Lens drive device and camera module

Abstract

To provide a lens drive device which is easier to be assembled.SOLUTION: A lens drive device 101 includes four shape memory alloy wires SA whose heights at one end and at the other end are different. A base member 18 has a fixed-side upper placement face FSU and a fixed-side lower placement face FSD which are different in height, and a lens holding member 2 has a movable-side upper placement face MSU and a movable-side lower placement face MSD which are different in height. Each of four fixed-side metal members 5F, with one end of the corresponding one of the four shape memory alloy wires SA being fixed, is attached to the corresponding fixed-side upper placement face FSU or fixed-side lower placement face FSD. Each of four movable-side metal members 5M, with the other end of the corresponding one of the four shape memory alloy wires SA being fixed, is attached to the corresponding movable-side upper placement face MSU or movable-side lower placement face MSD.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens driving device and a camera module. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a lens driving device using eight shape memory alloy wires is known (see Patent Document 1). In this device, the eight shape memory alloy wires are fixed to metal members (terminal plates) fixed to the four side surfaces of a base member and the four side surfaces of a lens holding member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-073558 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, this device is difficult to assemble because it is necessary to attach terminal plates from four directions to the four sides of each of the base member and the lens holding member.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a lens drive device that is easier to assemble. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lens driving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a lens driving device comprising: a base member; a lens holding member having a cylindrical portion capable of holding a lens body and movable relative to the base member; a plurality of fixed side metal members fixed to the base member; a plurality of movable side metal members fixed to the lens holding member; and a plurality of shape memory alloy wires having one end fixed to a corresponding one of the fixed side metal members and the other end fixed to a corresponding one of the movable side metal members, and arranged such that a position of the one end in the optical axis direction differs from a position of the other end in the optical axis direction, wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy wires include four shape memory alloy wires arranged one on each of four faces surrounding the cylindrical portion of the lens holding member, and the base member has a pair of fixed side mounting surfaces arranged to face each other in one diagonal direction across the cylindrical portion in a plan view along the optical axis direction, and a pair of Each of the fixed side mounting surfaces has a fixed side upper mounting surface and a fixed side lower mounting surface which are at different height positions in the optical axis direction, the lens holding member has a pair of movable side mounting surfaces arranged to face each other in the other diagonal direction across the tubular portion, each of the pair of movable side mounting surfaces has a movable side upper mounting surface and a movable side lower mounting surface which are at different height positions in the optical axis direction, each of the multiple fixed side metal members is attached to the corresponding fixed side upper mounting surface or fixed side lower mounting surface, each of the multiple movable side metal members is attached to the corresponding movable side upper mounting surface or movable side lower mounting surface, each of the multiple fixed side metal members has the one end of a corresponding one of the multiple shape memory alloy wires fixed to it, and each of the multiple movable side metal members has the other end of a corresponding one of the multiple shape memory alloy wires fixed to it. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The lens driving device described above is easier to assemble than conventional devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lens holding member and a movable conductive member. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base member and a fixed conductive member. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of a lens holding member, a metal member, a flexible metal member, and a base member. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a top view of a movable metal member, a fixed metal member, and a shape memory alloy wire. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of a metal member, a flexible metal member, a movable conductive member, a fixed conductive member, and a shape memory alloy wire. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a path of a current flowing through a first wire. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a path of a current flowing through a second wire. FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a path of a current flowing through a third wire. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a path of a current flowing through a fourth wire. [Figure 15] 4 is a front view of the lens driving device with a cover member removed. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a lens driving device 101 and a camera module CM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the camera module CM. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device 101.

[0010] 1 and 2, X1 represents one direction of the X axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. Moreover, Y1 represents one direction of the Y axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y axis. Similarly, Z1 represents one direction of the Z axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z axis. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the X1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the front side (front side) of the lens driving device 101, and the X2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the rear side (rear side) of the lens driving device 101. Moreover, 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. Moreover, 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 the other figures.

[0011] 1, the camera module CM includes a lens driving device 101, a lens body LS attached to a lens holding member 2, and an image sensor IS mounted on an external board (not shown) so as to face the lens body LS. The lens body LS is a cylindrical lens barrel including at least one lens and has an optical axis OA. In the illustrated example, the lens driving device 101, which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, is attached on the external board on which the image sensor IS is mounted.

[0012] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lens driving device 101 includes a cover member 4 and a base member 18 as a fixed-side member FB, and a lens holding member 2 as a movable-side member MB.

[0013] In the illustrated example, the cover member 4 is made of a non-magnetic metal. However, the cover member 4 may be made of a magnetic metal or a synthetic resin. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover member 4 has an outer shape of a bottomless box that defines the storage section 4S.

[0014] More specifically, the cover member 4 has a rectangular cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 4A and a top plate portion 4B having a rectangular annular and flat outer shape provided so as to be continuous with the upper end of the outer peripheral wall portion 4A. A circular opening 4K is formed in the center of the top plate portion 4B. The outer peripheral wall portion 4A includes a first side plate portion 4A1 to a fourth side plate portion 4A4. The first side plate portion 4A1 and the third side plate portion 4A3 face each other, and the second side plate portion 4A2 and the fourth side plate portion 4A4 face each other. The first side plate portion 4A1 and the third side plate portion 4A3 extend perpendicularly to the second side plate portion 4A2 and the fourth side plate portion 4A4. The cover member 4 is joined to the base member 18 by an adhesive or the like, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] The base member 18 is formed by injection molding using a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). In this embodiment, the base member 18 has a substantially rectangular outline in a top view, as shown in FIG. 2, and has an opening 18K at the center. Specifically, the base member 18 includes a rectangular annular base 18B arranged to surround the circular opening 18K, and a fixed-side pedestal 18D formed to extend upward from the base 18B along the optical axis OA. The fixed-side pedestal 18D includes a first fixed-side pedestal 18D1 and a second fixed-side pedestal 18D2. The first fixed-side pedestal 18D1 and the second fixed-side pedestal 18D2 are arranged to be located on opposite sides of the optical axis OA.

[0016] The cover member 4 and the base member 18 are configured to function as a housing HS. In addition, the housing HS contains a lens holding member 2, a metal member 5, a flexible metal member 6, a shape memory alloy wire SA, and the like, as shown in FIG.

[0017] The lens holding member 2 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and is configured to have an opening 2K penetrating in the vertical direction capable of holding the lens body LS. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the lens holding member 2 includes a cylindrical portion 12 formed to extend along the optical axis OA, and a movable side base portion 2D and a protruding portion 2S formed to protrude radially outward from the cylindrical portion 12. In the illustrated example, the lens body LS is configured to be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12 with an adhesive. A spiral groove may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12 so that the adhesive spreads between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12 and the lens body LS.

