Blade drive device, camera module, and camera mounting device

Abstract

The present invention provides a blade drive device, camera module, and camera mounting device that achieve miniaturization and a low profile while improving reliability. [Solution] The blade drive device is a blade drive device capable of adjusting the amount of light incident on an optical element through an aperture, and comprises a fixed body having a coil, a movable body having a magnet and rotatable relative to the fixed body of the magnet engaging piece, and aperture blades that open and close the aperture of the magnet engaging piece in conjunction with the rotation of the movable body of the magnet engaging piece, the movable body of the magnet engaging piece having a protrusion that restricts contact between the magnet of the magnet engaging piece and the coil of the magnet engaging piece, and the protrusion of the magnet engaging piece can come into contact with the fixed body of the magnet engaging piece through a space formed in the magnet of the magnet engaging piece.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Generally, camera-mounted devices such as smartphones and drones are equipped with small camera modules (optical devices). A drone is an unmanned aircraft that can be flown by remote control or automatic control, and some are called multicopters.

[0003] An optical element driving device for driving an optical element such as a lens is used in the camera module. The optical element driving device has, for example, an autofocus function (hereinafter referred to as the "AF function", AF: Auto Focus) that automatically focuses by moving an optical element (for example, a lens) in the optical axis direction when photographing a subject, and a shake correction function (hereinafter referred to as the "OIS function", OIS: Optical Image Stabilization) that optically corrects shake (vibration) generated during photographing to reduce image blur.

[0004] In recent years, along with the optical element driving device, the development of a camera module including a blade driving device capable of adjusting the amount of light incident on the optical element has also been promoted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The blade driving device includes, for example, a fixed body, a movable body (rotating body) rotatable with respect to the fixed body, an aperture blade that moves to open and close an aperture in conjunction with the rotation of the movable body, and a driving unit that drives the movable body. The driving unit is composed of, for example, a motor having a coil disposed on the fixed body and a magnet disposed on the movable body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] With the increasing demand for further miniaturization of camera modules, it has become crucial to miniaturize and reduce the profile of the blade drive unit, and consequently, the motor of the blade drive unit, which are mounted on the camera module.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a blade drive device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device that can achieve miniaturization and a low profile while also improving reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The blade drive device according to the present invention is A vane drive device capable of adjusting the amount of light incident on an optical element through an aperture, A fixed body having a coil, A movable body having a magnet and rotatable relative to the fixed body, The system includes aperture blades that open and close the opening in conjunction with the rotation of the movable body, The movable body has a protrusion that restricts contact between the magnet and the coil, The protrusion can come into contact with the fixed body through the space formed in the magnet.

[0009] The camera module according to the present invention is It is equipped with the above-mentioned blade drive device.

[0010] The camera-equipped device according to the present invention is A camera-equipped device which is an information device or a transport device, It is equipped with the above-mentioned camera module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the blade drive device, camera module, and camera mounting device of the present invention, miniaturization and low profile can be achieved, as well as reliability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams showing a smartphone equipped with a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the blade driving device. [Figure 4] FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views of the blade driving device viewed from the light receiving side in the optical axis direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the blade driving device in the XZ plane. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the tip side in the X-axis direction in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the base end side in the X-axis direction in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the blade driving device. [Figure 9] FIGS. 9A to 9C are plan views showing the mounting mode of the blade member to the cover. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the drive motor. [Figure 11] FIGS. 11A and 11B are exploded perspective views of the rotor. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the support portion. [Figure 13] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an automobile as a camera mounting device equipped with an in-vehicle camera module.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

[0014] <Smartphone> Figures 1A and 1B show a smartphone M (an example of a camera-equipped device) that is equipped with a camera module A according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A is a front view of the smartphone M, and Figure 1B is a rear view of the smartphone M.

[0015] Smartphone M has a dual camera consisting of two rear cameras OC1 and OC2. In this embodiment, camera module A is applied to the rear cameras OC1 and OC2.

[0016] <Camera Module> Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of camera module A. In this embodiment, the Cartesian coordinate system (X,Y,Z) is used for explanation. The same Cartesian coordinate system (X,Y,Z) is also used in the figures described later.

[0017] Camera module A is mounted on smartphone M such that, for example, the Z-axis direction is the optical axis direction, the upper side (+Z side) in the figure is the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction, and the lower side (-Z side) is the image-forming side in the optical axis direction. The X-axis is set as shown in Figure 4B. The X-axis and Y-axis directions perpendicular to the Z-axis are called the "orthogonal optical axis direction," and the XY plane is called the "orthogonal optical axis plane." Note that the optical axis direction may also be referred to as the optical path direction or the focal direction (the direction in which the focus is adjusted), depending on the type of optical element.

[0018] Camera module A is equipped with an AF function, which allows for automatic focusing when photographing a subject. Furthermore, camera module A is equipped with an OIS function, which optically corrects camera shake (vibration) that occurs during shooting, enabling the capture of blur-free images.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, camera module A includes an optical element drive device 1, a lens unit 2, an imaging unit 3, and a blade drive device 4, etc.

