Lens drive device, camera module, and method for manufacturing lens drive device

Abstract

To provide a lens drive device capable of more surely preventing foreign matter from reaching an imaging element.SOLUTION: A lens drive device 101 includes a lens holding member 2 capable of holding a lens body LS, a base member 8 having an opening 8K provided so as to correspond to the lens body LS and vertically penetrating, a drive part DM for moving the lens holding member 2 with respect to the base member 8, and a case member 1 as a support member for supporting the base member 8. The case member 1 includes a base part 1B arranged at the lower side of the base member 8 and a cylindrical part 1C projecting upward from the inner edge part of the base part 1B and arranged inside the opening 8K. An adhesive foreign matter catching member FM is arranged at the top end part 1CT of the cylindrical part 1C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens driving device mounted in, for example, a mobile device with a camera. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a lens driving device that includes a lens holder (lens holding member) capable of holding a lens barrel (lens body), a base (base member) having an opening penetrating in the vertical direction provided to correspond to the lens body, and a driving unit that moves the lens holding member relative to the base member (see Patent Document 1). In this lens driving device, a dust trapping agent (foreign matter capturing material) is provided on the base member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-251517 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned device, since the foreign matter capturing material is provided at a position away from the opening, there is a risk that foreign matter may enter the opening and reach the imaging element.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a lens driving device that can more reliably prevent foreign matter from reaching the imaging element. [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 lens holding member capable of holding a lens body, a base member having an opening penetrating in the vertical direction that corresponds to the lens body, and a driving unit that moves the lens holding member relative to the base member, and has a support member that supports the base member, the support member having a base portion arranged on the underside of the base member and a tubular portion that protrudes upward from the inner edge of the base and is arranged inside the opening, and an adhesive foreign object capture member is arranged on the tip of the tubular portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The above-described lens driving device can more reliably prevent foreign matter from reaching the imaging element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module including a lens driving device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of a coil, a lower leaf spring, and a conductive member that constitute the lens driving device. FIG. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are top and bottom views of a case member that constitutes the lens driving device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lens driving device. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a procedure for providing a foreign object capture member on a case member. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing another procedure for providing a foreign object capture member on a case member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a lens driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module CD including the lens driving device 101. 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. 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. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the right side of the lens driving device 101, and the Y2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the left 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] As shown in FIG. 1, the camera module CD includes a substrate SB, a lens driving device 101, a lens body LS attached to the lens driving device 101, and an image sensor IS mounted on the substrate SB so as to face the lens body LS. The lens body LS, which is shown in FIG. 1, is, for example, a cylindrical lens barrel having at least one lens. The camera module CD may be connected to a control device CTR that is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a memory, and the like. In the illustrated example, the control device CTR is disposed outside the camera module CD, but may be disposed inside the camera module CD. The lens driving device 101, which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, is attached on the substrate SB on which the image sensor IS is mounted, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] Specifically, the lens driving device 101 includes a case member 1 and a cover member 4 which are parts of a fixed side member FB, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The case member 1 and the cover member 4 are configured to function as parts of a housing HS which covers other members. In this embodiment, the case member 1 and the cover member 4 are made of a non-magnetic metal. However, the case member 1 and the cover member 4 may be made of a magnetic metal or a synthetic resin.

[0013] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the case member 1 has a rectangular cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 1A and a rectangular annular flat base portion 1B provided so as to be continuous with the lower end (the end on the Z2 side) of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A. A substantially circular opening 1K is formed in the center of the base portion 1B. The outer peripheral wall portion 1A includes a first side plate portion 1A1 to a fourth side plate portion 1A4. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 face each other, and the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 face each other. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 extend perpendicularly to the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 4A4. The base portion 1B is not limited to a flat plate shape, and may have a recess or a protrusion.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 4 has a rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 4A and a rectangular ring-shaped top plate portion 4B provided so as to be continuous with the upper end (the end on the Z1 side) of the outer wall portion 4A. A substantially circular opening 4K is formed in the center of the top plate portion 4B. The outer 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 top plate portion 4B has recesses formed at each of the four corners, but may be configured to be flat or have protrusions.

[0015] 1, the cover member 4 is joined to the case member 1 by an adhesive. The outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the case member 1 is disposed so as to partially cover the outer peripheral wall portion 4A of the cover member 4. However, the cover member 4 may also be joined to the case member 1 by a conductive adhesive, soldering, welding, or the like.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing HS accommodates a lens holding member 2, a coil 3, a magnet 5, an upper leaf spring 6, a lower leaf spring 7, a base member 8, etc. The lens holding member 2 is a member capable of holding a lens body LS (see Fig. 1) and constitutes a movable member MB. The lens body LS is disposed such that the optical axis OA is aligned with the central axis of the lens driving device 101.

