Optical element driving device, camera module, and camera-equipped device

Abstract

To provide an optical element driving device capable of maintaining stable contact between each movable unit and a guide unit, and to provide a camera module and a camera-equipped device.SOLUTION: An optical element driving device is provided, comprising: movable units designed to accommodate optical elements respectively; a guide unit made of a magnetic material and configured to guide movement of the movable units; a drive unit for moving the movable units along the guide unit; and magnets provided at portions facing the guide unit, of the movable units, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical element driving device, a camera module, and a camera-mounted device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a camera module mounted on a thin camera-mounted device such as a smartphone has been known. Such a camera module is known to include an optical element driving device having a zoom function for enlarging or reducing a subject image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a pair of guide shafts (guide portions) sandwiching an optical axis and a lens unit (movable portion) that moves along the guide portions. This configuration has a pressure-applying magnet provided on the lower surface portion of the movable portion and a pressure-applying yoke provided on a portion of the lower surface of the base facing the magnet. As a result, since the movable portion is attracted to the base side, the contact state between the sliding groove of the movable portion and the guide portion is maintained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, depending on the distance between the movable portion and the base, the attracting force between the movable portion and the base may weaken, and as a result, the stable contact state between the movable portion and the guide portion may be impaired.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element driving device, a camera module, and a camera-mounted device capable of maintaining a stable contact state between a movable portion and a guide portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The optical element driving device according to the present invention is a movable part that houses an optical element, a guide part that is made of a magnetic material and guides the movement of the movable part, a driving part that moves the movable part along the guide part, and a magnet disposed at a portion of the movable part facing the guide part. It is provided with.

[0008] The camera module according to the present invention is the above optical element driving device, an element part including an optical element held by the movable part, an imaging part that images a subject image formed by the element part, and is provided with.

[0009] The camera mounting device according to the present invention is a camera mounting device that is an information device or a transportation device, the above camera module, an imaging control part that processes the image information obtained by the camera module, and is provided with.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a stable contact state between the movable part and the guide part can be maintained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18A

Figure 18B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram simply showing a camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram simply showing the configuration of the camera module 1 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the side.

[0013] The camera module 1 is mounted on a thin camera-equipped device such as a smartphone M (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), a mobile phone, a digital camera, a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, a portable game machine, or an in-vehicle camera.

[0014] In describing the structure of the camera module 1 of the present embodiment, a rectangular coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used. The same rectangular coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is also shown in the figures described later. When actual shooting is performed with the camera-equipped device, the camera module 1 is mounted such that, for example, the X direction is the left-right direction, the Y direction is the up-down direction, and the Z direction is the front-back direction. Light from the subject enters from the + side in the Z direction of the camera module 1, bends from the incident portion, and is guided to the + side in the Y direction. By reducing the thickness of the camera module 1 in the Z direction, the camera-equipped device can be made thinner.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the camera module 1 includes a housing 10, a reflection driving unit 20, a lens unit 30, an imaging unit 40, a guide unit 50 (see FIG. 4), a lens driving unit 60 (see FIG. 6), and a driving control unit 100.

[0016] The driving control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and centrally controls the lens driving unit 60 in cooperation with the expanded program. As a result, the driving control unit 100 drives the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, which will be described later, of the lens unit 30 housed in the housing 10 in the Y direction (the direction of the optical axis). As a result, the camera module 1 performs stepless optical zoom and autofocus. The housing 10, the guide unit 50, the lens driving unit 60, and the driving control unit 100 correspond to the "optical element driving device" of the present invention.

[0017] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the camera module 1, incident light L1 enters the housing 10 through the reflection driving unit 20. The reflection driving unit 20 includes a reflection housing 21, a mirror 22, and a reflection driving control unit 23. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reflection housing 21 is arranged adjacent to the - side end of the housing 10 in the Y direction. The mirror 22 is provided in the reflection housing 21 and reflects the incident light L1 as reflected light L2 toward the housing 10. The reflection driving control unit 23 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and controls the orientation of the mirror 22.

[0018] Also, the mirror 22 according to the present embodiment has two rotation axes (not shown) extending in the X direction and the Y direction. In the reflection driving unit 20, under the control of the reflection driving control unit 23, the mirror 22 rotates about the rotation axes. As a result, the camera module 1 has an optical image stabilization function (OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) function) that optically corrects shake (vibration) generated during shooting and reduces image blur.

