Position detection device, lens module, and imaging device

Abstract

To provide a position detection device having a more compact configuration while securing a predetermined position detection range.SOLUTION: A position detection device includes a magnetic field generation portion, a magnetic field detection portion, and a yoke. The magnetic field generation portion generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field detection portion detects an intensity in a first direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation portion. The yoke has an extending portion extending in a first axial direction along the first direction and a pair of facing portions facing by sandwiching the magnetic field detection portion interposed therebetween. The magnetic field generation portion faces the extending portion in a second axial direction intersecting the first axial direction, is located on a side opposite to the magnetic field detection portion when viewed from the extending portion in the second axial direction, and is movable in the first axial direction with respect to the magnetic field detection portion and the yoke.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a position detection device, a lens module, and an imaging device including a magnetic field detection unit.

Background Art

[0002] A position detection device for detecting the position of a moving body that moves linearly is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic position detection device including a magnetic sensing element and a plurality of magnetic members attached to a moving body at intervals.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for such a position detection device, miniaturization and weight reduction are required.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to provide a position detection device having a more compact configuration while ensuring a predetermined position detection range.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A position detection device as one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a magnetic field generating unit, a magnetic field detection unit, and a yoke. The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field detection unit detects the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit in a first direction. The partial annular yoke has an extending portion that extends in a first axial direction along the first direction, and a pair of opposing portions that face each other with the magnetic field detection unit in between. The magnetic field generating unit faces the extending portion in a second axial direction intersecting the first axial direction, and is located on the opposite side of the magnetic field detection unit from the extending portion in the second axial direction, and is movable in the first axial direction relative to the magnetic field detection unit and the yoke. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the position detection device of this disclosure, a more compact configuration can be achieved while ensuring a predetermined position detection range. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a position detection device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the position detection device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a side view showing a first configuration example of the position detection device shown in Figure 1A, viewed from the side. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D is a side view showing a second configuration example of the position detection device shown in Figure 1A, viewed from the side. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E is a side view showing a third configuration example of the position detection device shown in Figure 1A, viewed from the side. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field detection unit as the magnetic field generation unit moves in the position detection device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a position detection device as a first modified example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B]Figure 3B is a characteristic diagram showing the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field detection unit as the magnetic field generation unit moves in the position detection device shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a position detection device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a characteristic diagram showing the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field detection unit as the magnetic field generation unit moves in the position detection device shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a position detection device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a front view of the position detection device shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a side view of the position detection device shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D is a characteristic diagram showing the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field detection unit as the magnetic field generation unit moves in the position detection device shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a position detection device according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a characteristic diagram showing the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field detection unit as the magnetic field generation unit moves in the position detection device shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a position detection device assembly according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of an imaging device according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of an imaging device according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of a position detection device as another first modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of a position detection device as another second modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration example of a position detection device as another third modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing an overall configuration example of a position detection device as another fourth modification of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order. 1. First Embodiment and Its Modifications An example of a position detection device including a partial annular yoke having one notch, one magnetic field generation unit, and one magnetic field detection unit 2. Second Embodiment and Its Modifications An example of a position detection device including a partial annular yoke having two notches, one magnetic field generation unit, and two magnetic field detection units 3. Third Embodiment and Its Modifications An example of a position detection device including two position detection units each having a partial annular yoke having one notch, one magnetic field generation unit, and one magnetic field detection unit 4. Fourth Embodiment and Its Modifications An example of a position detection device including a bias magnet 5. Fifth Embodiment An example of a position detection device assembly equipped with a position detection device 6. Sixth Embodiment A first example of an imaging device including the position detection device of the first embodiment and a lens, and performing position detection of the lens 7. Seventh Embodiment A second example of an imaging device including the position detection device of the first embodiment and a lens, and performing position detection of the lens 8. Other Modifications

[0010] <1. First Embodiment> [Configuration of Position Detection Device 1] First, FIGS. 1A to 1 EThe configuration of the position detection device 1 as a first embodiment in this disclosure will be described with reference to the above.

[0011] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the position detection device 1. Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the position detection device 1. Furthermore, Figures 1C to 1E are side views showing the first to third configuration examples of the position detection device 1 viewed from the side, respectively. The X-axis direction, Z-axis direction, and Y-axis direction shown in Figures 1A to 1E are specific examples corresponding to the "first axis direction," "second axis direction," and "third axis direction," respectively, as one aspect of this disclosure. The X-axis direction, Z-axis direction, and Y-axis direction are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, "orthogonal" is not limited to a state in which they intersect geometrically at exactly 90°, but also includes a state in which they intersect within a range of approximately 90±10°. In this specification, with respect to any member or part as a reference, the position or direction on the +Z side from that member or part is described as "up," and the position or direction on the -Z side from that member or part is described as "down."

