support-side buried members 80A to 80H have first to eighth terminal portions 80AT to 80HT, respectively, and have first to eighth joint portions 80AP to 80HP. The first to eighth joint portions 80AP to 80HP are exposed on the upper surface of the support member 8.

[0059] Specifically, the first support-side buried member 80A has the first joint portion 80AP exposed on the upper surface of the third stand portion 8D3 of the support member 8 and the first terminal portion 80AT exposed on the front side surface of the support member 8. The second support-side buried member 80B has the second joint portion 80BP exposed on the upper surface of the second stand portion 8D2 of the support member 8 and the second terminal portion 80BT exposed on the front side surface of the support member 8. The third support-side buried member 80C has the third joint portion 80CP exposed on the upper surface of the sixth stand portion 8D6 of the support member 8 and the third terminal portion 80CT exposed on the rear side surface of the support member 8. The fourth support-side buried member 80D has the fourth joint portion 80DP exposed on the upper surface of the fifth stand portion 8D5 of the support member 8 and the fourth terminal portion 80DT exposed on the rear side surface of the support member 8. The fifth support-side buried member 80E has the fifth joint portion 80EP exposed on the upper surface of the left edge portion of the base portion 8B of the support member 8 and the fifth terminal portion 80ET exposed on the rear side surface of the support member 8. The sixth support-side buried member 80F has the sixth joint portion 80FP exposed on the upper surface of the left edge portion of the base portion 8B of the support member 8 and the sixth terminal portion 80FT exposed on the rear side surface of the support member 8. The seventh support-side buried member 80G has the seventh joint portion 80GP exposed on the upper surface of the right edge portion of the base portion 8B of the support member 8 and the seventh terminal portion 80GT exposed on the front side surface of the support member 8. The eighth support-side buried member 80H has the eighth joint portion 80HP exposed on the upper surface of the right edge portion of the base portion 8B of the support member 8 and the eighth terminal portion 80HT exposed on the front side surface of the support member 8.

[0060] Also, the first joint portion 80AP is joined to the first support-side metal member 5F1 by welding. Further, the joining of the first joint portion 80AP to the first support-side metal member 5F1 can also be achieved by a conductive adhesive or solder, or the like. The same applies to the joining of the second joint portion 80BP to the second support-side metal member 5F2, the joining of the third joint portion 80CP to the third support-side metal member 5F3, the joining of the fourth joint portion 80DP to the fourth support-side metal member 5F4, the joining of the fifth joint portion 80EP to the first fixed joint portion 7AQ, the joining of the sixth joint portion 80FP to the second fixed joint portion 7BQ, the joining of the seventh joint portion 80GP to the third fixed joint portion 7CQ, and the joining of the eighth joint portion 80HP to the fourth fixed joint portion 7DQ.

[0061] Next, with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the metal member 5 to which the shape memory alloy wire SA is attached will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lens driving device 101 in a state in which the cover member 1 is removed. Further, in Figure 7 , for the sake of clarity, the intermediate member 3 is labeled with a dot pattern. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the metal member 5 (the support-side metal member 5F, the lens-side metal member 5L, and the intermediate-side metal member 5M) and the shape memory alloy wire SA. Specifically, Figure 8 the upper left diagram of is a plan view of the metal member 5 (the support-side metal member 5F, the lens-side metal member 5L, and the intermediate-side metal member 5M) and the shape memory alloy wire SA. Figure 8 the lower left diagram of is a front view of the metal member 5 (the support-side metal member 5F, the lens-side metal member 5L, and the intermediate-side metal member 5M) and the shape memory alloy wire SA. Figure 8 the right view of is a right view of the metal member 5 (the support-side metal member 5F, the lens-side metal member 5L, and the intermediate-side metal member 5M) and the shape memory alloy wire SA. Further, Figure 8 the positional relationship of each member shown in is in correspondence with the positional relationship when the lens driving device 101 is in the neutral state.

[0062] Specifically, one end portion of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the second support-side metal member 5F2 at a holding portion J1 of the second support-side metal member 5F2, and the other end portion of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the eighth intermediate-side metal member 5M8 at a holding portion J2 of the eighth intermediate-side metal member 5M8. In addition, one end portion of the second wire SA2 is fixed to the second intermediate-side metal member 5M2 at a holding portion J3 of the second intermediate-side metal member 5M2, and the other end portion of the second wire SA2 is fixed to the fourth lens-side metal member 5L4 at a holding portion J4 of the fourth lens-side metal member 5L4. In addition, one end portion of the third wire SA3 is fixed to the first support-side metal member 5F1 at a holding portion J5 of the first support-side metal member 5F1, and the other end portion of the third wire SA3 is fixed to the first intermediate-side metal member 5M1 at a holding portion J6 of the first intermediate-side metal member 5M1. In addition, one end portion of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the seventh intermediate-side metal member 5M7 at a holding portion J7 of the seventh intermediate-side metal member 5M7, and the other end portion of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the third lens-side metal member 5L3 at a holding portion J8 of the third lens-side metal member 5L3.