[0018] The movable-side pedestal portion 2D includes a first movable-side pedestal portion 2D1 and a second movable-side pedestal portion 2D2. The first movable-side pedestal portion 2D1 and the second movable-side pedestal portion 2D2 are arranged to be located on opposite sides of the optical axis OA. Similarly, the protruding portion 2S includes a first protruding portion 2S1 and a second protruding portion 2S2. The first protruding portion 2S1 and the second protruding portion 2S2 are arranged to be located on opposite sides of the optical axis OA. Specifically, the movable-side pedestal portion 2D and the protruding portion 2S are arranged to correspond to the four corners of the lens holding member 2 having a substantially rectangular outer shape in a top view, and are arranged alternately. A metal member 5 is placed on each of the two movable-side pedestals 2D.

[0019] The shape memory alloy wire SA is an example of a shape memory actuator, and constitutes a driving unit DM that drives the movable member MB. In the illustrated example, the shape memory alloy wire SA includes a first wire SA1 to a fourth wire SA4. When a current flows through the shape memory alloy wire SA, the temperature increases, and the wire contracts in response to the increase in temperature. The driving unit DM can move the lens holding member 2 by utilizing the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA.

[0020] The flexible metal member 6 constitutes a conductive connecting member that connects the lens holding member 2 and the base member 18. In this embodiment, the flexible metal member 6 is made of a metal plate whose main material is, for example, a copper alloy, a titanium-copper alloy (titanium-copper), or a copper-nickel alloy (nickel-tin-copper), etc.

[0021] Specifically, the flexible metal member 6 has a base fixing portion 6E fixed to the base member 18, a movable fixed portion 6N fixed to the lens holding member 2, and a flexible arm portion 6G connecting the base fixing portion 6E and the movable fixed portion 6N. The base fixing portion 6E includes a first base fixing portion 6E1 and a second base fixing portion 6E2. The flexible arm portion 6G includes a first flexible arm portion 6G1 connecting the first base fixing portion 6E1 and the movable fixed portion 6N, and a second flexible arm portion 6G2 connecting the second base fixing portion 6E2 and the movable fixed portion 6N.

[0022] More specifically, the flexible metal member 6 includes a front flexible metal member 6F and a rear flexible metal member 6B having the same shape. The front flexible metal member 6F includes a first front base fixing portion 6E1F, a second front base fixing portion 6E2F, a front movable fixing portion 6NF, a first front flexible arm portion 6G1F, and a second front flexible arm portion 6G2F. The rear flexible metal member 6B includes a first rear base fixing portion 6E1B, a second rear base fixing portion 6E2B, a rear movable fixing portion 6NB, a first rear flexible arm portion 6G1B, and a second rear flexible arm portion 6G2B.

[0023] The metal member 5 is configured so that an end of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed. In this embodiment, the metal member 5 is formed of a non-magnetic metal, and includes a fixed-side metal member 5F and a movable-side metal member 5M. The fixed-side metal member 5F is configured so as to be fixed to the fixed-side pedestal portion 18D of the base member 18. The movable-side metal member 5M is configured so as to be fixed to the movable-side pedestal portion 2D of the lens holding member 2.

[0024] More specifically, the fixed metal member 5F is also referred to as a fixed terminal plate and includes a first fixed terminal plate 5F1 to a fourth fixed terminal plate 5F4. The movable metal member 5M is also referred to as a movable terminal plate and includes a first movable terminal plate 5M1 to a fourth movable terminal plate 5M4.

[0025] Each of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 has one end fixed to the fixed metal member 5F by crimping, welding, etc., and the other end fixed to the movable metal member 5M by crimping, welding, etc. Each of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 is configured to extend along the inner surface of the outer circumferential wall portion 4A of the cover member 4 when a current flows therethrough, and to movably support the movable member MB relative to the fixed member FB.

[0026] Next, the lens holding member 2 as the movable side member MB will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lens holding member 2 and the movable side conductive member MC embedded in the lens holding member 2. Fig. 4 is a top view of the lens holding member 2 in which the movable side conductive member MC is embedded. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 4 is a top view of the lens holding member 2 in a state in which the movable side metal member 5M is not attached, and the lower view of Fig. 4 is a top view of the lens holding member 2 in a state in which the movable side metal member 5M is attached. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the lens holding member 2 in which the movable side conductive member MC is embedded. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the lens holding member 2 in a state in which the flexible metal member 6 is not attached, and the lower view of Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the lens holding member 2 in a state in which the flexible metal member 6 is attached. Note that in Figs. 3 to 5, for clarity, a fine dot pattern is applied to the movable side conductive member MC. In addition, in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, a coarse dot pattern is applied to the movable metal member 5M for clarity, and in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, a coarse dot pattern is applied to the flexible metal member 6 for clarity.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, the movable side mounting surface MS to which the movable side metal member 5M is attached is formed on the movable side pedestal portion 2D of the lens holding member 2. Also, the movable side conductive member MC is embedded in the movable side pedestal portion 2D of the lens holding member 2 by insert molding. In this embodiment, the movable side conductive member MC is formed of a magnetic metal such as iron, and includes a first movable side conductive member MC1 embedded in the first movable side pedestal portion 2D1 and a second movable side conductive member MC2 embedded in the second movable side pedestal portion 2D2. Also, the movable side conductive member MC is configured to have a first portion ES1 and a second portion ES2 exposed on the movable side mounting surface MS, and a third portion ES3 exposed on the lower surface (surface on the Z2 side) of the lens holding member 2. Specifically, the first movable side conductive member MC1 has a first front portion ES1F, a second front portion ES2F, and a third front portion ES3F, and the second movable side conductive member MC2 has a first rear portion ES1B, a second rear portion ES2B, and a third rear portion ES3B.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the movable side metal member 5M is fixed to the movable side mounting surface MS of the movable side pedestal part 2D as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4. Specifically, the movable side mounting surface MS is a plane formed to face upward (Z1 direction), and includes a first movable side mounting surface MS1 formed on the first movable side pedestal part 2D1 and a second movable side mounting surface MS2 formed on the second movable side pedestal part 2D2. The first movable side mounting surface MS1 includes a first movable side upper mounting surface MS1U and a first movable side lower mounting surface MS1D, and the second movable side mounting surface MS2 includes a second movable side upper mounting surface MS2U and a second movable side lower mounting surface MS2D. The first movable side upper mounting surface MS1U is disposed at a higher position than the first movable side lower mounting surface MS1D in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U is disposed at a higher position than the second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D in the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the first movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U and the second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U are disposed at the same position (height) in the Z-axis direction, and the first movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D and the second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D are disposed at the same position (height) in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the first movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U, the second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U, the first movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D, and the second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D are disposed so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis OA. However, the first movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U and the second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U may be disposed at different positions (heights) in the Z-axis direction, and the first movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D and the second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D may be disposed at different positions (heights) in the Z-axis direction.

