Camera module

Abstract

To provide a camera module in which the movement of a holding body holding a lens is not inhibited by a flexible printed circuit board.SOLUTION: A camera module comprises: a lens; a holding body that holds the lens; a frame that surrounds the holding body; a driving mechanism that moves the holding body relative to the frame; and a flexible printed circuit board that includes a connection part connected to the holding body, an attachment part attached to the frame, and a meandering part meandering between the connection part and the attachment part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera module.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device. In the imaging device, a module holder holds a camera module. Also, a drive mechanism moves the module holder. Thereby, the optical axis regarding the lens body of the camera module is tilted. Further, the lower surface portion of a flexible printed circuit board is attached to the drive mechanism. Also, the front surface portion of the flexible printed circuit board extends upward from the front end portion of the lower surface portion of the flexible printed circuit board and is folded back to extend outside the housing (paragraphs 0009, 0017, and 0024).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the flexible printed circuit board may inhibit the movement of the camera module.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. An aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide, for example, a camera module in which the movement of a holder that holds a lens is not inhibited by a flexible printed circuit board.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A camera module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lens, a holder that holds the lens, a frame that surrounds the holder, a drive mechanism that moves the holder relative to the frame, and a flexible printed circuit board including a connection portion connected to the holder, an attachment portion attached to the frame, and a meandering portion that meanders between the connection portion and the attachment portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Camera Module FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a state of the camera module according to the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a state of the camera module according to the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a state of the camera module according to the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the camera module according to the first embodiment.

[0010] The camera module 1 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 is incorporated into a smartphone. The camera module 1 may be incorporated into a mobile communication terminal other than a smartphone. For example, the camera module 1 may be incorporated into a feature phone, a tablet, or the like. The camera module 1 may be incorporated into a device other than a mobile communication terminal.

[0011] The camera module 1 forms an image of an object, captures the formed image of the object, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured image of the object.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the camera module 1 includes a lens 11, a sensor unit 12, a shift actuator 13, a tilt actuator 14, two flexible printed circuits (FPCs) 15, two connectors 16, an FPC 17, a connector 18, an FPC 19, and a connector 20.

[0013] The lens 11 condenses the light coming from an object onto the imaging surface of the sensor unit 12. Thereby, the lens 11 forms an image of the object on the imaging surface of the sensor unit 12. The lens 11 has an optical axis 11p.

[0014] Here, a Z direction DZ parallel to the optical axis 11p and an X direction DX and a Y direction DY perpendicular to the optical axis 11p in a state where the shift actuator 13 and a holder 31 described later are not tilted are defined. The X direction DX and the Y direction DY are perpendicular to each other. Also, a +X direction DX1 which is one direction of the X direction DX, a -X direction DX2 which is the other direction of the X direction DX, a +Y direction DY1 which is one direction of the Y direction DY, a -Y direction DY2 which is the other direction of the Y direction DY, a +Z direction DZ1 which is one direction of the Z direction DZ, and a -Z direction DZ2 which is the other direction of the Z direction DZ are defined.

[0015] The sensor unit 12 operates using the supplied power. The sensor unit 12 captures an image of the object imaged on the imaging surface according to the input control signal. The sensor unit 12 outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured image of the object.

[0016] The sensor unit 12 is coupled to the shift actuator 13. Therefore, the sensor unit 12 and the shift actuator 13 move integrally.

[0017] The shift actuator 13 shifts the lens 11 in the X direction DX, the Y direction DY, and the Z direction DZ according to the input drive signal. Thereby, the camera module 1 can perform focusing and optical image stabilization.

[0018] The shift actuator 13 is movable and not fixed to the housing of the smartphone in which the camera module 1 is incorporated or the like.

[0019] The tilt actuator 14 tilts the shift actuator 13 in the direction from the Z direction DZ to the X direction DX and the Y direction DY according to the input drive signal. As a result, the tilt actuator 14 tilts the sensor unit 12 and the shift actuator 13 in the direction from the Z direction DZ to the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. Thereby, the camera module 1 can perform optical shake correction.

[0020] The tilt actuator 14 is fixed to the housing of the smartphone in which the camera module 1 is incorporated or the like.