[0012] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the position detection device 1 comprises a magnet 10, a magnetic field sensor 20, and a partial annular yoke 30. The magnet 10, the magnetic field sensor 20, and the partial annular yoke 30 are each specific examples corresponding to the "magnetic field generating unit," "magnetic field detecting unit," and "yoke," respectively, as an embodiment of this disclosure. The magnet 10 generates a magnetic field that extends to the magnetic field sensor 20. The magnetic field sensor 20 detects the intensity of the component of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10, for example, in the +X direction. The "+X direction" is a specific example corresponding to the "first direction" as an embodiment of this disclosure. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 converges in the partial annular yoke 30, and as shown in Figure 1B, magnetic field lines ML pass through the partial annular yoke 30. A notch 30K is also provided in the partial annular yoke 30. The magnetic field sensor 20 is located in the notch 30K. Therefore, magnetic field lines ML also pass through the magnetic field sensor 20. In the position detection device 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the magnet 10 and the partial annular yoke 30 are positioned opposite each other, separated in the Z-axis direction. For convenience, in this embodiment, the partial annular yoke 30 and the magnetic field sensor 20 are positioned above the magnet 10, and the magnet 10 is positioned below the partial annular yoke 30 and the magnetic field sensor 20.

[0013] (Partial annular yoke 30) The partial annular yoke 30 is a yoke having a shape in which a portion of an annular object that circulates in the XZ plane is cut off. That is, the partial annular yoke 30 is a portion of an annular yoke that is continuously connected without interruption, with a notch 30K provided in it. The partial annular yoke 30 has a curved shape that surrounds a space 30V along the XZ plane. A magnetic field sensor 20 is provided in the notch 30K. The partial annular yoke 30 includes a pair of opposing portions 31, 32 that face each other with the magnetic field sensor 20 in between, and an extending portion 33 that extends linearly, for example, along the X-axis direction. In the examples shown in Figures 1A and 1B, each of the pair of opposing portions 31, 32 also extends linearly along the X-axis direction. Therefore, the pair of opposing portions 31, 32 and the extending portion 33 extend parallel to each other. The cross-sectional area of ​​the YZ section in each of the opposing portions 31, 32 and the extending portion 33 can be made substantially constant in the X-axis direction. Of the opposing portion 31, the second end opposite to the first end facing the magnetic field sensor 20 is magnetically connected to the first end of the extending portion 33 by a connecting portion 34. Of the opposing portion 32, the second end opposite to the first end facing the magnetic field sensor 20 is magnetically connected to the second end of the extending portion 33 by a connecting portion 35. The connecting portions 34 and 35 may extend linearly in the Z-axis direction, for example, or they may be curved.

[0014] In Figure 1B, position -S1 represents the position of the -X end of the extended portion 33, and position +S1 represents the extended portion 33 This represents the position of the +X side end. Position S0 is the extension in the X-axis direction. 33 This is the central position. Position -S2 represents the position of the -X side end of the connecting portion 34 of the partial annular yoke 30, and position +S2 represents the position of the +X side end of the connecting portion 35 of the partial annular yoke 30. The partial annular yoke 30 is made of a soft ferromagnetic material such as permalloy (NiFe) and guides the magnetic field lines ML toward the magnetic field sensor 20.

[0015] (Magnet 10) The magnet 10 is a permanent magnet having, for example, a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The magnet 10 is positioned on the opposite side of the space 30V when viewed from the extended portion 33. The magnet 10 is mainly composed of a ferromagnetic material. Specifically, examples of ferromagnetic materials used for the magnet 10 include neodymium-based magnetic materials such as NdFeB and rare-earth magnetic materials such as SmCo. As shown in Figure 1C, the magnet 10 overlaps with the partial annular yoke 30 in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, the magnet 10 faces the extended portion 33 of the partial annular yoke 30 in the Z-axis direction. Here, "the magnet 10 facing the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction" means that at least a part of the magnet 10 overlaps with the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. In the position detection device 1, it is preferable that the magnet 10 be directly below the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figure 1C. In other words, in the Y-axis direction, it is preferable that the center position 10PY of the magnet 10 in the Y-axis direction coincides with the center position 33PY of the extension portion 33 in the Y-axis direction. This is because the magnetic field lines ML are guided to the partial annular yoke 30 more efficiently. However, in the position detection device 1, for example, as shown in Figures 1D and 1E, the center position 10PY of the magnet 10 may be offset from the center position 33PY of the extension portion 33 in the Y-axis direction. If the center position 10PY of the magnet 10 is offset from the center position 33PY of the extension portion 33, it is preferable that the center position 10PY of the magnet 10 overlaps with a part of the extension portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. That is, it is preferable that more than half of the magnet 10 overlaps with a part of the extension portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the magnet 10 is provided so as to be reversibly movable in the X-axis direction relative to the magnetic field sensor 20 and the partial annular yoke 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1B, the magnet 10 is reversibly movable along the X-axis direction within a range from, for example, position -S1 to position +S1, centered on the initial position S0. That is, the magnet 10's center position in the X-axis direction can move from position S0 in the -X direction to position -S1, and can also move from position S0 in the +X direction to position +S1. Therefore, the magnet 10 is movable in the X-axis direction within a range facing the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction.