[0063] Similarly, one end portion of the fifth wire SA5 is fixed to the fourth support-side metal member 5F4 at a holding portion J9 of the fourth support-side metal member 5F4, and the other end portion of the fifth wire SA5 is fixed to the fourth intermediate-side metal member 5M4 at a holding portion J10 of the fourth intermediate-side metal member 5M4. In addition, one end portion of the sixth wire SA6 is fixed to the sixth intermediate-side metal member 5M6 at a holding portion J11 of the sixth intermediate-side metal member 5M6, and the other end portion of the sixth wire SA6 is fixed to the second lens-side metal member 5L2 at a holding portion J12 of the second lens-side metal member 5L2. In addition, one end portion of the seventh wire SA7 is fixed to the third support-side metal member 5F3 at a holding portion J13 of the third support-side metal member 5F3, and the other end portion of the seventh wire SA7 is fixed to the fifth intermediate-side metal member 5M5 at a holding portion J14 of the fifth intermediate-side metal member 5M5. In addition, one end portion of the eighth wire SA8 is fixed to the third intermediate-side metal member 5M3 at a holding portion J15 of the third intermediate-side metal member 5M3, and the other end portion of the eighth wire SA8 is fixed to the first lens-side metal member 5L1 at a holding portion J16 of the first lens-side metal member 5L1.

[0064] The holding portion J1 is formed by bending a portion of the second support-side metal member 5F2. Specifically, the holding portion J1 is formed by bending a portion of the second support-side metal member 5F2 in a state in which the one end portion of the first wire SA1 is sandwiched. Also, the one end portion of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the holding portion J1 by welding. The same applies to the holding portions J2 to J16.

[0065] In addition, as Figure 8As shown in the right view of FIG. 6, the first line SA1 and the second line SA2 are arranged to be inclined downward to the right in the right view, and the fifth line SA5 and the sixth line SA6 are arranged to be inclined upward to the right in the right view. Also, the first line SA1 and the second line SA2 are arranged to cross the fifth line SA5 and the sixth line SA6 in the right side view. Similarly, as shown in the left view of FIG. 6, the third line SA3 and the fourth line SA4 are arranged to be inclined upward to the right in the front view, and the seventh line SA7 and the eighth line SA8 are arranged to be inclined downward to the right in the front view. Also, the third line SA3 and the fourth line SA4 are arranged to cross the seventh line SA7 and the eighth line SA8 in the front view. Figure 8

[0066] The support member 8 supports one end of each of the first line SA1, the third line SA3, the fifth line SA5, and the seventh line SA7, and the intermediate member 3 supports the other end of each of the first line SA1, the third line SA3, the fifth line SA5, and the seventh line SA7. According to this arrangement, the intermediate member 3 is connected to the support member 8 via the first line SA1, the third line SA3, the fifth line SA5, and the seventh line SA7 in a state in which the intermediate member 3 is movable in the direction parallel to the optical axis OA, i.e., the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0067] Also, the intermediate member 3 supports one end of each of the second line SA2, the fourth line SA4, the sixth line SA6, and the eighth line SA8, and the lens holding member 2 supports the other end of each of the second line SA2, the fourth line SA4, the sixth line SA6, and the eighth line SA8. According to this arrangement, the lens holding member 2 is connected to the intermediate member 3 via the second line SA2, the fourth line SA4, the sixth line SA6, and the eighth line SA8 in a state in which the lens holding member 2 is movable in the direction parallel to the optical axis OA, i.e., the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0068] ​In addition, in the example shown, the support-side metal component 5F, the lens-side metal component 5L, and the intermediate-side metal component 5M are each composed of a metal plate with a plate-shaped base BP. Specifically, the first support-side metal component 5F1 has a base BPF1, the second support-side metal component 5F2 has a base BPF2, the third support-side metal component 5F3 has a base BPF3, the fourth support-side metal component 5F4 has a base BPF4, the first lens-side metal component 5L1 has a base BPL1, the second lens-side metal component 5L2 has a base BPL2, the third lens-side metal component 5L3 has a base BPL3, the fourth lens-side metal component 5L4 has a base BPL4, the first intermediate-side metal component 5M1 has a base BPM1, the second intermediate-side metal component 5M2 has a base BPM2, the third intermediate-side metal component 5M3 has a base BPM3, the fourth intermediate-side metal component 5M4 has a base BPM4, the fifth intermediate-side metal component 5M5 has a base BPM5, the sixth intermediate-side metal component 5M6 has a base BPM6, the seventh intermediate-side metal component 5M7 has a base BPM7, and the eighth intermediate-side metal component 5M8 has a base BPM8.

[0069] And, as Figure 8 As shown in the right figure, 16 metal components 5 (first support side metal component 5F1 to fourth support side metal component 5F4, first lens side metal component 5L1 to fourth lens side metal component 5L4, and first intermediate side metal component 5M1 to eighth intermediate side metal component 5M8) are mounted on the lens holding component 2, intermediate component 3 or support component 8 in such a way that the plate surface of their respective base BP is parallel to the XY plane, that is, in a way that is approximately parallel to each other.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, with respect to the first line SA1, the second support side metal member 5F2 is disposed at a higher position than the eighth intermediate side metal member 5M8 in the Z-axis direction, with respect to the second line SA2, the second intermediate side metal member 5M2 is disposed at a higher position than the fourth lens side metal member 5L4 in the Z-axis direction, with respect to the third line SA3, the first intermediate side metal member 5M1 is disposed at a higher position than the first support side metal member 5F1 in the Z-axis direction, with respect to the fourth line SA4, the third lens side metal member 5L3 is disposed at a higher position than the seventh intermediate side metal member 5M7 in the Z-axis direction. Likewise, with respect to the fifth line SA5, the fourth support side metal member 5F4 is disposed at a higher position than the fourth intermediate side metal member 5M4 in the Z-axis direction, with respect to the sixth line SA6, the sixth intermediate side metal member 5M6 is disposed at a higher position than the second lens side metal member 5L2 in the Z-axis direction, with respect to the seventh line SA7, the fifth intermediate side metal member 5M5 is disposed at a higher position than the third support side metal member 5F3 in the Z-axis direction, with respect to the eighth line SA8, the first lens side metal member 5L1 is disposed at a higher position than the third intermediate side metal member 5M3 in the Z-axis direction.