[0021] The first ends of the two FPCs 15 are electrically and mechanically connected to the sensor unit 12. The second ends of the two FPCs 15 are electrically and mechanically connected to the two connectors 16, respectively. The FPC 15 transmits power from the two connectors 16 to the sensor unit 12 and supplies the transmitted power to the sensor unit 12. The FPC 15 transmits a control signal from the two connectors 16 to the sensor unit 12 and inputs the transmitted control signal to the sensor unit 12. The FPC 15 transmits the image signal output from the sensor unit 12 to the two connectors 16.

[0022] The two FPCs 15 can be easily deformed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the two FPCs 15 from inhibiting the tilt of the sensor unit 12.

[0023] By pulling out the two FPCs 15 from the sensor unit 12, it is possible to suppress the FPC 15 from inhibiting the tilt of the sensor unit 12 as compared with the case where one FPC 15 is pulled out from the sensor unit 12.

[0024] The camera module 1 may include three or more FPCs 15 and may include three or more connectors 16.

[0025] The first end of the FPC 17 is electrically and mechanically connected to the shift actuator 13. The second end of the FPC 17 is electrically and mechanically connected to the connector 18. The FPC 17 transmits a drive signal from the connector 18 to the shift actuator 13 and inputs the transmitted drive signal to the shift actuator 13.

[0026] The FPC 17 can be easily deformed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the FPC 17 from inhibiting the tilt of the shift actuator 13.

[0027] The first end of the FPC 19 is electrically and mechanically connected to the tilt actuator 14. The second end of the FPC 19 is electrically and mechanically connected to the connector 20. The FPC 19 transmits a drive signal from the connector 20 to the tilt actuator 14 and inputs the transmitted drive signal to the tilt actuator 14.

[0028] The two connectors 16, the connector 18, and the connector 20 are electrically and mechanically connected to the connector of the smartphone in which the camera module 1 is incorporated.

[0029] Four FPCs including two FPCs 15, FPC 17, and FPC 19 are drawn out from the camera module 1.

[0030] 1.2 Shift Actuator FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a state of a holder, a frame, and an FPC provided in the camera module of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely downward. FIG. 6 is a bottom view schematically showing the holder, the frame, and the FPC provided in the camera module of the first embodiment.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6, the shift actuator 13 includes a holder 31 and a plurality of energization pins 32. The shift actuator 13 includes a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0032] The holder 31 constitutes a movable part that is not fixed to the housing of a smartphone or the like in which the camera module 1 is incorporated.

[0033] The holder 31 has a shape of a perforated rectangular parallelepiped. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a hole 311 is formed in the holder 31. The hole 311 is a round hole. The hole 311 houses the lens 11. The holder 31 holds the lens 11 housed in the hole 311.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the holder 31 has an upper surface 312, a lower surface 313, an inner peripheral surface 314, and an outer peripheral surface 315.

[0035] The upper surface 312 and the lower surface 313 of the holder 31 are perpendicular to the Z direction DZ, are separated from each other in the Z direction DZ, and face the +Z direction DZ1 and the -Z direction DZ2, respectively.

[0036] The inner peripheral surface 314 of the holder 31 extends from the inner periphery of the upper surface 312 of the holder 31 to the inner periphery of the lower surface 313 of the holder 31. The inner peripheral surface 314 is a circumferential surface having a central axis that coincides with the optical axis 11p. The inner peripheral surface 314 defines the hole 311 of the holder 31.

[0037] The outer peripheral surface 315 of the holder 31 extends from the outer periphery of the upper surface 312 of the holder 31 to the outer periphery of the lower surface 313 of the holder 31.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the outer peripheral surface 315 of the holder 31 has a first surface 315a, a second surface 315b, a third surface 315c, and a fourth surface 315d. The first surface 315a and the second surface 315b are perpendicular to the X direction DX, are separated from the optical axis 11p in the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively, and face the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively. The third surface 315c and the fourth surface 315d are perpendicular to the Y direction DY, are separated from the optical axis 11p in the +Y direction DY1 and the -Y direction DY2, respectively, and face the +Y direction DY1 and the -Y direction DY2, respectively.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, when the holder 31 is viewed in a plan view from the -Z direction DZ2, it has a square outer shape. The square outer shape has a first side 31a, a second side 31b, a third side 31c, and a fourth side 31d.