[0016] The magnet 10 is magnetized, for example, in the +Z direction along the Z-axis. Note that the "+Z direction" is a specific example corresponding to the "second direction" as one aspect of this disclosure. More specifically, in the magnet 10, the side facing the partial annular yoke 30 is the N pole, and the side opposite the partial annular yoke 30 is the S pole. However, this disclosure is not limited to the case where the magnetization direction of the magnet 10 strictly coincides with the +Z direction, but also allows for cases where the magnetization direction of the magnet 10 is tilted by about 5 to 10° with respect to the +Z direction.

[0017] (Magnetic field sensor 20) The magnetic field sensor 20 is located on the opposite side of the magnet 10 from the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. The magnetic field sensor 20 detects the magnetic field component parallel to the X-axis of the magnetic field applied to it and generates a detection signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field component parallel to the X-axis. In the position detection device 1, the output signal from the magnetic field sensor 20 changes as the position of the magnet 10 changes within the range from position -S1 to position +S1 relative to the magnetic field sensor 20 and the partial annular yoke 30. That is, the magnetic field sensor 20 exhibits a characteristic value (e.g., Hall voltage) corresponding to the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction relative to the magnetic field sensor 20. Therefore, the magnetic field sensor 20 can detect the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction between position -S1 and position +S1. In the example of the position detection device 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the magnetic field sensor 20 is located, for example, at the center position in the X-axis direction of the partial annular yoke 30. In other words, in the example of the position detection device 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the center position of the magnetic field sensor 20 in the X-axis direction coincides with the initial position S0 of the magnet 10.

[0018] Figure 2 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +X direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20 in the position detection device 1. Specifically, Figure 2 shows the magnetic field strength in the +X direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20 when the magnet 10 moves from position S0 to position -S2 in the -X direction, and the magnetic field strength in the +X direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20 when the magnet 10 moves from position S0 to position +S2 in the +X direction. The horizontal axis of Figure 2 represents the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction, and the vertical axis of Figure 2 represents the magnetic field strength in the +X direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20. Note that the characteristic diagram in Figure 2 represents the result of a computer simulation. The simulation conditions are as follows: The dimensions of the magnet 10 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are 10 mm, 10 mm, and 6 mm, respectively. The magnetization direction of the magnet 10 is the +Z direction. The magnetic properties of magnet 10 are as follows: residual magnetic flux density Br is 1300 mT, coercivity Hcb is 979 kA / m, coercivity Hcj is 1671 kA / m, and maximum energy product BH is 326 kJ / m 3 Let's assume the following: The distance in the Z-axis direction between the magnet 10 and the partial annular yoke 30 is 3 mm. The distance in the X-axis direction between the opposing portion 31 and the opposing portion 32 of the partial annular yoke 30 is 3 mm. The dimensions in the Z-axis direction of the opposing portion 31, the opposing portion 32, and the extending portion 33 are all 2 mm. The dimensions in the X-axis direction of the connecting portion 34 and the connecting portion 35 are 2 mm. The dimensions in the Y-axis direction of the opposing portion 31, the opposing portion 32, the connecting portion 34, the connecting portion 35, and the extending portion 33 are all 5 mm. The distance in the Z-axis direction between the opposing portion 31 and the opposing portion 32 and the extending portion 33 is 6 mm. Therefore, the Z-axis dimension of the entire partial annular yoke 30 is 10 mm. The X-axis dimension of the entire partial annular yoke 30, i.e., the length from position -S2 to position +S2, is 100 mm, and the length from position -S1 to position +S1 is 92 mm. Furthermore, the magnetization direction of the magnet 10 is defined as positive in the +Z direction, the detection direction of the magnetic field sensor 20 is defined as positive in the +X direction, and the movement direction of the magnet 10 is defined as positive in the +X direction. In addition, the set temperature is 140°C.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, in the range from position -S1 to position +S1, Magnet 10 The relationship between the position in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +X direction is approximately linear. Since the magnetic field sensor 20 exhibits a characteristic value (e.g., Hall voltage) corresponding to the magnitude of the magnetic field strength in the +X direction, the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction can be determined by detecting the output signal based on the characteristic value (e.g., Hall voltage) of the magnetic field sensor 20.

[0020] The magnetic field sensor 20 is a Hall IC that integrates, for example, a Hall element and a circuit including an operational amplifier. The Hall element is a device that exhibits the Hall effect, and when a magnetic field is applied in the X-axis direction while current is flowing, it generates a Hall voltage in a direction perpendicular to both the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field (X-axis direction). This Hall voltage is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. Since the Hall voltage is minute, it is desirable to amplify it using an operational amplifier.