[0020] The optical element driving device 1 of this embodiment is designed with consideration for mounting on the camera module A, etc., as described above, and has a configuration in which the length in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the lengths in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, that is, a configuration in which the height along the Z-axis direction is reduced.

[0021] The optical element driving device 1 is configured, for example, to allow the lens unit 2 to move in the direction of the optical axis and in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The optical element driving device 1 realizes AF function and / or zoom function by moving the lens unit 2 in the direction of the optical axis. Furthermore, the optical element driving device 1 realizes OIS function by moving the lens unit 2 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Since known configurations can be applied to the optical element driving device 1, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0022] The lens unit 2 has a lens and a lens barrel that holds the lens. The lens unit 2 is housed and fixed in the optical element driving device 1. The lens unit 2 is an example of an optical element that is driven by the optical element driving device 1. The optical element that is driven by the optical element driving device 1 may be an optical element other than a lens, such as a mirror or a prism.

[0023] The imaging unit 3 captures the subject image formed by the lens unit 2. The imaging unit 3 is positioned on the imaging side in the Z-axis direction of the optical element driving device 1. The imaging unit 3 includes, for example, an image sensor substrate 3a, an image sensor 3b mounted on the image sensor substrate 3a, and a module control unit 3c.

[0024] The image sensor substrate 3a is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and is configured to transmit the imaging signal obtained by the image sensor 3b to the control device (not shown) of the smartphone M. The control device of the smartphone M includes an image processing unit (not shown) that processes the received imaging signal.

[0025] The image sensor 3b is composed of, for example, a CCD (charge-coupled device) type image sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type image sensor, and captures the image of the subject formed by the lens unit 2.

[0026] The module control unit 3c is composed of, for example, a control IC and controls the operation of the optical element drive device 1 and the blade drive device 4. The optical element drive device 1 is mounted on the image sensor substrate 3a and is mechanically and electrically connected. The module control unit 3c may be provided on the image sensor substrate 3a, or it may be provided on a camera-mounted device (in this embodiment, a smartphone M) on which the camera module A is mounted.

[0027] The blade drive unit 4 adjusts the amount of light incident on the lens unit 2. The blade drive unit 4 is fixed to the movable part of the lens unit 2 or the optical element drive unit 1, and is movable in the optical axis direction together with the lens unit 2 and the movable part of the optical element drive unit 1. The blade drive unit 4 is supplied with driving power and control signals (clock signal and data signal) via the optical element drive unit 1.

[0028] <Impeller drive mechanism> Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the blade drive unit 4. Figures 4A and 4B are plan views of the blade drive unit 4 as seen from the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction. In Figure 4A, the cover 70 is omitted. In Figure 4B, the cover 70, aperture blades 60, and aperture material 50 are omitted. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the blade drive unit 4 in the XZ plane. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the tip side in the X axis direction in Figure 5. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the base side in the X axis direction in Figure 5. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the blade drive unit 4.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the blade drive device 4 includes a drive motor 40, an aperture material 50, aperture blades 60, and a cover 70, etc.

[0030] The drive motor 40 has a stator 10 (fixed body), a rotor 20 (movable body), and a support part 30. In the drive motor 40, the rotor 20 is rotatable relative to the stator 10 via the support part 30. The drive motor 40 is a so-called axial gap type rotary motor in which the stator 10 and rotor 20 face each other in the direction of the rotation axis. The direction of the rotation axis of the drive motor 40 coincides with the optical axis direction of the blade drive device 4.

[0031] The aperture member 50 defines the opening of the blade drive device 4 when the aperture blades 60 are in the fully open position. The aperture member 50 is attached to the base 12 of the stator 10. A notch 51 is formed on the periphery of the aperture member 50 at a position corresponding to the engagement pin 124 of the base 12.

[0032] The aperture blades 60 are mounted via the aperture material 50 so as to straddle the stator 10 and rotor 20 of the drive motor 40. The aperture blades 60 move in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 20 to open and close the opening of the blade drive device 4.

[0033] Specifically, the aperture blade 60 has a first blade member 61 and a second blade member 62. In this embodiment, the aperture blade 60 has three first blade members 61 (first aperture blade group) and three second blade members 62 (second aperture blade group). The first blade member 61 is a blade member positioned on the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction. The second blade member 62 is a blade member positioned on the image-forming side in the optical axis direction. The first blade member 61 and the second blade member 62 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0034] The first blade member 61 and the second blade member 62 each have a fixing hole 63 and a cam hole 64. The fixing hole 63 is fitted onto the engagement pin 222 of the rotor frame 22. The cam hole 64 engages with the engagement pin 124 of the base 12.