[0040] The first side 31a and the second side 31b of the holder 31 are perpendicular to the X direction DX, are separated from the optical axis 11p by the same distance in the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively, and face each other. The third side 31c and the fourth side 31d of the holder 31 are perpendicular to the Y direction DY, are separated from the optical axis 11p by the same distance in the +Y direction DY1 and the -Y direction DY2, respectively, and face each other. The holder 31 may have an outer shape other than the square outer shape.

[0041] Each of the plurality of energization pins 32 included in the plurality of energization pins 32 includes an embedded portion and a protruding portion. The embedded portion is embedded in the holder 31. The protruding portion protrudes from the lower surface 313 of the holder 31 in the -Z direction DZ2.

[0042] The plurality of energization pins 32 are electrically connected to a drive mechanism provided in the shift actuator and the first end of the FPC 17. Thereby, the drive signal transmitted by the FPC 17 can be supplied to the drive mechanism provided in the shift actuator.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the plurality of energization pins 32 include first energization pins 32a1 and 32a2 and second energization pins 32b1 and 32b2. The first energization pins 32a1 and 32a2 are arranged along the first side 31a of the holder 31. The second energization pins 32b1 and 32b2 are arranged along the second side 31b of the holder 31.

[0044] The drive mechanism provided in the shift actuator moves the lens 11 according to the supplied drive signal. Thereby, the shift actuator 13 shifts the lens 11.

[0045] The drive mechanism provided in the shift actuator is a voice coil motor. The drive mechanism may be a drive mechanism other than the voice coil motor.

[0046] 1.3 Tilt actuator As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the tilt actuator 14 includes a frame 41 and a plurality of energization pins 42. The tilt actuator 14 includes a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0047] The frame 41 constitutes a fixing portion fixed to a housing or the like of a smartphone in which the camera module 1 is incorporated.

[0048] The frame 41 has a square frame shape. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a hole 411 is formed in the frame 41. The hole 411 is a square hole. The hole 411 houses the shift actuator 13. Thereby, the frame 41 surrounds the shift actuator 13. Thereby, the frame 41 surrounds the holder 31 provided in the shift actuator 13.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the frame 41 has an upper end surface 412, a lower end surface 413, an inner peripheral surface 414, and an outer peripheral surface 415.

[0050] The upper end face 412 and the lower end face 413 of the frame 41 are perpendicular to the Z direction DZ, are separated from each other in the Z direction DZ, and face the +Z direction DZ1 and the -Z direction DZ2, respectively.

[0051] The inner peripheral surface 414 of the frame 41 extends from the inner periphery of the upper end face 412 of the frame 41 to the inner periphery of the lower end face 413 of the frame 41. The inner peripheral surface 414 defines the hole 411 of the frame 41.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the inner peripheral surface 414 of the frame 41 has a first surface 414a, a second surface 414b, a third surface 414c, and a fourth surface 414d.

[0053] The first surface 414a and the second surface 414b of the frame 41 are perpendicular to the X direction DX, are separated from the optical axis 11p in the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively, and face the -X direction DX2 and the +X direction DX1, respectively. The third surface 414c and the fourth surface 414d of the frame 41 are perpendicular to the Y direction DY, are separated from the optical axis 11p, and face the -Y direction DY2 and the +Y direction DY1, respectively. The first surface 414a, the second surface 414b, the third surface 414c, and the fourth surface 414d face the first surface 315a, the second surface 315b, the third surface 315c, and the fourth surface 315d of the outer peripheral surface 315 of the holding body 31 with a gap therebetween.

[0054] The outer peripheral surface 415 of the frame 41 extends from the outer periphery of the upper end face 412 of the frame 41 to the outer periphery of the lower end face 413 of the frame 41.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the outer peripheral surface 415 has a first surface 415a, a second surface 415b, a third surface 415c, and a fourth surface 415d. The first surface 415a and the second surface 415b are perpendicular to the X direction DX, are separated from the optical axis 11p in the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively, and face the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively. The third surface 415c and the fourth surface 415d are perpendicular to the Y direction DY, are separated from the optical axis 11p in the +Y direction DY1 and the -Y direction DY2, respectively, and face the +Y direction DY1 and the -Y direction DY2, respectively.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, when the frame 41 is viewed in a plan view from the -Z direction DZ2, it has a square outer shape. The square outer shape has a first side 41a, a second side 41b, a third side 41c, and a fourth side 41d.

