Camera module and camera-equipped device

Abstract

To provide a lens drive device, a camera module, and a camera mounted device with which it is possible to reduce a device size while securing a movement range of a movable lens.SOLUTION: A lens drive device comprises: a first movable unit and a second movable unit that are disposed in a direction of an optical axis, and that are capable of holding a first movable lens and a second movable lens, respectively; a first drive unit and a second drive unit that drive the first movable unit and the second movable unit in the direction of the optical axis; and a housing that accommodates at least the first and second movable units and the first and second drive units. The first and second drive units are disposed on sides opposite each other with respect to the optical axis, and drive the first and second movable units in the direction of the optical axis independently of each other. The housing includes a pair of wall units extending in the direction of the optical axis on both sides with respect to the optical axis where the first and second drive units are disposed, and a metal plate that bridges the pair of wall units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, camera modules mounted on thin camera-mounted devices such as smartphones have been known. Such camera modules are known to include a lens drive device having a zoom function for enlarging or reducing a subject image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a fixed lens onto which light from a subject is incident, two movable lenses onto which light bent by the fixed lens is incident, and a lens drive unit that moves the two movable lenses in the direction of the optical axis.

[0004] This lens driving unit has a feed screw mechanism driven by a motor corresponding to each of the two movable lenses. Each motor is provided on both ends in the direction of the optical axis in an area adjacent to the fixed lens and the movable lens in the housing of the camera module. An engagement nut is provided on the drive shaft of each motor, which engages with the frame of the movable lens and is movable on the drive shaft by the rotation of the drive shaft. The engagement nut moves on the drive shaft by the rotation drive of the motor, thereby moving the movable lens. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-36416 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] From the viewpoint of improving the performance of the zoom function of the lens driving device, it is preferable to widen the range of movement of each movable lens. However, since a motor such as a stepping motor has a certain size, in the case of a configuration in which two motors are provided as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the external shape of the lens driving device will become too large when the amount of movement of the movable lens is taken into consideration.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a lens driving device, a camera module, and a camera-mounted device that can be made compact while ensuring a movement range of a movable lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The camera module according to the present invention comprises: a first movable portion and a second movable portion arranged in a direction of the optical axis and capable of holding a first movable lens and a second movable lens, respectively; a first driving unit and a second driving unit that drive the first movable unit and the second movable unit in a direction of the optical axis; a housing that accommodates at least the first movable portion, the second movable portion, the first driving portion, and the second driving portion; a reflecting housing that houses an element that reflects incident light toward the housing as reflected light in the direction of the optical axis; Equipped with the first driving unit and the second driving unit are disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and drive the first movable unit and the second movable unit independently in a direction of the optical axis; The housing includes a pair of actuators extending in the direction of the optical axis on both sides of the optical axis where the first actuator and the second actuator are disposed. a pair of first walls, the first drive portion and the second drive portion being disposed along inner surfaces of each of the pair of first walls; And the pair of 1st wall and a metal plate bridging the two.

[0009] The camera module according to the present invention comprises: before a lens section including the first movable lens and the second movable lens held by the first movable section and the second movable section; an imaging unit that captures a subject image formed by the lens unit; Equipped with The first movable lens and the second movable lens are driven in the direction of the optical axis.

[0010] The camera-mounted device according to the present invention comprises: A camera-equipped device that is an information device or a transport device, The camera module described above; an imaging control unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve size reduction while ensuring the movement range of the movable lens. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a simplified view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a housing portion of the camera module. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom wall side of the housing portion of the camera module. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a lens unit. [Figure 6] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a side wall and a bottom wall of the housing. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom wall portion. [Figure 8] This is a view of the housing from the +Z side. [Figure 9] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing portions where a magnet and a position detector face each other; [Figure 10A] 4 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between a magnet and a position detector; FIG. [Figure 10B]4 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between a magnet and a position detector; FIG. [Figure 10C] 4 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between a magnet and a position detector; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection portion between a lens portion and a frame. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of an interposition portion. [Figure 13] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between an interposition portion and an ultrasonic motor. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic motor. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic motor. [Figure 16] 4 is an enlarged view of a contact portion between a resonating portion and an intermediate portion. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration having a plurality of position detection units. [Figure 18A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a smartphone equipped with a camera module. [Figure 18B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a smartphone equipped with a camera module. [Figure 19A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an automobile equipped with a camera module. [Figure 19B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an automobile equipped with a camera module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of a camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of the camera module 1 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the side.

[0014] The camera module 1 is mounted on a thin camera-mounted device such as a smartphone M (see FIGS. 18A and 18B), a mobile phone, a digital camera, a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, a portable game machine, or an in-vehicle camera.

[0015] In describing the structure of the camera module 1 of this embodiment, a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used. The same Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used in the figures described later. When an image is actually captured by the camera-mounted device, the camera module 1 is mounted so that 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, for example. Light from a subject enters from the negative side of the Z direction (negative side), is bent, and is guided to the positive side of the Y direction (positive side). By reducing the thickness of the camera module 1 in the Z direction, the camera-mounted device can be made thinner.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the camera module 1 includes a housing 10, a reflection drive unit 20, a lens unit 30, an imaging unit 40, a guide shaft 50 (see FIG. 3), a lens drive unit 60 (see FIG. 5), a position detection unit 70 (see FIG. 9), and a drive control unit 100.