[0035] The cover 70 is positioned on the light-receiving side of the aperture blades 60 in the optical axis direction to prevent the aperture blades 60 from falling off. The cover 70 has a cover body portion 71 and a fixing piece 72. The cover body portion 71 has an opening in the center. In plan view, the outer shape of the cover body portion 71 is the same as the outer shape of the bottom surface portion 121 of the base 12. The fixing piece 72 is formed on the outer edge of the cover body portion 71 so as to hang down on the image-forming side in the optical axis direction. The fixing piece 72 fits into the notch portion 126 of the base 12. The cover 70 is fixed to the base 12, for example, by adhesive.

[0036] The cover body 71 has a plurality of guide holes 73 and fixing holes 74. In this embodiment, there are six guide holes 73 and six fixing holes 74. The guide holes 73 are formed in an arc shape so as to extend along the circumferential direction. The guide holes 73 engage with the engagement pins 222 of the rotor frame 22. The fixing holes 74 are fitted onto the engagement pins 124 of the base 12.

[0037] The cover 70 has a blade contact portion 75 that can come into contact with the aperture blades 60 (see Figures 9A to 9C). The blade contact portion 75 is formed on the cover body 71 so as to protrude toward the image-forming side in the optical axis direction. The blade contact portion 75 is interposed between the cover body 71 and the aperture blades 60, ensuring a gap between the cover 70 and the aperture blades 60. When the blade drive device 4 is used in an orientation where gravity acts toward the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction, the aperture blades 60 are displaced toward the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction and approach the cover 70. By providing the blade contact portion 75, it is possible to prevent the aperture blades 60 from coming into contact with the cover body 71, and the contact area with the cover 70 can be minimized. Therefore, the opening and closing operation of the aperture blades 60 can be performed smoothly regardless of the orientation of the blade drive device 4.

[0038] The blade contact portion 75 has a first blade contact portion 751 and a second blade contact portion 752. The first blade contact portion 751 is capable of contacting the first blade member 61. The second blade contact portion 752 is capable of contacting the second blade member 62.

[0039] Multiple second blade contact portions 752 are provided for one second blade member 62. In this embodiment, three second blade contact portions 752 are provided for one second blade member 62. Specifically, for one second blade member 62, two second blade contact portions 752 are provided on the inner peripheral edge of the cover body portion 71 and one is provided on the outer peripheral edge. The height of the second blade contact portion 752 is lower than that of the first blade contact portion 751. When the second blade member 62 comes into contact with the second blade contact portion 752 depending on the orientation of the blade drive device 4, a uniform gap can be secured between the cover 70 and the second blade member 62 across the entire surface of the second blade member 62.

[0040] Multiple first blade contact portions 751 are provided for one first blade member 61. In this embodiment, three first blade contact portions 751 are provided for one first blade member 61. Specifically, for one first blade member 61, two first blade contact portions 751 are provided on the inner peripheral edge of the cover body portion 71 and one is provided on the outer peripheral edge. When the first blade member 61 comes into contact with the first blade contact portion 751 depending on the orientation of the blade drive device 4, a uniform gap can be secured between the first blade member 61 and the second blade member 62 across the entire surface of the second blade member 62. The first blade contact portions 751 are positioned so as not to interfere with the second blade member 62 when the aperture blades 60 open and close.

[0041] Preferably, the blade contact portion 75 has a spherical shape. This minimizes the contact area between the blade contact portion 75 and the aperture blade 60, and improves sliding properties, so that the opening and closing operation of the aperture blade 60 can be performed smoothly even when the blade contact portion 75 and the aperture blade 60 are in contact.

[0042] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the drive motor 40. As shown in Figure 10, the drive motor 40 has a stator 10 and a rotor 20.

[0043] The stator 10 is a fixed body that supports the rotor 20 so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction around the optical axis (rotation axis) via the support portion 30. The rotor 20 is a movable body that is rotatably supported by the stator 10 via the support portion 30. The support portion 30 is formed when the rotor 20 is placed on the stator 10 (see Figure 7). The coil 11 and magnet 21 constitute a drive unit that rotates the rotor 20 relative to the stator 10.

[0044] The stator 10 includes a coil 11, a base 12, a coil substrate 13, and a yoke 14. The stator 10 is constructed by assembling the coil 11, coil substrate 13, and yoke 14 onto the base 12.

[0045] The coil 11 is, for example, a planar coil in which a conductor is wound in a spiral shape. The coil 11 has a rectangular or oval shape. The coil 11 has circumferentially opposing portions (not shown in the reference numerals) that face each other in the circumferential direction and radially opposing portions (not shown in the reference numerals) that face each other in the radial direction. Multiple coils 11 are arranged on the coil substrate 13 along the circumferential direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, three sets of coils 11A to 11C are arranged on the coil substrate 13. Each of the coils 11A to 11C is arranged to span, for example, the first magnetic pole portion 211 and the second magnetic pole portion 212 of the magnet 21. Note that coil 11 may be fabricated inside the coil substrate 13.