[0029] Specifically, each of the movable-side metal members 5M has two first through holes 5H1 through which two cylindrical protrusions 2P (see FIG. 3) formed to protrude upward from the movable-side mounting surface MS are inserted, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4. In the illustrated example, the lens holding member 2 and each of the movable-side metal members 5M are joined by hot crimping or cold crimping the two protrusions 2P inserted into the two first through holes 5H1. However, the lens holding member 2 and the movable-side metal member 5M may also be joined by an adhesive.

[0030] Further, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 4, each of the movable-side metal members 5M has a second through hole 5H2 formed in the center. The second through hole 5H2 is used when joining each of the movable-side metal members 5M to the movable-side conductive member MC. In the illustrated example, the joining between each of the movable-side metal members 5M and the movable-side conductive member MC is achieved by laser welding. However, the joining between each of the movable-side metal members 5M and the movable-side conductive member MC may also be achieved by solder or a conductive adhesive.

[0031] More specifically, the first movable side terminal plate 5M1 is placed on and joined to a first movable side upper mounting surface MS1U which is a part of the first movable side mounting surface MS1 formed on the first movable side pedestal portion 2D1, and is joined to a first front portion ES1F of the first movable side conductive member MC1 exposed on the first movable side upper mounting surface MS1U. The second movable side terminal plate 5M2 is placed on and joined to a second movable side lower mounting surface MS2D which is a part of the second movable side mounting surface MS2 formed on the second movable side pedestal portion 2D2, and is joined to a second rear portion ES2B of the second movable side conductive member MC2 exposed on the second movable side lower mounting surface MS2D. The third movable side terminal plate 5M3 is placed on and joined to the second movable side upper mounting surface MS2U which is a part of the second movable side mounting surface MS2 formed on the second movable side pedestal portion 2D2, and is joined to the first rear side portion ES1B of the second movable side conductive member MC2 exposed on the second movable side upper mounting surface MS2U. The fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4 is placed on and joined to the first movable side lower mounting surface MS1D which is a part of the first movable side mounting surface MS1 formed on the first movable side pedestal portion 2D1, and is joined to the second front side portion ES2F of the first movable side conductive member MC1 exposed on the first movable side lower mounting surface MS1D.

[0032] As shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the first through hole 6H1 and the second through hole 6H2 are formed in each of the first base fixing portion 6E1, the second base fixing portion 6E2, and the movable fixing portion 6N of the flexible metal member 6. The first through hole 6H1 is used when joining the flexible metal member 6 to the movable side conductive member MC embedded in the lens holding member 2 or the fixed side conductive member FC (see FIG. 6) embedded in the base member 18. In the illustrated example, the joining between the flexible metal member 6 and the movable side conductive member MC or the fixed side conductive member FC is realized by laser welding. The joining between the flexible metal member 6 and each of the movable side conductive member MC and the fixed side conductive member FC may be realized by solder or a conductive adhesive. The second through hole 6H2 is used when joining the flexible metal member 6 to the lens holding member 2 or the base member 18. In the illustrated example, the flexible metal member 6 is joined to the lens holding member 2 or the base member 18 by hot crimping or cold crimping the convex portion 2Q or the convex portion 18Q inserted into the second through hole 6H2. In the illustrated example, the convex portion 2Q is a cylindrical portion formed so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the lens holding member 2 as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5. Also, the convex portion 18Q is a cylindrical portion formed so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the base member 18 as shown in FIG. 2. However, the flexible metal member 6 may be joined to the lens holding member 2 or the base member 18 by an adhesive.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the joining (welding) between the front movable fixed portion 6NF of the front flexible metal member 6F and the third front portion ES3F of the first movable conductive member MC1 is realized by irradiating a laser to the first through hole 6H1. Also, the joining between the lens holding member 2 and the front movable fixed portion 6NF of the front flexible metal member 6F is realized by applying hot crimping or cold crimping to the convex portion 2Q inserted into the second through hole 6H2. Similarly, the joining (welding) between the rear movable fixed portion 6NB of the rear flexible metal member 6B and the third rear portion ES3B of the second movable conductive member MC2 is realized by irradiating a laser to the first through hole 6H1. Also, the joining between the lens holding member 2 and the rear movable fixed portion 6NB of the rear flexible metal member 6B is realized by applying hot crimping or cold crimping to the convex portion 2Q inserted into the second through hole 6H2.

[0034] Next, the details of the base member 18 as the fixed-side member FB will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the base member 18 and the fixed-side conductive member FC embedded in the base member 18. Fig. 7 is a top view of the base member 18 in which the fixed-side conductive member FC is embedded. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 7 is a top view of the base member 18 in a state in which the fixed-side metal member 5F and the flexible metal member 6 are not attached, and the lower view of Fig. 7 is a top view of the base member 18 in a state in which the fixed-side metal member 5F and the flexible metal member 6 are attached. In Figs. 6 and 7, a fine dot pattern is applied to the fixed-side conductive member FC for clarity. In addition, in the lower view of Fig. 7, a coarse dot pattern is applied to the fixed-side metal member 5F and the flexible metal member 6 for clarity.

[0035] 6, a fixed-side mounting surface FS to which a fixed-side metal member 5F is attached is formed on the fixed-side pedestal portion 18D of the base member 18. A part of a fixed-side conductive member FC is embedded by insert molding in the fixed-side pedestal portion 18D of the base member 18. In this embodiment, the fixed-side conductive member FC is made of a magnetic metal such as iron.

