Case and optical unit

Abstract

To reduce the load applied to a flexible wiring board with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A case 200 holds a movable unit 100 including an optical module 12 and a flexible wiring board 51 whose one end is connected to the optical module 12 and swingably holds the optical module 12. The case 200 includes: a holder 22 that is swingable with the optical module 12 and houses the optical module 12; a fixing portion 70 that is provided on the holder 22 and fixes the flexible wiring board 51; and a pedestal 72 that is provided on the holder 22 and has a mounting surface 72a along the flexible wiring board 51 on a side opposite to the one end of the flexible wiring board 51 than a region 511 fixed to the fixing portion 70. The pedestal 72 is provided with a configuration that the swing center C1 of the optical module 12 is positioned on an extension R of the mounting surface 72a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a case and an optical unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various optical units including a movable body having an optical module and an imaging device, and a case that holds the movable body so as to be swingable have been used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical unit including a movable module having a lens and an imaging device, and a fixed body that holds the movable module so as to be swingable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] The load on the flexible wiring board when the optical module is oscillated relative to the case varies greatly depending on the arrangement of the flexible wiring board. However, by arranging the flexible wiring board so that the center of oscillation of the optical module is located on the extension of the planar area of ​​the flexible wiring board, the load on the flexible wiring board when the optical module is oscillated relative to the case can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by using a simple configuration of a base with a mounting surface and aligning the flexible wiring board with the mounting surface of the base, the flexible wiring board can be arranged so that the center of oscillation of the optical module is located on the extension of the planar area of ​​the flexible wiring board. Therefore, the load on the flexible wiring board can be reduced with a simple configuration.

[0007] In the optical unit of the present invention, the optical module is swingably housed in the holder, and the flexible wiring board is fixed to the fixed part, thereby holding the movable unit in the case. This configuration allows for a simple optical unit that reduces the load on the flexible wiring board.

[0008] In the optical unit of the present invention, a reinforcing plate is fixed to the surface of the flexible wiring board, and the fixing part can be configured to have a groove into which the reinforcing plate is inserted. With such a configuration, the fixing part can be made simple, requiring only the insertion of the reinforcing plate to which the flexible wiring board is fixed into the groove.

[0009] In the optical unit of the present invention, the grooves are located at positions corresponding to both ends of the reinforcing plate in the longitudinal direction and are configured on both sides in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the reinforcing plate, and can extend toward the mounting surface in a direction along the insertion direction of the reinforcing plate. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily create a configuration in which the flexible wiring board is fixed to the fixing part and the flexible wiring board is aligned with the mounting surface.

[0010] In the optical unit of the present invention, the reinforcing plate can be press-fitted into the groove and then bonded with an adhesive. This configuration allows the reinforcing plate to be securely fixed to the groove with a simple structure.

[0011] In the optical unit of the present invention, the reinforcing plate can be made of stainless steel or polyimide. This configuration allows for the simple and robust formation of the reinforcing plate while reducing the risk of contamination of the flexible wiring board.

[0012] In the optical unit of the present invention, the fixing portion can be configured to be separate from the flexible wiring board and to have a pressing portion that presses the flexible wiring board, which is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface, toward one side of the holder, and a groove portion into which the pressing portion is inserted. With such a configuration, even in cases where it is not possible to fix a reinforcing plate to the flexible wiring board, the fixing portion can be made into a simple configuration in which the pressing portion is inserted into the groove portion.

[0013] In the optical unit of the present invention, the grooves are located at positions corresponding to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the retaining portion and are configured on both sides in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the retaining portion, and extend toward the mounting surface in a direction along the insertion direction of the retaining portion. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily create a configuration in which the flexible wiring board is fixed to the fixing portion and the flexible wiring board is aligned with the mounting surface.

[0014] In the optical unit of the present invention, the retaining portion can be configured such that its upstream end in the insertion direction protrudes from the flexible wiring board while it is fixed to the fixing portion. This configuration makes it easier to insert the retaining portion into the groove.

[0015] In the optical unit of the present invention, the pressing portion can be configured such that the distance between the downstream end of the pressing portion in the insertion direction and the mounting surface described above is greater than the thickness of the flexible wiring board. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress damage to the flexible wiring board caused by the pressing portion pressing the flexible wiring board against the mounting surface with excessive force.