[0017] The drive control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU reads out a program corresponding to the processing contents from the ROM, loads it in the RAM, and centrally controls the lens drive unit 60 in cooperation with the loaded program. In this way, the drive control unit 100 drives a second lens unit 32 and a third lens unit 33 (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 shaft 50, the lens drive unit 60, the position detection unit 70, and the drive control unit 100 correspond to the "lens drive device" of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, in the camera module 1, incident light L1 is incident on the housing 10 via the reflection drive unit 20. The reflection drive unit 20 has a reflection housing 21, a mirror 22, and a reflection drive control unit 23. In the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the reflection housing 21 is disposed adjacent to the end of the housing 10 on the negative side in the Y direction. The mirror 22 is provided in the reflection housing 21, and reflects the incident light L1 toward the housing 10 as reflected light L2. The reflection drive control unit 23 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and controls the orientation of the mirror 22.

[0019] Moreover, the mirror 22 according to this embodiment has two rotation axes (not shown) extending in the X direction and the Z direction. In the reflection drive unit 20, the mirror 22 rotates about the rotation axis under the control of the reflection drive control unit 23. This provides the camera module 1 with a shake correction function (OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) function) that optically corrects shake (vibration) occurring during shooting to reduce image distortion.

[0020] The reflected light L2 incident on the housing 10 is output to the imaging section 40 via the lens section 30 housed in the housing 10.

[0021] The imaging unit 40 is disposed on an outer surface (disposition portion 112B of the second wall 112 described later) on the positive side in the Y direction of the housing 10, and is configured so that reflected light L2 is incident via the lens unit 30. The imaging unit 40 has an imaging element, a substrate, etc. (not shown).

[0022] 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 a substrate and electrically connected to wiring on the substrate via bonding wires. The imaging element captures an image of a subject formed by the lens unit 30, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the subject image.

[0023] 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, ROM, RAM, etc., and processes image information obtained by the camera module 1. The imaging control unit 200 may be mounted on the camera-mounted device, but may also be built into the camera module 1.

[0024] 3, the housing 10 contains the lens unit 30, the guide shaft 50, and the lens driving unit 60 (see also FIG. 5), 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.

[0025] The side wall portion 11 is a wall portion made of, for example, resin and configured in, for example, a U-shape that opens toward the negative side in the Y direction, and has a first wall 111, a second wall 112, a third wall 113 and a fourth wall 114 (see also Figure 8, etc.).

[0026] The first walls 111 extend in the Y direction, and a pair are provided on both sides in the X direction. An arrangement portion 111A is provided on the inner surface of the housing 10 in the first wall 111, in which a piezoelectric element described later is arranged. As shown in Fig. 4, an engaged portion 111B is formed on the bottom surface (the surface on the negative side in the Z direction) of the first wall 111, with which the positioning portion 121 of the bottom wall portion 12 engages. The pair of first walls 111 correspond to the "pair of walls" of the present invention.

[0027] 3 and 4, the second wall 112 is configured to extend in the X direction and is provided so as to connect the ends of the pair of first walls 111 on the + side in the Y direction. Also, guide support parts 112A that support the guide shaft 50 are provided on both sides in the X direction on the top surface (the surface on the + side in the Z direction) of the second wall 112. An arrangement part 112B on which the imaging part 40 is arranged is provided on the outer surface of the second wall 112.

[0028] Further, drive support portion 112C and opening portion 112D are provided in arrangement portion 112B of second wall 112. In the present embodiment, drive support portion 112C is a hole that supports drive shaft 61, which will be described later, and is provided on both sides in the X direction in arrangement portion 112B. Opening portion 112D is an opening into which fourth lens unit 34 of lens section 30 fits, and is provided in the center of arrangement portion 112B in the X direction.

[0029] 3, the third walls 113 are provided at each end on the negative side in the Y direction of the pair of first walls 111. The pair of third walls 113 are provided so as to surround a space defined by the first wall 111 and the second wall 112. A gap is provided between the pair of third walls 113 such that the first lens unit 31 of the lens section 30 can fit therein.

[0030] Further, a guide support portion 113A that supports the guide shaft 50 is provided on the top surface (the surface on the positive side in the Z direction) of the pair of third walls 113. A drive support portion 113B that supports a drive shaft 61 (described later) is provided near the center of the pair of third walls 113 in the Z direction.

[0031] In this embodiment, the height of the drive support portion 113B is the same as the height of the drive support portion 112C of the second wall 112 described above.

[0032] 5, the fourth walls 114 form the bottom wall of a space formed by each of the first walls 111, the third walls 113 corresponding to the first walls 111, and the second walls 112, and are provided in an area corresponding to the third walls 113 in the X direction (see also FIG. 8). Therefore, a gap is provided between the fourth walls 114 on both sides in the X direction.

[0033] The wall portion of the region of the fourth wall 114 on the +X side in the X direction in the side wall portion 11 and the wall portion of the region of the fourth wall 114 on the -X side in the X direction correspond to the "wall portions on both ends in the optical axis direction" of the present invention.