[0047] The base 12 constitutes the housing for the drive motor 40. The base 12 is a low-profile, bottomed cylindrical member having a bottom surface 121 and a circumferential surface 122. The base 12 has an opening 123 in the center of the bottom surface 121. The base 12 has an engagement pin 124 on the periphery of the opening 123. The engagement pin 124 is formed to protrude toward the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction from a bulge 125 formed on the periphery of the opening 123. The engagement pin 124 is provided corresponding to the fixing hole 74 of the cover 70. The base 12 also has notches 126 at two radially opposite locations on the circumferential surface 122.

[0048] Furthermore, the base 12 has fixed-side support portions 127. In this embodiment, the fixed-side support portions 127 are recesses formed in the bottom surface portion 121. Three fixed-side support portions 127 are arranged at equally spaced positions with 120° rotational symmetry. Together with the movable-side support portions 225 of the rotor frame 22, the fixed-side support portions 127 function as a support portion 30. The fixed-side support portions 127 also have stepped portions 128 at the opening edge of the recess.

[0049] The coil substrate 13 has a substrate body portion 131 and terminal portions 132. The shape of the substrate body portion 131 conforms to the shape of the bottom surface portion 121 of the base 12. The substrate body portion 131 has, for example, a ring shape. The terminal portions 132 are connected, for example, to two radially opposite locations on the substrate body portion 131. The coil substrate 13 is placed on and fixed to the bottom surface portion 121 of the base 12. The terminal portions 132 are pulled out radially outward from the notch portion 126 of the base 12.

[0050] The coil substrate 13 is a flexible printed circuit board on which the coil 11 is mounted. The coil substrate 13 is formed by laminating a thin insulating layer, such as a resin film, with a metal layer, such as copper foil. Circuit wiring (not shown) such as signal lines and power lines is formed by the metal layer. A portion of the metal layer located at the terminal portion 132 is exposed and is electrically and mechanically connected to the electrical system of the optical element driving device 1.

[0051] Furthermore, a detection unit (not shown) for detecting the rotational position of the rotor 20 (magnet 21) is mounted on the coil substrate 13. The detection unit is composed of, for example, a Hall element capable of magnetically detecting the rotational position of the rotor 20. The detection unit is positioned on the back surface of the coil substrate 13 (the surface on the optical axis direction imaging side) at a location corresponding to the hollow portion of one coil 11.

[0052] The yoke 14 is made of a magnetic material. The yoke 14 is fixed, for example, by being fitted into the bottom surface 121 of the base 12. The yoke 14 is positioned to face the magnet 21 in the optical axis direction (rotation axis direction), generating a magnetic attractive force on the magnet 21. It is also possible to adjust the magnetic attractive force by fixing the yoke 14 to the back surface of the base 12 (the surface on the optical axis direction imaging side). The coil substrate 13 (coil 11) is sandwiched between the yoke 14 and the magnet 21. By positioning the yoke 14, the magnetic flux radiated from the magnet 21 can be efficiently intersected with the coil 11.

[0053] The rotor 20 has a magnet 21 and a rotor frame 22. The rotor 20 is constructed by assembling the magnet 21 to the rotor frame 22. Figures 11A and 11B show the specific configuration of the rotor 20. Figure 11A is an exploded perspective view of the rotor 20 as seen from the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction. Figure 11B is an exploded perspective view of the rotor 20 as seen from the imaging side in the optical axis direction.

[0054] The magnet 21 is a ring-shaped magnet in which the south pole and north pole are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the three magnets 21A to 21C are arranged at equal positions with 120° rotational symmetry and spaced apart from each other, forming a ring shape as a whole. The shape of the magnet 21 is the same as the main body portion 131 of the coil substrate 13. In the drive motor 40, the magnet 21 and the coil 11 are arranged to face each other in the optical axis direction (rotation axis direction).

[0055] The magnet 21 is a multipole magnet in which, for example, second pole portions 212 having the opposite polarity (e.g., south pole) to the polarity (e.g., north pole) of the first pole portion 211 are arranged on both sides in the circumferential direction of the first pole portion 211. An unmagnetized neutral portion 213 may be arranged at the boundary between the first pole portion 211 and the second pole portion 212. The magnet 21 may be a single-sided multipole magnet with one side magnetized, or a double-sided multipole magnet with both sides magnetized.

[0056] The magnet 21 has a space through which the magnet engaging piece 224 of the rotor frame 22 can pass. In this embodiment, the magnet 21 has an engaging groove 214 on its outer surface that is recessed radially and penetrates in the direction of the optical axis. Alternatively, through holes or slits may be provided inside the magnet 21 instead of the engaging groove 214.

[0057] The rotor frame 22 is a holder that holds the magnet 21. The rotor frame 22 has a frame body portion 221 and an engagement pin 222. The frame body portion 221 has a ring shape, similar to the magnet 21. The engagement pin 222 is formed to protrude toward the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction. The engagement pin 222 is provided corresponding to the guide hole 73 of the cover 70.