[0017] The lens holding member 2 is formed by injection molding synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the lens holding member 2 includes a cylindrical portion 2C formed to extend along the optical axis OA, an upper base portion 2D to which the upper leaf spring 6 is attached, an outer circumferential portion 2E to which the coil 3 is wound, and a lower base portion 2F to which the lower leaf spring 7 is attached.

[0018] A spiral groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2C in order to increase the adhesive strength between the lens body LS and the cylindrical portion 2C by the adhesive applied between the lens body LS and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2C. The lens body LS may be configured to be screwed onto the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2C.

[0019] The coil 3 is a member that constitutes the driving unit DM. The driving unit DM is a means for moving the lens holding member 2 relative to the fixed member FB. In the illustrated example, the coil 3 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the outer circumferential portion 2E of the lens holding member 2.

[0020] The magnets 5 are members that constitute the driving unit DM. In the illustrated example, the magnets 5 are bipolar magnets and include a first magnet 5A to a fourth magnet 5D. The magnets 5 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential wall portion 4A of the cover member 4 by an adhesive.

[0021] The base member 8 is formed by injection molding using a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). In this embodiment, the base member 8 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a top view, and has a circular opening 8K in the center. Specifically, the base member 8 has a rectangular annular base portion 8B arranged so as to surround the circular opening 8K. The base portion 8B has four sides 8E (a first side portion 8E1 to a fourth side portion 8E4). In addition, a fixed side pedestal portion 8D to which the lower leaf spring 7 is attached is formed at each of the four corners of the base member 8. The fixed side pedestal portion 8D is formed so as to protrude upward from the base portion 8B of the base member 8. In addition, a conductive member CM is embedded in the base portion 8B of the base member 8.

[0022] The base member 8 is integrated with the case member 1 (see FIG. 5). Specifically, the base member 8 is disposed on the upper surface of the base portion 1B of the case member 1, and is fixed to the case member 1 by an adhesive. That is, the case member 1 constitutes a support member that supports the base member 8.

[0023] The upper leaf spring 6 is configured to support the movable member MB (lens holding member 2) movably in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA relative to the fixed member FB (cover member 4). The lower leaf spring 7 is configured to support the movable member MB (lens holding member 2) movably in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA relative to the fixed member FB (base member 8).

[0024] The upper leaf spring 6 is configured to connect an upper pedestal portion 2D formed on the lens holding member 2 and four corner portions of the cover member 4. The lower leaf spring 7 is configured to connect a lower pedestal portion 2F formed on the lens holding member 2 and a fixed-side pedestal portion 8D formed on the base member 8.

[0025] In this embodiment, the upper leaf spring 6 and the lower leaf spring 7 are made from metal plates whose main material is, for example, a copper alloy, a titanium-copper alloy (titanium-copper), or a copper-nickel alloy (nickel-tin-copper), or the like.

[0026] The upper leaf spring 6 has an outer part 6E fixed to the fixed member FB (cover member 4), two inner parts 6N fixed to the movable member MB (lens holding member 2), and four elastically deformable elastic arms 6G connecting the outer part 6E and each of the two inner parts 6N. The outer part 6E is fixed to the cover member 4 and the magnet 5 by an adhesive while being sandwiched between the upper surface of the magnet 5 and the ceiling surface (the lower surface of the recess) of the cover member 4. The inner part 6N is fixed to the upper pedestal part 2D of the lens holding member 2 by an adhesive.

[0027] The lower leaf spring 7 includes a first lower leaf spring 7A and a second lower leaf spring 7B. Each of the first lower leaf spring 7A and the second lower leaf spring 7B has an outer portion 7E fixed to the fixed member FB (base member 8), an inner portion 7N fixed to the movable member MB (lens holding member 2), and two elastically deformable elastic arm portions 7G connecting the outer portion 7E and the inner portion 7N.

[0028] Here, the path of the current flowing through the coil 3, i.e., the connection relationship between the coil 3, the lower leaf spring 7, and the conductive member CM, will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the coil 3, the lower leaf spring 7, and the conductive member CM. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 3 (the view above the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view of the coil 3, the lower leaf spring 7, and the conductive member CM. The lower view of Fig. 3 (the view below the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view of the coil 3, the lower leaf spring 7, and the conductive member CM, and shows the positional relationship between the coil 3, the lower leaf spring 7, and the conductive member CM within the lens driving device 101.

