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

Abstract

To prevent reduction in accuracy of detecting a position of an optical element.SOLUTION: An optical element driving device includes: a holding portion that can hold an optical element; a housing portion that houses the holding portion such that the holding portion is movable in an optical path direction of the optical element; a driving portion having a piezoelectric element that drives the holding portion; an inductor that increases input voltage to the piezoelectric element; and a position sensor that acquires a relative position of the holding portion and the housing portion in an optical axis direction by detecting a magnetic force of a magnet. In regions defined by dividing the holding portion and the housing portion into equal quarters around an optical axis, the driving portion and the position sensor are disposed in a same region, and the inductor is disposed in a region different from the same region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Generally, a camera module is installed in a camera-equipped device such as a smartphone or a drone. Such a camera module uses an optical element driving device that drives an optical element. A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be flown by remote control or automatic control, and some drones are called multicopters.

[0003] The optical element driving device has an auto focus function (hereinafter referred to as the "AF function": AF: Auto Focus). The optical element driving device uses the AF function to move the lens in the optical axis direction and automatically adjust the focus when photographing a subject.

[0004] As such an optical element driving device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lens driving device that includes an actuator having a piezoelectric element that drives a lens in the optical axis direction, and a substrate having a circuit that controls the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element. In Patent Document 1, the substrate also includes a magnetic sensor for detecting the position of the lens. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-13065 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As shown in Patent Document 1, a lens driving device uses an actuator having a piezoelectric element as a lens drive source. As the actuator, the use of an ultrasonic motor capable of obtaining a large thrust force is being considered.

[0007] A relatively large driving voltage is required to drive an ultrasonic motor, but in a small, thin camera-mounted device, the input voltage from the power supply is relatively small. Therefore, in the circuit that controls the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element, an inductor is used to boost the input voltage and supply it to the ultrasonic motor.

[0008] In this way, the inductor can boost the input voltage, but since it has a coil, there is leakage magnetic flux from the coil. As described above, the lens driving device has a magnetic sensor that detects the position of the lens, and therefore the detection accuracy of the lens position may be reduced due to the influence of the leakage magnetic flux from the inductor coil. Therefore, there is a demand for a lens driving device that can prevent the detection accuracy of the lens position from being reduced.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element driving device, a camera module, and a camera-mounted device that are capable of preventing a decrease in the accuracy of detecting the position of an optical element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The optical element driving device according to the present invention comprises: A holder capable of holding an optical element; a housing portion having an opening penetrating in a predetermined direction and housing the holding portion inside the opening so as to be movable in the predetermined direction; A drive unit that drives the holding unit; Equipped with The driving section is a piezoelectric element that resonates with the vibration of the piezoelectric element. A pair of arms and, The arm is sandwiched between the pair of arms. Resonance causes the A pair of arms The driving force generated in A pair of leaf springs and The above A pair of leaf springsis attached to the holding part via an attachment part, The mounting portion is Between the pair of leaf springs, a gap is provided between the pair of leaf springs so as to restrict movement of the pair of leaf springs that undergoes plastic deformation. The above A pair of leaf springs The protruding portion protrudes along the extending direction.

[0011] The camera module according to the present invention comprises: The optical element driving device; an imaging unit that captures an object image using the optical element; Equipped with.

[0012] 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; an image processing unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of detecting the position of the optical element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] 1 is a front view showing a smartphone equipped with a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a rear view of the smartphone shown in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a camera module and an imaging unit. [Diagram 3] 2 is a plan view of an optical element driving device main body of the optical element driving device of the camera module. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged view of a first support portion of the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 4 is an enlarged view of a second support portion of the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is an enlarged view of a third support portion of the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4 is an enlarged view of a drive section of the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 8 is a side view of a drive unit of the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a plan view showing a substrate part of the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3, the substrate part being developed into a plane. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a diagram showing the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the outside. [Figure 11] 4 is a diagram showing a housing section of the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the inside. [Figure 12] 4 is a plan view showing a case where the optical element driving device main body shown in FIG. 3 is divided into eight equal parts around the optical axis. FIG. [Figure 13A] 1 is a front view showing an automobile as a camera-mounted device equipped with an in-vehicle camera module. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the automobile shown in FIG. 13A as seen obliquely from the rear side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] [Smartphone] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a smartphone M (an example of a camera-mounted device) equipped with a camera module A according to the present embodiment, in which Fig. 1A is a front view of the smartphone M and Fig. 1B is a rear view of the smartphone M.

[0017] The smartphone M has a dual camera consisting of two rear cameras OC1 and OC2. In this embodiment, the camera module A is applied to the rear cameras OC1 and OC2.

[0018] The camera module A has an AF function and can automatically adjust the focus when photographing a subject. The camera module A may also have an image stabilization function (hereinafter referred to as the "OIS function": Optical Image Stabilization). The OIS function optically corrects shake (vibration) that occurs during shooting, making it possible to shoot images without blurring.

[0019] [Camera module] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a camera module A and an imaging unit 5. Fig. 3 is a plan view of an optical element driving device main body 4 of the optical element driving device 1 of the camera module A shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, in this embodiment, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used for explanation. Also, in the drawings described later, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used for explanation.

[0020] For example, when a photograph is taken with a smartphone M, the camera module A is mounted so that the X direction is the up-down direction (or left-right direction), the Y direction is the left-right direction (or up-down direction), and the Z direction is the front-rear direction. That is, the Z direction is the optical axis direction of the optical axis OA of the lens unit 2 shown in Fig. 2, and in Fig. 2, the upper side (+Z side) 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.

[0021] In the following description, the optical axis OA is used, but the optical axis direction of the optical axis OA may be referred to as the optical path direction or the focal direction (the direction for adjusting the focal point) depending on the type of optical element. Here, the optical path is the path of light formed by the opening 301 of the cover 3, the opening 11 of the holding part 10, or the housing opening 21 of the housing part 20, and the direction in which this optical path extends (the penetrating direction of each opening) is the optical path direction.

[0022] 2 and 3, the camera module A includes an optical element driving device 1 that realizes an AF function, a lens unit 2 formed by housing a lens in a cylindrical lens barrel, and an imaging unit 5 that captures a subject image formed by the lens unit 2. In other words, the optical element driving device 1 is a so-called lens driving device that drives the lens unit 2 as an optical element.