[0058] The rotor frame 22 has a magnet arrangement portion 223. The magnet arrangement portion 223 is provided, for example, on the lower surface of the frame body portion 221. The rotor frame 22 also has a magnet engaging piece 224. The magnet engaging piece 224 is provided, for example, on the magnet arrangement portion 223 so as to protrude toward the imaging side in the optical axis direction. In this embodiment, the magnet engaging piece 224 is provided on a part of the outer edge of the magnet arrangement portion 223.

[0059] The magnet 21 is fixed to the magnet placement section 223. At this time, the magnet engaging piece 224 of the rotor frame 22 and the engaging groove 214 of the magnet 21 engage. The magnet 21 is fixed to the magnet placement section 223, for example, by adhesive. By using the surface forming the engaging groove 214, along with the magnet placement section 223, which is the optical axis direction imaging side of the frame body 221, as an adhesive surface to the magnet 21, the adhesive strength of the magnet 21 to the rotor frame 22 can be improved.

[0060] The magnet engaging piece 224 can contact the stator 10 (coil substrate 13) via the engagement groove 214 of the magnet 21. Furthermore, when the rotor 20 is assembled, the magnet engaging piece 224 protrudes further toward the imaging side in the optical axis direction than the magnet 21, restricting contact between the magnet 21 and the coil 11. In the event that the stator 10 and rotor 20 come into close proximity due to an impact such as a fall, the coil substrate 13 and the magnet engaging piece 224 will come into contact before the coil 11 and the magnet 21 come into contact. Therefore, damage to the magnet 21 and the coil 11 due to impacts such as falls can be prevented.

[0061] Furthermore, the rotor frame 22 has movable support portions 225. In this embodiment, the movable support portions 225 are protrusions formed on the inner peripheral edge of the frame body portion 221. Also, like the fixed support portions 127, three movable support portions 225 are arranged at equally spaced positions with 120° rotational symmetry. The movable support portions 225 are, for example, positioned radially opposite to the magnet arrangement portion 223. The movable support portions 225 engage with the fixed support portions 127 of the base 12 and function together with the fixed support portions 127 as support portions 30.

[0062] The rotor 20 is positioned on the stator 10 such that the magnetic flux of the magnet 21 intersects with the two circumferentially opposing portions of the coil 11 in opposite directions. The rotor 20 is held in a state supported by the support portion 30 by the magnetic attraction of the magnet 21 to the yoke 14 fixed to the base 12. In other words, the magnet 21 is rotatably supported by the support portion 30 relative to the coil 11.

[0063] The support portion 30 rotatably supports the rotor 20 relative to the stator 10. In this embodiment, the support portion 30 is composed of a concave fixed-side support portion 127 formed on the base 12 and a convex movable-side support portion 225 formed on the rotor frame 22. By providing the fixed-side support portion 127 on the base 12 and the movable-side support portion 225 on the rotor frame 22, the support mechanism for the rotor 20 can be constructed without increasing the number of parts. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the materials of the base 12 and the rotor frame 22, the sliding properties of the rotor 20 relative to the stator 10 can also be improved.

[0064] In this embodiment, the three support parts 30 are arranged at equal positions with 120° rotational symmetry, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. This allows the rotor 20 to be supported in a stable position relative to the stator 10. In this case, the area between adjacent support parts 30, i.e., the area where the coil 11 and magnet 21 are located, is prone to displacement when subjected to impact such as dropping, but the contact between the coil 11 and magnet 21 is restricted by the magnet engaging piece 224.

[0065] The fixed support portion 127 contains a lubricant 31. The lubricant 31 has a viscosity such that it does not leak out of the fixed support portion 127 regardless of the orientation of the blade drive device 4. The lubricant 31 can be a gel or grease.

[0066] The lubricant 31 contained in the fixed-side support portion 127 deforms and moves in accordance with the rotation of the rotor 20, and there is a risk that it may ride up over the fixed-side support portion 127 and leak out. In this embodiment, a stepped portion 128 is provided in the fixed-side support portion 127, which increases the distance that the lubricant 31 travels before riding up over the fixed-side support portion 127 and leaking out, thus suppressing the leakage of the lubricant 31.

[0067] The blade drive unit 4 is assembled by sequentially placing the rotor 20, aperture material 50, and aperture blades 60 on the stator 10, and then fixing the cover 70 to the base 12 of the stator 10.

[0068] The blade drive unit 4 is supplied with power and control signals (clock signals and data signals) via the electrical system of the optical element drive unit 1. Based on the supplied power and control signals, the drive motor 40 is driven, causing the rotor 20 to rotate relative to the stator 10.