[0021] [Effects of position detection device 1] As described above, in the position detection device 1 according to this embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 20 detects the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 in the +X direction, and the partial annular yoke 30 has an extending portion 33 that extends in the X-axis direction and a pair of opposing portions 31, 32 that face each other with the magnetic field sensor 20 in between. The magnet 10 is movable in the X-axis direction relative to the magnetic field sensor 20 and the partial annular yoke 30. In the position detection device 1 with this configuration, as shown in Figure 2, in the range from position -S1 to position +S1 Magnet 10 Position in the X-axis direction and The magnetic field sensor 20 detects The relationship between the magnetic field strength in the +X direction and the magnetic field strength is approximately linear. Therefore, the position detection device 1 can detect the position of the magnet 10 within the range in which the extended portion 33 is provided in the X-axis direction.

[0022] In the position detection device 1, the movement range of the magnet 10 is limited to the area between position -S1 and position +S1, which are the ends of the extending portion 33 that extends along the X-axis direction. Therefore, there is no change in the dimensions of the position detection device 1 in the X-axis direction due to the movement of the magnet 10. Furthermore, in the position detection device 1, the magnet 10 is moved in the X-axis direction, which is the direction of extension of the extending portion 33 of the partial annular yoke 30. Therefore, the distance between the extending portion 33 and the magnet 10 can be kept substantially constant. As a result, a sufficient magnetic field can be applied to the magnetic field sensor 20 without increasing the volume (magnetic volume) of the magnet 10. In other words, the dimensions of the magnet 10 can be minimized. Consequently, the position detection device 1 has a relatively compact configuration, yet it can detect the position and movement of the magnet 10 within the volume occupied by the position detection device 1. That is, with the position detection device 1, even in a limited installation area, the position and movement of the magnet 10 and the object to which the magnet 10 is attached can be detected within the range of that installation area.

[0023] [Variation 1-1] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the position detection device 1A as a first modified example (modification 1-1) of this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 1B, which shows the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 3B is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +Z direction extending to the magnetic field sensor 20 in the position detection device 1A, and corresponds to Figure 2, which shows the characteristic diagram of the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment. Note that the characteristic diagram in Figure 3B represents the results obtained from a computer simulation.

[0024] In the position detection device 1 described above, the center position of the extending portion 33 in the X-axis direction coincides with the center position of the magnetic field sensor 20 in the X-axis direction, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The position detection device 1A has a partial annular yoke 30A instead of a partial annular yoke 30. The partial annular yoke 30A has, for example, a notch 30K at the +X side end in the X-axis direction. The partial annular yoke 30A has a pair of opposing portions 31, 32, an extending portion 33, a connecting portion 34, and an extending portion 36. In the partial annular yoke 30A, the pair of opposing portions 31, 32 face each other with the magnetic field sensor 20 sandwiched in the Z-axis direction. The extending portion 36 extends in the X-axis direction while facing the extending portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. The extending portion 36 is located on the opposite side of the magnet 10 in the Z-axis direction as seen from the extending portion 33. The connecting portion 34 is located at the -X end of the partial annular yoke 30A in the X-axis direction and connects the extended portion 33 and the extended portion 36. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 is concentrated in the partial annular yoke 30A, and as shown in Figure 3A, the magnetic field lines ML pass through the partial annular yoke 30A. The magnetic field lines ML also pass through the magnetic field sensor 20 provided in the notch 30K. In the position detection device 1A, the magnetic field sensor 20 detects the magnetic field component parallel to the Z-axis of the magnetic field applied to it and generates a detection signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field component parallel to the Z-axis.

[0025] The simulation conditions in Figure 3B are basically the same as those in Figure 2. However, they differ from the simulation conditions in Figure 2 in the following respects: The distance in the Z-axis direction between opposing portions 31 and 32 of the partial annular yoke 30A is 3 mm. The dimensions in the Z-axis direction of the extended portion 36 and extended portion 33 are both 2 mm. The dimensions in the X-axis direction of opposing portion 31, opposing portion 32, and connecting portion 34 are each 2 mm. The Y-axis direction of the extended portion 36 is 5 mm. The distance in the Z-axis direction between the extended portion 36 and extended portion 33 is 6 mm. As shown in Figure 3B, in the position detection device 1A, the strength of the magnetic field in the +Z direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20 changes monotonically according to the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the same effect as the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment can be expected. However, in the position detection device 1A, the range of positions of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction in which good linearity can be obtained is narrower compared to the position detection device 1. Therefore, it can be said that position detection device 1 is more practical.

[0026] <2. Second Embodiment> [Configuration of position detection device 2] Next, with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the configuration of the position detection device 2 as a second embodiment in this disclosure will be described.

[0027] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the position detection device 2 of this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 1B, which shows the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Figure 4B is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +Z direction extending to the magnetic field sensor 20 in the position detection device 2, and corresponds to Figure 2, which shows the characteristic diagram of the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Note that the characteristic diagram in Figure 4B represents the results obtained from a computer simulation.