[0071] Next, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the positional relationship of the metal members 5 (support side metal members 5F, lens side metal members 5L, and intermediate side metal members 5M), the flexible metal members 7, the lens side embedded members 20, the intermediate side embedded members 30, the support side embedded members 80, and the shape memory alloy wires SA, which are components through which current flows, will be described. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the metal members 5 (support side metal members 5F, lens side metal members 5L, and intermediate side metal members 5M), the flexible metal members 7, the lens side embedded members 20, the intermediate side embedded members 30, the support side embedded members 80, and the shape memory alloy wires SA. Figure 10 is a view of a portion of Figure 9 , the upper left view of Figure 10 indicates components associated with the conduction path including the first line SA1 and the second line SA2, Figure 10 the lower left view of Figure 10 the upper right view of Figure 10 the lower right view of

[0072] As Figure 10As shown in the upper left figure, if the second terminal 80BT of the second support-side embedded component 80B is connected to a high potential, and the eighth terminal 80HT of the eighth support-side embedded component 80H is connected to a low potential, then current flows from the second terminal 80BT of the second support-side embedded component 80B through the second joint 80BP of the second support-side embedded component 80B, the second support-side metal component 5F2, the first line SA1, the eighth intermediate side metal component 5M8, and the second intermediate side embedded component 30B (second rear joint 30B). The fourth lens side metal component 5L4, the fourth lens side embedded component 20D (the fourth upper side joint 20DP and the fourth lower side joint 20DQ), the fourth flexible metal component 7D (the fourth movable joint 7DP and the fourth fixed joint 7DQ), and the eighth joint 80HP of the eighth support side embedded component 80H flow to the eighth terminal portion 80HT of the eighth support side embedded component 80H.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown in the lower left figure, if the first terminal 80AT of the first support-side embedded component 80A is connected to a high potential, and the seventh terminal 80GT of the seventh support-side embedded component 80G is connected to a low potential, then current flows from the first terminal 80AT of the first support-side embedded component 80A through the first joint 80AP of the first support-side embedded component 80A, the first support-side metal component 5F1, the third line SA3, the first intermediate-side metal component 5M1, and the first intermediate-side embedded component 30A (first front joint 30A). P and the first rear joint 30AQ), the seventh intermediate metal part 5M7, the fourth line SA4, the third lens side metal part 5L3, the third lens side embedded part 20C (the third upper joint 20CP and the third lower joint 20CQ), the third flexible metal part 7C (the third movable joint 7CP and the third fixed joint 7CQ), and the seventh joint 80GP of the seventh support side embedded part 80G flow to the seventh terminal part 80GT of the seventh support side embedded part 80G.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 10As shown in the upper right figure, if the fourth terminal 80DT of the fourth support-side embedded component 80D is connected to a high potential, and the sixth terminal 80FT of the sixth support-side embedded component 80F is connected to a low potential, then the current flows from the fourth terminal 80DT of the fourth support-side embedded component 80D through the fourth joint 80DP of the fourth support-side embedded component 80D, the fourth support-side metal component 5F4, the fifth line SA5, the fourth intermediate side metal component 5M4, and the fourth intermediate side embedded component 30D (the fourth front joint 30D). P and the fourth rear joint 30DQ), the sixth intermediate metal part 5M6, the sixth line SA6, the second lens side metal part 5L2, the second lens side embedded part 20B (the second upper joint 20BP and the second lower joint 20BQ), the second flexible metal part 7B (the second movable joint 7BP and the second fixed joint 7BQ), and the sixth joint 80FP of the sixth support side embedded part 80F flow to the sixth terminal part 80FT of the sixth support side embedded part 80F.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown in the lower right figure, if the third terminal 80CT of the third support-side embedded component 80C is connected to a high potential, and the fifth terminal 80ET of the fifth support-side embedded component 80E is connected to a low potential, then the current flows from the third terminal 80CT of the third support-side embedded component 80C through the third joint 80CP of the third support-side embedded component 80C, the third support-side metal component 5F3, the seventh line SA7, the fifth intermediate-side metal component 5M5, and the third intermediate-side embedded component 30C (the third rear joint 30C). The Q and the third front joint 30CP), the third intermediate metal part 5M3, the eighth line SA8, the first lens side metal part 5L1, the first lens side embedded part 20A (the first upper joint 20AP and the first lower joint 20AQ), the first flexible metal part 7A (the first movable joint 7AP and the first fixed joint 7AQ) and the fifth joint 80EP of the fifth support side embedded part 80E flow to the fifth terminal part 80ET of the fifth support side embedded part 80E.

[0076] The control device located outside the lens driving device 101 described above can control the length of each of the shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 to eighth wire SA8) by controlling the voltage applied to the terminals (first terminal 80AT to eighth terminal 80HT) of each of the first support-side embedded members 80A to the eighth support-side embedded members 80H. For example, the control device can also detect the resistance value of each shape memory alloy wire SA and control the length of each shape memory alloy wire SA based on the detection result. Alternatively, the control device can be disposed within the lens driving device 101. Furthermore, the control device can also be a component of the lens driving device 101.