[0069] Specifically, when current is passed through coil 11, a Lorentz force is generated in coil 11 due to the interaction between the magnetic field of magnet 21 and the current flowing through coil 11 (Fleming's left-hand rule). The direction of the Lorentz force is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field (Z-axis direction) and the direction of the current at the circumferentially opposing portion of coil 11.

[0070] In the two circumferentially opposing sections, the direction of the currents flowing is opposite, and the direction of the intersecting magnetic fluxes is also opposite, so a Lorentz force is generated in the same direction in the circumferential direction. In the two radially opposing sections, the direction of the currents flowing is opposite, and the direction of the intersecting magnetic fluxes is the same, so a Lorentz force is generated in opposite directions in the radial direction, and they cancel each other out. The energization of each coil 11 is controlled so that a Lorentz force is generated in the same direction in the circumferential direction in all coils 11. Since the coils 11 are fixed, a reaction force acts on the magnets 21. This reaction force becomes the driving force of the drive motor 40, and the rotor 20 having the magnets 21 rotates.

[0071] As the rotor 20 rotates, the engagement pin 222 of the rotor frame 22 moves circumferentially. Since the movement of the aperture blades 60 is restricted by the cam hole 64 and the engagement pin 124 of the base 12, the aperture blades 60 rotate around the engagement pin 222 of the rotor frame 22. This opens and closes the opening of the blade drive device 4, adjusting the amount of light incident on the lens section 2.

[0072] [Differentiation] Figure 12 shows a modified example of the support portion 30. In the above embodiment, the support portion 30 is composed of a concave fixed-side support portion 127 formed on the base 12 and a convex movable-side support portion 225 formed on the rotor frame 22. In contrast, the modified support portion 30-1 is composed of a concave fixed-side support portion 129 formed on the base 12, a concave movable-side support portion 226 formed on the rotor frame 22, and a ball 32 interposed between the fixed-side support portion 129 and the movable-side support portion 226.

[0073] The fixed support portion 129 and the movable support portion 226 are, for example, grooves that have a V-shape in cross-sectional view and extend in the circumferential direction. The ball 32 is supported at four points by the fixed support portion 129 and the movable support portion 226. As the rotor 20 rotates, the ball 32 rolls along the fixed support portion 129 and the movable support portion 226.

[0074] By providing a fixed support portion 129 on the base 12 and a movable support portion 226 on the rotor frame 22, and interposing a ball 32 between the fixed support portion 129 and the movable support portion 226, a support mechanism for the rotor 20 can be constructed with a simple structure.

[0075] As in the embodiment, a lubricant may be applied to the fixed-side support portion 129. The fixed-side support portion 129 may also have a stepped portion (not shown in the reference numeral) at the opening edge of the recess. Furthermore, the recessed shape of one of the fixed-side support portion 129 and the movable-side support portion 226 does not have to be V-shaped in cross-sectional view, and may be U-shaped with a flat contact portion with the ball. In this case, the ball 32 will be supported at three points by the fixed-side support portion 129 and the movable-side support portion 226.

[0076] Thus, this embodiment discloses a blade drive device 4 that includes the following features individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0077] In other words, the blade drive device 4 is a blade drive device capable of adjusting the amount of light incident on the lens portion 2 (optical element) through the aperture, and comprises a stator 10 (fixed body) having a coil 11, a rotor 20 (movable body) having a magnet 21 and rotatable relative to the stator 10, and aperture blades 60 that open and close the aperture in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 20. The rotor 20 has a magnet engaging piece 224 (protrusion) that restricts contact between the magnet 21 and the coil 11, and the magnet engaging piece 224 can come into contact with the stator 10 via an engaging groove 214 (space formed in the magnet).

[0078] In the blade drive device 4, the magnet engaging piece 224 can contact the stator 10 via the engaging groove 214 formed in the magnet 21. Therefore, there is no need to increase the product size in the XY plane to provide a restricting means to restrict contact between the coil 11 and the magnet, thus enabling miniaturization. Furthermore, since contact between the coil 11 and the magnet 21 is restricted by the magnet engaging piece 224, the reliability of the blade drive device 4 is improved.

[0079] In the blade drive device 4, multiple magnets 21 are provided, and magnet engaging pieces 224 (protrusions) are provided corresponding to each of the multiple magnets 21A to 21C. By providing multiple sets of coils 11 and magnets 21, the design flexibility of the drive unit is improved, and since contact between the coils 11 and magnets 21 is restricted in all of the multiple sets, the reliability of the blade drive device 4 is improved.

[0080] In the blade drive device 4, the magnet 21 and the coil 11 are arranged opposite each other in the direction of the optical axis, and the magnet engaging piece 224 (protrusion) is formed to protrude in the direction of the optical axis. This makes it possible to realize the magnet engaging piece 224 for restricting contact between the coil 11 and the magnet 21 with a simple structure.