[0036] The fixed-side conductive member FC is configured to have a joint surface portion CS exposed on the upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) of the base member 18, and a terminal portion TM protruding from the lower surface (surface on the Z2 side) of the base member 18 and extending downward (in the Z2 direction). Specifically, the fixed-side conductive member FC includes a first fixed-side conductive member FC1 to a sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6. The first fixed-side conductive member FC1 includes a first terminal portion TM1 and a first joint surface portion CS1, the second fixed-side conductive member FC2 includes a second terminal portion TM2 and a second joint surface portion CS2, the third fixed-side conductive member FC3 includes a third terminal portion TM3 and a third joint surface portion CS3, the fourth fixed-side conductive member FC4 includes a fourth terminal portion TM4 and a fourth joint surface portion CS4, the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 includes a fifth terminal portion TM5 and a fifth joint surface portion CS5, and the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6 includes a sixth terminal portion TM6 and a sixth joint surface portion CS6.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the fixed-side metal member 5F is fixed to the fixed-side mounting surface FS of the fixed-side pedestal portion 18D as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 7. Specifically, the fixed-side mounting surface FS is a flat surface formed to face upward (Z1 direction), and includes a first fixed-side mounting surface FS1 formed on the first fixed-side pedestal portion 18D1 and a second fixed-side mounting surface FS2 formed on the second fixed-side pedestal portion 18D2. The first fixed-side mounting surface FS1 includes a first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U and a first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D, and the second fixed-side mounting surface FS2 includes a second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U and a second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D. The first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U is disposed at a higher position than the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U is disposed at a higher position in the Z-axis direction than the second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D. In the illustrated example, the first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U and the second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U are disposed at the same position (height) in the Z-axis direction, and the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D and the second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D are disposed at the same position (height) in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U, the second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U, the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D, and the second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D are disposed so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis OA. However, the first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U and the second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U may be disposed at different positions (heights) in the Z-axis direction, and the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D and the second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D may be disposed at different positions (heights) in the Z-axis direction.

[0038] Also, the first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U, the second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U, the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D, the second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D, the first movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U, the second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U, the first movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D, and the second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D may be arranged so as to be parallel to the corresponding shape memory alloy wire SA. Specifically, the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D and the first movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U may be arranged so as to be parallel to the first wire SA1 arranged between the first fixed-side terminal plate 5F1 and the first movable-side terminal plate 5M1. Also, the first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U and the second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D may be arranged so as to be parallel to the second wire SA2 arranged between the second fixed-side terminal plate 5F2 and the second movable-side terminal plate 5M2. The second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D and the second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U may be arranged parallel to the third wire SA3 arranged between the third fixed-side terminal plate 5F3 and the third movable-side terminal plate 5M3. The second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U and the first movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D may be arranged parallel to the fourth wire SA4 arranged between the fourth fixed-side terminal plate 5F4 and the fourth movable-side terminal plate 5M4.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 7, each of the fixed-side metal members 5F is formed with two first through holes 5H1 through which two cylindrical protrusions 18P (see Fig. 6) formed to protrude upward from the fixed-side mounting surface FS are inserted. In the illustrated example, the base member 18 and each of the fixed-side metal members 5F are joined by hot crimping or cold crimping the two protrusions 18P inserted into the two first through holes 5H1. However, the base member 18 and the fixed-side metal members 5F may also be joined by an adhesive.

[0040] Further, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 7, each of the fixed-side metal members 5F has a second through hole 5H2 formed in the center. The second through hole 5H2 is used when joining each of the fixed-side metal members 5F to the fixed-side conductive member FC. In the illustrated example, the joining between each of the fixed-side metal members 5F and the fixed-side conductive member FC is realized by laser welding. However, the joining between each of the fixed-side metal members 5F and the fixed-side conductive member FC may also be realized by solder or a conductive adhesive.

[0041] More specifically, the first fixed-side terminal plate 5F1 is placed on and joined to a first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D which is a part of the first fixed-side mounting surface FS1 formed on the first fixed-side pedestal portion 18D1, and is joined to a first joint surface portion CS1 of the first fixed-side conductive member FC1 exposed on the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D. The second fixed-side terminal plate 5F2 is placed on and joined to a first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U which is a part of the first fixed-side mounting surface FS1 formed on the first fixed-side pedestal portion 18D1, and is joined to a second joint surface portion CS2 of the second fixed-side conductive member FC2 exposed on the first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U. The third fixed-side terminal plate 5F3 is placed on and joined to a second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D which is a part of the second fixed-side mounting surface FS2 formed on the second fixed-side pedestal portion 18D2, and is joined to a third joint surface portion CS3 of the third fixed-side conductive member FC3 exposed on the second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D. The fourth fixed-side terminal plate 5F4 is placed on and joined to a second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U which is a part of the second fixed-side mounting surface FS2 formed on the second fixed-side pedestal portion 18D2, and is joined to a fourth joint surface portion CS4 of the fourth fixed-side conductive member FC4 exposed on the second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U.

[0042] 7, the joining between the base member 18 and the first front base fixing portion 6E1F of the front flexible metal member 6F is realized by applying hot or cold crimping to the protruding portion 18Q inserted into the second through hole 6H2. The joining (welding) between the second front base fixing portion 6E2F of the front flexible metal member 6F and the fifth joint surface portion CS5 of the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 is realized by irradiating the first through hole 6H1 with a laser. The joining between the base member 18 and the second front base fixing portion 6E2F of the front flexible metal member 6F is realized by applying hot or cold crimping to the protruding portion 18Q inserted into the second through hole 6H2. Similarly, the joining (welding) between the first rear base fixing portion 6E1B of the rear flexible metal member 6B and the sixth joint surface portion CS6 of the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6 is realized by irradiating the first through hole 6H1 with a laser. The joining between the base member 18 and the first rear base fixing portion 6E1B of the rear flexible metal member 6B is realized by hot crimping or cold crimping the protrusion 18Q inserted into the second through hole 6H2. The joining between the base member 18 and the second rear base fixing portion 6E2B of the rear flexible metal member 6B is realized by hot crimping or cold crimping the protrusion 18Q inserted into the second through hole 6H2.

[0043] Next, with reference to Fig. 8, the positional relationship between each of the lens holding member 2 and the base member 18 and each of the metal member 5 and the flexible metal member 6 will be described. The upper view of Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lens holding member 2 to which the movable side metal member 5M and the flexible metal member 6 are attached. The lower view of Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the base member 18 to which the fixed side metal member 5F and the flexible metal member 6 are attached. The flexible metal member 6 is illustrated in both the upper and lower views of Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, for clarity, a rough dot pattern is applied to the metal member 5 and the flexible metal member 6.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 8, the fixed-side metal member 5F attached to the fixed-side upper mounting surface FSU (see Fig. 6), which is at a relatively high position, is configured to be connected to the movable-side metal member 5M attached to the movable-side lower mounting surface MSD (see Fig. 3), which is at a relatively low position, via one shape memory alloy wire SA (see Fig. 2) on one side of the lens driving device 101. Conversely, the fixed-side metal member 5F attached to the fixed-side lower mounting surface FSD (see Fig. 6), which is at a relatively low position, is configured to be connected to the movable-side metal member 5M attached to the movable-side upper mounting surface MSU (see Fig. 3), which is at a relatively high position, via another shape memory alloy wire SA (see Fig. 2) on another side of the lens driving device 101.