[0016] In the optical unit of the present invention, the flexible wiring board is composed of multiple flexible wiring boards stacked on top of each other, and the arrangement can be such that the distance is greater than the total thickness of the multiple stacked flexible wiring boards.

[0017] In the optical unit of the present invention, the flexible wiring board can be configured as a single flexible wiring board.

[0018] In the optical unit of the present invention, the retaining portion can be configured to be press-fitted into the groove and then bonded with an adhesive. This configuration allows the retaining portion to be securely fixed to the groove with a simple structure.

[0019] In the optical unit of the present invention, the pressing portion can be made of stainless steel or polyimide. By adopting such a configuration, the pressing portion can be formed simply and robustly, and the risk of contaminating the flexible printed circuit board can be reduced.

Effects of the Invention

[0020] The optical unit of the present invention can reduce the load on the flexible printed circuit board with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a plan view of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the transparentization of the fixing body of the optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a bottom view showing the vicinity of the fixing portion of the optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [ [Figure 6] It is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the fixing portion of the optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic side view showing the arrangement of the flexible printed circuit board in the optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the inside of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention different from FIGS. 1 to 7, showing the state before inserting the pressing portion into the groove portion. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the inside of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention different from FIGS. 1 to 7, showing the state after inserting the pressing portion into the groove portion.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, an optical unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In Figures 2 and 3, the dashed line denoted by L indicates the optical axis, the dashed line denoted by L1 indicates the first axis intersecting the optical axis, and the dashed line denoted by L2 indicates the second axis L2 intersecting the optical axis L and the first axis L1. The R direction is the direction around the optical axis. In each figure, the Z-axis direction is the optical axis direction, the X-axis direction is the direction intersecting the optical axis, in other words, the yawing axis direction, and the Y-axis direction is the direction intersecting the optical axis, in other words, the pitching axis direction.

[0023] <Overall configuration of the optical unit> Figures 1 to 4 will be used to briefly describe the configuration of the optical unit 10 according to this embodiment. The optical unit 10 comprises a movable body 14 equipped with an optical module 12 such as a lens 12a and an image sensor 50, and a fixed body 16 that holds the movable body in a state where it can be displaced in the direction with the Y-axis axis as the axis of rotation (oscillation axis) (pitching direction) and the X-axis axis as the axis of rotation (oscillation axis) (yawing direction). It also comprises a rotation drive mechanism 18 that drives the movable body 14 in the pitching direction and the yawing direction, and a support mechanism 20 that supports the movable body 14 with respect to the fixed body 16 so that it can rotate (oscillate) in the pitching direction and the yawing direction. Furthermore, the optical unit 10 includes a gimbal mechanism 21 which has a first support portion 19a on the extension portion 27a for the first support portion that supports the movable body 14 so as to be rotatable around the first axis L1, and a second support portion 19b on the extension portion 27b for the second support portion that is rotatably supported by a member on the fixed body 16 side so as to be around the second axis L2 (see Figure 3).

[0024] Furthermore, the optical unit 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, comprises a movable unit 100 and a case 200 that houses the movable unit 100. Here, as shown in Figure 3, the movable unit 100 is composed of an optical module 12, an image sensor 50, a flexible wiring board 51 connected to the image sensor 50, and the like. The movable unit 100 constitutes a part of the movable body 14. The case 200 that houses the movable unit 100 is composed of a fixed frame 28, which is a housing part that swingably houses the movable body 14, and a holder 22 having a fixed part 70 for fixing the flexible wiring board 51. Although the holder 22 constitutes a part of the case 200, it swings together with the optical module 12 with respect to the fixed frame 28, so it can be considered to constitute a part of the movable body 14.

[0025] <About the optical module> In this embodiment, the optical module 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular housing shape and is used as a thin camera mounted on, for example, a camera-equipped mobile phone or a tablet PC. The optical module 12 has a lens 12a on the subject side, and optical equipment for imaging is built into the rectangular housing 12b. In this embodiment, the optical module 12 incorporates an actuator that corrects pitching (rotational movement with the Y-axis axis as the axis of rotation) and yawing (rotational movement with the X-axis axis as the axis of rotation) that occur in the optical module 12, and is configured to correct pitching and yawing.