[0019] The reflected light L2 that has entered the housing 10 is output to the imaging unit 40 through the lens unit 30 housed in the housing 10.

[0020] The imaging unit 40 is arranged on the outer surface on the + side in the Y direction of the housing 10 (arrangement portion 112A of the second wall 112 described later), and is configured such that the reflected light L2 enters through the lens unit 30. The imaging unit 40 includes an imaging element, a substrate, etc. (not shown).

[0021] The imaging element is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor, etc. The imaging element is mounted on the substrate and is electrically connected to the wiring on the substrate via bonding wires. The imaging element captures the subject image formed by the lens unit 30 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the subject image.

[0022] Also, a printed wiring board (not shown) is electrically connected to the substrate of the imaging unit 40, and power is supplied to the imaging element and an electrical signal of the subject image captured by the imaging element is output via this printed wiring board. The electrical signal is output to an imaging control unit 200 provided in the camera-mounted device. The imaging control unit 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and processes the image information obtained by the camera module 1. The imaging control unit 200 may be mounted on the camera-mounted device, or may be built into the camera module 1.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 10 houses a lens unit 30, a guide unit 50, and a lens driving unit 60 (see also FIG. 6), and has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The housing 10 has a side wall portion 11 and a bottom wall portion 12.

[0024] The side wall portion 11 is a wall portion made of, for example, resin that constitutes the side wall of the housing 10, and has a first wall 111, a second wall 112, and a third wall 113.

[0025] The first wall 111 is configured to extend in the Y direction, and a pair of them are provided on both sides in the X direction. On the inner surface of the housing 10 in the first wall 111, an arrangement portion 111A where an ultrasonic motor 64 described later is arranged is provided.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the second wall 112 is configured to extend in the X direction, and is provided so as to connect the + side ends in the Y direction of the pair of first walls 111. Also, inside the second wall 112, an arrangement portion 112A where the fourth lens unit 34 of the lens unit 30 is arranged is provided. An opening 112B is provided in a portion of the second wall 112 facing the fourth lens unit 34.

[0027] On both sides in the X direction of the opening 112B of the second wall 112, a first shaft support portion 112C and a second shaft support portion 112D are provided. The first shaft support portion 112C is a hole that supports a first guide shaft 51, which will be described later. The second shaft support portion 112D is a hole that supports a second guide shaft 52, which will be described later, and is located on the - side in the Z direction relative to the first shaft support portion 112C.

[0028] The third wall 113 is provided so as to connect the ends on the - side in the Y direction of the pair of first walls 111. Inside the third wall 113, a placement portion 113A for placing the first lens unit 31 of the lens portion 30 is provided. An opening 113B is provided in a portion of the third wall 113 facing the first lens unit 31.

[0029] On both sides in the X direction of the opening 113B of the third wall 113, a third shaft support portion 113C and a fourth shaft support portion 113D are provided. The third shaft support portion 113C is a hole that supports a first guide shaft 51, which will be described later. The fourth shaft support portion 113D is a hole that supports a second guide shaft 52, which will be described later, and is located on the - side in the Z direction relative to the third shaft support portion 113C.

[0030] In this embodiment, the height of the third shaft support portion 113C is the same as the height of the first shaft support portion 112C of the second wall 112 described above. Also, the height of the fourth shaft support portion 113D is the same as the height of the second shaft support portion 112D of the second wall 112 described above.

[0031] The bottom wall portion 12 constitutes the bottom wall of the housing 10. Substrate placement portions 12A are provided at both ends in the X direction of the bottom wall portion 12. The substrate placement portion 12A is a portion for placing the substrate 130. The substrate placement portion 12A protrudes in the X direction from positions corresponding to the pair of first walls 111 in the bottom wall portion 12.