[0081] The blade drive unit 4 includes support parts 30 that rotatably support the rotor 20 (movable body) relative to the stator 10 (fixed body). Multiple support parts 30 are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the optical axis direction, and the magnets 21 are arranged between adjacent support parts 30 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, in the blade drive unit 4, the multiple support parts 30 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction, and the multiple magnets 21A to 21C are arranged facing the support parts 30 in the radial direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. By arranging multiple support parts 30, the rotor 20 can be supported in a stable position relative to the stator 10, thereby improving the stability of operation. The parts where the coil 11 and magnets 21 are arranged are prone to displacement when subjected to impact such as dropping, but the contact between the coil 11 and magnets 21 is restricted by the magnet engagement piece 224, so the reliability of the blade drive unit 4 is not impaired.

[0082] In the blade drive device 4, the space formed in the magnet 21 is an engagement groove 214 (through groove) formed in the magnet 21, and the magnet engagement piece 224 (protrusion) is bonded to the surface forming the engagement groove 214. By using the surface forming the engagement groove 214 as the bonding surface with the magnet 21, the bonding strength of the magnet 21 in the rotor 20 can be improved.

[0083] Furthermore, this embodiment discloses a blade drive device 4 that includes the following features individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0084] In other words, the blade drive device 4 is a blade drive device capable of adjusting the amount of light incident on the lens portion 2 (optical element) through the aperture, and comprises a stator 10 (fixed body), a rotor 20 (movable body) rotatable relative to the stator 10, a coil 11 and a magnet 21 (drive unit) for rotating the rotor 20, aperture blades 60 that open and close the aperture in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 20, and a cover 70 that covers the aperture blades 60 from the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction. The cover 70 has a blade contact portion 75 that protrudes toward the image-forming side in the optical axis direction and can come into contact with the aperture blades 60.

[0085] With the blade drive device 4, a gap is secured between the aperture blade 60 and the cover 70 (cover body portion 71) by the blade contact portion 75, so that the opening and closing operation of the aperture blade 60 can be performed smoothly regardless of the orientation of the blade drive device 4, and the reliability of the blade drive device 4 is improved.

[0086] In the blade drive device 4, the aperture blade 60 has a plurality of blade members 61 and 62, and a plurality of blade contact portions 75 are provided for each of the plurality of blade members 61 and 62. This ensures that a gap is reliably maintained between the cover 70 and the blade members 61 and 62.

[0087] In the blade drive device 4, the aperture blades 60 include a first blade member 61 (first aperture blade group) and a second blade member 62 (second aperture blade group) positioned on the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction of the first blade member 61 and partially overlapping with the first blade member 61. The blade contact portion 75 includes a first blade contact portion 751 that can contact the first blade member 61 and a second blade contact portion 752 that can contact the second blade member 62 and is lower in height than the first blade contact portion 751. This ensures a gap between the first blade member 61 and the second blade member 62.

[0088] In the blade drive device 4, the blade contact portion 75 has a spherical shape. This minimizes the contact area between the blade contact portion 75 and the aperture blade 60. Furthermore, because the sliding properties are improved, the opening and closing operation of the aperture blade 60 can be performed smoothly even when the blade contact portion 75 and the aperture blade 60 are in contact.

[0089] Furthermore, this embodiment discloses a blade drive device 4 that includes the following features individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0090] In other words, the blade drive device 4 is a blade drive device capable of adjusting the amount of light incident on the lens portion 2 (optical element) through the aperture, and comprises a stator 10 (fixed body), a rotor 20 (movable body) rotatable relative to the stator 10, a support portion 30 that rotatably supports the rotor 20 relative to the stator 10, a coil 11 and a magnet 21 (drive portion) that rotate the rotor 20, and aperture blades 60 that open and close the aperture in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 20. The support portions 30 are arranged at multiple rotationally symmetrical locations, and the coil 11 and magnet 21 are arranged between adjacent support portions 30.

[0091] Specifically, in the blade drive device 4, the support parts 30 are arranged in three locations with 120° rotational symmetry, and the coil 11 and magnet 21 (drive unit) are arranged in three locations between adjacent support parts 30.

[0092] The blade drive unit 4 allows the rotor 20 to be supported in a stable position relative to the stator 10, thereby improving the reliability of the blade drive unit 4.

[0093] In the blade drive device 4, the support portion 30 is composed of a fixed-side support portion 127 (a recess formed on one of the fixed body and the movable body) and a movable-side support portion 225 (a protrusion formed on the other of the fixed body and the movable body). Since the support portion 30 is constructed using the components of the stator 10 and the rotor 20, the support mechanism for the rotor 20 can be constructed without increasing the number of parts. In addition, by appropriately selecting the materials of the base 12 and the rotor frame 22, the sliding performance of the rotor 20 relative to the stator 10 is improved, thereby improving the reliability of the blade drive device 4.

[0094] Furthermore, in the modified blade drive device 4, the support portion 30-1 is composed of a fixed-side support portion 129 and a movable-side support portion 226 (recesses formed in the fixed body and the movable body respectively), and a ball 32 interposed between the fixed-side support portion 129 and the movable-side support portion 226. This allows for the construction of a support mechanism for the rotor 20 with a simple structure.