[0028] In the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above, a notch 30K is provided in the partial annular yoke 30, and a magnetic field sensor 20 is placed in the notch 30K. In contrast, the position detection device 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a partial annular yoke 30B instead of the partial annular yoke 30. The partial annular yoke 30B is provided with two notches 30K1 and 30K2. Notch 30K1 is provided at the +X end of the partial annular yoke 30B in the X-axis direction, and notch 30K2 is provided at the -X end of the partial annular yoke 30B in the X-axis direction. A magnetic field sensor 20A is placed in notch 30K1, and a magnetic field sensor 20B is placed in notch 30K2. The magnetic field sensors 20A and 20B both have substantially the same configuration as the magnetic field sensor 20 described in the first embodiment described above. However, each of the magnetic field sensors 20A and 20B detects the magnetic field component parallel to the Z-axis of the magnetic field applied to it and generates a detection signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field component parallel to the Z-axis. The partial annular yoke 30B has a pair of opposing parts 31 and 32, an extending part 33, a pair of opposing parts 37 and 38, and an extending part 36. In the partial annular yoke 30B, the pair of opposing parts 31 and 32 face each other with the magnetic field sensor 20A in the Z-axis direction, and the pair of opposing parts 37 and 38 face each other with the magnetic field sensor 20B in the Z-axis direction. The extending part 36 extends in the X-axis direction while facing the extending part 33 in the Z-axis direction. The extending part 36 is located on the opposite side of the magnet 10 in the Z-axis direction from the extending part 33. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 is concentrated in the partial annular yoke 30B, and as shown in Figure 4A, the magnetic field lines ML pass through the partial annular yoke 30B. Magnetic field lines ML are also allowed to pass through the magnetic field sensors 20A and 20B, which are provided in notches 30K1 and 30K2, respectively.

[0029] [Effects of position detection device 2] The simulation conditions in Figure 4B are basically the same as those in Figure 2. However, they differ from the simulation conditions in Figure 2 in the following respects: The distance in the Z-axis direction between opposing portion 31 and opposing portion 32 of the partial annular yoke 30B is 3 mm. The distance in the Z-axis direction between opposing portion 37 and opposing portion 38 is also 3 mm. The dimensions in the Z-axis direction of the extended portion 36 and extended portion 33 are both 2 mm. The dimensions in the X-axis direction of opposing portions 31, 32 and opposing portions 37, 38 are both 2 mm. The dimensions in the Y-axis direction of opposing portions 37, 38 and extended portion 36 are both 5 mm. The distance in the Z-axis direction between extended portion 36 and extended portion 33 is 6 mm. As shown in Figure 4B, in the position detection device 2, there is a region in which the strength of the magnetic field in the direction of +Z) applied to the magnetic field sensors 20A and 20B changes monotonically depending on the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, in Figure 4B, the solid curve represents the change in magnetic field strength in the +Z direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20A, and the dashed curve represents the change in magnetic field strength in the +Z direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20B. For the magnetic field sensor 20A, the magnetic field strength in the +Z direction exhibits relatively high linearity in the range from position S0 to position +S1. On the other hand, for the magnetic field sensor 20B, the magnetic field strength in the +Z direction exhibits relatively high linearity in the range from position S0 to position -S1. Therefore, the position detection device 2 can determine the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction by detecting the output signal based on the characteristic value (e.g., Hall voltage) of the magnetic field sensor 20A when the magnet 10 is in the range from position S0 to position +S1. On the other hand, when the magnet 10 is in the range from position S0 to position -S1, the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction can be determined by detecting the output signal based on the characteristic value (e.g., Hall voltage) of the magnetic field sensor 20B.

[0030] <3. Third Embodiment> [Configuration of position detection device 3] Next, with reference to Figures 5A to 5C, the configuration of the position detection device 3 as a third embodiment in this disclosure will be described.

[0031] Figure 5A is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the position detection device 3 of this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 1A, which shows the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Figure 5B is a front view showing the position detection device 3 shown in Figure 5A viewed in the +X direction. Figure 5C is a side view showing the position detection device 3 shown in Figure 5A viewed in the +Y direction. Furthermore, Figure 5D is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the positions of magnets 10-1 and 10-2 in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +X direction extending to magnetic field sensors 20-1 and 20-2 in the position detection device 3, and corresponds to Figure 2, which shows the characteristic diagram of the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Note that the characteristic diagram in Figure 5D represents the results obtained from a computer simulation.