[0029] The coil 3 has one end, the first end 3A, fixed to the inner portion 7N of the first lower leaf spring 7A by a conductive adhesive, solder, welding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "welding, etc."), and the other end, the second end 3B, fixed to the inner portion 7N of the second lower leaf spring 7B by welding, etc.

[0030] The conductive member CM partially embedded in the base member 8 includes a first conductive member CM1, a second conductive member CM2, and a third conductive member CM3, as shown in FIG.

[0031] Specifically, the conductive member CM has terminal portions TM (first terminal portion TM1 to third terminal portion TM3) protruding downward from the lower surface of the base member 8, exposed portions CP (first exposed portion CP1 to third exposed portion CP3) exposed from the surface of the base member 8, and buried portions EP (first buried portion EP1 to third buried portion EP3) buried inside the base member 8. The first conductive member CM1 has the first terminal portion TM1, the first exposed portion CP1, and the first buried portion EP1, the second conductive member CM2 has the second terminal portion TM2, the second exposed portion CP2, and the second buried portion EP2, and the third conductive member CM3 has the third terminal portion TM3, four third exposed portions CP3, and the third buried portion EP3.

[0032] An outer portion 7E of the first lower leaf spring 7A is fixed to the first exposed portion CP1 of the first conductive member CM1 by welding or the like, and an outer portion 7E of the second lower leaf spring 7B is fixed to the second exposed portion CP2 of the second conductive member CM2 by welding or the like. The four third exposed portions CP3 of the third conductive member CM3 are fixed to lower ends of corners of the outer peripheral wall portion 4A of the cover member 4 by welding or the like. The outer peripheral wall portion 4A of the cover member 4 is fixed to the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the case member 1 by welding or the like.

[0033] The terminal portion TM protrudes downward through a through hole 1T (see FIG. 4) formed in the base portion 1B of the case member 1, and is connected to the conductor pattern of the board SB. FIG. 4 is a top view and a bottom view of the case member 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the through hole 1T includes a first through hole 1T1, a second through hole 1T2, and a third through hole 1T3. The first terminal portion TM1 protrudes downward through the first through hole 1T1, the second terminal portion TM2 protrudes downward through the second through hole 1T2, and the third terminal portion TM3 protrudes downward through the third through hole 1T3.

[0034] With this configuration, when the first terminal TM1 of the first conductive member CM1 is connected to a high potential and the second terminal TM2 of the second conductive member CM2 is connected to a low potential, a current flows through the first terminal TM1, the first embedded portion EP1, and the first exposed portion CP1 to the first lower leaf spring 7A, and then flows through the outer portion 7E, the elastic arm portion 7G, and the inner portion 7N of the first lower leaf spring 7A to the first end 3A of the coil 3. Thereafter, the current that has passed through the coil 3 flows through the second end 3B of the coil 3 to the second lower leaf spring 7B, flows through the inner portion 7N, the elastic arm portion 7G, and the outer portion 7E of the second lower leaf spring 7B to the second conductive member CM2, and then flows through the second exposed portion CP2 and the second embedded portion EP2 of the second conductive member CM2 to the second terminal TM2. The same is true when the second terminal TM2 of the second conductive member CM2 is connected to a high potential and the first terminal TM1 of the first conductive member CM1 is connected to a low potential, except that the current flow is reversed.

[0035] Therefore, the control device CTR can control the voltages applied to the first terminal TM1 and the second terminal TM2, respectively, to pass a current through the coil 3 and change the direction of the current flowing through the coil 3. Therefore, the control device CTR can move the movable member MB (lens holding member 2) along the optical axis OA relative to the fixed member FB (magnet 5) by utilizing the Lorentz force, which is a force acting on charged particles moving in the magnetic field generated by the magnet 5. By moving the lens holding member 2 in this manner, the control device CTR can realize an automatic focus adjustment function, which is one of the lens adjustment functions. Specifically, the control device CTR can realize macro photography by moving the lens holding member 2 in a direction away from the image sensor IS, and can realize infinity photography by moving the lens holding member 2 in a direction approaching the image sensor IS.