[0034] 4 to 6, the bottom wall portion 12 is, for example, a substantially rectangular metal plate that constitutes the bottom wall of the housing 10, and is provided so as to bridge the fourth wall 114 and the pair of first walls 111 on both sides in the X direction. The bottom wall portion 12 is integrated with the bottom surface portions of the side wall portions 11 including the bottom portions of the pair of first walls 111 by insert molding.

[0035] Positioning portions 121 are provided on both ends in the X direction of the bottom wall portion 12. The positioning portions 121 are provided to protrude from both ends of the bottom wall portion 12 and engage with the engaged portions 111B of the first wall 111 described above. This allows the bottom wall portion 12 to be positioned in the Y direction.

[0036] 6 and 7, the bottom wall portion 12 has bent portions 122 at its side ends in the X direction and Y direction. The bent portions 122 are provided by bending the side ends toward the positive side of the Z direction. The bent portions 122 at both side ends in the Y direction are configured to be shorter than the bent portions 122 at both side ends in the X direction.

[0037] Further, a groove (not shown) into which the bent portion 122 fits is formed in a portion of the housing 10 corresponding to the bent portion 122. The bent portion 122 fits into this groove, whereby the bottom wall portion 12 is fixed to the housing 10.

[0038] Moreover, since the side wall 11 is configured, for example, in a substantially U-shape, the bent portion 122A at the end of the bottom wall 12 located on the negative side in the Y direction (direction of the optical axis) is located in a portion where no wall exists. In other words, the end of the bottom wall 12 located on the light incident side in the Y direction is bent toward the side wall 11. By providing the bent portion 122 in this manner, the strength of the bottom wall portion of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0039] Further, a plurality of half punches 123 aligned in the Y direction are formed on the surface of the bottom wall portion 12. The half punches 123 are provided across the bottom wall portion 12 in the X direction. In this embodiment, a total of five half punches 123 are provided.

[0040] By providing the half punch 123 in this manner, the strength of the bottom wall portion of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0041] 3 and 5, the lens section 30 is provided in an area sandwiched between a pair of first walls 111, including an area through which reflected light L2 (see FIG. 2) from the reflection drive section 20 passes. The lens section 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.

[0042] 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 of the Y direction), and is fixed between a pair of third walls 113 of the housing .

[0043] The side surface of the first lens unit 31 is curved, for example, so that the central portion in the Z direction is convex. The side surface of the third wall 113 on the first lens unit 31 side has, for example, a shape that follows the side surface of the first lens unit 31, and is configured so that the curved portion of the first lens unit 31 fits into it. In this way, the first lens unit 31 is fixed between the pair of third walls 113.

[0044] Second lens unit 32 is disposed downstream of first lens unit 31 in the incident direction, and has a main body portion 32A and a supported portion 32B. Third lens unit 33 is disposed downstream of second lens unit 32 in the incident direction, and has a main body portion 33A and a supported portion 33B. Second lens unit 32 corresponds to the "first movable portion" of the present invention, and third lens unit 33 corresponds to the "second movable portion" of the present invention.

[0045] Each of the main body portions 32A, 33A is a portion that holds a lens through which light passes after passing through the first lens unit 31. The supported portions 32B, 33B are portions that are movably supported by the guide shaft 50, and are provided on both sides of each of the main body portions 32A, 33A in the X direction.

[0046] The lens included in main body 32A of second lens unit 32 corresponds to the "first movable lens" of the present invention. The lens included in main body 33A of third lens unit 33 corresponds to the "second movable lens" of the present invention.

[0047] The fourth lens unit 34 is disposed on the most downstream side in the incident direction, and includes a lens. The fourth lens unit 34 is supported by a guide shaft 50 at a position adjacent to the second wall 112 of the housing 10. In addition, as shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, a convex portion 34A is provided on a surface of the fourth lens unit 34 on the + side in the Y direction.

[0048] The lenses in the first to fourth lens units 31 to may be attached to the housing 10 when the lens driving device is manufactured, or may be attached to the housing 10 when the camera module 1 is manufactured from the lens driving device.

[0049] The protrusion 34A has a size that allows it to fit into the opening 112D of the second wall 112. The fourth lens unit 34 is fixed to the housing 10 by fitting the protrusion 34A into the opening 112D.

[0050] 3 and 5, the guide shaft 50 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The guide shaft 50 extends in the Y direction and is provided in each of the regions of the pair of third walls 113. In this embodiment, the guide shafts 50 are configured to have equal lengths, and are supported by the guide support portion 113A of the third wall 113 and each guide support portion 112A of the second wall 112.

[0051] 8, the pair of first walls 111, third walls 113 and fourth walls 114 described above each have, for example, substantially the same shape, and are disposed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis O of the lens unit 30 on both sides in the X direction. Specifically, the pair of first walls 111, third walls 113 and fourth walls 114 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis O such that each of the pair of first walls 111 is disposed at a position a predetermined distance from the optical axis O.

[0052] By arranging the pair of first walls 111, third walls 113 and fourth walls 114 in this manner, the pair of guide shafts 50 supported by the pair of third walls 113, respectively, are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis O. More specifically, the pair of guide shafts 50 extend on both sides of the optical axis O and are arranged so as to be equidistant to each other from the optical axis O.

[0053] The pair of guide shafts 50 correspond to the "guide portion" of the present invention. The guide shaft 50 on the positive side in the X direction corresponds to the "first guide shaft" of the present invention, and the guide shaft 50 on the negative side in the X direction corresponds to the "second guide shaft" of the present invention.