[0032] Moreover, a gap is formed between the first wall 111 and the substrate placement portion 12A. The substrate 130 is disposed in a range from a portion inside the first wall 111 of the bottom wall portion 12 to the portion of the substrate placement portion 12A through the gap. The portion of the substrate 130 disposed outside the housing 10 (the portion of the substrate placement portion 12A) is connected to a predetermined wiring of the camera mounting device.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lens unit 30 is provided in a region sandwiched between a pair of first walls 111 including a region through which the reflected light L2 (see FIG. 3) from the reflection driving unit 20 passes. The lens unit 30 has a first lens unit 31, a second lens unit 32, a third lens unit 33, and a fourth lens unit 34 arranged side by side in the Y direction. Each of the first lens unit 31, the second lens unit 32, the third lens unit 33, and the fourth lens unit 34 houses a lens. The lens corresponds to the "optical element" of the present invention.

[0034] The first lens unit 31 is disposed on the most upstream side in the incident direction of the reflected light L2 (the direction toward the + side in the Y direction) and is fixed to the placement portion 113A of the third wall 113 of the housing 10.

[0035] The second lens unit 32 is disposed downstream of the first lens unit 31 in the incident direction and is held by the frame 61 of the lens driving unit 60 described later. The second lens unit 32 is movable in the Y direction by the lens driving unit 60.

[0036] The third lens unit 33 is disposed downstream of the second lens unit 32 in the incident direction and is held by the frame 61 of the lens driving unit 60 described later. The third lens unit 33 is movable in the Y direction by the lens driving unit 60.

[0037] The fourth lens unit 34 is disposed on the most downstream side in the incident direction and is fixed to the placement portion 112A of the second wall 112 of the housing 10.

[0038] Note that the lenses in the first to fourth lens units 31 to 34 may be assembled to the housing 10 during the manufacture of the optical element driving device, or may be assembled to the housing 10 when manufacturing the camera module 1 from the lens driving unit 60.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the guide portion 50 guides the movement of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33. The guide portion 50 has a first guide shaft 51 and a second guide shaft 52. The first guide shaft 51 and the second guide shaft 52 are made of, for example, a magnetic material made of metal and extend in the Y direction.

[0040] The first guide shaft 51 is supported by the first shaft support portion 112C of the second wall 112 and the third shaft support portion 113C of the third wall 113. The second guide shaft 52 is supported by the second shaft support portion 112D of the second wall 112 and the fourth shaft support portion 113D of the third wall 113, and is disposed at a height position different from the height position of the first guide shaft 51.

[0041] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, each of the pair of first walls 111 described above has, for example, substantially the same shape and is symmetrically disposed with respect to the optical axis O in the lens unit 30 on both sides in the X direction. Specifically, each of the pair of first walls 111 is symmetrically disposed with respect to the optical axis O such that each of the pair of first walls 111 is disposed at a position at a predetermined distance from the optical axis O.

[0042] Also, the pair of first guide shafts 51 and the pair of second guide shafts 52 respectively supported by the second wall 112 and the third wall 113 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the optical axis O. More specifically, the pair of first guide shafts 51 and the second guide shafts 52 are disposed such that the distances from the optical axis O are equal to each other.

[0043] The lens driving unit 60 is provided corresponding to each of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, and independently moves either the corresponding second lens unit 32 or the third lens unit 33 under the control of the above-described driving control unit 100. The lens driving unit 60 is disposed in the region between each of the pair of first walls 111 and each of the pair of first guide shafts 51 (second guide shafts 52). That is, one lens driving unit 60 is provided on each side of the optical axis in the housing 10.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the lens driving unit 60 on the + side in the X direction drives the second lens unit 32 in the Y direction, and the lens driving unit 60 on the - side in the X direction drives the third lens unit 33 in the Y direction. That is, the lens driving units 60 on the + side and - side in the X direction correspond to the "driving unit" of the present invention. Further, the lens driving unit 60 that drives the second lens unit 32 corresponds to the "first driving unit" of the present invention. The lens driving unit 60 that drives the third lens unit 33 corresponds to the "second driving unit" of the present invention.

[0045] In the present embodiment, since each lens driving unit 60 has substantially the same shape, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, only the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the second lens unit 32 will be described, and the description of the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the third lens unit 33 will be omitted. Further, in the present embodiment, since each lens driving unit 60 is symmetrically arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, the relationship between the + side and the - side in the direction of the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the third lens unit 33 is opposite to the relationship between the + side and the - side in the direction of the lens driving unit 60 corresponding to the second lens unit 32. Further, in the following description, the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 will be referred to as movable lenses.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8, the lens driving unit 60 includes a frame 61, a magnet unit 62, an intervening unit 63, and a ultrasonic motor 64.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, the frame 61 supports the movable lens while being supported by the guide portion 50 (first guide shaft 51), and moves together with the movable lens. The movable lens and the frame 61 correspond to the "movable part" of the present invention. Also, the second lens unit 32 and the frame 61 correspond to the "first movable part" of the present invention. The third lens unit 33 and the frame 61 correspond to the "second movable part" of the present invention. The frame 61 has a holding portion 611, an inserted portion 612, a first contact portion 613, and a second contact portion 614.