[0023] The optical element driving device 1 of this embodiment is configured so that its length in the Z direction is shorter than its lengths in the X direction and Y direction, taking into consideration that it will be mounted on the above-mentioned camera module A, etc., and is configured to be low-profile when the Z direction is the height direction.

[0024] [cover] In the optical element driving device 1, the optical element driving device main body 4 is covered on the outside with a cover 3. The cover 3 is a covered square cylinder having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view from the Z direction. In this embodiment, the cover 3 has a substantially square shape in a plan view. The cover 3 has a substantially circular opening 301 on the upper surface. The lens unit 2 is accommodated in the opening 11 of the holding part 10 of the optical element driving device main body 4, faces the outside from the opening 301 of the cover 3, and is configured to protrude toward the light receiving side beyond the opening surface of the cover 3 as it moves in the Z direction. The inner wall of the cover 3 is fixed to the accommodation part 20 (bottom part 22a) of the optical element driving device main body 4 by, for example, adhesion, and accommodates the optical element driving device main body 4.

[0025] The cover 3 has a member for blocking electromagnetic waves from the outside of the optical element driving device 1 and from the inside of the cover 3, for example a shielding member made of a magnetic material.

[0026] [Imaging unit] The imaging unit 5 is disposed on the imaging side of the optical element driving device 1. The imaging unit 5 has, for example, an image sensor board 501, an imaging element 502 mounted on the image sensor board 501, and a control unit 503. The imaging element 502 is configured with, for example, a CCD (charge-coupled device) type image sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type image sensor, or the like, and captures an image of a subject formed by the lens unit 2.

[0027] The control unit 503 is formed of, for example, a control IC, and performs driving control of the entire optical element driving device 1. The optical element driving device 1 is mounted on the image sensor substrate 501 and is mechanically and electrically connected thereto. The control unit 503 may be provided in the image sensor substrate 501, or in a camera-mounted device (in this embodiment, a smartphone M) on which the camera module A is mounted.

[0028] 2, the lens unit 2 is driven in the Z direction by the optical element driving device 1 with respect to the image sensor board 501 whose position is fixed, thereby forming an image of the subject on the imaging element 502, but for example, the imaging element 502 may be driven in the Z direction. In this case, the lens unit 2 is fixed to the cover 3, and the imaging element 502, which is an optical element, is driven in the Z direction by the optical element driving device 1, thereby forming an image of the subject on the imaging element 502.

[0029] [Optical element driving device body] The optical element driving device main body 4 is a main body portion of the optical element driving device 1 that drives the lens unit 2, which is an optical element, in the Z direction. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given on the assumption that the optical element driving device 1 drives the lens unit 2, but as described above, the optical element driving device 1 may also drive the imaging element 502.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the optical element driving device main body 4 has a holding portion 10, an accommodation portion 20, a first support portion 30A, a second support portion 30B, a third support portion 30C, driving portions 40A and 40B (the first driving portion and the second driving portion in the present invention), a substrate portion 50, etc.

[0031] [Holding part] The holder 10 has a frame 12 with an opening 11 formed in the center, and the opening 11 is configured to be able to hold the lens unit 2 inside. For example, the opening 11 is configured to be able to hold the lens unit 2 on its inner peripheral surface by forming an attachment groove or the like on its inner peripheral surface. In this way, the holder 10 holds the lens unit 2 by surrounding the outer periphery of the lens unit 2.

[0032] The outer peripheral surface 13, which is the outer peripheral side of the frame portion 12, is supported at multiple points (three points as an example in Figure 3) so as to be movable in the Z direction by a first support portion 30A, a second support portion 30B, and a third support portion 30C extending along the Z direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface 13 is held at a plurality of locations (two locations in FIG. 3, for example) by drive units 40A and 40B, and the holder 10 is movable in the Z direction by the drive units 40A and 40B.

[0034] Magnets 14A, 14B for detecting the position in the Z direction are provided at multiple locations (two locations in FIG. 3 as an example) on the outer circumferential surface 13. Position detection sensors 54A, 54B (position sensors in the present invention) described below are provided facing the magnets 14A, 14B, respectively.

[0035] Although the opening 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape to correspond to the cylindrical lens portion 2, the shape of the opening 11 can be changed to an appropriate shape to correspond to the shape of the lens portion 2.

[0036] Furthermore, when the optical element driving device 1 drives the imaging element 502, the holding portion 10 does not need to have an opening 11, that is, the holding portion 10 does not need to be a frame portion. In that case, for example, the imaging element 502 may be held on the upper surface (light receiving surface) of the holding portion 10.

[0037] [Containment section] The accommodating portion 20 has a frame portion 22 with an accommodating opening 21 formed in the center, and the accommodating opening 21 is configured to surround the outer periphery of the holding portion 10 so as to be able to accommodate the holding portion 10 inside.

[0038] A first support portion 30A, a second support portion 30B, and a third support portion 30C are provided at multiple locations on the inner circumferential surface 23, which is the inside of the accommodation opening 21. The accommodation portion 20 supports the holding portion 10 by the first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B, and the third support portion 30C so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0039] Further, driving units 40A, 40B are provided at a plurality of locations on the inner circumferential surface 23. The driving units 40A, 40B provided in the accommodation unit 20 move the holding unit 10 in the Z direction. The holding unit 10 functions as a movable unit driven by the driving units 40A, 40B, and the accommodation unit 20 functions as a fixed unit relative to the holding unit 10.

[0040] In a plan view, the inner circumferential surface 23 is formed to correspond to the shape of the outer circumferential surface 13 of the holding part 10. In Fig. 3, the shapes of the outer circumferential surface 13 of the holding part 10 and the inner circumferential surface 23 of the accommodation opening 21 are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed depending on, for example, the arrangement of the first support part 30A, the second support part 30B, the third support part 30C, and the drive parts 40A and 40B, etc.

[0041] The frame 22 has a bottom 22a and a side wall 22b. The inner wall of the cover 3 described above is fixed to the bottom 22a by, for example, adhesion. The substrate 50 is attached along the outer circumferential surface 24, which is the outer circumferential side of the side wall 22b.

[0042] [Support part] The first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B, and the third support portion 30C are interposed between the outer peripheral surface 13 of the holding portion 10 and the inner peripheral surface 23 of the accommodating portion 20, and support the holding portion 10 movably in the Z direction relative to the accommodating portion 20. The first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B, and the third support portion 30C are respectively disposed at three dispersed positions in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface 23 (outer peripheral surface 13), as shown in FIG.