[0026] In this embodiment, the optical module 12 is configured to correct both pitching and yawing vibrations, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may be configured to correct only one of either pitching or yawing vibrations. The image sensor 50 can also be considered as part of the optical module 12.

[0027] <About movable parts> In Figures 1 to 4, the movable body 14 comprises an optical module 12, a holder 22, and magnets 24A and 24B. The holder 22 is configured as a rectangular frame-shaped member that surrounds the remaining four surfaces of the optical module 12, excluding the front surface (subject-facing surface) on which the lens 12a is provided and the opposite rear surface. In this embodiment, the holder 22 is configured to allow the optical module 12 to be attached and detached, as an example. However, the optical module 12 and the holder 22 may be integrally configured. Magnets 24A and 24B for correcting pitching and yawing are attached to the outer surfaces of the holder 22, utilizing the two surfaces facing the fixed body 16.

[0028] <About the fixing device> In Figures 1 to 4, the fixed body 16 comprises a fixed frame 28 and coils 32A and 32B. In this embodiment, the fixed frame 28 is composed of a rectangular frame-shaped member 128 that surrounds at least three faces of the holder 22 of the movable body 14 in the direction around the optical axis (R direction), and an extended portion 228 having wall portions 228a, 228b, 228c and 228d that extend outward along the X-axis direction. Here, wall portion 228a is a wall portion that covers the front (subject-side) side, wall portions 228b and 228c are wall portions that cover the Y-axis direction, and wall portion 228d is a wall portion that covers the side opposite to the side on which the movable body 14 is positioned in the X-axis direction. Although not shown in Figures 1 to 4, a wall portion is also provided on the side opposite to wall portion 228a in the Z-axis direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, the fixed body 16 is configured to cover the flexible wiring board 51, which will be described later, with wall portions 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d, and an unshown wall portion on the side facing wall portion 228a. A positioning unit 52 (see Figure 4) is provided to position the flexible wiring board 51 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. As in the optical unit 10 of this embodiment, by providing a cover that covers at least a part of the flexible wiring board 51, it is possible to prevent the flexible wiring board 51 from coming into contact with other components and being damaged.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, coils 32A and 32B are mounted on the coil mounting section 28a, respectively. In this embodiment, coils 32A and 32B are configured as wound coils as an example, but they may also be used as a patterned substrate (coil substrate) in which the coils are incorporated as patterns within the substrate wiring.

[0031] In this embodiment, with the movable body 14 positioned within the fixed body 16, the magnet 24A and coil 32A, and the magnet 24B and coil 32B are in a facing position. In this embodiment, the pairs of magnet 24A and coil 32A, and the pairs of magnet 24B and coil 32B constitute a rotational drive mechanism 18. The rotational drive mechanism 18 corrects the pitching and yawing of the movable body 14.

[0032] Furthermore, pitching and yawing corrections are performed as follows. When the optical unit 10 experiences a vibration in both the pitching and yawing directions, or in either direction, the vibration is detected by a magnetic sensor (Hall element) (not shown), and the rotational drive mechanism 18 is driven based on the result. Alternatively, the vibration of the optical unit 10 may be detected using a vibration detection sensor (gyroscope) or the like. Based on the vibration detection result, the rotational drive mechanism 18 acts to correct the vibration. That is, current is passed through each coil 32A and 32B to move the movable body 14 in a direction that cancels out the vibration of the optical unit 10, thereby correcting the vibration.

[0033] As described above, the optical unit 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a rotation drive mechanism 18 that rotates the movable body 14 relative to the fixed body 16 with the pitching axis and the yawing axis as the axis of rotation. Here, it is preferable that the rotation drive mechanism 18 is positioned relative to the movable body 14 at a position other than the side in the X-axis direction where the flexible wiring board 51 is located (+X direction side). Since the rotation drive mechanism 18 can be positioned on the side where the flexible wiring board 51 is not formed, it becomes unnecessary to enlarge the optical unit 10 in order to suppress contact between the rotation drive mechanism 18 and the flexible wiring board 51, and the optical unit 10 can be made smaller. Note that "rotation" in this specification does not necessarily mean a 360° rotation, but includes cases where the object swings in the rotational direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the drive source for correcting the vibration is not limited to a voice coil motor, which consists of pairs of coils 32A and 32B and magnets 24A and 24B, as in the rotary drive mechanism 18. Other drive sources such as stepping motors or piezoelectric elements can also be used.