[0036] Furthermore, when the third terminal portion TM3 of the third conductive member CM3 is grounded, the case member 1 and the cover member 4 are also grounded. This is because the four third exposed portions CP3 of the third conductive member CM3 are conductively connected to the lower ends of the corners of the outer peripheral wall portion 4A of the cover member 4 by welding or the like, and the outer peripheral wall portion 4A of the cover member 4 is conductively connected to the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the case member 1 by welding or the like.

[0037] Therefore, the control device CTR can neutralize the charged housing HS by controlling the grounding of the third terminal unit TM3. In addition, the control device CTR can realize an electromagnetic shielding function by the housing HS that is composed of the case member 1 and the cover member 4.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the housing HS is configured so that the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the case member 1 is located outside the outer peripheral wall portion 4A of the cover member 4, but it may also be configured so that the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the case member 1 is located inside the outer peripheral wall portion 4A of the cover member 4.

[0039] Next, a foreign object capturing member FM, which is a member for capturing foreign objects inside the housing HS of the lens driving device 101, will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the case member 1. Specifically, the upper diagram of Fig. 4 is a top view of the case member 1, and the lower diagram of Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the case member 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lens driving device 101. Specifically, the upper diagram of Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lens driving device 101 viewed from the X1 side on a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane including the dashed line L1 in Fig. 1. The lower diagram of Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the range R1 surrounded by the dashed line in the upper diagram of Fig. 5.

[0040] The foreign matter capture member FM is a member that prevents foreign matter in the housing HS of the lens driving device 101 from passing through the opening 1K of the case member 1 to reach the image sensor IS, and is also called a dust capture gel or dust-proof adhesive. The foreign matter is typically dust generated inside the housing HS of the lens driving device 101, and includes, for example, wear powder generated when the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2) and the fixed side member FB (cover member 4 or base member 8, etc.) come into contact with each other. The foreign matter also includes dust generated outside the housing HS of the lens driving device 101 and entering the housing HS.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the case member 1 has a base 1B and a cylindrical part 1C that protrudes upward (towards Z1) from the inner edge of the base 1B and is disposed outside the opening 1K. As shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 5, an adhesive foreign matter capture member FM is disposed at a tip 1CT of the cylindrical part 1C.

[0042] 5, the cylindrical portion 1C is configured so that the tip portion 1CT is located above the lower end of the lens body LS held by the lens holding member 2. However, the cylindrical portion 1C may also be configured so that the tip portion 1CT is located below the lower end of the lens body LS.

[0043] In addition, in the illustrated example, the tubular portion 1C is configured so that the tip portion 1CT is located below the upper surface of the side portion 8E of the base member 8, but the tip portion 1CT may also be configured so that it is located above the upper surface of the side portion 8E of the base member 8.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the foreign object capture member FM is realized by hardening the foreign object capture material RM, which is a synthetic resin material having fluidity, into a gel state. Specifically, the foreign object capture material RM is a synthetic resin adhesive, which is applied to the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C and hardens into a gel state when irradiated with ultraviolet light. The foreign object capture material RM hardened into a gel state exhibits adhesiveness as the foreign object capture member FM. Note that the foreign object capture material RM may be a material that hardens by a hardening method other than ultraviolet hardening, such as moisture hardening, heat hardening, or anaerobic hardening.

[0045] The foreign object capture member FM is positioned to have an appropriate height HT so that the foreign object capture member FM does not come into contact with the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2 and lens body LS) when the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2 and lens body LS) moves, and so that foreign objects do not pass through the opening 1K through the gap between the tip 1CT and the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2 and lens body LS).

[0046] 5, the case member 1 is configured so that a gap GP is formed between the cylindrical portion 1C and the base member 8 in the radial direction of a circle centered on the optical axis OA. With this configuration, the case member 1 can take in a part of the foreign matter into the space SP, and can prevent the foreign matter from passing through the opening 1K to reach the image sensor IS. The space SP is a space formed between the upper surface of the base portion 1B of the case member 1 and the lower surface of the base portion 8B of the base member 8.

[0047] As shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 4, the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C is formed in a continuous annular shape around the entire circumference of the tubular portion 1C. The foreign matter capture member FM is provided on the tip portion 1CT in a continuous annular shape around the entire circumference of the tubular portion 1C. However, the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C may be formed to include a partial recess or protrusion. Even in this case, the foreign matter capture member FM is desirably provided in a continuous annular shape around the entire circumference of the tubular portion 1C.