[0043] The first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B and the third support portion 30C will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a plan view for explaining an enlarged view of the first support portion 30A of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a plan view for explaining an enlarged view of the second support portion 30B of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a plan view for explaining an enlarged view of the third support portion 30C of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 3.

[0044] [1st support part] As shown in Fig. 3, the storage section 20 has four corners 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, and 22bD. The first support section 30A has a second rail member 32A that functions as a biasing member, as described below, and requires space for its arrangement. Therefore, the first support section 30A is arranged at the corner 22bA, which is one of the four corners 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, and 22bD. By arranging the first support section 30A in this manner, it is possible to save space in the device, reduce the size of the entire device, and reduce costs.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the first support portion 30A has a first groove portion 15A, a recess 26A, a first rail member 31A, a second rail member 32A, and also has a rolling member 33 (for example, a ball member or the like) and a retainer .

[0046] The first groove portion 15A is a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface 13 of the frame portion 12 of the holding portion 10, extending in the Z direction, and formed to be recessed in a V shape. The recess portion 26A is a groove provided on the inner peripheral surface 23 of the frame portion 22 of the storage portion 20, extending in the Z direction, and formed to be recessed in a concave shape. The first groove portion 15A and the recess portion 26A are disposed opposite to each other. The recess portion 26A is formed to a size capable of accommodating the second rail member 32A that functions as a biasing member.

[0047] The first rail member 31A is a member with a V-shaped cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the Z direction when attached. The first rail member 31A has a V-shaped guide groove 31Aa on the side where the rolling members 33 are rollably arranged, and the side opposite to said side is attached to the first groove portion 15A.

[0048] The second rail member 32A has a V-shaped guide groove 32Aa in plan view and two arms 23Ab arranged at both ends of the guide groove 32Aa, and is a member extending in the longitudinal direction that corresponds to the Z direction when attached. A rolling member 33 is rollably arranged in the guide groove 32Aa. The two arms 23Ab are U-shaped in plan view, and are arranged so that the openings of the U face each other. Such two arms 23Ab are attached so as to contact the inner wall of the recess 26A.

[0049] The second rail member 32A is formed from an elastically deformable material, such as a material such as metal, functions as a leaf spring, and is supported by the inner wall of the recess 26A via two arms 23Ab in an elastically deformable manner.

[0050] The first rail member 31A is attached to the first groove portion 15A, and the second rail member 32A is attached to the recessed portion 26A, so that the respective guide grooves 31Aa and 32Aa are disposed opposite to each other.

[0051] A plurality of (for example, two) rolling members 33 are housed and rollably sandwiched between the guide groove 31Aa of the first rail member 31A and the guide groove 32Aa of the second rail member 32A thus arranged. The plurality of rolling members 33 roll along the guide grooves 31Aa and 32Aa and are guided in the Z direction.

[0052] The retainer 34 has holding holes corresponding to the number of the rolling members 33. The multiple rolling members 33 are rollably held in the respective holding holes and arranged along the Z direction. The retainer 34 keeps the multiple rolling members 33 at a constant distance from each other.

[0053] Therefore, the biasing force generated by the elastic deformation of the second rail member 32A, which functions as a biasing member, presses the first rail member 31A and the first groove portion 15A through the rolling members 33, thereby applying a pressing force to the holding portion 10.

[0054] In this way, the first support portion 30A uses the second rail member 32A functioning as a biasing member to apply a pressing force toward the inside of the opening 11 to the holding portion 10 via the rolling member 33. Therefore, the first support portion 30A supports the holding portion 10 movably in the Z direction while pressing the holding portion 10 in a direction toward the inside of the opening 11, and thus it is possible to suppress tilting of the holding portion 10. As a result, the accommodation portion 20 can stably support the holding portion 10 via the first support portion 30A.

[0055] In this case, by forming the first rail member 31A from a metal material or the like that is harder than the holding part 10, the first groove part 15A is less likely to deform even when subjected to a pressing force from the rolling members 33. With this configuration, the first support part 30A can stably support the holding part 10 so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0056] [Second support part] Unlike the first support 30A, the second support 30B does not have a configuration such as the second rail member 32A that functions as a biasing member, and therefore does not require a space for arrangement compared to the first support 30A. Therefore, the second support 30B can be arranged on the side between the corners 22bD and 22bB, avoiding the four corners 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, and 22bD. In this way, since the second support 30B can be arranged avoiding the four corners 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, and 22bD, the drive units 40A and 40B can be arranged at the corners 22bB and 22bC.

[0057] 5, the second support portion 30B has a first groove portion 15B, a second groove portion 26B, a first rail member 31B, a second rail member 32B, and also has a rolling member 33 and a retainer 34. The rolling member 33 and the retainer 34 have the same configuration as the rolling member 33 and the retainer 34 described above for the first support portion 30A, so they are denoted by the same reference numerals and a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0058] The first groove 15B is a groove provided on the outer circumferential surface 13 of the frame 12 of the holding part 10, extending in the Z direction and formed to be recessed in a concave shape. The second groove 26B is a groove provided on the inner circumferential surface 23 of the frame 22 of the accommodating part 20, extending in the Z direction and formed to be recessed in a V shape. The first groove 15B and the second groove 26B are disposed opposite to each other.

[0059] The first rail member 31B is a flat-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction, which is the Z direction when attached. The first rail member 31B is attached to the bottom of the first groove portion 15B. The first rail member 31B has a flat guide surface 31Ba on the side where the rolling members 33 are arranged to be able to roll, and contacts the rolling members 33 at one point. Therefore, the position of the rolling members 33 is displaceable within the groove of the first groove portion 15B.

[0060] The second rail member 32B is a member with a V-shaped cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the Z direction when attached. The second rail member 32B has a V-shaped guide groove 32Ba on the side where the rolling members 33 are rollably arranged, and the side opposite to said side is attached to the second groove portion 26B.

[0061] The first rail member 31B is attached to the first groove portion 15B, and the second rail member 32B is attached to the second groove portion 26B, so that the respective guide surfaces 31Ba and guide grooves 32Ba are disposed opposite to each other.

[0062] A plurality of rolling members 33 held by a retainer 34 are housed and rollably sandwiched between the guide surface 31Ba of the first rail member 31B and the guide groove 32Ba of the second rail member 32B thus arranged. The plurality of rolling members 33 roll along the guide groove 32Ba and are guided in the Z direction.