[0035] <About the support mechanism> The support mechanism 20 includes a sheet metal 20a that forms a hemispherical convex curved surface toward the outside of the optical unit 10, and a sheet metal 20b that forms a hemispherical convex curved surface toward the inside of the optical unit 10. The sheet metal 20a is positioned at two opposing corners of the rectangular frame-shaped member 128 of the fixed body 16, and the sheet metal 20b is positioned at two opposing corners of the rectangular frame-shaped movable body 14. The rectangular frame-shaped member 128 and the rectangular frame-shaped movable body 14 are positioned so that their four corners are aligned, and one sheet metal 20a and one sheet metal 20b are positioned at each of the four corners.

[0036] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 20 has a first support portion 19a provided on the first support extension portion 27a of the gimbal mechanism 21 positioned inside the hemispherical convex curved surface of the outward-facing sheet metal 20a. The support mechanism 20 supports the gimbal mechanism 21 relative to the fixed body 16 in this configuration. Furthermore, the second support portion 19b provided on the second support extension portion 27b of the gimbal mechanism 21 is positioned inside the hemispherical convex curved surface of the inward-facing sheet metal 20b. The support mechanism 20 supports the gimbal mechanism 21 relative to the movable body 14 in this configuration. In other words, the support mechanism 20 of this embodiment is configured to support the movable body 14 so that it can rotate relative to the fixed body 16 with one or more directions (at least one direction in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) intersecting the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) as the rotation axis direction. In this embodiment, the support mechanism 20 is configured to allow rotation of the movable body 14 with the pitching axis as the axis of rotation and rotation of the movable body 14 with the yawing axis as the axis of rotation. However, it may also be configured to allow rotation of the movable body 14 in the rolling direction.

[0037] <Gimbal mechanism> The gimbal mechanism 21 is a spring-like mechanism formed by bending a flat metal plate material. Specifically, the gimbal mechanism 21 is composed of, for example, a gimbal frame portion 25 provided on the subject side, and first support extension portions 27a and second support extension portions 27b formed by bending the four corner portions of the gimbal frame portion 25 at 90° in the direction of the optical axis. Note that the first support extension portion 27a and the second support extension portion 27b do not necessarily have to be entirely plate-shaped; only a part of them may be formed into a plate shape to exhibit spring properties. Furthermore, it is possible to make one of the first support extension portion 27a and the second support extension portion 27b into a shape other than a plate (for example, a rod shape).

[0038] <Image sensor> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the optical module 12 has an image sensor 50 on the side opposite to the subject. As shown in Figure 4, a flexible wiring board 51 is connected to the connection portion 50a of the image sensor 50. In this embodiment, the connection portion 50a of the image sensor 50 is formed on the extension portion 228 side, and the walls 228a, 228b, and 228c of the extension portion 228 cover the flexible wiring board 51 in directions other than the side opposite to the subject. Note that the connection portion 50a of the flexible wiring board 51 does not necessarily have to be provided on the image sensor 50, but may be provided on a part of the movable body 14 other than the image sensor 50.

[0039] <Flexible Wiring Board> As shown in Figure 4, one end of the flexible wiring board 51 is connected to a connection portion 50a provided on the movable body 14. As described above, the flexible wiring board 51 is positioned on the +X side relative to the movable body 14. Here, one end of the flexible wiring board 51 (the side with the connection portion 50a) is fixed by bonding a reinforcing plate 60 to the surface 510 of the flexible wiring board 51, and the reinforcing plate 60 is fixed to the holder 22 at the fixing portion 70. The other end of the flexible wiring board 51 (the side with the positioning portion 52) is fixed to the extension portion 228 by the positioning portion 52, thereby positioning it relative to the fixing frame 28. Note that the flexible wiring board 51 in this embodiment is composed of three layers (see Figure 6).

[0040] <Fixed part> The configuration of the fixing part 70 will be described in more detail below, using Figures 5 to 7 in addition to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fixing part 70 is formed on the holder 22. The fixing part 70 fixes the flat reinforcing plate 60 by sandwiching it between grooves 71 formed on both the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side. The grooves 71 extend in the Z-axis direction, and the reinforcing plate 60 is fixed to the fixing part 70 by inserting the reinforcing plate 60 in the +Z direction relative to the grooves 71 so that the end portion 61 of the reinforcing plate 60 fits into the grooves 71.