[0048] The holding portion 611 is a portion that holds the movable lens, and is disposed at a position sandwiched between the guide portions 50 on both sides in the X direction. The holding portion 611 has a bottom surface portion 611A and a pair of side surface portions 611B.

[0049] The bottom surface portion 611A is configured to extend in the X direction and is disposed opposite to the bottom wall portion 12. The pair of side surface portions 611B are configured to extend from both end portions in the X direction of the bottom surface portion 611A to the + side in the Z direction. The holding portion 611 holds the movable lens so as to surround it with the bottom surface portion 611A and the pair of side surface portions 611B.

[0050] The inserted portion 612 is a portion through which the first guide shaft 51 is inserted, and is provided on the side surface portion 611B on the + side in the X direction among the pair of side surface portions 611B. The inserted portion 612 is provided to protrude from the + side end portion in the Z direction of the side surface portion 611B to the + side in the X direction. A hole through which the first guide shaft 51 is inserted is formed in a portion of the inserted portion 612 corresponding to the first guide shaft 51. This hole has a diameter such that the first guide shaft 51 is inserted into the inserted portion 612 with a certain margin. By inserting the first guide shaft 51 into the inserted portion 612, it is possible to suppress the frame 61 from deviating from the guide portion 50 due to vibrations based on external forces or the like.

[0051] The first contact portion 613 is provided on the side surface portion 611B on one side in the X direction among the pair of side surface portions 611B, and is arranged to contact the first guide shaft 51 on one side in the X direction among the pair of first guide shafts 51. Specifically, the first contact portion 613 protrudes from the side surface portion 611B to one side in the X direction, and is arranged to contact the first guide shaft 51 from the + side in the Z direction of the first guide shaft 51.

[0052] The second contact portion 614 is configured to extend from the inserted portion 612 to the + side in the Y direction, and is arranged between the first guide shaft 51 and the second guide shaft 52. The second contact portion 614 contacts the second guide shaft 52 from the + side in the Z direction of the second guide shaft 52.

[0053] Also, the first contact portion 613 and the second contact portion 614 have a configuration for stabilizing the contact state with the guide portion 50. The configuration for stabilizing the contact state of the first contact portion 613 and the second contact portion 614 will be described later.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 10, the magnet portion 62 is provided for detecting the position of the frame 61, and has a fixing member 621 and a magnet 622. The fixing member 621 is a plate-like member for fixing the magnet 622, and has a fixed portion 621A and a fixing portion 621B.

[0055] The fixed portion 621A is a portion fixed to the side surface on the + side in the X direction of the second contact portion 614. The fixing portion 621B is formed by bending the fixed portion 621A to the + side in the X direction, and is arranged to be parallel to the XY plane.

[0056] The magnet 622 is configured such that the N pole and the S pole are alternately arranged in the Y direction, and is fixed to the surface on the - side in the Z direction of the fixing portion 621B. Also, the substrate 130 described above is arranged at a portion of the bottom wall portion 12 facing the magnet 622 (see also FIG. 8). A position detection portion 70 is provided in a part of the range of the substrate 130 corresponding to the magnet 622.

[0057] The position detection unit 70 is, for example, a magnetic sensor (such as a TMR sensor, a Hall element, etc.) that detects the position of the frame 61 in the Y direction by detecting the magnetic force from the magnet 622. The position detection unit 70 can detect a change in the magnetic force from the magnet 622 when the frame 61 moves in the Y direction. Based on the magnetic force detected by the position detection unit 70, it is possible to accurately detect the position of the frame 61 in the Y direction.

[0058] The intervening part 63 is composed of, for example, a plate-shaped metal member and is fixed to the surface of the second contact part 614 of the frame 61 on the side opposite to the movable lens. The intervening part 63 has a main body part 631 and a contact part 632.