[0063] As described above, the position of the rolling member 33 is displaceable within the groove of the first groove portion 15B, and therefore allows relative displacement between the outer circumferential surface 13 and the inner circumferential surface 23 in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface 13 and the inner circumferential surface 23, that is, relative displacement between the holding portion 10 and the accommodating portion 20. For example, with the position of a third support portion 30C described below as a reference (center of rotation), the holding portion 10 is displaceable relative to the accommodating portion 20 in the rotational direction.

[0064] As described above, the holding part 10 is pressed by the first support part 30A, and therefore, in the second support part 30B, the rolling members 33 and the first groove part 15B (first rail member 31B) are relatively displaced in the circumferential direction in response to the pressure. This relative displacement causes the contact position between the rolling members 33 and the first groove part 15B (first rail member 31B) to shift, and when the force acting on the engaged parts due to this shift becomes stable, the support position of the holding part 10 relative to the second support part 30B is determined.

[0065] In other words, when the forces acting on the engaging portions, that is, first groove portion 15B (first rail member 31B), rolling member 33, and second groove portion 26B (second rail member 32B), are stabilized, the support position (engagement position) of holder 10 relative to second support portion 30B is determined. This ensures stable support without rattle even if there are individual differences in the dimensions of the parts constituting optical element driving device main body 4 and in the assembled state of these.

[0066] In the second support portion 30B as well, by forming the first rail member 31B and the second rail member 32B from a metal material or the like that is harder than the holding portion 10 and the accommodating portion 20, the first groove portion 15B and the second groove portion 26B are less likely to deform even when subjected to a pressing force from the rolling members 33. With this configuration, the second support portion 30B can stably support the holding portion 10 so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0067] [Third support part] Unlike the first support 30A, the third support 30C does not have a configuration like the second rail member 32A that functions as a biasing member, and therefore does not require a space for placement, as compared with the first support 30A. Therefore, the third support 30C can be placed on the side between the corners 22bD and 22bC, avoiding the four corners 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, and 22bD. In this way, since the third support 30C can be placed while avoiding the four corners 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, and 22bD, the drive units 40A and 40B can be placed at the corners 22bB and 22bC.

[0068] 6, the third support portion 30C has a first groove portion 15C, a second groove portion 26C, a first rail member 31C, a second rail member 32C, and also has a rolling member 33 and a retainer 34. The rolling member 33 and the retainer 34 have the same configuration as the rolling member 33 and the retainer 34 described above in relation to the first support portion 30A, and therefore are denoted by the same reference numerals and a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0069] The first groove 15C is a groove provided on the outer circumferential surface 13 of the frame 12 of the holding part 10, extending in the Z direction, and formed to be recessed in a V shape. The second groove 26C is a groove provided on the inner circumferential surface 23 of the frame 22 of the accommodating part 20, extending in the Z direction, and formed to be recessed in a V shape. The first groove 15C and the second groove 26C are disposed opposite to each other.

[0070] The first rail member 31C is a member with a V-shaped cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the Z direction when attached. The first rail member 31C has a V-shaped guide groove 31Ca on the side where the rolling members 33 are arranged, and the side opposite to the said side is attached to the first groove portion 15C.

[0071] The second rail member 32C is also a member with a V-shaped cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, which is the Z direction when attached. The second rail member 32C has a V-shaped guide groove 32Ca on the side where the rolling members 33 are arranged, and the side opposite to said side is attached to the second groove portion 26C. Since the first rail member 31C is attached to the first groove portion 15C and the second rail member 32C is attached to the second groove portion 26C, the respective guide grooves 31Ca and 32Ca are arranged to face each other.

[0072] A plurality of rolling members 33 held by a retainer 34 are housed and rollably sandwiched between the guide groove 31Ca of the first rail member 31C and the guide groove 32Ca of the second rail member 32C thus arranged. The plurality of rolling members 33 roll along the guide grooves 31Ca and 32Ca and are guided in the Z direction.

[0073] In the third support portion 30C, the rolling member 33 is clamped between the first rail member 31C and the second rail member 32C having a V-shaped cross section, so that the holding portion 10 and the accommodating portion 20 to which they are attached are not allowed to be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis, but are allowed to be displaced in the rotational direction around the Z axis.

[0074] In this way, since displacement of the holder 10 in the rotational direction about the Z axis is permitted, the third support 30C becomes a reference position (rotation center) for displacement of the holder 10 relative to the accommodation section 20, and permits displacement of the holder 10 at the above-mentioned second support 30B. As a result, the second support 30B can absorb individual differences in the dimensions of the components constituting the optical element driving device main body 4 and individual differences in the assembled state of these components.

[0075] In the third support portion 30C as well, by forming the first rail member 31C and the second rail member 32C from a metal material or the like that is harder than the holding portion 10 and the accommodating portion 20, the first groove portion 15C and the second groove portion 26C are less likely to deform even when subjected to a pressing force from the rolling members 33. With this configuration, the third support portion 30C can stably support the holding portion 10 so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0076] The first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B, and the third support portion 30C configured as above stably support the holding portion 10 relative to the accommodation portion 20 so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0077] In addition, in the first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B, and the third support portion 30C, an opposing recess may be provided in at least one of the outer peripheral surface 13 and the inner peripheral surface 23 in a portion facing the retainer 34, the opposing recess being recessed from the outer peripheral surface 13 or the inner peripheral surface 23 and extending in the Z direction.

[0078] Grease is applied to the rolling members 33 held by the retainer 34. If grease scatters from the rolling members 33 due to an impact such as a fall, the scattered grease may cause the retainer 34 to stick to the outer peripheral surface 13 or the inner peripheral surface 23. In consideration of this possibility, the aforementioned opposing recesses may be provided to make it difficult for the scattered grease to come into contact with the retainer 34, thereby preventing the retainer 34 from sticking due to the grease.

[0079] [Drive unit] The driving units 40A, 40B drive the holder 10 in the Z direction relative to the accommodation unit 20. The driving units 40A, 40B are disposed at two dispersed positions in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface 23 (outer circumferential surface 13), as shown in Fig. 3. The optical element driving device main body 4 can drive the lens unit 2 together with the holder 10 in the Z direction by the above-mentioned first support unit 30A, second support unit 30B, third support unit 30C and driving units 40A, 40B, thereby achieving the AF function.