[0032] The position detection device 3 comprises a first unit U1 and a second unit U2. The first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. The configurations of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are substantially the same as, for example, the configuration of the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Specifically, the first unit U1 comprises a magnet 10-1, a magnetic field sensor 20-1, and a partial annular yoke 30-1. The magnet 10-1 is a first magnetic field generating unit that generates a first magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor 20-1 detects the strength of the first magnetic field generated by the magnet 10-1 in the +X direction. The partial annular yoke 30-1 is provided with a notch 30K-1, and the magnetic field sensor 20-1 is positioned in the notch 30K-1. Similarly, the second unit U2 comprises a magnet 10-2, a magnetic field sensor 20-2, and a partial annular yoke 30-2. Magnet 10-2 is a second magnetic field generating unit that generates a second magnetic field. Magnetic field sensor 20-2 detects the strength of the second magnetic field generated by magnet 10-2 in the +X direction. A notch 30K-2 is provided in the partial annular yoke 30-2, and the magnetic field sensor 20-2 is positioned in the notch 30K-2.

[0033] In the position detection device 3, magnets 10-1 and 10-2 are integrally movable in the X-axis direction relative to magnetic field sensors 20-1 and 20-2, partial annular yoke 30-1, and partial annular yoke 30-2. Here, magnet 10-1 is magnetized in the +Z direction, for example, while magnet 10-2 is magnetized in the -Z direction, which is opposite to the magnetization direction of magnet 10-1. In Figure 5B, magnets 10-1 and 10-2 are in contact with each other, but they may be spaced apart.

[0034] [Effects of position detection device 3] The simulation conditions in Figure 5D are the same as those in Figure 2. The position detection device 3 determines the positions in the X-axis direction of the jointly moving magnets 10-1 and 10-2 based on both the output signal from the magnetic field sensor 20-1 in the first unit U1 and the output signal from the magnetic field sensor 20-2 in the second unit U2. In Figure 5D, curve L1 represents the relationship between the position of magnet 10-1 in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +X direction extending to the magnetic field sensor 20-1, and curve L2 represents the relationship between the position of magnet 10-2 in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +X direction extending to the magnetic field sensor 20-2. As shown in Figure 5D, the magnetic field strength in the +X direction extending to the magnetic field sensor 20-1 shows a maximum value when magnet 10-1 is at position -S1, and decreases almost linearly as it moves from position -S1 towards position S0. The magnetic field strength in the +X direction reaching magnetic field sensor 20-1 is 0 (zero) when magnet 10-1 is at position S0, decreases almost linearly from position S0 to position +S1, and shows a minimum value at position +S1. In contrast, the magnetic field strength in the +X direction reaching magnetic field sensor 20-2 shows a minimum value when magnet 10-2 is at position -S1, and increases almost linearly from position -S1 to position S0. The magnetic field strength in the +X direction reaching magnetic field sensor 20-2 is 0 (zero) when magnet 10-2 is at position S0, increases almost linearly from position S0 to position +S1, and shows a maximum value at position +S1. Thus, the magnetic field strength in the +X direction reaching magnetic field sensor 20-1 and the magnetic field strength in the +X direction reaching magnetic field sensor 20-2 have opposite signs, except at position S0. Curve LD in Figure 5D represents the difference between curve L1 and curve L2. Therefore, the position detection device 3 obtains a larger output signal depending on the position of magnets 10-1 and 10-2 in the X-axis direction by taking the difference between the output signal based on the characteristic value (e.g., Hall voltage) of magnetic field sensor 20-1 and the output signal based on the characteristic value (e.g., Hall voltage) of magnetic field sensor 20-2.

[0035] In particular, in the position detection device 3, since the magnetization direction of magnet 10-1 and the magnetization direction of magnet 10-2 are opposite to each other, even if an unwanted external magnetic field (noise magnetic field) is applied to the position detection device 3, the effects of such a noise magnetic field can be canceled out. For example, when a noise magnetic field is applied to the position detection device 3 in the +X direction, as shown by curves L1S and L2S in Figure 5D, the magnetic field strength in the +X direction extending to magnetic field sensor 20-1 and magnetic field sensor 20-2 increases by the same amount regardless of the position of magnets 10-1 and 10-2 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, even when a noise magnetic field is applied, the difference between curve L1S and curve L2S coincides with curve LD, which represents the difference between curve L1 and curve L2. Thus, the position detection device 3 can cancel out the effects of a noise magnetic field.

[0036] <4. Fourth Embodiment> [Configuration of position detection device 4] Next, with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, the configuration of the position detection device 4 as a fourth embodiment in this disclosure will be described.

[0037] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of the position detection device 4, and corresponds to Figure 1B, which shows the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Figure 6B is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +Z direction extending to the magnetic field sensor 20 in the position detection device 4, and corresponds to Figure 2, which shows the characteristic diagram of the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Note that the characteristic diagram in Figure 6B represents the results obtained from a computer simulation.

[0038] The position detection device 4 comprises a magnet 10, a magnetic field sensor 20, a partial annular yoke 30C, and a bias magnet 40. The partial annular yoke 30C has, for example, a notch 30K at the +X side end in the X-axis direction.

[0039] The partial annular yoke 30C has a pair of opposing portions 31 and 32, an extending portion 33, and an extending portion 36. In the partial annular yoke 30C, the pair of opposing portions 31 and 32 face each other with the magnetic field sensor 20 sandwiched in the Z-axis direction. The extending portion 36 extends in the X-axis direction while facing the extending portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. The extending portion 36 is located on the opposite side of the magnet 10 in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the extending portion 33.