[0077] The control device can also move the lens holding member 2 in the Zl side (object side) of the imaging element IS in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA by a driving force in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA generated by the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA as the driving section DM. Also, by moving the lens holding member 2 in this way, the control device can realize an automatic focus adjustment function as one of the lens adjustment functions. Specifically, the control device can move the lens holding member 2 in a direction away from the imaging element to enable macro photography, and move the lens holding member 2 in a direction approaching the imaging element to enable infinity photography.

[0078] Next, the operation of the movable side member MB with respect to the fixed side member FB will be described with reference to Figure 11-13 Figure 11-13 is a schematic view of the lens holding member 2, the intermediate member 3, and the support member 8. Specifically, Figure 11-13 The upper view of each is a plan view of the lens holding member 2, the intermediate member 3, and the support member 8, Figure 11-13 The lower view of each is a front view of the lens holding member 2, the intermediate member 3, and the support member 8. In addition, in Figure 11-13 , cross patterns are marked on the lens holding member 2, dot patterns are marked on the intermediate member 3, and sparse dot patterns are marked on the support member 8 for the sake of clarity.

[0079] More specifically, Figure 11 indicates the positional relationship of the lens holding member 2, the intermediate member 3, and the support member 8 when the lens driving device 101 is in the neutral state, Figure 12 indicates the positional relationship of the lens holding member 2, the intermediate member 3, and the support member 8 when the intermediate member 3 (lens holding member 2) is moved to the Zl side with respect to the support member 8 by the first wire SAl and the fifth wire SA5, Figure 13 indicates the positional relationship of the lens holding member 2, the intermediate member 3, and the support member 8 when the lens holding member 2 is further moved to the Zl side with respect to the intermediate member 3 by the second wire SA2 and the sixth wire SA6. In addition, in the following description with reference to Figure 11-13 , the movement based on the first wire SAl and the fifth wire SA5 and the movement based on the second wire SA2 and the sixth wire SA6 are described separately for the sake of easy understanding of the description, but in fact, the movement based on the first wire SAl and the fifth wire SA5 and the movement based on the second wire SA2 and the sixth wire SA6 are performed simultaneously. Therefore, the lens holding member 2 does not substantially rotate around the optical axis OA.

[0080] When the first wire SAl and the fifth wire SA5 contract by a prescribed amount, as in Figure 12 ​As shown by arrow AR1 in the above figure, the middle component 3 rotates counterclockwise by an angle α around the optical axis OA when viewed from above, and as... Figure 12 As shown by the Z-axis component of arrow AR1 in the figure below, the optical axis is moved a distance ST1 towards Z1. Furthermore, Figure 12 In the diagram below, arrow AR1 is decomposed into the Z-axis component and the circumferential component of the circle centered on the optical axis OA.

[0081] In addition, Figure 12 In the images above and below, Figure 11 The positions (shapes) of the lens holding member 2 and the intermediate member 3 in the shown state are indicated by dashed lines, and, in Figure 12 In the above diagram, the first line SA1 and the fifth line SA5 are represented by thick dotted lines.

[0082] At this time, the control device supplies a specified current not only to the first line SA1 and the fifth line SA5, but also to the third line SA3 and the seventh line SA7, which are fixed at one end to the support member 8, so as to prevent the intermediate member 3 from tilting relative to the optical axis OA and the position of the optical axis OA in the XY plane from deviating.

[0083] Furthermore, when the intermediate component 3 rotates counterclockwise by an angle α around the optical axis OA in a top view, and moves a distance ST1 towards the Z1 side along the optical axis, the lens holding component 2, connected to the intermediate component 3 via four shape memory alloy wires SA (second wire SA2, fourth wire SA4, sixth wire SA6, and eighth wire SA8), moves together with the intermediate component 3, as follows: Figure 12 As shown by arrow AR2 in the above figure, the optical axis OA is rotated counterclockwise by an angle α when viewed from above, and as... Figure 12 As shown by the Z-axis component of arrow AR2 in the image below, it moves a distance ST1 towards the Z1 side along the optical axis. Furthermore, Figure 12 In the diagram below, arrow AR2 is decomposed into the Z-axis component and the circumferential component of the circle centered on the optical axis OA.

[0084] Additionally, when the second line SA2 and the sixth line SA6 shrink by the specified amount, such as Figure 13 As shown by arrow AR3 in the above diagram, the lens holding component 2 rotates clockwise by an angle β about the optical axis OA when viewed from above, and as... Figure 13 As shown by the Z-axis component of arrow AR3 in the image below, it moves a distance ST2 towards the Z1 side along the optical axis. Furthermore, Figure 13 In the diagram below, arrow AR3 is decomposed into a Z-axis component and a circumferential component of a circle centered on the optical axis OA.

[0085] In addition, Figure 13 In the images above and below, Figure 12The position (shape) of the lens holding member 2 in the shown state is indicated by dashed lines, and, in Figure 13 In the diagram above, the second line SA2 and the sixth line SA6 are represented by thick dotted lines. Additionally, in the example diagram, angle β has approximately the same magnitude as angle α.

[0086] At this time, the control device not only supplies the specified current to the second line SA2 and the sixth line SA6, but also supplies the specified current to the fourth line SA4 and the eighth line SA8, which are fixed at one end to the lens holding member 2, so as to prevent the lens holding member 2 from tilting relative to the optical axis OA and the optical axis OA in the XY plane from deviating from its position.