[0057] The first side 41a and the second side 41b of the frame 41 are perpendicular to the X direction DX, are separated from the optical axis 11p by the same distance in the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively, and face each other. The third side 41c and the fourth side 41d of the frame 41 are perpendicular to the Y direction DY, are separated from the optical axis 11p by the same distance in the +Y direction DY1 and the -Y direction DY2, respectively, and face each other. The frame 41 may have an outer shape other than the square outer shape.

[0058] Each of the plurality of power supply pins 42 included in the plurality of power supply pins 42 includes an embedded portion and a protruding portion. The embedded portion is embedded in the frame 41. The protruding portion protrudes from the lower end surface 413 of the frame 41 in the -Z direction DZ2.

[0059] The plurality of power supply pins 42 are electrically connected to a drive mechanism provided in the tilt actuator and the first end of the FPC 19. Thereby, the drive signal transmitted by the FPC 19 can be supplied to the drive mechanism provided in the tilt actuator.

[0060] The drive mechanism provided in the tilt actuator moves the shift actuator 13 according to the supplied drive signal. Thereby, the tilt actuator 14 tilts the shift actuator 13.

[0061] The drive mechanism provided in the tilt actuator may be any drive mechanism, for example, a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator. The drive mechanism may be a drive mechanism other than the SMA wire actuator.

[0062] 1.4 Insertion of the meandering portion between the connection portion and the attachment portion in the FPC As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the FPC 17 includes first connection portions 51a1 and 51a2, second connection portions 51b1 and 51b2, an attachment portion 52, first meandering portions 53a1 and 53a2, and second meandering portions 53b1 and 53b2.

[0063] The first connection portions 51a1 and 51a2 and the second connection portions 51b1 and 51b2 are connected to the holder 31. The attachment portion 52 is attached to the frame 41. Thereby, the holder 31 is connected to the frame 41 via the FPC 17. The FPC 17 can be deformed. Thereby, the holder 31 is supported by the FPC 17 in a state where it can be displaced relative to the frame 41.

[0064] The first meandering portion 53a1 is between the first connection portion 51a1 and the attachment portion 52. The first meandering portion 53a2 is between the first connection portion 51a2 and the attachment portion 52. The second meandering portion 53b1 is between the second connection portion 51b1 and the attachment portion 52. The second meandering portion 53b2 is between the second connection portion 51b2 and the attachment portion 52.

[0065] Each meandering portion 53 included in the first meandering portions 53a1 and 53a2 and the second meandering portions 53b1 and 53b2 meanders. Thereby, each meandering portion 53 can be easily deformed. Thereby, the FPC 17 can be easily deformed according to the movement of the holder 31 with respect to the frame 41. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the movement of the holder 31 from being inhibited by the FPC 17. Thereby, the tilt actuator 14 can move the shift actuator 13 with a small thrust.

[0066] The first meandering portions 53a1 and 53a2 and the second meandering portions 53b1 and 53b2 are arranged radially inward of the outer peripheral surface 415 of the frame 41. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the first meandering portions 53a1 and 53a2 and the second meandering portions 53b1 and 53b2 from protruding from the frame 41 and making it difficult to handle the camera module 1. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the first meandering portions 53a1 and 53a2 and the second meandering portions 53b1 and 53b2 from lowering the commercial value of the camera module 1.

[0067] Each meandering portion 53 desirably has a line width of 1.0 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less and a thickness of 75 μm or more and 125 μm or less.

[0068] 1.5 Symmetry of FPC extraction from the holder As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the FPC 17 includes first extraction portions 54a1 and 54a2 and second extraction portions 54b1 and 54b2.

[0069] The first extraction portion 54a1 is between the first connection portion 51a1 and the first meandering portion 53a1. The first extraction portion 54a2 is between the first connection portion 51a2 and the first meandering portion 53a2. The second extraction portion 54b1 is between the second connection portion 51b1 and the second meandering portion 53b1. The second extraction portion 54b2 is between the second connection portion 51b2 and the second meandering portion 53b2.

[0070] The first connection portions 51a1 and 51a2 are arranged along the first side 31a of the holder 31. The second connection portions 51b1 and 51b2 are arranged along the second side 31b of the holder 31.