[0040] The bias magnet 40 is sandwiched between the extended portion 33 and the extended portion 36 at the end of the partial annular yoke 30C opposite to the notch 30K. The bias magnet 40 is a permanent magnet having, for example, a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The bias magnet 40 is mainly composed of a ferromagnetic material. Specifically, examples of ferromagnetic materials used in the bias magnet 40 include neodymium-based magnetic materials such as NdFeB and rare-earth magnetic materials such as SmCo. The bias magnet 40 overlaps with a part of the extended portion 33 and a part of the extended portion 36 in the Z-axis direction. The bias magnet 40 is magnetized, for example, in the -Z direction along the Z-axis direction. More specifically, in the bias magnet 40, the side facing the extended portion 36 is the S pole, and the side facing the extended portion 33 is the N pole. However, this disclosure is not limited to cases where the magnetization direction of the bias magnet 40 strictly coincides with the -Z direction, but also allows cases where the magnetization direction of the bias magnet 40 is tilted by about 5 to 10° with respect to the -Z direction.

[0041] [Effects of position detection device 4] The simulation conditions in Figure 6B are basically the same as those in Figure 2. However, they differ from the simulation conditions in Figure 2 in the following respects: The distance in the Z-axis direction between opposing portions 31 and 32 of the partial annular yoke 30C is 3 mm. The dimensions in the Z-axis direction of the extended portion 36 and extended portion 33 are both 2 mm. The dimensions in the X-axis direction of opposing portions 31 and 32 are 2 mm. The Y-axis direction of the extended portion 36 is 5 mm. The distance in the Z-axis direction between the extended portion 36 and extended portion 33 is 6 mm. In addition, the dimensions in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of the bias magnet 40 are 5 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm, respectively. The magnetization direction of the bias magnet 40 is the +Z direction. The magnetic properties of the bias magnet 40 are the same as those of the magnet 10. Specifically, the residual magnetic flux density Br is set to 1300 mT, the coercivity Hcb to 979 kA / m, the coercivity Hcj to 1671 kA / m, and the maximum energy product BH to 326 kJ / m 3 As shown in Figure 6B, in the position detection device 4, there is a region in which the strength of the magnetic field in the +Z direction applied to the magnetic field sensor 20 changes monotonically depending on the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, in the position detection device 4, as shown in Figure 6B, the relationship between the position in the X-axis direction and the magnetic field strength in the +Z direction is approximately linear in a part of the range from position -S2 to position +S1. Therefore, the position detection device 4 Therefore, the position of the magnet 10 can be detected in a portion of the range from position -S2 to position +S1.

[0042] Furthermore, since the position detection device 4 is equipped with a bias magnet 40, the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field sensor 20 can be increased. Therefore, even if the magnetic volume of the magnet 10 is reduced, the position of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction can be detected.

[0043] <5. Fifth Embodiment> [Configuration of the position detection device assembly] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the configuration of the position detection device assembly 50 as a fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the position detection device assembly 50. Note that the position detection device assembly 50 shown in Figure 7 is illustrative, and in this embodiment, the individual components constituting the position detection device assembly 50, as well as their dimensions, shapes, and arrangement positions, are not limited to those shown in Figure 7.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the position detection device assembly 50 comprises the position detection device 1 described in the first embodiment above and a housing 51 that houses the position detection device 1. Alternatively, instead of the position detection device 1, for example, the position detection devices 2 to 4 described in the second to fourth embodiments above, or the position detection device 1A, which is a first modification of the first embodiment, can also be used.

[0046] The housing 51 includes, for example, a housing section 52, a connector section 53, and a cavity section 54. The housing section 52 is the part of the housing 51 that houses the magnetic field sensor 20 and the partial annular yoke 30. The connector section 53 includes a wiring 53A connected to the magnetic field sensor 20, a terminal 53B provided at the end of the wiring 53A, and a connection section 53C where the terminal 53B is exposed. The connector of an external device is connected to the connector section 53 for the exchange of signals with the external device. The cavity section 54 is the part that houses the magnet 10 so that it can move reversibly along the X-axis direction, and extends in the X-axis direction. In the position detection device assembly 50, the magnet 10 is held by a holding member 55, and the magnet 10 and the holding member 55 are integrated and can move reversibly along the X-axis direction. The holding member 55 has a holding portion 55A for holding the magnet 10 and a connecting portion 55B that is connected to the object to be detected for position detection, whose position in the X-axis direction is detected by the position detection device 1. Therefore, with the position detection device assembly 50, by fixing the housing 51 to an object different from the object to be detected for position detection (referred to as a reference object for convenience), the position and amount of movement of the object to be detected for position detection relative to the reference object can be detected.