[0054] The lens driving units 60 are provided corresponding to the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, respectively, and independently move either the corresponding second lens unit 32 or the third lens unit 33 under the control of the above-mentioned drive control unit 100. The lens driving units 60 are respectively disposed in an area of ​​the fourth wall 114 surrounded by the first wall 111, the second wall 112, and the third wall 113 on both sides in the X direction. In other words, one lens driving unit 60 is provided on each side of the optical axis in the housing 10.

[0055] In this 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. In other words, the lens driving unit 60 on the + side in the X direction corresponds to the "first driving unit" of the present invention, and the lens driving unit 60 on the - side in the X direction corresponds to the "second driving unit" of the present invention.

[0056] In this embodiment, the lens drivers 60 have the same shape, and therefore in the following description, unless otherwise specified, only the lens driver 60 corresponding to the second lens unit 32 will be described, and a description of the lens driver 60 corresponding to the third lens unit 33 will be omitted. Also, in this embodiment, the lens drivers 60 are disposed symmetrically in the X and Y directions, and therefore the relationship between the + and - directions in the lens driver 60 corresponding to the third lens unit 33 is opposite to the relationship between the + and - directions in the lens driver 60 corresponding to the second lens unit 32.

[0057] The lens driving unit 60 has a driving shaft 61 , a frame 62 , a connecting portion 63 , an intermediate portion 64 , and an ultrasonic motor 65 .

[0058] The drive shaft 61 is a shaft made of non-magnetic or low-magnetic ceramic (for example, zirconia) and extends in the Y direction for moving the frame 62 in the Y direction. The drive shaft 61 is supported by a drive support portion 112C of the second wall 112 and a drive support portion 113B of the third wall 113, and is disposed on the negative side in the Z direction of the guide shaft 50. The drive shafts 61 are provided on the third walls 113 on both sides in the X direction, so that the distances of the two drive shafts 61 from the optical axis O are equal to each other.

[0059] Moreover, the two drive shafts 61 are configured to have a length substantially equal to the length from the second wall 112 to the third wall 113, and are longer than the guide shaft 50. Moreover, the drive shafts 61 are configured to be thinner than the guide shafts 50.

[0060] The drive shaft 61 on the positive side in the X direction corresponds to the "first drive shaft" of the present invention, and the drive shaft 61 on the negative side in the X direction corresponds to the "second drive shaft" of the present invention.

[0061] The frame 62 is connected to one of the supported portions 32 B, 33 B of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 via a connecting portion 63 .

[0062] The frame 62 on the positive side in the X direction corresponds to the "first frame" of the present invention, and the frame 62 on the negative side in the X direction corresponds to the "second frame" of the present invention.

[0063] The frame 62 is supported by the drive shaft 61 so as to be movable in the Y direction. When the frame 62 moves along the drive shaft 61, the second lens unit 32 or the third lens unit 33 connected to the frame 62 via the connection portion 63 also moves along the guide shaft 50.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the frame 62 is configured to be longer than the distance over which the frame 62 itself can move. Specifically, the length of the frame 62 in the Y direction is longer than the distance over which the frame 62 can move within the housing 10.

[0065] 9, a magnet section 621 for detecting the position of frame 62 is provided on the negative side in the Z direction of frame 62. Magnet section 621 has two magnets 621A, 621B arranged side by side in the X direction. Magnet section 621 is disposed, for example, in a recess formed in the surface of frame 62 on the negative side in the Z direction.

[0066] A position detector 70 is provided at a portion of the housing 10 facing the magnet section 621. The position detector 70 is, for example, a Hall element that detects the position of the frame 62 in the Y direction, and detects the position of the magnet section 621 based on a predetermined reference position. The predetermined reference position is a common position for each of the two magnets 621A, 621B, and is set at an appropriate position, for example, an end of the bottom wall section 12 on the + or - side in the Y direction.

[0067] In magnet section 621, one magnet 621A is arranged so that its N pole faces position detection section 70, and the other magnet 621B is arranged so that its S pole faces position detection section 70. That is, two magnets 621A, 621B are magnetized in a direction along which magnet section 621 and position detection section 70 face each other (Z direction in this embodiment) and so that different poles face position detection section 70.

[0068] The magnets 621A and 621B are arranged in contact with each other. Therefore, on a surface 621C of the magnet section 621 facing the position detection section 70, different poles are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0069] 10A, 10B, and 10C, magnet section 621 is disposed at an angle with respect to the Y direction. That is, boundary 621D between different poles in magnet section 621 extends at an angle with respect to the optical axis.

[0070] This allows the position detector 70 to vary the ratio of N poles and S poles in the opposing portion of the magnet 621 in accordance with the movement of the frame 62 in the Z direction.

[0071] 10A, when frame 62 is positioned at the negative end in the Y direction, position detection unit 70 faces the positive end in the Y direction of magnet 621. Position detection unit 70 faces a portion of magnet 621B, which is the south pole, at that end.