[0048] 4, the tubular portion 1C is formed to have a circular ring shape in top view, but may be formed to have a polygonal ring shape such as a square ring, a hexagonal ring, or an octagonal ring in top view, or may be formed to have another shape such as an elliptical ring in top view. In the illustrated example, the case member 1 is configured to have a cylindrical tubular portion 1C extending along the optical axis OA, but may be configured to have a tubular portion 1C in the shape of a truncated cone. That is, the tubular portion 1C may be formed so that the inner diameter at the tip portion 1CT is different from the inner diameter at the lower end portion 1CB.

[0049] Next, referring to FIG. 6, a procedure for providing a foreign object capture member FM at the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure for providing a foreign object capture member FM at the tip portion 1CT. Specifically, four diagrams (first to fourth state diagrams) shown separately on either side of a block arrow in FIG. 6 show the state of the case member 1 that changes over time. The first to fourth state diagrams include diagrams of a cross section of the case member 1 in a state in which it is upside down on a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane including the dashed line L2 in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, as viewed from the Y2 side. The first and second state diagrams also include a cross-sectional view of a housing member CR that houses the foreign object capture material RM.

[0050] The foreign matter capturing material RM is a synthetic resin material having fluidity, and is configured to harden into a gel state when irradiated with ultraviolet rays UV, thereby becoming a foreign matter capturing member FM having adhesiveness.

[0051] The storage member CR is a container that stores the foreign object capture material RM, and is also called a pool. In the illustrated example, the storage member CR is a lidless box-shaped container having a cylindrical wall. Specifically, the storage member CR has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 1K of the case member 1 and smaller than the outer width of the case member 1. That is, as shown in the second state diagram, the storage member CR is configured so that the fluid surface (liquid surface) of the foreign object capture material RM can be attached only to the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C without attaching the fluid surface (liquid surface) of the foreign object capture material RM to any part other than the tip portion 1CT.

[0052] First, as shown in the first state diagram, the case member 1 is moved upside down to a position directly above the storage member CR.

[0053] Thereafter, the case member 1 is lowered so that the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C adheres to the liquid surface of the foreign matter capture material RM contained in the container member CR. The tip portion 1CT is immersed in the foreign matter capture material RM contained in the container member CR, as shown in the second state diagram. In the illustrated example, the tip portion 1CT is immersed in the foreign matter capture material RM so that the foreign matter capture material RM adheres not only to the tip surface but also to the inner surface 1CN and outer surface 1CE as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5.

[0054] Thereafter, the tip 1CT with the foreign matter capturing material RM attached thereto is lifted up from the liquid surface of the foreign matter capturing material RM and moved directly above a light source SR capable of emitting ultraviolet light UV. The tip 1CT that has been lifted up from the liquid surface of the foreign matter capturing material RM still has the foreign matter capturing material RM attached to it. Through this procedure, the foreign matter capturing material RM is applied to the tip 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C. This process of applying the foreign matter capturing material RM to the tip 1CT is called the application process.

[0055] Thereafter, the tip portion 1CT with the foreign object capturing material RM attached thereto is irradiated with ultraviolet light UV from a light source SR, as shown in the third phase diagram. The foreign object capturing material RM irradiated with ultraviolet light UV hardens into a gel-like material and becomes a sticky foreign object capturing member FM, as shown in the fourth phase diagram. Through this procedure, the foreign object capturing material RM applied to the tip portion 1CT is hardened. This process in which the foreign object capturing material RM is hardened is called the hardening process.

[0056] Then, by following this series of steps, foreign matter capture material RM is applied to the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C of the case member 1, and the foreign matter capture material RM applied to the tip portion 1CT becomes a sticky, gel-like foreign matter capture member FM when irradiated with ultraviolet light UV.

[0057] Next, referring to FIG. 7, another procedure for providing a foreign object capture member FM at the tip 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another procedure for providing a foreign object capture member FM at the tip 1CT. Specifically, six diagrams (first to sixth state diagrams) shown separately with block arrows in FIG. 7 show the state of the case member 1 changing with time. The third to sixth state diagrams include diagrams of a cross section of the case member 1 in a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane including the dashed line L3 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4, as viewed from the Y1 side. The first and second state diagrams include a cross section of the housing member CR housing the foreign object capture material RM, and the first to fourth state diagrams include a cross section of the stamper ST.

[0058] The stamper ST is a member used when attaching the foreign matter capture material RM to the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1, and corresponds to a pad used in pad printing. In the illustrated example, the stamper ST is a bottomless box-shaped member having a cylindrical wall surface, and has a base portion BS and a cylindrical portion SC protruding downward (toward the Z2 side) from the outer edge of the base portion BS.