[0071] The first lead-out portions 54a1 and 54a2 are respectively connected to the first connection portions 51a1 and 51a2, and are led out from the first side 31a of the holder 31. When the first lead-out portions 54a1 and 54a2 are led out from the first side 31a, they cross the first side 31a and extend from a region radially inside the first side 31a to a region radially outside the first side 31a. The second lead-out portions 54b1 and 54b2 are respectively connected to the second connection portions 51b1 and 51b2, and are led out from the second side 31b of the holder 31. When the second lead-out portions 54b1 and 54b2 are led out from the second side 31b, they cross the second side 31b and extend from the radially inner region of the second side 31b to the radially outer region of the second side 31b.

[0072] The first lead-out portion 54a1 and the second lead-out portion 54b1 are respectively led out from the first side 31a and the second side 31b of the holder 31, which are the first opposing side and the second opposing side facing each other. The first lead-out portion 54a2 and the second lead-out portion 54b2 are respectively led out from the first side 31a and the second side 31b of the holder 31, which are the first opposing side and the second opposing side facing each other. Thereby, the symmetry of the X-direction DX of the lead-out of the FPC17 from the holder 31 can be increased. Thereby, the symmetry of the reaction force in the X-direction DX generated by the FPC17 can be increased.

[0073] 1.6 Symmetry of the planar shape of the FPC As shown in FIG. 6, the second connection portions 51b1 and 51b2, the second lead-out portions 54b1 and 54b2, and the second meandering portions 53b1 and 53b2 respectively have a planar shape that is symmetric with the planar shape of the first connection portions 51a1 and 51a2, the first lead-out portions 54a1 and 54a2, and the first meandering portions 53a1 and 53a2 with respect to the YZ plane including the optical axis 11p. Thereby, the symmetry of the reaction force in the X-direction DX generated by the FPC17 can be increased.

[0074] The first connecting portion 51a2, the first leading portion 54a2, the first meandering portion 53a2, the second connecting portion 51b2, the second leading portion 54b2, and the second meandering portion 53b2 each have a planar shape that is symmetric with respect to the XZ plane including the optical axis 11p and the planar shapes of the first connecting portion 51a1, the first leading portion 54a1, the first meandering portion 53a1, the second connecting portion 51b1, the second leading portion 54b1, and the second meandering portion 53b1. Thereby, the symmetry of the reaction force DY in the Y direction generated by the FPC 17 can be increased.

[0075] 1.7 Relationship between the extraction of the FPC from the holder and the extraction of the FPC from the frame As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the FPC 17 includes first leading portions 55c1 and 55d1 and second leading portions 55c2 and 55d2.

[0076] The first leading portion 55c1 is between the mounting portion 52 and the first meandering portion 53a1. The first leading portion 55d1 is between the mounting portion 52 and the first meandering portion 53a2. The second leading portion 55c2 is between the mounting portion 52 and the second meandering portion 53b1. The second leading portion 55d2 is between the mounting portion 52 and the second meandering portion 53b2.

[0077] The first meandering portion 53a1 and the second meandering portion 53b1 are arranged along the third side 41c of the frame 41. The first meandering portion 53a2 and the second meandering portion 53b2 are arranged along the fourth side 41d of the frame 41.

[0078] The first lead-out portion 55c1 and the second lead-out portion 55c2 are respectively connected to the first meandering portion 53a1 and the second meandering portion 53b1, and are led out from the third side 41c of the frame 41. When the first lead-out portion 55c1 and the second lead-out portion 55c2 are led out from the third side 41c, they straddle the third side 41c and reach from a region radially inside the third side 41c to a region radially outside the third side 41c. The first lead-out portion 55d1 and the second lead-out portion 55d2 are respectively connected to the first meandering portion 53a2 and the second meandering portion 53b2, and are led out from the fourth side 41d of the frame 41. When the first lead-out portion 55d1 and the second lead-out portion 55d2 are led out from the fourth side 41d, they straddle the fourth side 41d and reach from a region radially inside the fourth side 41d to a region radially outside the fourth side 41d.