[0072] When frame 62 moves toward the positive side in the Y direction, magnet 621 also moves together with frame 62, and so the opposing portion of magnet 621 to position detector 70 changes. Because magnet 621 is inclined, the proportion of N poles in the opposing portion to position detector 70 gradually increases.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10B, when frame 62 moves to a position where position detection unit 70 faces the central portion of frame 62, the portion where the proportion of south poles (magnet 621B) and the proportion of north poles (magnet 621A) are approximately equal becomes the portion facing position detection unit 70.

[0074] Also, as shown in FIG. 10C, when frame 62 moves to a position where position detection unit 70 faces the negative end of frame 62 in the Y direction, the part with a large proportion of N poles (magnet 621A) becomes the part facing position detection unit 70.

[0075] This allows the strength of the magnetic force detected by the position detection section 70 to be made different for each position on the frame 62, so that the position detection section 70 can detect the position of the frame 62 in the Y direction with high accuracy.

[0076] 11, connection portion 63 is a plate-shaped spring member (elastic member) fixed to the surface on the + side in the Z direction of frame 62 and to the surfaces on the - side in the Y direction of either supported portion 32B, 33B of second lens unit 32 and third lens unit 33. Since connection portion 63 is made of a spring member, even if the positional relationship between frame 62 and supported portions 32B, 33B is shifted due to manufacturing tolerances or the like, the shift in positional relationship can be absorbed by the elastic force of the spring member.

[0077] The connecting portion 63 on the + side in the X direction corresponds to the "first elastic member" of the present invention, and the connecting portion 63 on the - side in the X direction corresponds to the "second elastic member" of the present invention.

[0078] Intermediate portion 64 is formed of, for example, a plate-shaped metal member, and is fixed to the surface of frame 62 opposite to the lens portion. Intermediate portion 64 has a main body portion 641 and a contact portion 642. Intermediate portion 64 on the + side in the X direction corresponds to a "first intermediate portion" of the present invention, and intermediate portion 64 on the - side in the X direction corresponds to a "second intermediate portion" of the present invention.

[0079] 11 and 12, main body 641 has a flat surface parallel to the optical axis direction (Y direction), and is adhesively fixed to frame 62. In this embodiment, the length of main body 641 in the Y direction is shorter than the length of frame 62 in the Y direction (see also FIG. 8). In other words, the length of frame 62 is longer than the length of main body 641.

[0080] The contact portion 642 is a portion that comes into contact with the vibrator of the ultrasonic motor 65, and is configured by bending both ends in the Z direction of the main body portion 641 toward the opposite side to the lens portion. In other words, the main body portion 641 is provided between the pair of contact portions 642 so as to connect the pair of contact portions 642.

[0081] By configuring the contact portion 642 in this manner, a force acts from the vibrator of the ultrasonic motor 65 to the contact portion 642, generating a thrust in the direction of the optical axis (Y direction) in the intervening portion 64, making it possible to apply a thrust from the intervening portion 64 to the frame 62, causing it to move in the direction of the optical axis (Y direction).

[0082] 12, a plurality of openings 643 are formed in the connection portion between the main body portion 641 and the contact portion 642. The plurality of openings 643 are formed on both sides of the connection portion in the Y direction, five of them being the same size.

[0083] The openings 643 form six connecting portions 641B that connect the plate-like portion 641A of the main body 641 and the contact portion 642 and are spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0084] In this embodiment, the width of each connection portion 641B in the Y direction (the direction of the optical axis) becomes wider as the connection portion 641B is positioned further outward from the center in the Y direction. In other words, the width of the connection portion 641B in the center in the Y direction is narrower than the width of the connection portions 641B on both ends in the Y direction.

[0085] 6 and 13, the ultrasonic motor 65 is a driving source that generates a driving force for moving the frame 62, and is fixedly disposed on each of the mounting portions 111A of the pair of first walls 111. As shown in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic motor 65 has a resonating portion 651, a piezoelectric element 652, a first electrode 653, and a second electrode 654.

[0086] The ultrasonic motor 65 on the positive side in the X direction corresponds to the "first ultrasonic motor" of the present invention, and the ultrasonic motor 65 on the negative side in the X direction corresponds to the "second ultrasonic motor" of the present invention.

[0087] The resonating unit 651 is formed of, for example, a conductive material, and resonates with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 652 to convert the vibrational motion into a linear motion of the frame 62. Specifically, the resonating unit 651 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 652, and presses the interposed unit 64, thereby generating a thrust that moves in the direction of the optical axis in the frame 62 via the interposed unit 64. The resonating unit 651 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between two contact units 642 in the interposed unit 64. As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the resonating unit 651 has a body unit 651A, two vibrators 651B, a protruding unit 651C, and a conducting unit 651D.

[0088] Body 651A is configured, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape, and is a portion that is sandwiched between piezoelectric elements 652. Two oscillators 651B extend in the Y direction from both ends of body 651A in the Z direction. Two oscillators 651B have symmetrical shapes, and each free end contacts contact portion 642 of interposition portion 64. Two oscillators 651B correspond to the "first oscillator" and "second oscillator" of the present invention.

[0089] Protrusion 651C extends from the center of body 651A in the Z direction to the + side in the Y direction. Current-carrying portion 651D extends from the center of body 651A in the Z direction to the side opposite protrusion 651C (the - side in the Y direction).

[0090] The piezoelectric element 652 is a vibration element formed, for example, in a plate shape using a ceramic material, and generates vibration when a high-frequency voltage is applied to it. Two piezoelectric elements 652 are provided, and are arranged so as to sandwich the body portion 651A of the resonating unit 651 in the X direction.