[0080] 3, the driving units 40A and 40B are disposed at corners 22bB and 22bC, respectively, which are different from the corner 22bA where the first support unit 30A is disposed and which are point-symmetrical with respect to the optical axis OA in a plan view. By disposing them in this manner, the holding unit 10 can be moved stably even if the weight of the optical element such as the lens unit 2 increases.

[0081] As the driving units 40A and 40B, actuators having piezoelectric elements, for example ultrasonic motors, are used.

[0082] The driving units 40A and 40B will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the driving unit 40A of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a side view of the driving unit 40A of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 7. Note that, although Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show the driving unit 40A, the driving unit 40B has the same configuration as the driving unit 40A, and detailed illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] The driving unit 40A has a piezoelectric element 41, a resonating unit 42, a power transmission unit 43, etc. A driving force generated in the resonating unit 42 by resonating with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 41 is transmitted to the holding unit 10 via the power transmission unit 43. In the driving unit 40A, the resonating unit 42 constitutes an active element, and the power transmission unit 43 constitutes a passive element.

[0084] The piezoelectric element 41 is, for example, a plate-like element made of a ceramic material, and generates vibration when a high-frequency voltage is applied. Two piezoelectric elements 41 are arranged to sandwich the body (reference numeral omitted) of the resonating portion 42. Although not shown in the figure, a connection wiring provided on an FPC 51 described later is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 41, and a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 41.

[0085] The resonator 42 is made of a conductive material and resonates with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 41 to convert the vibration motion into linear motion. The resonator 42 is formed by, for example, laser processing, etching, pressing, or the like of a metal plate.

[0086] The resonating portion 42 has a roughly rectangular body portion sandwiched between the piezoelectric element 41, two arm portions 42a extending in the Z direction from both sides of the body portion, a protrusion portion 42b extending in the Z direction from the center of the body portion, and a conductive portion 42c extending from the center of the body portion to the opposite side from the protrusion portion 42b.

[0087] The body of the resonating unit 42 is the part that is sandwiched by the piezoelectric element 41. The two arm portions 42a have symmetrical shapes and are deformed symmetrically in resonation with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 41. The resonating unit 42 is disposed such that the two arm portions 42a extend in the Z direction and sandwich the power transmission unit 43 at their free ends.

[0088] A through hole for inserting a rivet or the like is formed in the protruding portion 42b. The protruding portion 42b is fixed to a fixing portion 27 provided on the frame portion 22 of the housing portion 20 using a rivet or the like. The current-carrying portion 42c is a portion that constitutes a power supply line to the piezoelectric element 41 via the body portion of the resonating portion 42, and although not shown, a connection wiring provided on the FPC 51 is electrically connected to the current-carrying portion 42c.

[0089] By the electrical connection as described above, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 41 attached to the body of the resonating portion 42 in the thickness direction, and vibration occurs. The resonating portion 42 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 42 is set so that it deforms in a different manner for the two resonant frequencies.

[0090] Here, the different behaviors are a behavior of moving the power transmission unit 43 forward and backward in the Z direction. Therefore, by vibrating the resonating unit 42 at a desired resonant frequency, the power transmission unit 43 can be moved forward or backward in the Z direction.

[0091] The power transmission unit 43 is a chucking guide having a predetermined length in the Z direction. The power transmission unit 43 is a member that biases the two arm portions 42a of the resonating unit 42 in a direction to spread them apart. The structure of the power transmission unit 43 can be modified as appropriate, but here, as an example, the power transmission unit 43 is composed of a pair of leaf springs, and is implanted outward from the mounting portion 16 that is fitted into the outer circumferential surface 13 of the frame portion 12 of the holding unit 10.

[0092] In this way, the two arms 42a of the resonating unit 42 come into contact with the power transmission unit 43, which is a pair of leaf springs, so as to push the power transmission unit 43 inward. Since the power transmission unit 43 functions as a leaf spring, when the two arms 42a come into contact with each other, the driving force generated by the deformation of the resonating unit 42 is transmitted efficiently, and a biasing force acts in a direction that pushes back the arms 42a by the power transmission unit 43. As a result, the driving force generated by the deformation of the resonating unit 42 is transmitted more efficiently to the power transmission unit 43, and the driving force of the driver 40A is transmitted to the holder 10.

[0093] Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the driving unit 40A, the piezoelectric element 41 vibrates, and the resonating unit 42 deforms in a manner according to the frequency. The driving force of the driving unit 40A causes the power transmission unit 43 to slide in the Z direction. Accordingly, the holding unit 10 moves in the Z direction, and focusing is performed.

[0094] The mounting portion 16 is provided with a protrusion 16a between the pair of power transmission portions 43, protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface 13 side. The protrusion 16a extends along the power transmission portion 43 in the plan view shown in FIG. 7. The power transmission portion 43 may move toward the protrusion 16a due to an impact such as a fall. However, by providing the protrusion 16a, the movement of the power transmission portion 43 is restricted by contact with the protrusion 16a, and deformation of the power transmission portion 43 can be prevented. As a result, the abutment state between the arm portion 42a and the power transmission portion 43 can be maintained, and the driving force generated by the deformation of the resonating portion 42 can be efficiently transmitted from the arm portion 42a to the power transmission portion 43.

[0095] [Board section] The substrate unit 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 in addition to Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the substrate unit 50 of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 3, and is a diagram in which the substrate unit 50 is developed in a plane. Fig. 10 is a diagram of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 3 as seen from the outside, as seen from the direction D1 shown in Fig. 3. Note that although the driving units 40A and 40B are not mounted on the FPC 51 of the substrate unit 50, Fig. 9 illustrates the driving units 40A and 40B to make the positional relationship easier to understand.

[0096] The substrate unit 50 has a circuit that drives the drive units 40A and 40B. The substrate unit 50 has an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 51, a driver IC 52 (a control element in the present invention), inductors 53A and 53B, position detection sensors 54A and 54B, and the like.

[0097] The FPC 51 is a flexible substrate, and is configured by laminating thin insulating layers such as resin films and metal layers such as copper foils. Although not shown in the figure, the metal layers are formed as circuits of signal lines and power lines, and the driving units 40A and 40B, the driver IC 52, the inductors 53A and 53B, the position detection sensors 54A and 54B, etc. are electrically connected.

[0098] The driver IC 52 is an IC that controls a drive signal that drives the drivers 40A and 40B. The driver IC 52 outputs a drive signal based on, for example, detection signals detected by position detection sensors 54A and 54B, and the output drive signal is output to the drivers 40A and 40B via inductors 53A and 53B.