[0087] Therefore, when the first line SA1, the second line SA2, the fifth line SA5, and the sixth line SA6 contract by a predetermined amount, the lens holding member 2 does not tilt relative to the optical axis OA, and moves a combined distance ST1 and ST2 towards the Z1 side along the optical axis direction. On the other hand, the counterclockwise rotation of the lens holding member 2 around the optical axis OA by an angle α and the clockwise rotation of the lens holding member 2 around the optical axis OA cancel each other out. If angles α and β are of the same magnitude, the lens holding member 2 does not rotate around the optical axis OA.

[0088] In addition, Figure 11-13 In the example shown, the control device is configured to primarily move the lens holding member 2 towards the Z1 side without rotation about the optical axis OA by contracting four shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1, second wire SA2, fifth wire SA5, and sixth wire SA6). However, the control device can also be configured to move the lens holding member 2 towards the Z1 side without rotation about the optical axis OA by contracting two shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 and second wire SA2). In this case, the control device supplies a predetermined current not only to the first wire SA1 and second wire SA2, but also to the other shape memory alloy wires SA (third wire SA3 to eighth wire SA8) to prevent the lens holding member 2 from tilting relative to the optical axis OA and the position of the optical axis OA in the XY plane from deviating.

[0089] Additionally, refer to Figure 11-13 The above description mainly applies to the case where the first line SA1, the second line SA2, the fifth line SA5, and the sixth line SA6 are contracted, causing the lens holding member 2 and the intermediate member 3 to move upward (Z1 side). However, it also applies to the case where the third line SA3, the fourth line SA4, the seventh line SA7, and the eighth line SA8 are contracted, causing the lens holding member 2 and the intermediate member 3 to move downward (Z2 side).

[0090] As mentioned above, Figure 2As shown, a lens driving device 101, as an example of an optical element driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, includes: a support member 8; an optical element holding member (lens holding member 2) having an opening 2K for arranging an optical element (lens body LS) and movable relative to the support member 8 in a predetermined direction (optical axis direction) along a predetermined axis (optical axis OA); a driving unit DM configured to have a shape memory alloy wire SA that moves the lens holding member 2 in the optical axis direction; and an intermediate member 3 disposed between the lens holding member 2 and the support member 8. The intermediate member 3 is movable relative to the support member 8 and is movable relative to the lens holding member 2. The shape memory alloy wire SA includes a first wire SA1 disposed between the support member 8 and the intermediate member 3 and a second wire SA2 disposed between the intermediate member 3 and the lens holding member 2. One end of the first wire SA1 supported on the support member 8 is positioned higher than the other end supported on the intermediate member 3. One end of the second wire SA2 supported on the intermediate member 3 is positioned higher than the other end supported on the lens holding member 2. The lens holding member 2 is configured to suppress rotation about the optical axis OA by the contraction of the first line SA1 and the second line SA2 when current flows through the first line SA1 and the second line SA2, and the lens holding member 2 moves in the direction of the optical axis.

[0091] This configuration suppresses the rotation of the lens holding member 2 around the optical axis OA when it moves along the optical axis OA. Therefore, this configuration minimizes the impact on image quality even with the increasing pixel count of the image sensor IS. Furthermore, this configuration allows the intermediate member 3 to move relative to the support member 8 along the optical axis, and the lens holding member 2 to move relative to the intermediate member 3 along the optical axis. Therefore, compared to configurations that only move the lens holding member 2 or the intermediate member 3 relative to the support member 8, this configuration increases the amount of movement of the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis.

[0092] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first line SA1 and the second line SA2 are preferably positioned opposite each other in a first direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects the optical axis (Z-axis direction) and are separated by the opening 2K of the lens holding member 2.

[0093] Compared to a configuration where the first line SA1 and the second line SA2 are respectively positioned opposite to each other across the opening 2K of the lens holding member 2, this configuration improves the weight balance of the lens drive device 101, thus providing the effect of appropriately suppressing the rotation of the lens holding member 2 around the optical axis OA.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, the shape memory alloy wires SA preferably include: first and second wires SA1 and SA2, respectively, disposed at positions facing each other across the opening 2K of the lens holding member 2 in a first direction (Y-axis direction); third and fourth wires SA3 and SA4, respectively, disposed at positions facing each other across the opening 2K of the lens holding member 2 in a second direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the optical axis direction and perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction); fifth and sixth wires SA5 and SA6, respectively, disposed at positions facing each other across the opening 2K of the lens holding member 2 in the first direction (Y-axis direction); and seventh and eighth wires SA7 and SA8, respectively, disposed at positions facing each other across the opening 2K of the lens holding member 2 in the second direction (X-axis direction). Also, the first wire SA1 is disposed between the support member 8 and the intermediate member 3, and the end portion supported by the support member 8 is disposed at a position higher than the other end portion supported by the intermediate member 3, the second wire SA2 is disposed between the intermediate member 3 and the lens holding member 2, and the end portion supported by the intermediate member 3 is disposed at a position higher than the other end portion supported by the lens holding member 2, the third wire SA3 is disposed between the support member 8 and the intermediate member 3, and the end portion supported by the support member 8 is disposed at a position lower than the other end portion supported by the intermediate member 3, the fourth wire SA4 is disposed between the intermediate member 3 and the lens holding member 2, and the end portion supported by the intermediate member 3 is disposed at a position lower than the other end portion supported by the lens holding member 2, the fifth wire SA5 is disposed between the support member 8 and the intermediate member 3, and the end portion supported by the support member 8 is disposed at a position higher than the other end portion supported by the intermediate member 3, the sixth wire SA6 is disposed between the intermediate member 3 and the lens holding member 2, and the end portion supported by the intermediate member 3 is disposed at a position higher than the other end portion supported by the lens holding member 2, the seventh wire SA7 is disposed between the support member 8 and the intermediate member 3, and the end portion supported by the support member 8 is disposed at a position lower than the other end portion supported by the intermediate member 3, and the eighth wire SA8 is disposed between the intermediate member 3 and the lens holding member 2, and the end portion supported by the intermediate member 3 is disposed at a position lower than the other end portion supported by the lens holding member 2. Also, as shown in the right view of Fig. 10, when viewed along the first direction (Y-axis direction), the first and fifth wires SA1 and SA5 are disposed in a manner crossing each other, and the second and sixth wires SA2 and SA6 are disposed in a manner crossing each other, as shown in the front view of Fig. 11, when viewed along the second direction (X-axis direction), the third and seventh wires SA3 and SA7 are disposed in a manner crossing each other, and the fourth and eighth wires SA4 and SA8 are disposed in a manner crossing each other. Figure 8 Figure 8