[0091] The first electrode 653 has a clamping portion 653A that clamps the resonating portion 651 and the piezoelectric element 652, and an electrode portion 653B to which a voltage is applied. The first electrode 653 applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element 652 via the clamping portion 653A that clamps the piezoelectric element 652, etc. The second electrode 654 is electrically connected to a current-carrying portion 651D of the resonating portion 651. The first electrode 653 and the second electrode 654 are electrically connected to predetermined wiring of the camera-mounted device.

[0092] Two piezoelectric elements 652 are attached to body 651A of resonator 651 and are electrically connected to each other by being sandwiched between first electrodes 653. For example, one end of a power supply path is connected to first electrode 653 and the other end is connected to second electrode 654, whereby a voltage is applied to piezoelectric element 652 and vibration is generated.

[0093] The resonating portion 651 has at least two resonant frequencies and deforms in a different manner for each resonant frequency. In other words, the overall shape of the resonating portion 651 is set so that the resonating portion 651 deforms in a different manner for each of the two resonant frequencies. The different behaviors are a behavior in which the frame 62 moves to the + side in the Y direction via the interposition portion 64 and a behavior in which the frame moves to the - side.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 16, the resonating portion 651 is arranged so that the vibrator 651B faces one of the pair of contact portions 642 of the interposed portion 64. Therefore, when the two vibrators 651B are deformed, the tip of the vibrator 651B presses the contact portion 642 from the opposing side of each contact portion 642 in a direction inclined with respect to the Y direction (see arrow A).

[0095] When each contact portion 642 is pressed in the direction of arrow A by the tip of vibrator 651B, a reaction force that returns to the vibrator 651B side is generated in each contact portion 642. In other words, based on contact between each vibrator 651B and the pair of contact portions 642, interposition portion 64 generates a reaction force in a direction from the outside toward the inside of the pair of contact portions 642. The portion of interposition portion 64 including contact portions 642 corresponds to the "pressurizing portion" of the present invention.

[0096] A reaction force of interposed portion 64 against the pressure of vibrator 651B generates friction between vibrator 651B and contact portion 642, generating a thrust in the Y direction in interposed portion 64. Accordingly, a thrust (see arrow B) that moves in the Y direction is applied to frame 62 that is bonded to interposed portion 64. As a result, second lens unit 32 or third lens unit 33 connected to frame 62 moves in the Y direction.

[0097] Furthermore, since the contact portion 642 is configured to extend in the Y direction, when the contact portion 642 is pressed by the vibrator 651B, it moves in the Y direction while in sliding contact with the vibrator 651B. Therefore, the contact portion 642 is continuously pressed by the vibrator 651B, so that the frame 62 bonded to the interposition portion 64 can be continuously moved in the Y direction. Note that, at a certain resonance frequency, the pressing direction of the vibrator 651B is the direction of the arrow A and the sliding direction of the contact portion 642 is the direction of the arrow B, whereas at another resonance frequency, the pressing direction of the vibrator 651B is the direction of the arrow C and the sliding direction of the contact portion 642 is the direction of the arrow D.

[0098] Such a driving operation is performed by each of the ultrasonic motors 65 provided on each of the first walls 111 on both sides in the X direction. That is, each ultrasonic motor 65 independently drives each of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 in the optical axis direction.

[0099] However, when two ultrasonic motors 65 are arranged on the same first wall 111, it becomes necessary to provide two movable frames 62 on the side of the first wall 111. In that case, the frames 62 interfere with each other, narrowing the movement range of each, and thus narrowing the movement range of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33. Therefore, it becomes necessary to increase the length of the housing 10 in the Y direction in order to secure the movement range.

[0100] In contrast, in this embodiment, two ultrasonic motors 65 are disposed on each of a pair of first walls 111 on opposite sides of the optical axis, so that the space adjacent to each first wall 111 can be used as a dedicated movement range for each of the two frames 62. As a result, the volume of the housing 10 can be efficiently used for the lens driving section 60, so that the movement range of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 can be expanded without increasing the length of the housing 10 in the Y direction.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, the movement range of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 is increased, thereby increasing the freedom of selection of each lens, and thus, with regard to the zoom function, the magnification range of the lens unit 30 can be increased, and with regard to the focus function, the depth of field can be increased.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic motor 65 configured by bonding together thin plate-like members such as the resonator 651, the piezoelectric element 652, etc. is used in the lens driving unit 60, so that the arrangement space for the driving source can be reduced. As a result, the camera module 1 (lens driving device) can be made smaller than a configuration using a stepping motor or the like as a driving source.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the ultrasonic motors 65 are provided on both sides of the optical axis, the weight distribution in the housing 10 can be made uniform in the X direction, thereby improving the device's resistance to vibration, dropping, and the like.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since guide shaft 50 and drive shaft 61 are provided on both sides of the optical axis, tilt of second lens unit 32 and third lens unit 33, which are movable parts, during driving can be reduced.