[0099] The inductors 53A and 53B each have a coil, and boost the voltage (input voltage) of the drive signal input from the driver IC 52, and output the boosted voltage to the drive units 40A and 40B, respectively.

[0100] The position detection sensors 54A and 54B are, for example, magnetic sensors such as Hall elements. The position detection sensors 54A, 54B detect the strength of the magnetic force produced by the magnets 14A, 14B disposed opposite each other to obtain the relative positions of the holder 10 and the container 20 in the Z direction and output the result as a detection signal.

[0101] Although not shown, the FPC 51 is provided with connection wiring that is electrically connected to the driving units 40A and 40B.

[0102] The FPC 51 is a single long board in order to mount the driver IC 52, the inductors 53A and 53B, and the position detection sensors 54A and 54B described above on the FPC 51. The FPC 51 is disposed along the outer circumferential surface 24 of the frame 22 of the housing 20 so as to go around the outer circumferential surface 24 substantially once.

[0103] In order to arrange the FPC 51 along the outer peripheral surface 24, for example, the outer peripheral surface 24 at the corner 22bA is formed in an arc shape in a plan view. This allows the FPC 51 to be arranged in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 24 at the corner 22bA. This eliminates the need to increase the size of the cover 3 arranged outside the FPC 51, making it possible to miniaturize the entire device and reduce costs.

[0104] The FPC 51 has an FPC main part 51a, FPC narrow parts 51b and 51c, and FPC ends 51d and 51e. The FPC main part 51a connects the FPC narrow part 51b and the FPC end 51d at one end in the longitudinal direction to the FPC narrow part 51c and the FPC end 51e at the other end, and has a driver IC 52 and position detection sensors 54A and 54B mounted thereon.

[0105] The FPC narrow portions 51b and 51c are respectively disposed between the FPC main portion 51a and the FPC end portion 51d, and between the FPC main portion 51a and the FPC end portion 51e, and are portions in which the width in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is narrowed. As shown in FIG. 10, the FPC narrow portions 51b and 51c are formed to avoid the portion of the housing portion 20 in which the second support portion 30B and the third support portion 30C are disposed. By providing such FPC narrow portions 51b and 51c, it is not necessary to increase the size of the cover 3 disposed on the outside of the FPC 51, and the size of the entire device can be reduced, leading to cost reduction.

[0106] Inductors 53A and 53B are mounted on FPC ends 51d and 51e, which are both ends in the longitudinal direction of the FPC 51. As described above, the inductors 53A and 53B have coils, which emit leakage flux and noise. The inductors 53A and 53B are disposed on the FPC ends 51d and 51e to ensure a distance from the position detection sensors 54A and 54B, which may be affected by leakage flux and noise emissions. On the other hand, the position detection sensors 54A and 54B are disposed in positions close to the drivers 40A and 40B on which the driving force acts (which serves as the force point) for position detection.

[0107] Furthermore, the optical element driving device main body 4 includes cover members 60A and 60B and a metal layer 55 in order to suppress leakage magnetic flux and noise.

[0108] The cover members 60A and 60B are made of a metallic material that shields against leakage magnetic flux and noise. The cover members 60A and 60B each have a lid portion 61, a flange portion 63, an opening, and the like.

[0109] Lid 61 is a covered rectangular cylinder having an opening. Flange 63 extends around the outer periphery of the opening of lid 61. More specifically, flange 63 extends around the outer periphery of the edge of lid 61, which is the outer periphery of opening 62, so as to fit along the surfaces of FPC ends 51d, 51e.

[0110] The cover members 60A, 60B are configured to accommodate the inductors 53A, 53B mounted on the FPC ends 51d, 51e within the opening of the lid portion 61, and to cover the flange portion 63 while it is positioned on the FPC ends 51d, 51e.

[0111] In this way, the cover members 60A, 60B include not only the lid portion 61 but also the flange portion 63. Therefore, leakage magnetic flux and noise radiated from the inductors 53A, 53B to the cover members 60A, 60B can be shielded over a wider range by the lid portion 61 and the flange portion 63. As a result, it is possible to reduce magnetic flux and noise leaking to the outside compared to a cover member without a flange portion.

[0112] The flange portion 63 may be fixed onto the surface of the FPC ends 51d, 51e by, for example, an adhesive, etc. Compared to a case where there is no flange portion, the contact area between the flange portion 63 and the surface of the FPC ends 51d, 51e is wider, so that the cover members 60A, 60B can be reliably fixed to the surface of the FPC ends 51d, 51e.

[0113] The metal layer 55 is disposed at the FPC end 51d so as to face the inductor 53A attached to the FPC end 51d. The metal layer 55 is provided, for example, on the surface of the FPC end 51d opposite to the surface on which the inductor 53A is mounted. The metal layer 55 is formed in a solid pattern that includes at least the region in which the inductor 53A is disposed in a plan view.

[0114] In this way, since the metal layer 55 is provided at the FPC end 51d on which the inductor 53A is mounted, leakage magnetic flux and noise radiated from the inductor 53A to the FPC end 51d side can be shielded by the metal layer 55. As a result, the magnetic flux and noise leaking to the outside through the FPC 51 can be reduced compared to an FPC that does not have the above-mentioned metal layer 55.

[0115] 9, the metal layer 55 is desirably formed so as to overlap the flange portion 63. As a result, it is possible to reduce the gap between the flange portion 63 and the metal layer 55. This is particularly effective when an FPC is used as the substrate.

[0116] In this way, the gap between the flange portion 63 and the metal layer 55 is reduced, so that the periphery of the inductor 53A is almost entirely covered by the cover member 60A and the metal layer 55. This makes it possible to shield leakage flux and noise radiated from the inductor 53A by the cover member 60A and the metal layer 55. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the magnetic flux and noise leaking to the outside.

[0117] The cover members 60A and 60B are made of a metal material that reduces leakage magnetic flux and noise. The cover members 60A and 60B are made of a laminated structure in which at least a layer made of copper and nickel is laminated on a layer made of iron such as SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial), which is a ferromagnetic material. In this laminated structure, the iron layer, the copper layer, and the nickel layer are laminated in this order, which prevents the iron layer from rusting.

[0118] The copper layer is laminated for the purpose of offsetting the effect of the iron layer increasing the inductance, and by making the copper layer thicker than the nickel layer, the shielding properties against noise can be improved. Thus, for the cover members 60A and 60B, a configuration in which the copper layer is thicker than the nickel layer in a laminated structure in which at least the iron layer, the copper layer, and the nickel layer are laminated is more preferable.