[0095] ​​This configuration provides the following effect: even when the lens holding member 2 is moved in any direction in the optical axis direction, that is, when the lens holding member 2 is moved in either an upward or downward direction, the rotation of the lens holding member 2 about the optical axis OA can be suppressed.

[0096] In addition, preferably, such as Figure 7 As shown, one end of each of the first wire SA1, the third wire SA3, the fifth wire SA5, and the seventh wire SA7 is fixed to a metal component 5 (support-side metal component 5F (second support-side metal component 5F2, first support-side metal component 5F1, fourth support-side metal component 5F4, and third support-side metal component 5F3)) fixed to the support component 8, and the other end of each of the first wire SA1, the third wire SA3, the fifth wire SA5, and the seventh wire SA7 is fixed to a metal component 5 (intermediate-side metal component 5M (eighth intermediate-side metal component 5M8, first intermediate-side metal component 5M1, fourth intermediate-side metal component 5M4, and fifth intermediate-side metal component 5M5)) fixed to the intermediate component 3. One end of each of the second wire SA2, the fourth wire SA4, the sixth wire SA6, and the eighth wire SA8 is fixed to a metal component 5 (intermediate side metal component 5M (second intermediate side metal component 5M2, seventh intermediate side metal component 5M7, sixth intermediate side metal component 5M6, and third intermediate side metal component 5M3))) fixed to the intermediate component 3, and the other end of each of the second wire SA2, the fourth wire SA4, the sixth wire SA6, and the eighth wire SA8 is fixed to a metal component 5 (lens side metal component 5L (fourth lens side metal component 5L4, third lens side metal component 5L3, second lens side metal component 5L2, and first lens side metal component 5L1)) fixed to the lens holding component 2. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown in the top view, the metal parts 5 are formed by metal plates with plate-shaped bases BP, and the plate surface of the bases BP is fixed to the corresponding parts in a state that is approximately perpendicular to the optical axis OA.

[0097] This configuration allows all (16) metal parts 5 to be installed from one side (Z1 side, top side), thus improving the productivity (manufacturing ease) of the lens drive device 101 compared to configurations that require installation from at least two sides.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in the top view, the metal parts 5 are preferably arranged in positions that do not overlap when viewed from above along the optical axis.

[0099] This configuration enables the 16 metal members 5 to be sequentially attached from one side (Z1 side, upper side) differently, and thus enables the productivity (manufacturability) of the lens driving device 101 to be improved compared to a configuration in which the attachment order is limited by the positions of at least some of the metal members 5 being arranged to overlap each other.

[0100] In addition, the lens driving device 101 preferably has, as shown in Figure 7 a leaf spring 6 that connects the lens holding member 2 and the support member 8.

[0101] This configuration enables the lens holding member 2 to be centered in the XY plane with respect to the intermediate member 3 and the support member 8, respectively.

[0102] In addition, as shown in the plan view of Figure 8 the distance DS1 between one end portion and the other end portion of the first wire SA1 is greater than the distance DS2 between one end portion and the other end portion of the second wire SA2 when viewed in plan along the optical axis direction. In other words, when viewed in plan along the optical axis direction, the shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1, third wire SA3, fifth wire SA5, and seventh wire SA7) arranged at positions farther from the optical axis OA are longer than the shape memory alloy wires SA (second wire SA2, fourth wire SA4, sixth wire SA6, and eighth wire SA8) arranged at positions closer to the optical axis OA.

[0103] This configuration enables the space efficiency in the housing HS to be improved compared to a configuration in which the shape memory alloy wires SA arranged at positions farther from the optical axis OA are shorter than the shape memory alloy wires SA arranged at positions closer to the optical axis OA when viewed in plan along the optical axis direction.

[0104] In addition, as shown in the right view of Figure 8 the distance HT1 in the optical axis direction between one end portion and the other end portion of the first wire SA1 is greater than the distance HT2 in the optical axis direction between one end portion and the other end portion of the second wire SA2. In other words, when viewed along the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, the plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA are arranged so as to each be inclined at the same degree of angle (inclination angle) with respect to the XY plane.