[0059] The main body part 631 has a plane parallel to the direction of the optical axis (Y direction) and is adhesively fixed to the second contact part 614 via the fixed part 621A.

[0060] The contact part 632 is the part where the vibrator of the ultrasonic motor 64 contacts, and is formed by bending both ends of the main body part 631 in the Z direction toward the side opposite to the lens part.

[0061] By configuring the contact part 632 in this way, when a force acts on the contact part 632 from the vibrator of the ultrasonic motor 64, a thrust in the direction of the optical axis (Y direction) is generated in the intervening part 63. As a result, it becomes possible to apply a thrust to move the frame 61 in the direction of the optical axis (Y direction) from the intervening part 63.

[0062] In addition, plate-shaped members 633 are provided on each contact part 632. The plate-shaped members 633 are members having a plane and are composed of hard members such as ceramics and metals. Two plate-shaped members 633 are provided on each contact part 632 so as to sandwich the contact part 632 from both sides in the Z direction.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 11, the ultrasonic motor 64 is a drive source that generates a driving force for moving the frame 61, and is fixedly disposed at each of the arrangement portions 111A of the pair of first walls 111. The ultrasonic motor 64 includes a resonance portion 641, a piezoelectric element 642, and an electrode 643.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12, the resonance portion 641 is formed of, for example, a conductive material, resonates with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 642, and converts the vibration motion into a linear motion of the frame 61. Specifically, the resonance portion 641 vibrates in an inclined direction inclined with respect to the direction of the optical axis (Y direction) based on the vibration of the piezoelectric element 642 and presses the intervening portion 63. As a result, a thrust force is generated that moves the frame 61 in the direction of the optical axis via the intervening portion 63. The resonance portion 641 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between two contact portions 632 in the intervening portion 63. The resonance portion 641 includes a body portion 641A and two vibrators 641B.

[0065] The body portion 641A is configured, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape and is a portion sandwiched by the piezoelectric element 642. The two vibrators 641B extend in the Y direction from both ends of the body portion 641A in the Z direction. The two vibrators 641B have a symmetrical shape, and the free ends thereof contact the contact portions 632 (plate-like members 633) of the intervening portion 63.

[0066] The piezoelectric element 642 is a vibration element formed, for example, of a ceramic material in a plate shape, and generates vibration by applying a high-frequency voltage. Two piezoelectric elements 642 are provided and are respectively arranged so as to sandwich the body portion 641A of the resonance portion 641 in the X direction.

[0067] The electrode 643 includes a sandwiching portion 643A that sandwiches the resonance portion 641 and the piezoelectric element 642, and an electrode portion 643B to which a voltage is applied. The electrode portion 643B is a portion that extends from the sandwiching portion 643A to one side in the Z direction and is connected to the substrate 130. Through the sandwiching portion 643A and the electrode portion 643B, the electrode 643 applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element 642.

[0068] Two piezoelectric elements 642 are bonded to the body 641A of the resonance section 641 and clamped by electrodes 643, so that they are electrically connected to each other. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 642 via the electrode 643, vibration occurs.

[0069] The resonance section 641 has at least two resonance frequencies, and deforms with different behaviors for each resonance frequency. In other words, the overall shape of the resonance section 641 is set so as to deform with different behaviors for two resonance frequencies. The different behaviors are the behavior of moving the frame 61 in the + side in the Y direction and the behavior of moving it in the - side via the intervening section 63.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 13, since the resonance section 641 is arranged such that the vibrator 641B faces either one of the pair of contact portions 632 of the intervening section 63, when the two vibrators 641B are deformed, the tip of the vibrator 641B presses the contact portion 632 in a direction inclined with respect to the Y direction from the opposing side of each contact portion 632 (see arrow A).

[0071] When each contact portion 632 is pressed in the direction of arrow A by the tip of the vibrator 641B, a reaction force that tries to return to the vibrator 641B side is generated at each contact portion 632. In other words, the intervening section 63 generates a reaction force in the direction from the outside to the inside of the pair of contact portions 632 based on the contact between each vibrator 641B and the pair of contact portions 632.