[0059] First, the stamper ST is moved to a position directly above the container member CR as shown in the first state diagram.

[0060] Thereafter, the stamper ST is lowered so that the tip portion SCT of the cylindrical portion SC contacts the fluid surface (liquid surface) of the foreign object capture material RM contained in the container member CR, and the tip portion SCT is immersed in the foreign object capture material RM contained in the container member CR, as shown in the second state diagram.

[0061] Thereafter, the tip portion SCT with the foreign matter capture material RM attached thereto is lifted up from the liquid surface of the foreign matter capture material RM and moved to directly above the case member 1. Specifically, as shown in the third state diagram, the stamper ST is disposed so that the tip portion SCT of the cylindrical portion SC and the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1 face each other in the up-down direction.

[0062] Thereafter, the stamper ST is lowered so that the tip portion SCT of the cylindrical portion SC comes into contact with the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C. When the stamper ST is lowered, the tip portion SCT to which the foreign matter capturing material RM is attached comes into contact with the tip portion 1CT as shown in the fourth state diagram.

[0063] The stamper ST is then pulled away from the case member 1, but the foreign matter capture material RM that was attached to the tip portion SCT of the cylindrical portion SC is transferred to the tip portion 1CT of the case member 1, leaving the tip portion 1CT with the foreign matter capture material RM attached to it.

[0064] By this procedure, the foreign matter capturing material RM is applied to the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C. This step of applying the foreign matter capturing material RM to the tip portion 1CT is called the application step.

[0065] Thereafter, the case member 1 is moved directly under a light source SR capable of emitting ultraviolet light UV.

[0066] Thereafter, the tip portion 1CT with the foreign matter capturing material RM attached thereto is irradiated with ultraviolet light UV from a light source SR, as shown in the fifth phase diagram. The foreign matter capturing material RM irradiated with ultraviolet light UV hardens into a gel-like material and becomes a sticky foreign matter capturing member FM, as shown in the sixth phase diagram. Through this procedure, the foreign matter capturing material RM applied to the tip portion 1CT is hardened. This process in which the foreign matter capturing material RM is hardened is called the hardening process.

[0067] Then, by following this series of steps, foreign matter capture material RM is applied to the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C of the case member 1, and the foreign matter capture material RM applied to the tip portion 1CT becomes a sticky, gel-like foreign matter capture member FM when irradiated with ultraviolet light UV.

[0068] As described above, the lens driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a lens holding member 2 capable of holding a lens body LS, which is an example of an optical element, a base member 8 having an opening 8K penetrating in the vertical direction provided to correspond to (face) the lens body LS, a driving unit DM for moving the lens holding member 2 relative to the base member 8, and a support member (case member 1) for supporting the base member 8. In this embodiment, the support member is configured by a case member 1 capable of housing at least a part of the base member 8. The support member (case member 1) has a base portion 1B disposed on the lower side (Z2 side) of the base member 8 (opposite the side on which the lens holding member 2 is disposed) and a cylindrical portion 1C protruding upward from the inner edge of the base portion 1B and disposed inside the opening 8K. As shown in FIG. 5, an adhesive foreign object capturing member FM is disposed on a tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C.

[0069] With this configuration, the lens driving device 101 can prevent foreign matter such as dirt, dust, or wear powder from passing through the opening 8K of the base member 8 to the image sensor IS. This is because the foreign matter can be captured by the sticky foreign matter capture member FM provided at the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1, which is a support member located inside the opening 8K of the base member 8. Also, this is because the foreign matter capture member FM is disposed in a narrow intrusion route between the support member (case member 1) and the lens body LS through which the foreign matter can pass.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the driving unit DM is configured by a voice coil motor including a coil 3 and a magnet 5, but may be configured by other members such as a shape memory alloy wire or a piezoelectric element.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the foreign matter capture member FM may be disposed not only at the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C but also on the inner surface 1CN and outer surface 1CE located on the tip side of the tubular portion 1C.

[0072] Compared to a configuration in which the foreign object capture member FM is arranged only at the tip portion 1CT, this configuration has the advantage that foreign objects are less likely to invade the imaging element IS, i.e., foreign objects can be more reliably prevented from reaching the imaging element IS.