[0105] This configuration enables the movable side member MB to be stably moved compared to a case in which the inclination angles of the plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA each differ greatly from each other. In addition, this configuration enables the amount of movement along the optical axis direction to be increased compared to a case in which the inclination angles of the plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA are smaller.

[0106] The above describes the preferred embodiments of the present application in detail. However, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described embodiments and the following embodiments can be applied to various modifications and substitutions, etc. without departing from the scope of the present application. The features described with reference to the above-described embodiments and the following embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they are not technically contradictory.

[0107] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the metal member 5 is fixed to each member (the lens holding member 2, the intermediate member 3, and the support member 8, respectively) by an adhesive or the like, but can be embedded in each member, and can be a conductive pattern formed on the surface of each member.

[0108] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1 • • • cover member

[0110] 1A • • • outer peripheral wall portion

[0111] 1A1 • • • first side plate portion

[0112] 1A2 • • • second side plate portion

[0113] 1A3 • • • third side plate portion

[0114] 1A4 • • • fourth side plate portion

[0115] 1B • • • top plate portion

[0116] 1K • • • opening

[0117] 1S • • • housing portion

[0118] 2 • • • lens holding member

[0119] 2C • • • cylindrical portion

[0120] 2D • • • seat portion

[0121] 2D1 • • • first seat portion

[0122] 2D2 • • • second seat portion

[0123] 2D3 • • • third seat portion

[0124] 2D4 • • • fourth seat portion

[0125] 2K • • • opening

[0126] 3 • • • intermediate member

[0127] 3B • • • base portion

[0128] 3D • • • seat portion

[0129] 3D1 ··· first seat portion

[0130] 3D2 ··· second seat portion

[0131] 3D3 ··· third seat portion

[0132] 3D4 ··· fourth seat portion

[0133] 3D5 ··· fifth seat portion

[0134] 3D6 ··· sixth seat portion

[0135] 3D7 ··· seventh seat portion

[0136] 3D8 ··· eighth seat portion

[0137] 3K ··· opening

[0138] 5 ··· metal member

[0139] 5F ··· support-side metal member

[0140] 5F1 ··· first support-side metal member

[0141] 5F2 ··· second support-side metal member

[0142] 5F3 ··· third support-side metal member

[0143] 5F4 ··· fourth support-side metal member

[0144] 5L ··· lens-side metal member

[0145] 5L1 ··· first lens-side metal member

[0146] 5L2 ··· second lens-side metal member

[0147] 5L3 ··· third lens-side metal member

[0148] 5L4 ··· fourth lens-side metal member

[0149] 5M ··· intermediate-side metal member

[0150] 5M1 ··· first intermediate-side metal member

[0151] 5M2 ··· second intermediate-side metal member

[0152] 5M3 ··· third intermediate-side metal member

[0153] 5M4 ··· fourth intermediate-side metal member

[0154] 5M5 ··· fifth intermediate-side metal member

[0155] 5M6 sixth intermediate side metal member

[0156] 5M7 seventh intermediate side metal member

[0157] 5M8 eighth intermediate side metal member

[0158] 6 leaf spring

[0159] 6E outer portion

[0160] 6E1 first outer portion

[0161] 6E2 second outer portion

[0162] 6G elastic portion

[0163] 6G1 first elastic portion

[0164] 6G2 second elastic portion

[0165] 6I inner portion

[0166] 7 flexible metal member

[0167] 7A first flexible metal member

[0168] 7AP first movable joint

[0169] 7AQ first fixed joint

[0170] 7B second flexible metal member

[0171] 7BP second movable joint

[0172] 7BQ second fixed joint

[0173] 7C third flexible metal member

[0174] 7CP third movable joint

[0175] 7CQ third fixed joint

[0176] 7D fourth flexible metal member

[0177] 7DP fourth movable joint

[0178] 7DQ fourth fixed joint

[0179] 8 support member

[0180] 8B base

[0181] 8D... pedestal portion

[0182] 8D1... first pedestal portion

[0183] 8D2... second pedestal portion

[0184] 8D3... third pedestal portion

[0185] 8D4... fourth pedestal portion

[0186] 8D5... fifth pedestal portion

[0187] 8D6... sixth pedestal portion

[0188] 8K... opening

[0189] 20... lens-side buried member

[0190] 20A... first lens-side buried member

[0191] 20AP... first upper-side joint portion

[0192] 20AQ... first lower-side joint portion

[0193] 20B... second lens-side buried member

[0194] 20BP... second upper-side joint portion

[0195] 20BQ... second lower-side joint portion

[0196] 20C... third lens-side buried member

[0197] 20CP... third upper-side joint portion

[0198] 20CQ... third lower-side joint portion

[0199] 20D... fourth lens-side buried member

[0200] 20DP... fourth upper-side joint portion

[0201] 20DQ... fourth lower-side joint portion

[0202] 30... intermediate-side buried member

[0203] 30A... first intermediate-side buried member

[0204] 30AP... first front-side joint portion

[0205] 30AQ... first back-side joint portion

[0206] 30B... second intermediate-side buried member

[0207] 30BP second front side joint

[0208] 30BQ second back side joint

[0209] 30C third middle side embedded member

[0210] 30CP third front side joint

[0211] 30CQ third back side joint

[0212] 30D fourth middle side embedded member

[0213] 30DP fourth front side joint

[0214] 30DQ fourth back side joint

[0215] 80 support side embedded member

[0216] 80A first support side embedded member

[0217] 80AP first joint

[0218] 80AT first terminal portion

[0219] 80B second support side embedded member

[0220] 80BP second joint

[0221] 80BT second terminal portion

[0222] 80C third support side embedded member

[0223] 80CP third joint

[0224] 80CT third terminal portion

[0225] 80D fourth support side embedded member

[0226] 80DP fourth joint

[0227] 80DT fourth terminal portion

[0228] 80E fifth support side embedded member

[0229] 80EP fifth joint

[0230] 80ET fifth terminal portion

[0231] 80F sixth support side embedded member

[0232] 80FP... sixth joint portion

[0233] 80FT... sixth terminal portion

[0234] 80G... seventh support-side buried member

[0235] 80GP... seventh joint portion

[0236] 80GT... seventh terminal portion

[0237] 80H... eighth support-side buried member

[0238] 80HP... eighth joint portion

[0239] 80HT... eighth terminal portion

[0240] 101... lens driving device

[0241] BP... base portion

[0242] CM... camera module

[0243] DM... driving portion

[0244] DM1... first driving portion

[0245] DM2... second driving portion

[0246] FB... fixed-side member