[0072] Due to the reaction force of the intervening section 63 against the pressing of the vibrator 641B, friction is generated between the vibrator 641B and the contact portion 632, and a thrust in the Y direction is generated in the intervening section 63. Along with this, a thrust (see arrow B) that moves in the Y direction is applied to the frame 61 adhered to the intervening section 63. As a result, the movable lens connected to the frame 61 moves in the Y direction.

[0073] In addition, since the contact portion 632 is configured to extend in the Y direction, when the contact portion 632 is pressed by the vibrator 641B, it moves in the Y direction while contacting and sliding with the vibrator 641B. Therefore, since the contact portion 632 is continuously pressed by the vibrator 641B, the frame 61 adhered to the intervening portion 63 can be continuously moved in the Y direction. Note that at a certain resonance frequency, the pressing direction of the vibrator 641B is in the direction of arrow A and the sliding direction of the contact portion 632 is in the direction of arrow B, whereas at other resonance frequencies, the pressing direction of the vibrator 641B is in the direction of arrow C and the sliding direction of the contact portion 632 is in the direction of arrow D.

[0074] Such a driving operation is performed by each of the ultrasonic motors 64 provided on each of the first walls 111 on both sides in the X direction. That is, each ultrasonic motor 64 drives each of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 independently in the direction of the optical axis.

[0075] Next, details of the configuration for stabilizing the contact states of the first contact portion 613 and the second contact portion 614 will be described.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, the first contact portion 613 includes a magnet 613A and a contact member 613B.

[0077] The magnet 613A is magnetized so that the first contact portion 613 and the first guide shaft 51, which is a magnetic body, are magnetically attracted to each other. The magnet 613A is housed inside the first contact portion 613. That is, the magnet 613A is disposed at a portion of the frame 61 that faces the guide portion 50 (the first guide shaft 51).

[0078] The contact member 613B is provided on the contact surface of the first contact portion 613 with the first guide shaft 51. That is, the contact member 613B is disposed so as to contact the guide portion 50 at a portion of the frame 61 that faces the guide portion 50.

[0079] The contact member 613B is made of, for example, a thin plate-shaped metal member that is a non-magnetic or weakly magnetic material. In other words, the contact member 613B is made of a material with weaker magnetism than the guide portion 50. The position of the contact member 613B in the Y direction is the same as the position of the magnet 613A in the Y direction in the first contact portion 613. Also, the thickness of the contact member 613B is, for example, a thickness (e.g., 0.1 mm) that does not inhibit the attracting force between the magnet 613A and the first guide shaft 51.

[0080] With such a configuration, the first contact portion 613 contacts the first guide shaft 51 magnetically attracted by the magnet 613A.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the second contact portion 614 has a magnet 614A and a contact member 614B.

[0082] The magnet 614A is magnetized so that the second contact portion 614 and the second guide shaft 52, which is a magnetic body, are magnetically attracted to each other. The magnet 614A is housed inside the second contact portion 614. That is, the magnet 614A is disposed at a portion of the frame 61 that faces the guide portion 50 (second guide shaft 52). Also, a plurality (two) of magnets 614A are provided and are arranged side by side in the Y direction inside the second contact portion 614.

[0083] The contact member 614B is provided on the contact surface of the second contact portion 614 with the second guide shaft 52. That is, the contact member 614B is disposed so as to contact the guide portion 50 at a portion of the frame 61 that faces the guide portion 50.

[0084] The contact member 614B is made of, for example, a thin plate-shaped metal member that is a non-magnetic or weakly magnetic material. In other words, the contact member 614B is made of a material with weaker magnetism than the guide portion 50. The position of the contact member 614B in the Y direction is different from the position of the magnet 614A in the Y direction in the second contact portion 614.

[0085] Also, two contact members 614B are provided and are arranged to sandwich a plurality of magnets 614A in the Y direction. The thickness of the contact member 614B is, for example, a thickness (e.g., 0.1 mm) that does not inhibit the attracting force between the magnet 614A and the second guide shaft 52.

[0086] With such a configuration, the second contact portion 614 contacts the second guide shaft 52 magnetically by the magnet 614A.

[0087] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the magnets 613A and 614A are arranged at portions of the frame 61 facing the guide portion 50. As a result, since the first contact portion 613 and the second contact portion 614 contact the guide portion 50 magnetically, a stable contact state between the movable portion and the guide portion can be maintained.