[0079] The first side 31a of the holder 31 from which the first lead-out portion 54a1 and the first lead-out portion 55c1 are respectively led out and the third side 41c of the frame 41 are the first side and the second side separated in the +X direction DX1 and the +Y direction DY1, which are perpendicular to each other from the optical axis 11p. The second side 31b of the holder 31 from which the second lead-out portion 54b1 and the second lead-out portion 55c2 are respectively led out and the third side 41c of the frame 41 are the first side and the second side separated in the -X direction DX2 and the +Y direction DY1, which are perpendicular to each other from the optical axis 11p. The first side 31a of the holder 31 from which the first lead-out portion 54a2 and the first lead-out portion 55d1 are respectively led out and the fourth side 41d of the frame 41 are the first side and the second side separated in the +X direction DX1 and the -Y direction DY2, which are perpendicular to each other from the optical axis 11p. The second side 31b of the holder 31 from which the second lead-out portion 54b2 and the second lead-out portion 55d2 are respectively led out and the fourth side 41d of the frame 41 are the first side and the second side separated in the -X direction DX2 and the -Y direction DY2, which are perpendicular to each other from the optical axis 11p. Thereby, the sections from the first lead-out portion 54a1 to the first lead-out portion 55c1, from the first lead-out portion 54a2 to the first lead-out portion 55d1, from the second lead-out portion 54b1 to the second lead-out portion 55c2, and from the second lead-out portion 54b2 to the second lead-out portion 55d2 can be lengthened. Thereby, these sections can be made into sections that can be easily deformed.

[0080] 1.8 The surface on which the connection portion, the meandering portion, and the attachment portion are arranged As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first connection parts 51a1 and 51a2 and the second connection parts 51b1 and 51b2 are arranged on the lower surface 313 of the holder 31 facing the -Z direction DZ2 and are connected to the lower surface 313. The first meandering parts 53a1 and 53a2 and the second meandering parts 53b1 and 53b2 are arranged on the lower end surface 413 of the frame 41 facing the -Z direction DZ2. The first meandering parts 53a1 and 53a2 and the second meandering parts 53b1 and 53b2 are not fixed to the lower end surface 413 and can be deformed on the lower end surface 413.

[0081] By arranging the first connection parts 51a1 and 51a2, the second connection parts 51b1 and 51b2, the first meandering parts 53a1 and 53a2, and the second meandering parts 53b1 and 53b2 on the surfaces facing the same direction in this way, the bending in the sections from the first connection part 51a1 to the first meandering part 53a1, from the first connection part 51a2 to the first meandering part 53a2, from the second connection part 51b1 to the second meandering part 53b1, and from the second connection part 51b2 to the second meandering part 53b2 can be reduced. As a result, these sections can be made into sections that can be easily deformed.

[0082] The attachment part 52 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 415 of the frame 41.

[0083] 1.9 Planar shape of the meandering part As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each meandering part 53 included in the first meandering parts 53a1 and 53a2 and the second meandering parts 53b1 and 53b2 includes a plurality of linear parts 61 and at least one folding part 62.

[0084] The plurality of linear parts 61 provided in each of the first meandering part 53a1 and the second meandering part 53b1 arranged along the third side 41c of the frame 41 extend in a direction parallel to the third side 41c. The plurality of linear parts 61 provided in each of the first meandering part 53a2 and the second meandering part 53b2 arranged along the fourth side 41d of the frame 41 extend in a direction parallel to the fourth side 41d.

[0085] Each folding portion 62 included in at least one folding portion 62 connects two end portions respectively possessed by two adjacent linear portions 61 included in the plurality of linear portions 61 to each other.

[0086] Thereby, a zigzag shape can be imparted to each meandering portion 53. Thereby, the moment required to tilt the shift actuator 13 can be reduced.

[0087] 1.10 Folding Structure As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first connecting portion 51a1 has a linear shape and extends in the -Y direction DY2 parallel to the first side 31a of the holding body 31. The first leading portion 54a1 has an L-shaped shape and extends in the +X direction DX1 perpendicular to the first side 31a and straddles the first side 31a, and then extends in the +Y direction DY1 parallel to the first side 31a on the gap between the first surface 315a of the outer peripheral surface 315 of the holding body 31 and the first surface 414a of the inner peripheral surface 414 of the frame 41. Thereby, the first connecting portion 51a1 and the first leading portion 54a1 form a folding structure having a U-shaped shape.