[0041] The reinforcing plate 60 is fixed to the fixing part 70, so that one end (connecting part 50a side) of the flexible wiring board 51 is fixed to the holder 22 that constitutes the movable body 14. On the other hand, as described above, the other end (positioning part 52 side) of the flexible wiring board 51 is fixed to the fixing frame 28 that constitutes the fixed body 16. Therefore, the flexible wiring board 51 is displaced as the movable body 14 swings relative to the fixed body 16. If the flexible wiring board 51 is short, it will hinder the swinging of the movable body 14 relative to the fixed body 16. Therefore, the flexible wiring board 51 is configured to curve in an S shape inside the extension part 228 to increase its length, so that it does not hinder the swinging of the movable body 14 relative to the fixed body 16. Note that, as described above, the flexible wiring board 51 of this embodiment is composed of three layers, so it is difficult to bend the flexible wiring board 51 in the Z-axis direction to increase its length.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the fixing portion 70 has a base 72 formed on the holder 22, on which a mounting surface 72a is provided for the surface 513 (the surface opposite to surface 510) of the flexible wiring board 51, in the region 512 immediately opposite to the region 511 to which the reinforcing plate 60 of the flexible wiring board 51 is bonded. Because the fixing portion 70 has this configuration, the flexible wiring board 51 connected to the connection portion 50a has a first bend portion 51b, a second bend portion 51c, and a planar region 51a formed toward the other end. The region between the first bend portion 51b and the second bend portion 51c corresponds to the region 511 to which the reinforcing plate 60 is bonded and fixed to the fixing portion 70. The planar region 51a, that is, the region toward the other end of the second bend portion 51c, corresponds to the region 512 that is placed on the mounting surface 72a and extends along the mounting surface 72a.

[0043] In this embodiment, the groove 71 is aligned with the Z-axis direction. Therefore, region 511 is perpendicular to region 512 (planar region 51a). However, the configuration is not limited to this. The extension direction of the groove 71 (the insertion direction of the reinforcing plate 60) may be a direction different from that perpendicular to the planar region 51a. In other words, by adjusting the extension direction of the groove 71 (the insertion direction of the reinforcing plate 60), the angle of region 511 with respect to the planar region 51a can be adjusted.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the planar region 51a extends in a direction along the mounting surface 72a. The pivot center C1 (position of the pitching rotation axis and yawing rotation axis) of the movable body 14 having the optical module 12 is located on the extension line R in the -X direction of the planar region 51a. In other words, the pivot center C1 of the movable body 14 having the optical module 12 is located on the extension line R in the -X direction of the mounting surface 72a.

[0045] To summarize from the perspective of case 200, the case 200 in the optical unit 10 of this embodiment is a case that holds a movable unit 100 comprising an optical module 12 and a flexible wiring board 51 whose one end is connected to the optical module 12 at a connection part 50a, and is a case that holds the optical module 12 so that it can swing. It also includes a holder 22 that is swingable together with the optical module 12 and houses the optical module 12. The holder 22 is also provided with a fixing part 70 for fixing the flexible wiring board 51. The holder 22 is also provided with a base 72 on the opposite side (positioning part 52 side) from the area 511 fixed to the fixing part 70 on the flexible wiring board 51, and has a mounting surface 72a along which the flexible wiring board 51 is mounted. Here, the base 72 is provided in such a configuration that the pivot center C1 of the optical module 12 is located on the extension line R of the mounting surface 72a.

[0046] The load on the flexible wiring board 51 when the optical module 12 is oscillated relative to the case 200 changes significantly depending on the arrangement of the flexible wiring board 51. Here, by arranging the flexible wiring board 51 such that the oscillation center C1 of the optical module 12 is located on the extension line R of the planar area 51a of the flexible wiring board 51, the load on the flexible wiring board 51 when the optical module 12 is oscillated relative to the case 200 can be reduced. The case 200 in this embodiment has a simple configuration of a base 72 having a mounting surface 72a, and by aligning the flexible wiring board 51 with the mounting surface 72a of the base 72, the flexible wiring board 51 can be arranged so that the oscillation center C1 of the optical module 12 is located on the extension line R of the planar area 51a of the flexible wiring board 51. For this reason, the case 200 in this embodiment has a simple configuration that can reduce the load on the flexible wiring board 51. Furthermore, the phrase "the pivot center C1 of the optical module 12 is located on the extension line R of the mounting surface 72a" does not strictly mean only a configuration in which the pivot center C1 of the optical module 12 is located on the extension line R of the mounting surface 72a, but also includes configurations in which the pivot center C1 of the optical module 12 is located approximately on the extension line R of the mounting surface 72a.