[0095] In the blade drive device 4, a lubricant is interposed between the movable support portion 225 (convex portion) and the fixed support portion 127 (concave portion). In the modified blade drive device 4, a lubricant is interposed between the fixed support portion 129 (concave portion) and the ball 32. This improves the sliding performance of the rotor 20 relative to the stator 10, thereby improving the reliability of the blade drive device 4.

[0096] In the blade drive device 4, a stepped portion 128 is formed on the opening edge of the fixed-side support portion 127 (recess). This prevents lubricant from leaking out of the fixed-side support portion 127.

[0097] In the blade drive device 4, the rotor 20 (movable body) and the stator 10 (fixed body) are arranged opposite each other in the optical axis direction, and the movable side support portion 225 (protrusion) and the fixed side support portion 127 (recess) are formed on the surfaces of the rotor 20 and stator 10 that face each other in the optical axis direction. This allows the support portion 30 to be realized with a simple structure.

[0098] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from its spirit.

[0099] For example, although the above embodiment was described using a smartphone M as an example, 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 equipment and transportation equipment. Information equipment includes, for example, mobile phones with cameras, notebook computers, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, webcams, and in-vehicle devices with cameras (e.g., rearview monitors, drive recorders). Transportation equipment includes, for example, automobiles and drones (unmanned aerial vehicles).

[0100] Figures 13A and 13B show a vehicle V as a camera-mounted device equipped with an in-vehicle camera module VC (Vehicle Camera). Figure 13A is a front view of vehicle V, and Figure 13B is a rear perspective view of vehicle V. Vehicle V is equipped with the camera module A described in the above embodiment as the in-vehicle camera module VC. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the in-vehicle camera module VC can be mounted, for example, on the windshield facing forward or on the rear gate facing backward. This in-vehicle camera module VC is used for purposes such as a backup monitor, a drive recorder, collision avoidance control, and autonomous driving control.

[0101] Furthermore, the configuration of the coil 11 and magnet 21 constituting the drive unit is not limited to those described in the embodiment and can be changed as appropriate.

[0102] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1 Optical element drive device, 2 Lens section (optical element), 3 Imaging section, 4 Blade drive device, 10 Stator (fixed body), 11, 11A~11C Coil, 12 Base, 13 Coil substrate, 14 Yoke, 20 Rotor (movable body), 21, 21A~21C Magnet, 22 Rotor frame, 30, 30-1 Support section, 31 Lubricant, 32 Ball, 40 Drive motor, 50 Aperture material, 60 Aperture blade, 61 First blade member (first aperture blade group), 62 Second blade member (second aperture blade group), 63 Fixing hole, 64 Cam hole, 70 Cover, 71 Cover body, 72 Fixing piece, 73 Guide hole, 74 Fixing hole, 75 Blade contact section, 121 Bottom surface, 122 Peripheral surface, 123 Opening, 124 Engagement pin, 125 bulge, 126 notch, 127, 129 fixed side support, 128 stepped section, 131 main board section, 132 terminal section, 211 first magnetic pole section, 212 second magnetic pole section, 213 neutral section, 214 engagement groove (through groove), 221 main frame section, 222 engagement pin, 223 magnet placement section, 224 magnet engagement piece (protrusion), 225, 226 movable side support section, 751 first wing contact section, 752 second wing contact section, A camera joule, M smartphone (camera mounted device)

Claims

1. A vane drive device capable of adjusting the amount of light incident on an optical element through an aperture, A fixed body having a coil, A movable body having a magnet and rotatable relative to the fixed body, The system includes aperture blades that open and close the opening in conjunction with the rotation of the movable body, The movable body has a protrusion that restricts contact between the magnet and the coil, The protrusion is capable of contacting the fixed body through the space formed in the magnet. Blade drive mechanism.

2. Multiple magnets are provided, The aforementioned protrusions are provided in accordance with each of the plurality of magnets, The blade drive device according to claim 1.

3. The magnet and the coil are arranged opposite each other in the direction of the optical axis. The aforementioned protrusion is formed to protrude in the direction of the optical axis, The blade drive device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The movable body is provided with a support portion that rotatably supports the fixed body, The support members are arranged in a plurality, spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the optical axis, The magnet is positioned between adjacent support portions in the circumferential direction. The blade drive device according to claim 3.

5. The multiple support portions are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction. The multiple magnets are arranged facing the support portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the optical axis, The blade drive device according to claim 4.

6. The space formed in the magnet is a through groove formed in the magnet. The aforementioned protrusion is bonded to the surface forming the through groove. The blade drive device according to claim 1.

7. A camera module comprising the blade drive device described in claim 1.

8. A camera-equipped device which is an information device or a transport device, A camera module comprising the camera module described in claim 7, A device equipped with a camera.

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