[0073] The support member may also be constituted by a case member 1 formed from a metal plate, and may have a gap GP between the inner surface 8N of the base member 8 facing the opening 1K and the outer surface 1CE of the tubular portion 1C, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0074] 5, this configuration allows foreign matter to be taken into the space SP through the gap GP, that is, foreign matter can be captured not only by the foreign matter capturing member FM but also between the base member 8 and the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1, thereby providing the effect of more reliably preventing foreign matter from reaching the imaging element IS. Also, this configuration having the case member 1 formed from a metal plate allows the thickness of the case member 1 (cylindrical portion 1C) to be thinner than when the case member 1 is formed from a synthetic resin or the like, providing the effect of preventing the inner diameter of the opening 1K for exposing the imaging element IS from becoming smaller due to the thickness of the cylindrical portion 1C.

[0075] 2, the case member 1, which is a support member, may have an outer peripheral wall portion 1A located outside the base member 8. The case member 1 formed of a metal plate may configure a housing HS together with a cover member 4 also formed of a metal plate. In this case, the case member 1 and the cover member 4 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0076] This configuration, unlike a configuration in which at least one of the case member 1 and the cover member 4 is made of a material other than a metal plate, brings about the effect of being able to provide an electromagnetic shielding function.

[0077] Furthermore, the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C may be formed so as to be continuous in an annular shape around the entire circumference of the tubular portion 1C, as shown in Fig. 4. The foreign matter capture member FM may be provided so as to be continuous in an annular shape around the entire circumference of the tubular portion 1C.

[0078] Compared to a configuration in which the foreign object capture member FM is provided intermittently along the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C, this configuration has the advantage that foreign objects are less likely to invade the imaging element IS, i.e., foreign objects can be more reliably prevented from reaching the imaging element IS.

[0079] In addition, the manufacturing method of the lens driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a coating process of coating the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C with a foreign object capture material RM, which is a synthetic resin material having fluidity, and a curing process of hardening the foreign object capture material RM to form a foreign object capture member FM having adhesive properties, as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG.

[0080] The lens driving device 101 manufactured by such a manufacturing method can prevent foreign matter such as dirt, dust, or wear powder from passing through the opening 8K of the base member 8 to the image sensor IS. This is because the foreign matter can be captured by the sticky foreign matter capturing member FM provided at the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1, which is a support member located inside the opening 8K of the base member 8.

[0081] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the lens driving device 101 may include, after the curing step, an assembling step of assembling the base member 8 and the case member 1, which is a support member.

[0082] This manufacturing method has the effect of preventing the foreign matter capturing material RM from adhering to the base member 8 when the base member 8 and the case member 1 are assembled together. This is because the foreign matter capturing material RM has already hardened at the time of the assembly step.

[0083] In addition, the application process may be performed by contacting the tip portion 1CT of the tubular portion 1C of the case member 1, which is an inverted (turned upside down) support member, with the foreign matter capture material RM stored in the storage member CR, as shown in the second state diagram of Figure 6.

[0084] This manufacturing method has the advantage of being able to improve workability compared to a manufacturing method that includes a step of applying the foreign matter capture material RM to the tip portion 1CT using a nozzle, etc. In other words, this manufacturing method has the advantage of making it easier to apply the foreign matter capture material RM to the tip portion 1CT.

[0085] Furthermore, the curing step may be performed by irradiating the tip portion 1CT with ultraviolet light UV while the case member 1, which is the support member, is in an inverted state, as shown in a third state diagram in FIG.

[0086] This manufacturing method has the advantage of being able to improve workability compared to a manufacturing method that includes a step of returning the inverted case member 1 to its original position before irradiating the tip portion 1CT with ultraviolet light UV.

[0087] The coating step may also be performed by transfer, as shown in Fig. 7. In the example shown in Fig. 7, in the coating step, the foreign matter capturing material RM attached to the tip portion SCT of the cylindrical portion SC of the stamper ST is transferred to the tip portion 1CT of the case member 1.

[0088] This manufacturing method has the advantage of improving workability compared to manufacturing methods that include a step of applying the foreign matter capture material RM to the tip portion 1CT using a nozzle, etc. This is because the foreign matter capture material RM attached to the tip portion SCT of the cylindrical portion SC of the stamper ST is transferred to the tip portion 1CT of the case member 1 simply by bringing the tip portion SCT of the cylindrical portion SC of the stamper ST into contact with the tip portion 1CT of the cylindrical portion 1C of the case member 1.