[0088] Similarly, the first connecting portion 51a2 and the first leading portion 54a2 form a folding structure having a U-shaped shape. Also, the second connecting portion 51b1 and the second leading portion 54b1 form a folding structure having a U-shaped shape. Also, the second connecting portion 51b2 and the second leading portion 54b2 form a folding structure having a U-shaped shape.

[0089] 1.11 Driving Mechanism Provided in Tilt Actuator FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive mechanism provided in a tilt actuator included in the camera module of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the sensor unit and the shift actuator included in the camera module of the first embodiment are tilted in the +X direction with respect to the tilt actuator. FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the sensor unit and the shift actuator included in the camera module of the first embodiment are tilted in the -X direction with respect to the tilt actuator.

[0090] The SMA wire actuator includes a drive mechanism 71 shown in FIG. 7. The drive mechanism 71 includes a first pair of SMA wires 81a, a second pair of SMA wires 81b, a third pair of SMA wires 81c, and a fourth pair of SMA wires 81d that respectively face the first side 31a, the second side 31b, the third side 31c, and the fourth side 31d of the holder 31. The two SMA wires included in each of the first pair of SMA wires 81a, the second pair of SMA wires 81b, the third pair of SMA wires 81c, and the fourth pair of SMA wires 81d cross each other. One end of the two SMA wires is connected to the holder 31. The other end of the two SMA wires is connected to the frame 41. The two SMA wires expand and contract according to the supplied drive signal. Thereby, the drive mechanism 71 moves the holder 31 with respect to the frame 41 according to the supplied drive signal. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the drive mechanism 71 tilts the holder 31 in the +X direction DX1, and as shown in FIG. 9, tilts the holder 31 in the -X direction DX2.

[0091] 2 Second Embodiment Hereinafter, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Regarding points not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the second embodiment.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a bottom view schematically showing a holder, a frame, and an FPC provided in the camera module of the second embodiment.

[0093] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of linear portions 61 provided in each of the first meandering portion 53a1 and the second meandering portion 53b1 arranged along the third side 41c of the frame 41 extend in a direction perpendicular to the third side 41c. Also, a plurality of linear portions 61 provided in each of the first meandering portion 53a2 and the second meandering portion 53b2 arranged along the fourth side 41d of the frame 41 extend in a direction perpendicular to the fourth side 41d.

[0094] Also in the second embodiment, the moment required to tilt the shift actuator 13 can be reduced.

[0095] 3 Third Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the third embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 11 is a bottom view schematically showing a holder, a frame, and an FPC provided in the camera module of the third embodiment.

[0097] In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of linear portions 61 include a plurality of first linear portions 91 and a plurality of second linear portions 92.

[0098] Each of the plurality of first linear portions 91 provided in each of the first meandering portion 53a1 and the second meandering portion 53b1 arranged along the third side 41c of the frame 41 extends in a direction parallel to the third side 41c. Each of the plurality of second linear portions 92 provided in each of the first meandering portion 53a1 and the second meandering portion 53b1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the third side 41c. Each of the plurality of first linear portions 91 provided in each of the first meandering portion 53a2 and the second meandering portion 53b2 arranged along the fourth side 41d of the frame 41 extends in a direction parallel to the fourth side 41d. Each of the plurality of second linear portions 92 provided in each of the first meandering portion 53a2 and the second meandering portion 53b2 extends in a direction perpendicular to the fourth side 41d.

[0099] In the third embodiment, by adjusting the ratio of the number of the plurality of first linear portions 91 to the number of the plurality of second linear portions 92, the ratio of the moment required to tilt the shift actuator 13 in the X direction DX to the moment required to tilt the shift actuator 13 in the Y direction DY can be adjusted.