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, since each guide shaft 50 is equidistant from the optical axis and has the same length, and each drive shaft 61 is equidistant from the optical axis and has the same length, the weight balance of the device in the X direction can be made uniform. As a result, the device's resistance to vibration, dropping, etc. can be improved.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, the intervening portion 64 is structured to sandwich the transducer 651B of the ultrasonic motor 65 with the contact portion 642, so that the contact portion 642 of the intervening portion 64 passes on both sides of each transducer 651B in the Z direction. In other words, the movement of the contact portion 642 does not interfere with the transducer 651B. As a result, the movement range of the intervening portion 64 can be expanded, and therefore the movement range of the frame 62 and the movable portion can be expanded.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width in the Y direction (direction of the optical axis) of each connection portion 641B in the interposition portion 64 is wider for connection portions 641B located further outward from the center in the Y direction. This makes it possible to equalize the pressing force applied by the vibrator 651B at each position of the contact portion 642 over the entire Y direction. As a result, for example, in a device mounted on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, when a stepless optical zoom function is activated, a moving force can be generated stably by the interposition portion 64 even if the movable portion is moved over a relatively long moving range (for example, 8 mm).

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, since the frame 62 is configured to be longer than the distance that the frame 62 can move, it is possible to prevent the frame 62 from moving too far, thereby improving the operational stability of the device.

[0109] However, for example, if the intervening portion 64 is configured to protrude beyond the frame 62, when the vibrator 651B presses the protruding part of the intervening portion 64, the direction of the force acting on the intervening portion 64 is likely to change, and the frame 62 may tilt.

[0110] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the length of frame 62 is longer than the length of intervening portion 64 (main body portion 641), thereby preventing the direction of force acting on intervening portion 64 from changing, thereby improving the operational stability of the device.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, since the drive shaft 61 is made of non-magnetic or low-magnetic ceramic, it is possible to suppress an influence on the detection accuracy of the position detection unit 70 that detects the position of the frame 62. As a result, it is possible to improve the position detection accuracy of the position detection unit 70.

[0112] Furthermore, by constructing the drive shaft 61 from a ceramic material such as zirconia, it is possible to manufacture the drive shaft 61 with high precision (for example, diameter precision of about ±0.5 μm) even if the outer diameter is thinned to about 0.8 mm. Furthermore, since the Young's modulus is relatively high, the strength can be improved. Furthermore, since it has the toughness to restore its original shape even if it is momentarily bent, the device can have sufficient resistance even if a relatively heavy glass lens or the like is applied to the lens portion.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive shaft 61 is supported by the second wall 112 and the third wall 113, so that the strength of the housing 10 can be improved.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the drive shaft 61, which is closer to the source of the drive force than the guide shaft 50, is longer than the guide shaft 50, so that the frame 62 and the lens unit can be easily driven stably. As a result, tilting of the parts inside the device can be suppressed.

[0115] However, if the magnet section 621 is constructed from a single magnet, the boundary between different poles includes an area with no magnetic force, and therefore, when the position detection section 70 crosses the boundary, there is a possibility that it will not be able to detect the position of the frame 62 in the area with no magnetic force.

[0116] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the boundary between different poles in magnet section 621 is formed by contacting two magnets 621A, 621B, so that there is no region without magnetic force at the boundary. As a result, the position detection accuracy of position detection section 70 can be further improved.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by widening the range of movement of frame 62, drive control section 100 can control the driving of second lens unit 32 and third lens unit 33 with, for example, 14-bit or higher resolution.

[0118] If the resolution is set to 12 bits, for example, when moving frame 62 over a relatively long range (e.g., 8 mm), the resolution of the movement of frame 62 becomes wider, and it may not be possible to drive second lens unit 32 and third lens unit 33 precisely.

[0119] Therefore, in this embodiment, by controlling with a resolution of 14 bits or more, the drive of the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33 can be controlled with greater precision even when the frame 62 is moved over a relatively long range.

[0120] In the above embodiment, one position detector 70 is provided for each frame 62, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of position detectors may be provided side by side in the optical axis direction (Y direction) as shown in Fig. 17. In this way, the accuracy of position detection of the frame 62 can be further improved.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the guide shafts 50 are provided on both sides in the X direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the guide shafts 50 may be provided on only one side in the X direction.

[0122] Further, in the above embodiment, the drive shaft 61 is made of ceramic, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the drive shaft may be made of other materials as long as it is made of a material that has a relatively small magnetic force.

[0123] In addition, in the above embodiment, the side wall portion 11 and the bottom wall portion 12 of the housing 10 are insert molded, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the bottom wall portion may be adhesively fixed to the side wall portion 11.

[0124] In addition, in the above embodiment, the configuration has two movable lenses constituted by the second lens unit 32 and the third lens unit 33, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may have a configuration having three or more movable lenses. In this case, it is sufficient that at least one lens driving section is provided on each of the pair of first walls.

[0125] In addition, while the above embodiment has a configuration having four lens units, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of lens units can be provided as long as the configuration has at least two movable lenses.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the intermediate portion 64 is formed by bending a plate-shaped metal member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any structure may be used as long as it has the function of a pressurizing portion. For example, the main body and the contact portion constituting the intermediate portion may be formed of separate members as long as the contact portion generates a reaction force based on the contact of the vibrator.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the frame 62 and the interposition portion 64 are configured as separate members, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the frame 62 and the interposition portion 64 may be configured as a single unit. That is, the lens driving portion may have a moving portion that moves in the optical axis direction in accordance with the resonance of the resonating portion and is connected to each of the lens units so as to transmit the movement in the optical axis direction.