[0089] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications or 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]

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Case member 1A Outer peripheral wall portion 1A1 First side plate portion 1A2 Second side plate portion 1A3 Third side plate portion 1A4 Fourth side plate portion 1B Base portion 1C Cylindrical portion 1CB Lower end portion 1CE Outer surface 1CN Inner surface 1CT Tip portion 1K Opening 1T Through hole 1T1 First through hole 1T2 Second through hole 1T3 Third through hole 2 Lens holding member 2C Cylindrical portion 2D Upper base portion 2E Outer peripheral portion 2F Lower base portion 3 Coil 3A First end portion 3B Second end portion 4 Cover member 4A...Outer wall part 4A1...First side plate part 4A2...Second side plate part 4A3...Third side plate part 4A4...Fourth side plate part 4B...Top plate part 4K...Opening 5...Magnet 5A...First magnet 5B...Second magnet 5C...Third magnet 5D...Fourth magnet 6...Upper leaf spring 6E...Outer part 6G...Elastic arm 6N...Inner part 7...Lower leaf spring 7A...First lower leaf spring 7B...Second lower leaf spring 7E...Outer part 7G...Elastic arm 7N...Inner part 8...Base member 8B...Base 8D...Fixed side pedestal part 8E...Side part 8E1...First side 8E2...Second side 8E3...Third side 8E4...Fourth side 8K...Opening 8N...Inner surface 101...Lens drive unit BS...Base CD...Camera module CM...Conductive member CM1...First conductive member CM2...Second conductive member CM3...Third conductive member CP...Exposed part CP1...First exposed part CP2...Second exposed part CP3...Third exposed part CR...Housing member CTR...Control device DM...Drive unit EP...Buried part EP1...First buried part EP2...Second buried part EP3...Third buried part FB...Fixed side member FM...Foreign object capture member GP...Gap HS...Housing IS...Image sensor LS...Lens body MB...Movable part OA...Optical axis RM...Foreign matter capture material SB...Substrate SC...Cylindrical part SCT...Tip part SP...Space SR...Light source ST...Stamper TM...Terminal part TM1...First terminal part TM2...Second terminal part TM3...Third terminal part UV...Ultraviolet light

Claims

1. a lens holding member capable of holding a lens body; a base member having an opening extending therethrough in a vertical direction so as to correspond to the lens body; a drive unit that moves the lens holding member relative to the base member, a support member for supporting the base member; the support member has a base portion disposed below the base member and a cylindrical portion protruding upward from an inner edge portion of the base portion and disposed inside the opening, An adhesive foreign matter capture member is disposed at the tip of the cylindrical portion. A lens driving device comprising:

2. The foreign object capture member is also disposed on the inner and outer surfaces located on the tip side of the cylindrical portion. The lens driving device according to claim 1 .

3. The support member is configured by a case member formed of a metal plate, and has a gap between an inner surface of the base member facing the opening and an outer surface of the cylindrical portion.

3. The lens driving device according to claim 1.

4. the support member is a case member formed of a metal plate, the case member has an outer peripheral wall portion located outside the base member, and constitutes a housing together with a cover member formed of a metal plate; The case member and the cover member are electrically connected to each other.

3. The lens driving device according to claim 1.

5. The foreign object capture member is provided continuously in an annular shape around the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion.

3. The lens driving device according to claim 1.

6. The lens driving device according to claim 1 or 2, The lens body; An imaging element facing the lens body, Camera module.

7. a lens holding member capable of holding a lens body; a base member having an opening extending therethrough in a vertical direction so as to correspond to the lens body; a drive unit that moves the lens holding member relative to the base member, a support member for supporting the base member; the support member has a base portion disposed below the base member and a cylindrical portion protruding upward from an inner edge portion of the base portion and disposed inside the opening, a coating step of coating a foreign matter capture material made of a synthetic resin having fluidity on the tip of the cylindrical portion; and a curing step of curing the foreign matter capture material to form a foreign matter capture member having adhesiveness. A manufacturing method of a lens driving device comprising:

8. After the curing step, a combining step of combining the base member and the support member is included. A method for manufacturing the lens driving device according to claim 7.

9. the applying step is performed by bringing the tip end of the tubular portion of the inverted support member into contact with the foreign matter capture material stored in a container member; A method for manufacturing the lens driving device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The curing step is performed by irradiating the tip with ultraviolet light while the support member is in an inverted state. A method for manufacturing the lens driving device according to claim 9.

11. The coating step is carried out by transfer. A method for manufacturing the lens driving device according to claim 7 or 8.

Images