[0247] HS... frame body

[0248] IS... imaging element

[0249] J1 to J16... holding portion

[0250] LS... lens body

[0251] MB... movable-side member

[0252] OA... optical axis

[0253] SA... shape memory alloy wire

[0254] SA1... first wire

[0255] SA2... second wire

[0256] SA3... third wire

[0257] SA4... fourth wire

[0258] SA5... fifth wire

[0259] SA6... sixth wire

[0260] SA7 ··· seventh line

[0261] SA8 ··· eighth line

[0262] SU ··· substrate

Claims

1. An optical element driving device, comprising: Support components; An optical element holding member has an opening for configuring an optical element and is movable relative to the support member in a predetermined direction along a predetermined axis; The driving unit is configured to have shape memory alloy wires that move the optical element holding member in the predetermined direction; as well as An intermediate component is disposed between the optical element holding component and the support component. The intermediate component is movable relative to the support component and is movable relative to the optical element holding component. The shape memory alloy wire includes a first wire disposed between the support component and the intermediate component, and a second wire disposed between the intermediate component and the optical element holding component. The first line is supported at one end of the support member at a position higher than the other end supported by the intermediate member. The second line is supported at one end of the intermediate component at a position higher than the other end supported by the optical element holding component. The optical element holding component moves in the predetermined direction as the optical element is held in place by the contraction of the first line and the second line to suppress rotation about the predetermined axis when current flows through the first line and the second line.

2. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, The first line and the second line are respectively positioned opposite each other in a first direction that intersects the predetermined direction and are located across the opening of the optical element holding member.

3. The optical element driving device according to claim 2, The shape memory alloy wire includes: The third and fourth lines, in a second direction intersecting the predetermined direction and perpendicular to the first direction, are respectively positioned opposite each other through the opening of the optical element holding member; the fifth and sixth lines, in the first direction, are respectively positioned opposite each other through the opening of the optical element holding member; and the seventh and eighth lines, in the second direction, are respectively positioned opposite each other through the opening of the optical element holding member. The third line is disposed between the support member and the intermediate member, and the end supported on the support member is positioned lower than the other end supported on the intermediate member. The fourth line is disposed between the intermediate component and the optical element holding component, and is positioned at one end of the intermediate component at a lower position than the other end of the optical element holding component. The fifth line is disposed between the support member and the intermediate member, and the end supported on the support member is positioned higher than the other end supported on the intermediate member. The sixth line is disposed between the intermediate component and the optical element holding component, and is positioned at one end of the intermediate component at a higher position than the other end of the optical element holding component. The seventh line is disposed between the support member and the intermediate member, and the end supported on the support member is positioned lower than the other end supported on the intermediate member. The eighth line is disposed between the intermediate component and the optical element holding component, and is supported at one end of the intermediate component at a lower position than the other end supported by the optical element holding component. When viewed along the first direction, the first line and the fifth line are arranged in a mutually intersecting manner, and the second line and the sixth line are arranged in a mutually intersecting manner. When viewed along the second direction, the third line and the seventh line are arranged to intersect each other, and the fourth line and the eighth line are arranged to intersect each other.

4. The optical element driving device according to claim 3, One end of each of the first wire, the third wire, the fifth wire, and the seventh wire is fixed to a respective metal component fixed to the support member. The other end of each of the first, third, fifth, and seventh wires is fixed to a respective metal component fixed in the intermediate component. One end of each of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth wires is fixed to a metal component fixed in the intermediate component. The other ends of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth lines are each fixed to the respective metal components that are fixed in the optical element holding component. Each of the aforementioned metal components is formed of a metal plate having a plate-shaped base, the plate surface of which is fixed to the corresponding component in a state substantially perpendicular to the specified axis.

5. The optical element driving device according to claim 4, The metal components are respectively positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from above along the specified direction.

6. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, It includes a leaf spring that connects the optical element holding member to the support member.

7. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, When viewed from above along the specified direction, the distance between one end and the other end of the first line is greater than the distance between one end and the other end of the second line.

8. The optical element driving device according to claim 1 or 7, The distance in the predetermined direction between one end and the other end of the first line is greater than the distance in the predetermined direction between one end and the other end of the second line.

9. A camera module, comprising: Optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; Lens body, fixed to the optical element holding component; and The camera element is positioned opposite the lens body.

Images