[0128] Further, in the above embodiment, the connection portion 63 connecting the frame 62 and the lens unit is made of a spring material, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be made of any material as long as it is an elastic material.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the position of the frame 62 is detected using the magnet portion 621, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the position of the frame may be detected by another method.

[0130] In addition, in the above embodiment, the bottom wall portion has a bent portion and a half punch, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the bottom wall portion may have a structure that does not have a bent portion or a half punch.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, resonating portion 651 has two oscillators 651B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may have, for example, one oscillator.

[0132] In addition, in the above embodiment, the drive control unit, the reflection drive control unit, and the imaging control unit are 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 as a single control unit.

[0133] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, a smartphone, which is a mobile terminal with a camera, has been described as an example of a camera-mounted device having the camera module 1, but 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. Camera-mounted devices include information devices and transport equipment. Information devices include, for example, mobile phones with cameras, notebook computers, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, web cameras, drones, and in-vehicle devices with cameras (for example, rear monitor devices and drive recorder devices). Transport equipment includes, for example, automobiles and drones.

[0134] 19A and 19B are diagrams showing an automobile V as a camera-mounted device equipped with an in-vehicle camera module VC (Vehicle Camera). FIG. 19A is a front view of the automobile V, and FIG. 19B 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 FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, the in-vehicle camera module VC is attached to the windshield facing forward, or to the rear gate facing backward, for example. This in-vehicle camera module VC is used for a backup monitor, a drive recorder, a collision avoidance control, an automatic driving control, etc.

[0135] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main features of the present invention. For example, the shapes, sizes, numbers and materials of each part described in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0136] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The lens driving device according to the present invention is useful as a lens driving device, a camera module, and a camera-mounted device that can be made compact while ensuring a movement range of a movable lens. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1 Camera module 10. Chassis 11 Side wall 12 Bottom wall 20 Reflection drive unit 21 Reflective housing 22. Mirror 23 Reflex drive control section 30 Lens section 31 First lens unit 32 Second lens unit 32A Main unit 32B Supported part 33 Third lens unit 33A Main body 33B Supported part 34 Fourth lens unit 34A Convex 40 Imaging unit 50 Guide shaft 60 Lens drive unit 61 Drive shaft 62 frames 63 Connection 64 Interposition part 65 Ultrasonic Motor 70 Position detection unit 100 Drive control unit 111 1st wall 111A Placement section 111B Engaged part 112 Second wall 112A Guide support part 112B Placement section 112C Drive Support 112D opening 113 Third wall 113A Guide support part 113B Drive support part 114 4th wall 121 Positioning part 122 Bending part 123 Half Punch 200 Imaging control unit 621 Magnet section 621A Magnet 621B Magnet 621C Opposite side 621D Boundary 641 Main body 641A Plate-shaped part 641B Connection 642 Contact part 643 Aperture 651 Resonance section 651A Body 651B Oscillator 651C Protrusion 651D Current carrying part 652 Piezoelectric element 653 1st electrode 653A Clamping part 653B Electrode section 654 2nd electrode

Claims

1. a first movable portion and a second movable portion arranged in a direction of the optical axis and capable of holding a first movable lens and a second movable lens, respectively; a first driving unit and a second driving unit that drive the first movable unit and the second movable unit in a direction of the optical axis; a housing that accommodates at least the first movable unit, the second movable unit, the first driving unit, and the second driving unit; a reflecting housing that houses an element that reflects incident light toward the housing as reflected light in the direction of the optical axis; Equipped with the first driving unit and the second driving unit are disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and drive the first movable unit and the second movable unit independently in a direction of the optical axis; the housing has a pair of first walls extending in a direction of the optical axis on both sides of the optical axis where the first driving unit and the second driving unit are disposed, the first driving unit and the second driving unit being disposed along inner surfaces of the pair of first walls, and a metal plate bridging the pair of first walls; Camera module.

2. The housing has a second wall arranged to connect one end of the pair of first walls in the direction of the optical axis, a pair of third walls arranged at each of the other ends of the pair of first walls in the direction of the optical axis and each arranged opposite the second wall, and a pair of fourth walls forming a bottom wall of a space formed by the first wall, the second wall and the third wall in an area corresponding to each of the pair of third walls, The metal plate bridges the pair of first walls and the pair of fourth walls. The camera module of claim 1 .

3. The pair of first walls, the second wall, the pair of third walls and the pair of fourth walls are made of resin, The metal plate is integrated with the pair of first walls and the pair of fourth walls by insert molding. The camera module according to claim 2 .

4. The first driving unit and the second driving unit each have a first ultrasonic motor and a second ultrasonic motor. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The metal plate is The end of the metal plate located on the light incident side in the direction of the optical axis is configured to be bent. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The metal plate has a plurality of half punches arranged in the direction of the optical axis. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a lens unit including the first movable lens and the second movable lens held by the first movable unit and the second movable unit; an imaging unit that captures a subject image formed by the lens unit; Equipped with Driving the first movable lens and the second movable lens in a direction of the optical axis; The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A camera-equipped device that is an information device or a transport device, A camera module according to claim 7; an imaging control unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module; A camera-equipped device comprising:

Images