[0045] Specifically, the first fixed-side terminal plate 5F1 attached to the first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D (see FIG. 6) at a relatively low position is connected to the first movable-side terminal plate 5M1 attached to the first movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U (see FIG. 3) at a relatively high position via a first wire SA1 (see FIG. 2) on the front side of the lens driving device 101. Similarly, the second fixed-side terminal plate 5F2 attached to the first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U at a relatively high position is connected to the second movable-side terminal plate 5M2 attached to the second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D at a relatively low position via a second wire SA2 on the left side surface of the lens driving device 101. Also, the third fixed-side terminal plate 5F3 attached to the second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D, which is at a relatively low position, is connected to the third movable-side terminal plate 5M3 attached to the second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U, which is at a relatively high position, via a third wire SA3 on the rear surface of the lens driving device 101. Also, the fourth fixed-side terminal plate 5F4 attached to the second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U, which is at a relatively high position, is connected to the fourth movable-side terminal plate 5M4 attached to the first movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D, which is at a relatively low position, via a fourth wire SA4 on the right side surface of the lens driving device 101.

[0046] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the shape memory alloy wire SA attached to the metal member 5 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram of the first wire SA1 attached to the first movable side terminal plate 5M1 and the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1, respectively, viewed from the Z1 side. The positional relationship of each member shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the positional relationship when the lens driving device 101 is assembled and current is supplied to the shape memory alloy wire SA. For clarity, other members are omitted from FIG. 9. The following description referring to FIG. 9 relates to the first wire SA1, but may be similarly applied to the second wire SA2 to the fourth wire SA4.

[0047] Specifically, one end of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 at the retaining portion J1 of the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1, and the other end of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the first movable side terminal plate 5M1 at the retaining portion J2 of the first movable side terminal plate 5M1.

[0048] The holding portion J1 is formed by bending a part of the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1. Specifically, the part of the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 is bent while sandwiching an end (one end) of the first wire SA1 to form the holding portion J1. The end (one end) of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the holding portion J1 by welding. The same applies to the holding portion J2.

[0049] In this way, one end of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 to the fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4, respectively, and the other end of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the first movable side terminal plate 5M1 to the fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4, respectively. The base member 18 to which the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 to the fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4 are attached is configured to function as a wire support member, and the lens holding member 2 to which the first movable side terminal plate 5M1 to the fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4 are attached is configured to function as a movable side member MB. With this configuration, the lens holding member 2 is supported by the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 and the base member 18 in a state where it can move at least in the Z-axis direction, which is a direction parallel to the optical axis OA.

[0050] Next, the path of the current flowing through the shape memory alloy wire SA will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 14. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the metal member 5 (first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 to fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4 and first movable side terminal plate 5M1 to fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4), flexible metal member 6 (rear side flexible metal member 6B and front side flexible metal member 6F), movable side conductive member MC (first movable side conductive member MC1 and second movable side conductive member MC2), fixed side conductive member FC (first fixed side conductive member FC1 to sixth fixed side conductive member FC6), and shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1 to fourth wire SA4), and shows the positional relationship of the metal member 5, flexible metal member 6, movable side conductive member MC, fixed side conductive member FC, and shape memory alloy wire SA. Fig. 11 to Fig. 14 are each a perspective view of a part of the configuration shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, FIG. 11 is an oblique view of a portion relating to the first wire SA1, FIG. 12 is an oblique view of a portion relating to the second wire SA2, FIG. 13 is an oblique view of a portion relating to the third wire SA3, and FIG. 14 is an oblique view of a portion relating to the fourth wire SA4.

[0051] Specifically, Fig. 11 shows an example of a path of a current flowing through the first wire SA1 when the first fixed-side conductive member FC1 is connected to a high potential and the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 is connected to a low potential. When the first fixed-side conductive member FC1 is connected to a high potential and the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 is connected to a low potential, a current flows through the first fixed-side conductive member FC1, the first fixed-side terminal plate 5F1, the first wire SA1, the first movable-side terminal plate 5M1, the first movable-side conductive member MC1, and the front flexible metal member 6F (the front movable fixed portion 6NF and the second front base fixed portion 6E2F) to the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 11.

[0052] 12 shows an example of a path of a current flowing through the second wire SA2 when the second fixed-side conductive member FC2 is connected to a high potential and the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6 is connected to a low potential. When the second fixed-side conductive member FC2 is connected to a high potential and the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6 is connected to a low potential, a current flows through the second fixed-side conductive member FC2, the second fixed-side terminal plate 5F2, the second wire SA2, the second movable-side terminal plate 5M2, the second movable-side conductive member MC2, and the rear flexible metal member 6B (the rear movable fixed portion 6NB and the first rear base fixed portion 6E1B) to the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6, as shown by the arrows in FIG.

[0053] 13 shows an example of a path of a current flowing through the third wire SA3 when the third fixed-side conductive member FC3 is connected to a high potential and the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6 is connected to a low potential. When the third fixed-side conductive member FC3 is connected to a high potential and the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6 is connected to a low potential, a current flows through the third fixed-side conductive member FC3, the third fixed-side terminal plate 5F3, the third wire SA3, the third movable-side terminal plate 5M3, the second movable-side conductive member MC2, and the rear flexible metal member 6B (the rear movable fixed portion 6NB and the first rear base fixed portion 6E1B) to the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6, as shown by the arrows in FIG.

[0054] 14 shows an example of a path of a current flowing through the fourth wire SA4 when the fourth fixed-side conductive member FC4 is connected to a high potential and the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 is connected to a low potential. When the fourth fixed-side conductive member FC4 is connected to a high potential and the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 is connected to a low potential, a current flows through the fourth fixed-side conductive member FC4, the fourth fixed-side terminal plate 5F4, the fourth wire SA4, the fourth movable-side terminal plate 5M4, the first movable-side conductive member MC1, and the front flexible metal member 6F (the front movable fixed portion 6NF and the second front base fixed portion 6E2F) to the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5, as shown by the arrows in FIG.

[0055] In the illustrated example, two members (the fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 and the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6) connected to the low potential are provided, but these two members may be integrated together, i.e., the low potential may be connected to a single common member.

[0056] A control device (not shown) external to the lens driving device 101 as described above can individually control the contraction of each of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 by, for example, controlling the voltages applied to each of the first fixed-side conductive member FC1 to the sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6. The control device may be disposed inside the lens driving device 101. The control device may also be a component of the lens driving device 101.