[0088] Also, to maintain a stable contact state between the movable portion and the guide portion, for example, a configuration is assumed in which an attracting member such as a yoke that attracts to the magnet of the frame is provided on the housing. Compared with this configuration, in the present embodiment, the distance between the attracting member (guide portion 50) and the magnets 613A and 614A can be shortened as a whole. As a result, the attracting force between the frame 61 and the guide portion 50 can be improved, so that a stable contact state between the movable portion and the guide portion can be further maintained.

[0089] Also, since it is not necessary to provide the above attracting member on the housing, the layout of other components in the housing can be improved.

[0090] Also, the contact members 613B and 614B are arranged to contact the guide portion 50 at portions of the frame 61 facing the guide portion 50. Thereby, compared with a configuration in which the contact member is not arranged, wear of the frame 61 when the frame 61 moves along the guide portion 50 can be reduced.

[0091] Further, since the contact members 613B and 614B are made of a material with weaker magnetism than the guide portion 50, it is possible to prevent the frame 61 and the guide portion 50 from coming into firm contact at the contact portion. As a result, the movement of the frame 61 on the guide portion 50 can be made smooth.

[0092] Also, the frame 61 is inserted through the insertion portion 612 into the first guide shaft 51, and the magnet 614A of the second contact portion 614 is magnetically attracted to the second guide shaft 52. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a magnet in the portion of the insertion portion 612 of the frame 61, so that the portion of the insertion portion 612 can be simplified. Further, the insertion portion 612 can prevent the frame 61 from deviating from the guide portion 50 due to vibration based on an external force or the like.

[0093] Also, the guide portion 50 has two guide shafts (the first guide shaft 51 on the - side in the X direction and the second guide shaft 52 on the + side in the X direction) arranged on both sides of the optical axis. And each of the magnets 613A and 614A is arranged at the opposing portion between the frame 61 and each of the two guide shafts so as to be magnetically attracted to each of the two guide shafts. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movable lens from tilting to one side in the X direction, and thus the movable lens can be stably moved.

[0094] Note that in the above embodiment, the insertion portion 612 of the frame 61 is inserted into the first guide shaft 51, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the insertion portion 612 may be inserted into the second guide shaft 52. In this case, the magnet 614A of the second contact portion 614 may be arranged so as to be magnetically attracted to the first guide shaft 51.

[0095] Also, in the above embodiment, magnets are provided at the opposing portions with each of the two guide shafts (the first guide shaft 51 on the - side in the X direction and the second guide shaft 52 on the + side in the X direction), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, magnets may be provided only at the opposing portion with one of the two guide shafts.

[0096] In addition, in the above embodiment, two types of guide shafts (the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft) were provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only one type of guide shaft may be provided.

[0097] In addition, in the above embodiment, the contact members 613B and 614B were provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact members may not be provided.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiment, the configuration had two movable lenses composed of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration having at least one or more movable lenses may be used. In this case, the lens driving unit may be provided with at least one or more on each of the pair of first walls.

[0099] In addition, in the above embodiment, the configuration had four lens units, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of lens units may be provided as long as the configuration has at least one movable lens.

[0100] In addition, in the above embodiment, the resonance part 641 had a configuration having two vibrators 641B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration having one vibrator may be used.

[0101] In addition, in the above embodiment, the movable part was driven by an ultrasonic motor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the movable part may be driven by a driving source other than the ultrasonic motor.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, the drive control unit, the reflection drive control unit, and the imaging control unit were provided separately, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least two of the drive control unit, the reflection drive control unit, and the imaging control unit may be configured by one control unit.

[0103] Further, for example, in the above embodiment, as an example of a camera-mounted device including the camera module 1, a smartphone, which is a camera-equipped mobile terminal, was described. However, the present invention can be applied to a camera-mounted device having a camera module and an image processing unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module. The camera-mounted device includes information devices and transportation devices. Information devices include, for example, camera-equipped mobile phones, notebook personal computers, tablet terminals, portable game machines, web cameras, drones, and in-vehicle devices with cameras (e.g., rear monitor devices, drive recorder devices). Further, transportation devices include, for example, automobiles and drones.