[0119] The metal layer 55 may be a power supply layer or a ground layer that supplies power in the circuit of the FPC 51. The metal layer 55 is not limited to one layer, and may be composed of multiple layers stacked with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. For example, when the metal layer 55 is composed of two layers stacked with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, one layer may be the above-mentioned power supply layer and the other layer may be the ground layer.

[0120] Furthermore, when the power supply layer or ground layer of the circuit of the FPC 51 is not used as the metal layer 55, the metal layer 55 may be formed by laminating a plurality of metal layers, similar to the cover members 60A and 60B.

[0121] Here, Figure 11 is a diagram showing the storage section 20 of the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Figure 3 as viewed from the inside, and is a diagram seen from the direction D2 shown in Figure 3 with the lens section 2 and holding section 10 removed.

[0122] In order to miniaturize the device, the storage unit 20 has insertion portions 25A and 25B into which the cover members 60A and 60B having the above-mentioned configuration are inserted. As shown in Fig. 11, the insertion portions 25A and 25B are provided so as to penetrate the side wall portion 22b of the frame portion 22, but as long as the cover members 60A and 60B can be inserted, they may be configured not to penetrate the side wall portion 22b, for example, as a recess.

[0123] By inserting the cover members 60A, 60B into such insertion portions 25A, 25B, the overall size of the device can be reduced, leading to cost reduction.

[0124] 11, for example, if the housing portion 20 and the FPC end portion 51d are fixed with an adhesive or the like, the flange portion 63 is fixed between the housing portion 20 and the FPC 51, so that the flange portion 63 does not need to be fixed onto the surfaces of the FPC ends 51d, 51e. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the optical element driving device main body 4.

[0125] In addition, when the cover members 60A, 60B are inserted so as to fit into the insertion portions 25A, 25B, the cover members 60A, 60B also serve to reinforce the accommodating portion 20 having the insertion portions 25A, 25B, thereby suppressing deformation of the accommodating portion 20, etc.

[0126] [Arrangement inside the optical element driving device body] The arrangement of the inductors 53A, 53B and the position detection sensors 54A, 54B in the optical element driving device main body 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the optical element driving device main body 4 shown in Fig. 3 divided into eight equal parts around the optical axis.

[0127] As described above, inductors 53A and 53B have leakage magnetic flux from their coils, and optical element driving device main body 4 has position detection sensors 54A and 54B that use magnetic sensors, as described above. Therefore, there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of the position of holder 10 detected by position detection sensors 54A and 54B will decrease due to the influence of leakage magnetic flux from the coils of inductors 53A and 53B.

[0128] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to ensure a predetermined distance between the inductors 53A, 53B and the position detection sensors 54A, 54B, the following arrangement is adopted. Specifically, the inductors 53A, 53B and the position detection sensors 54A, 54B are arranged in different regions among regions R1 to R4 that are equally divided into four around the optical axis OA. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the inductors 53A, 53B are arranged in region R1, the position detection sensor 54A is arranged in region R2, and the position detection sensor 54B is arranged in region R4.

[0129] 12, the inductors 53A and 53B and the position detection sensors 54A and 54B are arranged in different regions R1-1 to R4-2, which are divided into eight equal regions around the optical axis OA, with at least one region between them. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the inductor 53A is arranged in the region R1-2, the inductor 53B is arranged in the region R1-1, the position detection sensor 54A is arranged in the region R2-2, and the position detection sensor 54B is arranged in the region R4-1. The inductor 53A and the position detection sensor 54A are arranged in the regions R1-2 and R2-2, respectively, with the region R2-1 between them, and the inductor 53B and the position detection sensor 54B are arranged in the regions R1-1 and R4-1, respectively, with the region R4-2 between them.

[0130] 3 and 12, the accommodation section 20 is rectangular in plan view, and the inductors 53A and 53B and the position detection sensors 54A and 54B are disposed on different sides of the accommodation section 20. In the example shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 12, the inductor 53A is disposed on the side between the corners 22bD and 22bB, and the inductor 53B is disposed on the side between the corners 22bD and 22bC. The position detection sensor 54A is disposed on the side between the corners 22bB and 22bA, and the position detection sensor 54B is disposed on the side between the corners 22bC and 22bA.

[0131] Here, the inductor 53A, the second support 30B, the drive unit 40A, and the position detection sensor 54A are arranged in this order clockwise along the side of the housing unit 20, but the order of the second support 30B and the drive unit 40A may be reversed. Similarly, the inductor 53B, the third support 30C, the drive unit 40B, and the position detection sensor 54B are arranged in this order counterclockwise along the side of the housing unit 20, but the order of the third support 30C and the drive unit 40B may be reversed.

[0132] In this way, by arranging the inductors 53A, 53B and the position detection sensors 54A, 54B in different regions or on different sides, a predetermined distance can be secured between the inductors 53A, 53B and the position detection sensors 54A, 54B. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of leakage flux from the coils of the inductors 53A, 53B, and as a result, to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of position detection by the position detection sensors 54A, 54B.

[0133] In the configuration shown in Fig. 3, driving unit 40A and driving unit 40B are arranged in diagonal regions of four equally divided regions R1 to R4. In the example shown in Fig. 3, driving unit 40A is arranged in region R2, and driving unit 40B is arranged in region R4 diagonally opposite region R2.

[0134] Then, the driving units 40A, 40B that drive the holding unit 10 and the position detection sensors 54A, 54B that detect the position of the holding unit 10 are arranged in close proximity to each other. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the driving unit 40A is arranged in region R2, so the position detection sensor 54A is arranged in region R2, and the driving unit 40A and the position detection sensor 54A are arranged in the same region R2. Also, the driving unit 40B is arranged in region R4, so the position detection sensor 54B is arranged in region R4, and the driving unit 40B and the position detection sensor 54B are arranged in the same region R4.

[0135] In this way, since the position detection sensors 54A, 54B are provided in the vicinity of the drivers 40A, 40B that drive the holder 10, the accuracy of detecting the position of the holder 10 driven by the drivers 40A, 40B can be improved.

[0136] Furthermore, inductors 53A and 53B have noise caused by leakage flux from their coils, and as described above, optical element driving device main body 4 has driver IC 52 that controls the drive signals that drive drivers 40A and 40B. Driver IC 52 may be affected by noise caused by leakage flux from the coils of inductors 53A and 53B.