[0057] The control device may use, for example, a driving force along a direction parallel to the optical axis OA caused by contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA as the driving unit DM to move the lens holding member 2 along a direction parallel to the optical axis OA on the Z1 side (subject side) of the image sensor IS. By moving the lens holding member 2 in this way, the control device may realize an automatic focus adjustment function, which is one of the lens adjustment functions. Specifically, the control device may move the lens holding member 2 in a direction away from the image sensor IS to enable macro photography, and move the lens holding member 2 in a direction approaching the image sensor IS to enable infinity photography. Alternatively, the control device may use a driving force along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA caused by contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA as the driving unit DM to move the lens holding member 2 along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA on the Z1 side (subject side) of the image sensor IS. By moving the lens holding member 2 in this way, the control device may realize an image stabilization function, which is one of the lens adjustment functions.

[0058] As described above, the lens driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes, as shown in Fig. 2, a base member 18, a lens holding member 2 having a cylindrical portion 12 capable of holding a lens body LS and movable relative to the base member 18, a plurality of fixed side metal members 5F fixed to the base member 18, a plurality of movable side metal members 5M fixed to the lens holding member 2, and a plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA, one end of which is fixed to the corresponding fixed side metal member 5F and the other end of which is fixed to the corresponding movable side metal member 5M, and which are arranged so that the position of one end in the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) differs from the position of the other end in the optical axis direction. The plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA include four shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 to fourth wire SA4) arranged one by one on each of the four sides (front side, left side, rear side, and right side) surrounding the cylindrical portion 12 of the lens holding member 2. The optical axis direction includes the direction of the optical axis OA of the lens body LS and a direction parallel to the optical axis OA.

[0059] In a plan view along the optical axis direction, the base member 18 has a pair of fixed-side mounting surfaces FS (first fixed-side mounting surface FS1 and second fixed-side mounting surface FS2) that are provided to face each other in one diagonal direction across the cylindrical portion 12. Each of the pair of fixed-side mounting surfaces FS (first fixed-side mounting surface FS1 and second fixed-side mounting surface FS2) has a fixed-side upper mounting surface FSU (first fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U and second fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U) and a fixed-side lower mounting surface FSD (first fixed-side lower mounting surface FS1D and second fixed-side lower mounting surface FS2D) that are at different height positions in the optical axis direction, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG.

[0060] The lens holding member 2 has a pair of movable-side mounting surfaces MS (a first movable-side mounting surface MS1 and a second movable-side mounting surface MS2) that are provided to face each other in the other diagonal direction across the cylindrical portion 12. Each of the pair of movable-side mounting surfaces MS (the first movable-side mounting surface MS1 and the second movable-side mounting surface MS2) has a movable-side upper mounting surface MSU (a first movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U and a second movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U) and a movable-side lower mounting surface MSD (a first movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D and a second movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D) that are at different height positions in the optical axis direction, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG.

[0061] Each of the fixed metal members 5F is attached to the corresponding fixed upper mounting surface FSU or fixed lower mounting surface FSD, and each of the movable metal members 5M is attached to the corresponding movable upper mounting surface MSU or movable lower mounting surface MSD. Also, one end of a corresponding one of the shape memory alloy wires SA is fixed to each of the fixed metal members 5F, and the other end of a corresponding one of the shape memory alloy wires SA is fixed to each of the movable metal members 5M.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the fixed side metal member 5F includes a first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 to a fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4. The first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 is attached on the first fixed side lower mounting surface FS1D, the second fixed side terminal plate 5F2 is attached on the first fixed side upper mounting surface FS1U, the third fixed side terminal plate 5F3 is attached on the second fixed side lower mounting surface FS2D, and the fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4 is attached on the second fixed side upper mounting surface FS2U. The movable side metal member 5M includes a first movable side terminal plate 5M1 to a fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4. The first movable side terminal plate 5M1 is mounted on the first movable side upper mounting surface MS1U, the second movable side terminal plate 5M2 is mounted on the second movable side lower mounting surface MS2D, the third movable side terminal plate 5M3 is mounted on the second movable side upper mounting surface MS2U, and the fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4 is mounted on the first movable side lower mounting surface MS1D.

[0063] The shape memory alloy wire SA includes a first wire SA1 to a fourth wire SA4. The first wire SA1 has one end fixed to the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 and the other end fixed to the first movable side terminal plate 5M1. The second wire SA2 has one end fixed to the second fixed side terminal plate 5F2 and the other end fixed to the second movable side terminal plate 5M2. The third wire SA3 has one end fixed to the third fixed side terminal plate 5F3 and the other end fixed to the third movable side terminal plate 5M3. The fourth wire SA4 has one end fixed to the fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4 and the other end fixed to the fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4.

[0064] In the above-mentioned configuration, the fixed-side metal member 5F and the movable-side metal member 5M are attached only from the upper side (Z1 side). Therefore, the above-mentioned configuration has the effect of improving the productivity (assembly) of the lens driving device 101 compared to a configuration in which attachment is performed from each of the four sides (the front side (X1 side), left side (Y1 side), rear side (X2 side), and right side (Y2 side)). In other words, the above-mentioned lens driving device 101 is easier to assemble compared to conventional configurations. The above-mentioned configuration also has the effect of improving the assembly precision of the lens driving device 101.

[0065] 3, a metallic movable-side conductive member MC connected to the movable-side metal member 5M may be embedded in the lens holding member 2. In the illustrated example, the movable-side conductive member MC includes a first movable-side conductive member MC1 and a second movable-side conductive member MC2, but the first movable-side conductive member MC1 and the second movable-side conductive member MC2 may be integrated.

[0066] This configuration brings about the effect of simplifying the structure of the movable-side metal member 5M compared to a configuration in which the movable-side conductive member MC is not embedded in the lens holding member 2. This is because, in this configuration, the movable-side metal member 5M can be relatively easily fixed and electrically connected to the movable-side conductive member MC by welding or the like compared to a configuration in which the movable-side conductive member MC is not embedded in the lens holding member 2.

[0067] 3, a first portion ES1 and a second portion ES2 of the movable-side conductive member MC may be exposed on each of the movable-side upper mounting surface MSU and the movable-side lower mounting surface MSD, which are arranged adjacent to each other in a plan view. A corresponding one of the multiple movable-side metal members 5M may be connected to each of the first portion ES1 and the second portion ES2.