[0100] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same object.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0101] 1 Camera module, 11 Lens, 11p Optical axis, 12 Sensor unit, 13 Shift actuator, 14 Tilt actuator, 15 Flexible printed circuit board (FPC), 16 Connector, 17 FPC, 18 Connector, 19 FPC, 20 Connector, 31 Holder, 311 Hole, 312 Upper surface, 313 Lower surface, 314 Inner peripheral surface, 315 Outer peripheral surface, 315a First surface, 315b Second surface, 315c Third surface, 315d Fourth surface, 31a First side, 31b Second side, 31c Third side, 31d Fourth side, 32 Conductive pin, 32a1 First conductive pin, 32b1 Second conductive pin, 32a2 First conductive pin, 32b2 Second conductive pin, 41 Frame, 411 Hole, 412 Upper end surface, 413 Lower end surface, 414 Inner peripheral surface, 414a First surface, 414b Second surface, 414c Third surface, 414d Fourth surface, 415 Outer peripheral surface, 415a First surface, 415b Second surface, 415c Third surface, 415d Fourth surface, 41a First side, 41b Second side, 41c Third side, 41d Fourth side, 42 Conductive pin, 51a1,51a2 First connection part, 51b1,51b2 Second connection part, 52 Attachment part, 53a1,53a2 First meandering part, 53b1,53b2 Second meandering part, 53 Each meandering part, 54a1,54a2 First lead-out part, 54b1,54b2 Second lead-out part, 55c1,55d1 First lead-out part, 55c2,55d2 Second lead-out part, 61 Linear part, 62 Folded-back part, 71 Drive mechanism, 81a First pair of SMA wires, 81b Second pair of SMA wires, 81c Third pair of SMA wires, 81d Fourth pair of SMA wires, 81 Each pair of SMA wires, 91 Plurality of first linear parts, 92 Plurality of second linear parts, DX X direction, DX1 +X direction, DX2 -X direction, DY Y direction, DY1 +Y direction, DY2 -Y direction, DZ Z direction, DZ1 +Z direction, DZ2 -Z direction.

Claims

1. A lens, a holder for holding the lens, a frame surrounding the holder, a drive mechanism for moving the holder relative to the frame, and a flexible printed circuit board including a connection portion connected to the holder, an attachment portion attached to the frame, and a meandering portion that meanders between the connection portion and the attachment portion. A camera module comprising the above.

2. The frame has an outer peripheral surface, and the meandering portion is disposed radially inward of the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction. The camera module according to claim 1.

3. The lens has an optical axis, the connection portion is a first connection portion, the meandering portion is a first meandering portion, the holder has an outer shape having first and second opposing sides that face each other when viewed in plan from a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the flexible printed circuit board includes a first lead portion that is between the first connection portion and the first meandering portion and is drawn out from the first opposing side, a second connection portion connected to the holder, a second meandering portion that meanders between the second connection portion and the attachment portion, and a second lead portion that is between the second connection portion and the second meandering portion and is drawn out from the second opposing side. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first connection portion is disposed along the first opposing side, and the second connection portion is disposed along the second opposing side. The camera module according to claim 3.

5. The second connection portion, the second lead portion, and the second meandering portion have a planar shape that is symmetric with the planar shape of the first connection portion, the first lead portion, and the first meandering portion with respect to a plane including the optical axis. The camera module according to claim 3.

6. The lens has an optical axis, the holder has an outer shape having a first side that is separated from the optical axis in a first direction when viewed in plan from a direction parallel to the optical axis, the frame has an outer shape having a second side that is separated from the optical axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed in plan from a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the flexible printed circuit board includes one lead portion that is between the connection portion and the meandering portion and is drawn out from the first side, and another lead portion that is between the attachment portion and the meandering portion and is drawn out from the second side. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The lens has an optical axis, The holder has a surface perpendicular to the optical axis, The connecting portion is connected to the surface, The frame has an end face perpendicular to the optical axis and facing in the same direction as the direction in which the surface faces, and an outer peripheral surface, The meandering portion is disposed on the end face, The attachment portion is attached to the outer peripheral surface The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The meandering portion has a linear shape having a line width of 1.0 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less and a thickness of 75 μm or more and 125 μm or less The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The lens has an optical axis, When the frame is viewed in plan from a direction parallel to the optical axis, it has an outer shape with sides, The meandering portion is disposed along the side, The meandering portion includes a plurality of linear portions extending in a direction parallel to the side The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The lens has an optical axis, When the frame is viewed in plan from a direction parallel to the optical axis, it has an outer shape with sides, The meandering portion is disposed along the side, The meandering portion includes a plurality of linear portions extending in a direction perpendicular to the side The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The lens has an optical axis, When the frame is viewed in plan from a direction parallel to the optical axis, it has an outer shape with sides, The meandering portion is disposed along the side, The meandering portion includes a plurality of first linear portions extending in a direction parallel to the side and a plurality of second linear portions extending in a direction perpendicular to the side The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

Images