[0047] Furthermore, from the perspective of the optical unit 10, in this embodiment, the optical module 12 is swingably housed in the holder 22, and the flexible wiring board 51 is fixed to the fixing part 70, thereby holding the movable unit 100 in the case 200. This configuration makes the optical unit 10 simple in design, reducing the load on the flexible wiring board 51.

[0048] Furthermore, as described above, in the optical unit 10 of this embodiment, a reinforcing plate 60 is fixed to the surface 510 of the flexible wiring board 51, and the fixing part 70 has a groove 71 into which the reinforcing plate 60 is inserted. In the optical unit 10 of this embodiment, the fixing part 70 has a simple configuration in which the reinforcing plate 60 to which the flexible wiring board 51 is fixed is simply inserted into the groove 71.

[0049] In detail, the grooves 71 are located at positions corresponding to both ends of the reinforcing plate 60 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction), as shown in Figure 5, and are configured on both sides in a direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with the insertion direction (+Z direction) of the reinforcing plate 60, and extend toward the mounting surface 72a in a direction (Z-axis direction) along the insertion direction of the reinforcing plate, as shown in Figure 7. By configuring the grooves 71 in this way, a configuration can be easily formed in which the flexible wiring board 51 is fixed to the fixing part 70 and the flexible wiring board 51 is aligned with the mounting surface 72a.

[0050] In this embodiment of the optical unit 10, the reinforcing plate 60 is pressed into the groove 71 by the pressing portion 71a shown in Figure 5 in the +X direction, and then bonded with adhesive. This configuration allows the reinforcing plate 60 to be securely fixed to the groove 71 with a simple structure.

[0051] Here, the reinforcing plate 60 is preferably made of stainless steel or polyimide. This configuration allows the reinforcing plate 60 to be formed simply and sturdily, while also reducing the risk of contamination of the flexible wiring board 51.

[0052] Next, an embodiment of an optical unit 11, different from the optical unit 10 shown in Figures 1 to 7, will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment of the optical unit 11 shown in Figures 8 and 9, the reinforcing plate is not fixed to the flexible wiring board 51. However, it is equipped with a flat plate-shaped retaining portion 80 that is constructed separately from the flexible wiring board 51. The optical unit 11 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the optical unit 10, except that it is equipped with a retaining portion 80 instead of having a reinforcing plate fixed to the flexible wiring board 51.

[0053] In this embodiment, the optical unit 11, like the optical unit 10, has the flexible wiring board 51 positioned in the holder 22. The flexible wiring board 51 is then positioned in the holder 22 by inserting and fixing the retaining portion 80 into the groove 71 in the +Z direction, as shown in Figure 9, from the state shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the -Z direction end 71b of the groove 71 is configured to widen towards the outside (-Z direction) to facilitate insertion of the retaining portion 80. However, the optical unit 10 also has the same configuration.

[0054] As described above, in the optical unit 11 of this embodiment, the fixing part 70 is configured separately from the flexible wiring board 51 and has a pressing part 80 that presses the flexible wiring board 51, which is placed on the mounting surface 72a, toward one side of the holder 22 (in other words, sandwiches the flexible wiring board 51 together with the holder 22), and a groove 71 into which the pressing part 80 is inserted. With this configuration, the optical unit 11 of this embodiment has a fixing part 70 that is simple in that the pressing part 80 is simply inserted into the groove 71. This configuration is particularly effective in cases where it is not possible to fix a reinforcing plate to the flexible wiring board 51. Furthermore, it is possible to use pressing parts 80 of different shapes according to the shape of the holder 22 used, thereby increasing the versatility of the optical module 12.