[0068] This configuration has the effect of reducing the number of parts compared to when the movable-side upper mounting surface MSU and the movable-side lower mounting surface MSD are arranged apart from each other. This is because the movable-side conductive member MC can be composed of two or less parts, and one movable-side conductive member MC can be associated with multiple movable-side metal members 5M. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first movable-side conductive member MC1 is associated with the first movable-side terminal plate 5M1 and the fourth movable-side terminal plate 5M4, and the second movable-side conductive member MC2 is associated with the second movable-side terminal plate 5M2 and the third movable-side terminal plate 5M3.

[0069] 2, the lens driving device 101 may have a flexible metal member 6 provided to connect the lens holding member 2 and the base member 18. The flexible metal member 6 may have a base fixing portion 6E fixed to the base member 18, a movable fixing portion 6N fixed to the lower surface of the lens holding member 2, and a flexible arm portion 6G disposed between the base fixing portion 6E and the movable fixing portion 6N. The movable-side conductive member MC may have a third portion ES3 exposed on the lower surface of the lens holding member 2 as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5. The third portion ES3 may be connected to the movable fixing portion 6N on the lower surface side of the lens holding member 2.

[0070] In this configuration, the flexible metal member 6 is provided on the lower surface side of the lens holding member 2. Therefore, this configuration can suppress the presence of the flexible metal member 6 from affecting the attachment of the movable side metal member 5M to the upper surface of the lens holding member 2. In addition, this configuration brings about the effect that it becomes easier to pass electricity through the shape memory alloy wire SA compared to the case where the flexible metal member 6 is not present.

[0071] 6, a metallic fixed-side conductive member FC may be embedded in the base member 18. The fixed-side conductive member FC may have a terminal portion TM exposed to the outside of the base member 18. Some of the fixed-side conductive members FC (first fixed-side conductive member FC1 to fourth fixed-side conductive member FC4) may be connected to the corresponding fixed-side metal members 5F, and other parts of the fixed-side conductive members FC (fifth fixed-side conductive member FC5 and sixth fixed-side conductive member FC6) may be exposed on the upper surface of the base member 18 and connected to the base fixing portion 6E of the flexible metal member 6.

[0072] This configuration has the effect of simplifying the structure of the fixed-side metal member 5F, compared to a configuration in which the fixed-side conductive member FC is not embedded in the base member 18. Also, this configuration has the effect of making it easier to pass electricity through the shape memory alloy wire SA, compared to a configuration in which the fixed-side conductive member FC is not embedded in the base member 18. This is because, in this configuration, the fixed-side metal member 5F can be relatively easily fixed and electrically connected to the fixed-side conductive member FC by welding or the like, compared to a configuration in which the fixed-side conductive member FC is not embedded in the base member 18.

[0073] Moreover, the four shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 to fourth wire SA4), one each on each of the four sides (front, left side, rear, and right side) surrounding the cylindrical portion 12 of the lens holding member 2, may be arranged so as to incline in the same direction when each of the four sides is viewed from the front. FIG. 15 is a front view of the lens driving device 101 with the cover member 4 removed, and corresponds to a view of the front side (X1 side) of the lens holding member 2 as viewed from the front (X1 side). In FIG. 15, the first wire SA1 is arranged so that the left end fixed to the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 is lower and inclined than the right end fixed to the first movable side terminal plate 5M1. The same is true for the second wire SA2 to fourth wire SA4. Although not shown, when the left side surface (Y1 side surface) of the lens holding member 2 is viewed from the front (Y1 side), the second wire SA2 is arranged so that the left end fixed to the second movable side terminal plate 5M2 is lower and inclined than the right end fixed to the second fixed side terminal plate 5F2. Similarly, when the rear surface (X2 side surface) of the lens holding member 2 is viewed from the front (X2 side), the third wire SA3 is arranged so that the left end fixed to the third fixed side terminal plate 5F3 is lower and inclined than the right end fixed to the third movable side terminal plate 5M3. Also, when the right side surface (Y2 side surface) of the lens holding member 2 is viewed from the front (Y2 side), the fourth wire SA4 is arranged so that the left end fixed to the fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4 is lower and inclined than the right end fixed to the fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the left ends (low ends) of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 are configured to be at the same position (height) in the Z-axis direction, and the right ends (high ends) of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 are configured to be at the same position (height) in the Z-axis direction. However, as long as the height difference between the left ends (low ends) and right ends (high ends) of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 is the same, the left ends (low ends) of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 may be at different positions (heights) in the Z-axis direction, and the right ends (high ends) of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4 may be at different positions (heights) in the Z-axis direction.

[0075] In the lens driving device 101, the fixed metal member 5F (see the second fixed terminal plate 5F2 and the fourth fixed terminal plate 5F4 in the lower diagram of FIG. 7) fixed to the fixed upper mounting surface FSU and the movable metal member 5M (see the first movable terminal plate 5M1 and the third movable terminal plate 5M3 in the lower diagram of FIG. 4) fixed to the movable upper mounting surface MSU may be formed to have the same shape. In addition, the fixed metal member 5F (see the first fixed terminal plate 5F1 and the third fixed terminal plate 5F3 in the lower diagram of FIG. 7) fixed to the fixed lower mounting surface FSD and the movable metal member 5M (see the second movable terminal plate 5M2 and the fourth movable terminal plate 5M4 in the lower diagram of FIG. 4) fixed to the movable lower mounting surface MSD may be formed to have the same shape.

[0076] This configuration has the advantage of being able to reduce the number of types of parts compared to when the first fixed side terminal plate 5F1 to the fourth fixed side terminal plate 5F4 and the first movable side terminal plate 5M1 to the fourth movable side terminal plate 5M4 are separate parts. Specifically, this configuration can limit the number of semi-finished products, in which the fixed side metal member 5F is attached to one end of the shape memory alloy wire SA and the movable side metal member 5M is attached to the other end, to only one type. Therefore, this configuration can improve the productivity (assembly) of the lens driving device 101, and ultimately improve mass production.