[0137] Therefore, in order to ensure a predetermined distance between the inductors 53A, 53B and the driver IC 52, the inductors 53A, 53B and the driver IC 52 are arranged in different regions among regions R1 to R4 that are equally divided into four around the optical axis OA. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the inductors 53A and 53B are arranged in region R1, and the driver IC 52 is arranged in regions R3 and R4.

[0138] In this way, by arranging the inductors 53A, 53B and the driver IC 52 in different regions, it is possible to ensure a predetermined distance between the inductors 53A, 53B and the driver IC 52. This makes it possible to suppress the effects of noise caused by leakage flux from the coils of the inductors 53A, 53B, and as a result, to prevent effects on the drive signal output from the driver IC 52.

[0139] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0140] For example, in the above embodiment, two position detection sensors 54A and 54B are provided, but only one position detection sensor may be provided. In this case, it is preferable to provide the position detection sensor near the third support part 30C that serves as a reference (center of rotation) of the holder 10 that is relatively displaceable with respect to the storage part 20. In the example of Fig. 3, the position detection sensor 54B corresponds to the position detection sensor near the third support part 30C.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the first grooves 15A-15C, the recess 26A, and the second grooves 26B, 26C are provided with the first rail members 31A-31C and the second rail members 32A-32C, but these may not be provided. In this case, the first grooves 15A-15C, the recess 26A, and the second grooves 26B, 26C may directly sandwich the rolling member 33.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B, and the third support portion 30C are preferably arranged at intervals of 120°, but this angle can be changed as appropriate. When the first support portion 30A, the second support portion 30B, and the third support portion 30C are arranged at angles other than 120° intervals, it is preferable to configure and arrange them as follows.

[0143] For example, in a plan view, the pressing direction of the rolling member 33 by the second rail member 32A, which is the biasing member of the first support portion 30A, is the direction toward the optical axis OA, and the second support portion 30B and the third support portion 30C are arranged so as to be in line-symmetrical positions with respect to that direction. With such a configuration and arrangement, the pressing force received from the first support portion 30A side by the second support portion 30B and the third support portion 30C becomes uniform, and the holding portion 10 can be stably supported.

[0144] The support parts may be distributed at three or more locations in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 23 (outer circumferential surface 13). In this case, it is desirable to arrange the support parts at locations that are a multiple of three, such as six or nine locations, so as to provide further support between the three basic points that can stably support the object.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the smartphone M has been described as an example, 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. The camera-mounted device includes information devices and transport equipment. Information devices include, for example, camera-equipped mobile phones, notebook computers, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, web cameras, camera-equipped in-vehicle devices (for example, rear monitor devices, drive recorder devices), and the like. Transport equipment includes, for example, automobiles, drones, and the like.

[0146] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an automobile V as a camera-mounted device equipped with an in-vehicle camera module VC (Vehicle Camera). FIG. 13A is a front view of the automobile V, and FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view of the automobile V. The automobile V is equipped with the camera module A described in the above embodiment as the in-vehicle camera module VC. As shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the in-vehicle camera module VC is attached, for example, to the windshield facing forward or to the rear gate facing backward. This in-vehicle camera module VC is used for a back monitor, a drive recorder, a collision avoidance control, an automatic driving control, etc.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the optical element driving device 1 that drives the lens unit 2 as an optical element has been described, but the optical element to be driven may be an optical element other than a lens, such as a mirror or a prism, or an optical element such as the imaging element 502. In this case, the shape of the opening 11 of the holder 10 may be changed according to the shape of the optical element to be attached, or may be eliminated in some cases.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the optical element driving device 1 has an AF function, but it may have not only the AF function but also a function for moving the lens unit 2 in the Z direction, such as a zoom function.

[0149] The above describes the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the above description is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the description of the configuration of the above device and the shape of each part are examples, and it is clear that various modifications and additions to these examples are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0150] The optical element driving device and camera module of the present invention are useful when installed in camera-mounted devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, digital cameras, notebook computers, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, in-vehicle cameras, and drones. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1 Optical element driving device 2 Lens section 3 Cover 4. Optical element driving device main body 5. Imaging unit 10 Holding part 11 Opening 12 Frame section 13 Outer surface 14A, 14B Magnets 15A, 15B, 15C 1st groove 16 Mounting part 20 Storage unit 21 Storage opening 22 Frame section 22a bottom 22b Side wall part 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, 22bD corner 23 Inner surface 24 Outer surface 25A, 25B Insertion Part 26A Recess 26B, 26C 2nd groove 27 Fixed part 30A 1st support part 30B 2nd support part 30C 3rd support part 31A to 31C First rail member 32A~32C Second rail member 33 Rolling members 34 Retainer 34a Retaining hole 40A, 40B Drive unit 50 Circuit Board 51 FPC 51a FPC main part 51b, 51c FPC constriction area 51d, 51e FPC end 52 Driver IC 53A, 53B Inductors 54A, 54B Position detection sensor 55 Metal layer 60A, 60B Cover parts 61 Lid 63 Flange 301 Opening 501 Image sensor board 502 Image sensor 503 Control Unit

Claims

1. A holder capable of holding an optical element; a housing portion having an opening penetrating in a predetermined direction and housing the holding portion inside the opening so as to be movable in the predetermined direction; A drive unit that drives the holding unit; Equipped with the driving unit includes a piezoelectric element, a pair of arms that resonate with vibration of the piezoelectric element, and a pair of leaf springs that are sandwiched between the pair of arms and transmit a driving force generated by the resonance to the pair of arms; The pair of leaf springs are attached to the holding portion via an attachment portion, The mounting portion has a protruding portion protruding between the pair of leaf springs in a direction in which the pair of leaf springs extend so as to restrict movement of the pair of leaf springs due to plastic deformation. Optical element driving device.

2. The protruding portion protrudes to a position where the pair of leaf springs are sandwiched between the pair of arm portions. The optical element driving device according to claim 1 .

3. The pair of leaf springs and the protrusion extend from the mounting portion toward the outside of the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion. The optical element driving device according to claim 1 .

4. The optical element driving device according to claim 1 , an imaging unit that captures an object image using the optical element; Equipped with Camera module.

5. A camera-equipped device that is an information device or a transport device, A camera module according to claim 4; an image processing unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module; Equipped with Camera-equipped device.

Images