[0055] Furthermore, in the optical unit 11 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the grooves 71 are located at positions corresponding to both ends of the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the retaining portion 80 and are configured on both sides in a direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with the insertion direction (+Z direction) of the retaining portion 80. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the grooves 71 extend toward the mounting surface 72a in a direction (Z-axis direction) along the insertion direction of the retaining portion. With this configuration, the optical unit 11 of this embodiment can easily form a configuration in which the flexible wiring board 51 is fixed to the fixing portion 70 and the flexible wiring board 51 is aligned with the mounting surface 72a (aligned in the X-axis direction).

[0056] Furthermore, in the optical unit 11 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the upstream end 80a of the retaining portion 80 in the insertion direction protrudes in the -Z direction beyond the surface 51e of the flexible wiring board 51 on the -Z direction side. In other words, the retaining portion 80 protrudes from the flexible wiring board 51 in the state in which it is fixed to the fixing portion 70 at its upstream end 80a in the insertion direction. The optical unit 11 of this embodiment has such a configuration that makes it easier to insert the retaining portion 80 into the groove portion 71. Note that when we say that the upstream end 80a protrudes in the -Z direction beyond the surface 51e of the flexible wiring board 51 on the -Z direction side, it means that the average position of the upstream end 80a on the -Z direction side is located on the -Z direction side beyond the average position of the surface 51e of the flexible wiring board 51 on the -Z direction side.

[0057] Furthermore, in the optical unit 11 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the gap G between the downstream end 80b of the retaining portion 80 in the insertion direction and the mounting surface 72a is wider than the thickness D2 of the flexible wiring board 51. In other words, the retaining portion 80 is positioned such that the distance D1 between the downstream end 80b of the retaining portion 80 in the insertion direction and the mounting surface 72a is greater than the thickness D2 of the flexible wiring board 51. With this configuration, the optical unit 11 of this embodiment is able to suppress damage to the flexible wiring board 51 caused by the retaining portion 80 pressing the flexible wiring board 51 against the mounting surface 72a with excessive force.

[0058] In this embodiment, the optical unit 11 is constructed by stacking multiple (3) flexible wiring boards, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Here, the statement that the distance D1 between the downstream end 80b of the retaining portion 80 and the mounting surface 72a is greater than the thickness D2 of the flexible wiring board 51 means that the arrangement is such that the distance D1 is greater than the total thickness (thickness D2) of the multiple stacked flexible wiring boards 51.

[0059] As described above, in the optical unit 11 of this embodiment, the flexible wiring board 51 is composed of multiple flexible wiring boards 51 stacked on top of each other, but the flexible wiring board 51 may also be composed of a single flexible wiring board. In that case, it is preferable that the distance D1 is greater than the thickness (thickness D2) of the single flexible wiring board 51.

[0060] Furthermore, in the optical unit 11 of this embodiment, the retaining portion 80 is press-fitted into the groove portion 71 and then bonded with adhesive. With this configuration, the optical unit 11 of this embodiment can securely fix the retaining portion 80 to the groove portion 71 with a simple structure.

[0061] Furthermore, the retaining portion 80 is preferably made of metal or resin, particularly stainless steel or polyimide. This configuration allows the retaining portion 80 to be formed simply and sturdily, while also reducing the risk of contaminating the flexible wiring board 51.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, in the optical unit 11 of this embodiment, the retaining portion 80 is a flat plate having four edge-shaped portions: an upstream end 80a, a downstream end 80b, a side end 80e, and a side end 80f, and a +X direction side surface 80c and a -X direction side surface 80d. Here, the upstream end 80a and the downstream end 80b are straight lines along the Y axis, and the side ends 80e and 80f are straight lines along the Z axis. Also, the +X direction side surface 80c and the -X direction side surface 80d are planar surfaces perpendicular to the X axis. With this configuration, the retaining portion 80 can firmly hold the flexible wiring board 51 without distortion.