[0077] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions may be applied to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined as long as there is no technical contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] Reference Signs List 2 Lens holding member 2D Movable-side pedestal portion 2D1 First movable-side pedestal portion 2D2 Second movable-side pedestal portion 2K Opening 2P Convex portion 2Q Convex portion 2S Protruding portion 2S1 First protruding portion 2S2 Second protruding portion 4 Cover member 4A Outer periphery wall portion 4A1 First side plate portion 4A2 Second side plate portion 4A3 Third side plate portion 4A4 Fourth side plate portion 4B Top plate portion 4K Opening 4S Storage portion 5 Metal member 5F Fixed-side metal member 5F1 First fixed-side terminal plate 5F2 Second fixed-side terminal plate 5F3...Third fixed side terminal plate 5F4...Fourth fixed side terminal plate 5H1...First through hole 5H2...Second through hole 5M...Movable side metal member 5M1...First movable side terminal plate 5M2...Second movable side terminal plate 5M3...Third movable side terminal plate 5M4...Fourth movable side terminal plate 6...Flexible metal member 6B...Rear flexible metal member 6E...Base fixing part 6E1...First base fixing part 6E1B...First rear base fixing part 6E1F...First front base fixing part 6E2...Second base fixing part 6E2B...Second rear base fixing part 6E2F...Second front base fixing part 6F...Front flexible metal member 6G...Flexible arm 6G1...First flexible arm 6G1B...First rear flexible arm 6G1F...First front flexible arm 6G2...Second flexible arm 6G2B...Second rear flexible arm 6G2F...Second front flexible arm 6H1...First through hole 6H2...Second through hole 6N...Movable fixed part 6NB...Rear movable fixed part 6NF...Front movable fixed part 12...Cylindrical part 18...Base member 18B...Base 18D...Fixed side pedestal part 18D1...First fixed side pedestal part 18D2...Second fixed side pedestal part 18K...Opening 18P...Convex part 18Q...Convex portion 101...Lens drive device CM...Camera module CS...Joint surface section CS1...First bonding surface section CS2...Second bonding surface section CS3...Third bonding surface section CS4...Fourth bonding surface section CS5...Fifth bonding surface section CS6...Sixth bonding surface section DM...Drive section ES1...First partES1B 1st rear section ES1F 1st front section ES2 2nd section ES2B 2nd rear section ES2F 2nd front section ES3 3rd section ES3B 3rd rear section ES3F 3rd front section FB Fixed side part FC Fixed side conductive part FC1 1st fixed side conductive part FC2 2nd fixed side conductive part FC3 3rd fixed side conductive part FC4 4th fixed side conductive part FC5 5th fixed side conductive part FC6 6th fixed side conductive part FS Fixed side support surface FS1 1st fixed side support surface FS2 2nd fixed side support surface FSD Fixed side lower support surface FS1D 1st fixed side lower support surface FS2D···Second fixed-side lower mounting surface FSU···Fixed-side upper mounting surface FS1U···First fixed-side upper mounting surface FS2U···Second fixed-side upper mounting surface HS···Housing IS··Image sensor LS··Lens body MC···Movable-side conductive part MC1···First movable-side conductive part MC2···Second movable-side conductive part MB··Movable-side part MS···Movable-side mounting surface MS1···First movable-side mounting surface MS2···Second movable-side mounting surface MSD···Movable-side lower mounting surface MS1D···First movable-side lower mounting surface MS2D···Second movable-side lower mounting surface MSU···Movable-side upper mounting surface MS1U···First movable-side upper mounting surface MS2U···Second movable-side upper mounting surface OA···Optical axis SA···Shape memory alloy wire SA1···First wire SA2···Second wire SA3···Third wire SA4···Fourth wire TM···Terminal part TM1···First terminal part TM2···Second terminal part TM3···Third terminal part TM4···Fourth terminal part TM5···Fifth terminal part TM6···Sixth terminal part

Claims

1. A base member; a lens holding member having a cylindrical portion capable of holding a lens body and movable relative to the base member; a plurality of fixed metal members fixed to the base member; a plurality of movable metal members fixed to the lens holding member; a plurality of shape memory alloy wires, one end of which is fixed to a corresponding one of the fixed metal members and the other end of which is fixed to a corresponding one of the movable metal members, and which are arranged such that a position of the one end in the optical axis direction differs from a position of the other end in the optical axis direction, The plurality of shape memory alloy wires include four shape memory alloy wires arranged on each of the four surfaces surrounding the cylindrical portion of the lens holding member, the base member has a pair of fixed-side mounting surfaces provided to face each other in one diagonal direction with the cylindrical portion therebetween in a plan view along the optical axis direction, Each of the pair of fixed-side mounting surfaces has a fixed-side upper mounting surface and a fixed-side lower mounting surface that are at different height positions in the optical axis direction, the lens holding member has a pair of movable-side mounting surfaces provided to face each other in the other diagonal direction with the cylindrical portion therebetween, Each of the pair of movable-side mounting surfaces has a movable-side upper mounting surface and a movable-side lower mounting surface that are at different height positions in the optical axis direction, Each of the plurality of fixed-side metal members is attached to the corresponding fixed-side upper mounting surface or the corresponding fixed-side lower mounting surface, Each of the plurality of movable-side metal members is attached to the corresponding movable-side upper mounting surface or the corresponding movable-side lower mounting surface, The one end of a corresponding one of the shape memory alloy wires is fixed to each of the plurality of fixed metal members, The other end of a corresponding one of the plurality of shape memory alloy wires is fixed to each of the plurality of movable metal members. A lens driving device comprising:

2. a movable-side conductive member made of metal and connected to the movable-side metal member is embedded in the lens holding member; The lens driving device according to claim 1 .

3. a first portion and a second portion of the movable-side conductive member are exposed on the movable-side upper mounting surface and the movable-side lower mounting surface, which are arranged adjacent to each other in a plan view; Each of the first portion and the second portion is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of movable-side metal members. The lens driving device according to claim 2 .

4. a flexible metal member provided to connect the lens holding member and the base member; the flexible metal member has a base fixing portion fixed to the base member, a movable fixing portion fixed to a lower surface of the lens holding member, and a flexible arm portion disposed between the base fixing portion and the movable fixing portion, the movable conductive member has a third portion exposed on a lower surface of the lens holding member, The third portion is connected to the movable fixing portion on a lower surface side of the lens holding member. The lens driving device according to claim 3 .

5. A fixed conductive member made of metal is embedded in the base member, the fixed conductive member has a terminal portion exposed to the outside of the base member, A portion of the fixed-side conductive member is connected to the corresponding fixed-side metal member, another part of the fixed-side conductive member is exposed on the upper surface of the base member and is connected to the base fixing portion of the flexible metal member; 5. The lens driving device according to claim 4.

6. The four shape memory alloy wires arranged on each of the four surfaces surrounding the cylindrical portion of the lens holding member are arranged so as to be inclined in the same direction when each of the four surfaces is viewed from the front.

6. The lens driving device according to claim 1.

7. the fixed-side metal member fixed to the fixed-side upper mounting surface and the movable-side metal member fixed to the movable-side upper mounting surface are formed to have the same shape, The fixed-side metal member fixed to the fixed-side lower mounting surface and the movable-side metal member fixed to the movable-side lower mounting surface are formed to have the same shape.

6. The lens driving device according to claim 1.

8. A lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the lens body held by the lens holding member; An imaging element disposed opposite the lens body, Camera module.

Images