[0104] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams showing an automobile V as a camera-mounted device equipped with an in-vehicle camera module VC (Vehicle Camera). FIG. 18A is a front view of the automobile V, and FIG. 18B is a rear perspective view of the automobile V. The automobile V is equipped with the camera module 1 described in the embodiment as the in-vehicle camera module VC. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the in-vehicle camera module VC is attached, for example, to the windshield facing forward or to the rear gate facing rearward. This in-vehicle camera module VC is used for rear monitors, drive recorders, collision avoidance control, and autonomous driving control.

[0105] Furthermore, each of the above embodiments merely shows an example of implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or the main features thereof. For example, the shapes, sizes, numbers, and materials of the respective parts described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate for implementation.

Industrial Applicability

[0106] The optical element driving device according to the present invention is useful as an optical element driving device, a camera module, and a camera-mounted device capable of maintaining a stable contact state between a movable part and a guide part.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0107] 1 Camera module 10 Housing 11 Side wall part 12 Bottom wall part 12A Substrate arrangement part 20 Reflection driving part 21 Reflection housing 22 Mirror 23 Reflection drive control part 30 Lens part 31 First lens unit 32 Second lens unit 33 Third lens unit 34 Fourth lens unit 40 Imaging part 50 Guide part 51 First guide shaft 52 Second guide shaft 60 Lens drive part 61 Frame 62 Magnet part 63 Intervening part 64 Ultrasonic motor 70 Position detection part 100 Drive control part 111 First wall 111A Arrangement part 112 Second wall 112A Arrangement part 112B Opening 112C First shaft support part 112D Second shaft support part 113 Third wall 113A Arrangement part 113B Opening 113C Third shaft support part 113D Fourth shaft support part 130 Substrate 200 Imaging control part 611 Holding part 611A bottom face part 611B side face part 612 inserted part 613 first contact part 613A magnet 613B contact member 614 second contact part 614A magnet 614B contact member 621 fixing member 621A part to be fixed 621B fixing part 622 magnet 631 main body part 632 contact part 633 plate-like member 641 resonance part 641A body part 641B vibrator 642 piezoelectric element 643 electrode 643A clamping part 643B electrode part

Claims

1. A movable part for housing an optical element, A guide part made of a magnetic material for guiding the movement of the movable part, A drive part for moving the movable part along the guide part, A magnet disposed at a portion of the movable part facing the guide part, An optical element driving device comprising the above.

2. Further comprising a contact member disposed in a portion of the movable part facing the guide part so as to be in contact with the guide part, The optical element driving device according to claim 1.

3. The contact member is made of a material having weaker magnetism than the guide part, The optical element driving device according to claim 2.

4. The magnet is magnetized so as to be magnetically attracted to the guide part, The optical element driving device according to claim 1.

5. The guide part has a first guide shaft and a second guide shaft disposed at a height position different from the height position of the first guide shaft, The movable part has an inserted part inserted into one of the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft, The magnet is disposed so as to be magnetically attracted to the other of the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft, The optical element driving device according to claim 4.

6. The movable part is movable in the direction of the optical axis, The guide part has a pair of guide shafts disposed on both sides of the optical axis, The magnet is disposed so as to be magnetically attracted to at least one of the pair of guide shafts, The optical element driving device according to claim 4.

7. The magnet is respectively disposed at an opposing portion of each of the pair of guide shafts in the movable part. The optical element driving device according to claim 6.

8. The pair of guide shafts are disposed at different height positions from each other. The optical element driving device according to claim 7.

9. The movable part is disposed in the direction of the optical axis and has a first movable part and a second movable part that respectively include optical elements. The driving part has a first driving part that drives the first movable part and a second driving part that drives the second movable part. The guide part guides the movement of the first movable part and the second movable part in the direction of the optical axis. The optical element driving device according to claim 1.

10. The driving part An ultrasonic motor having a resonance part composed of a first vibrator and a second vibrator; An intervening part that is interposed between the ultrasonic motor and the movable part and generates a force for moving the movable part based on the vibration of the resonance part. having The optical element driving device according to claim 1.

11. The optical element driving device according to claim 1, An element part including an optical element held by the movable part; An imaging part that images a subject image formed by the element part. comprising A camera module.

12. A camera-mounted device that is an information device or a transportation device, The camera module according to claim 11, An imaging control part that processes image information obtained by the camera module. comprising A camera-mounted device.

Images