[0063] However, there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the pressing portion 80. For example, it may be a rod-shaped member such as a cylindrical or rectangular prism extending in the Y-axis direction. For example, if the pressing portion 80 is made of a cylindrical member, the risk of damage to the flexible wiring board 51 when the pressing portion 80 comes into contact with the flexible wiring board 51 can be reduced. Therefore, for example, it is also possible to configure the pressing portion 80 to press the flexible wiring board 51 against the mounting surface 72a.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 10…Optical unit, 11…Optical unit, 12…Optical module, 14…Movable body, 16…Fixed body, 18…Rotation drive mechanism, 19a…First support part, 19b…Second support part, 20…Support mechanism, 20a…Sheet metal, 20b…Sheet metal, 21…Gimbal mechanism, 22…Holder, 24A…Magnet, 24B…Magnet, 25…Gimbal frame part, 27a…Extension part for first support part, 27b…Extension part for second support part, 28…Fixed frame, 28a…Coil mounting part, 32A…Coil, 32B…Coil, 50…Image sensor, 50a…Connection part, 51…Flexible wiring board, 51a…Planar area, 51b…First bending part, 51c…Second bending part, 51d...region, 51e...surface, 52...positioning part, 60...reinforcement plate, 61...end, 70...fixing part, 71...groove, 71a...pressing part, 71b...end, 72...base, 72a...mounting surface, 80...pressing part, 80a...upstream end, 80b...downstream end, 80c...+X direction side surface, 80d...-X direction side surface, 80e...side end, 80f...side end, 100...movable unit, 200...case, 510...surface, 511...region, 512...region, 513...surface, C1...oscillation center (position of oscillation axis), D1...distance between downstream end 80b and mounting surface 72a, D2...thickness of flexible wiring board 51, G...gap, L...optical axis, R...extension line

Claims

1. A case for holding a movable unit including an optical module and a flexible wiring board connected at one end to the optical module, the movable unit being configured to swing the optical module, a holder that can swing together with the optical module and that houses the optical module; a fixing portion provided on the holder for fixing the flexible wiring board; a base provided on the holder and having a mounting surface along which the flexible wiring board is placed, on an opposite side to the one end side of a region of the flexible wiring board that is fixed to the fixing portion; Equipped with The case is characterized in that the base is configured so that the center of swing of the optical module is positioned on an extension of the placement surface.

2. 2. An optical unit, comprising: a case according to claim 1, wherein the movable unit is held by the case, the case containing the optical module in a swingable manner and the flexible wiring board being fixed to the fixing portion.

3. 3. The optical unit according to claim 2, a reinforcing plate is fixed to a surface of the flexible wiring board; The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion has a groove into which the reinforcing plate is inserted.

4. 4. The optical unit according to claim 3, An optical unit characterized in that the groove portions are configured at positions corresponding to both longitudinal ends of the reinforcing plate, on both sides in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the reinforcing plate, and extend in a direction along the insertion direction of the reinforcing plate toward the placement surface.

5. 5. The optical unit according to claim 3, The optical unit is characterized in that the reinforcing plate is press-fitted into the groove and then adhered with an adhesive.

6. 6. The optical unit according to claim 3, The optical unit is characterized in that the reinforcing plate is made of stainless steel or polyimide.

7. 3. The optical unit according to claim 2, The optical unit is characterized in that the fixing portion has a pressing portion that is formed separately from the flexible wiring board and presses the flexible wiring board toward one side of the holder when placed on the mounting surface, and a groove portion into which the pressing portion is inserted.

8. 8. The optical unit according to claim 7, An optical unit characterized in that the groove portions are configured at positions corresponding to both longitudinal ends of the holding portion, on both sides in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the holding portion, and extending in a direction along the insertion direction of the holding portion toward the placement surface.

9. 9. The optical unit according to claim 8, The optical unit is characterized in that the pressing portion has an upstream end in an insertion direction thereof protruding from the flexible wiring board fixed to the fixing portion.

10. 10. The optical unit according to claim 8, The optical unit is characterized in that the pressing portion is disposed such that the distance between the downstream end of the pressing portion in the insertion direction and the placement surface is greater than the thickness of the flexible wiring board.

11. 11. The optical unit according to claim 10, The optical unit is characterized in that the flexible wiring board is constructed by stacking multiple flexible wiring boards, and the distance is arranged to be greater than the total thickness of the multiple stacked flexible wiring boards.

12. 11. The optical unit according to claim 10, The optical unit is characterized in that the flexible wiring board is composed of one flexible wiring board.

13. 13. The optical unit according to claim 7, The optical unit is characterized in that the pressing portion is press-fitted into the groove and then adhered with an adhesive.

14. 14. The optical unit according to claim 7, The optical unit is characterized in that the pressing portion is made of stainless steel or polyimide.

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