[0047] <6. Sixth Embodiment> [Configuration of imaging device 100] Next, with reference to Figure 8A, the configuration of the imaging device 100 as a sixth embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0048] Figure 8A is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the imaging device 100. Note that the imaging device 100 shown in Figure 8A is illustrative, and in this embodiment, the components constituting the imaging device 100, as well as their dimensions, shapes, and arrangement positions, are not limited to those shown in Figure 8A.

[0049] The imaging device 100 constitutes, for example, part of a camera for a smartphone equipped with an autofocus mechanism. The imaging device 100 acquires images using, for example, a CMOS sensor. as an image sensor It includes an image sensor 200 and a lens module 300 that guides light from the subject to the image sensor 200.

[0050] [Configuration of Lens Module 300] The lens module 300 includes the position detection device 1 described in the first embodiment above, a lens 305, a housing 306, a base 307, a drive unit 308, and a holding member 314. The position detection device 1 is a magnetic position detection device that detects the position of the lens 305 when automatically focusing incident light (hereinafter simply referred to as incident light) so that it forms an image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 200. The drive unit 308 is an actuator that generates a driving force to move the lens 305, for example, to focus the incident light. The housing 306 houses and protects the position detection device 1 and the like. In the imaging device 100 of Figure 8A, the position detection device 1 is installed in a position in which the magnet 10 moves reversibly along the x-axis direction. In the imaging device 100 shown in Figure 8A, the drive unit 308 moves the magnet 10 and lens 305 in the x-axis direction based on control by the control unit 310, and also detects the x-axis position of the magnet 10 and lens 305.

[0051] The lens 305 is positioned above the base 307 in a orientation such that its optical axis coincides with the x-axis. The base 307 also has an aperture that allows light that has passed through the lens 305 to pass through. The lens module 300 and the image sensor 200 are aligned so that light from the subject, which has sequentially passed through the lens 305 and the aperture of the base 307, is incident on the image sensor 200.

[0052] The holding member 314 is a member that integrally holds the magnet 10 and the lens 305 of the position detection device 1. The holding member 314 has a cylindrical shape configured to allow the lens 305 to be mounted inside it, for example. The holding member 314 is provided so as to be reversibly movable relative to the base body 307 along the optical axis direction of the lens 305, i.e., the x-axis direction. The base body 307 supports the holding member 314 via biasing members such as a plurality of springs, for example, so that the holding member 314 can move in the x-axis direction relative to the base body 307.

[0053] [Operation of imaging device 100] The operation of the imaging device 100 is controlled by a control unit 310 located outside the imaging device 100. The control unit 310 has a circuit consisting of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a memory element that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) which is a memory element that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate during CPU execution.

[0054] The autofocus mechanism is configured to detect when the subject is in focus, for example, by an image sensor 200 or an autofocus sensor. The control unit 310 changes the relative position of the lens 305 with respect to the base 307 along the x-axis using the driving force of the drive unit 308 so that the subject is in focus. Specifically, this enables automatic focusing on the subject.

[0055] [Effects of the imaging device 100] Since the imaging device 100 is equipped with the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the overall dimensions of the imaging device 100 can be reduced while detecting the position (displacement) of the magnet 10 which moves integrally with the lens 305. Therefore, the imaging device 100 can be made compact while achieving good focusing.

[0056] <7. Seventh Embodiment> [Configuration of imaging device 100A] Next, with reference to Figure 8B, the configuration of the imaging device 100A as a seventh embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0057] Figure 8B is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of an imaging device 100A as a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may include an optical image stabilization mechanism, as in the imaging device 100A. The imaging device 100A has two position detection devices 1-1 and 1-2 instead of the position detection device 1. Both position detection devices 1-1 and 1-2 have substantially the same configuration as the position detection device 1 described in the first embodiment above. However, the position detection device 1-1 is provided such that the magnet 10 moves integrally with the lens 305 in the y-axis direction, and detects the position of the magnet 10 and the lens 305 in the y-axis direction. The position detection device 1-2 is provided such that the magnet 10 moves integrally with the lens 305 in the z-axis direction, and detects the position of the magnet 10 and the lens 305 in the z-axis direction. The configuration of the imaging device 100A shown in Figure 8B is substantially the same as the configuration of the imaging device 100 shown in Figure 8A, except that it includes an optical image stabilization mechanism instead of an autofocus mechanism.

[0058] The optical image stabilization mechanism is configured to detect camera shake using, for example, a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor or other sensor may be located outside the imaging device 100A. When the optical image stabilization mechanism detects camera shake, the control unit 310 controls the drive unit 308 so that the relative position of the lens 305 with respect to the base 307 changes according to the nature of the camera shake. The drive unit 308, in response to a command from the control unit 310, moves the lens 305, for example, in the y-axis or z-axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 305. At this time, the magnets 10 of the position detection device 1-1 and 1-2 move together with the lens 305, allowing the magnetic field sensor 20 of the position detection device 1-1 and 1-2 to detect the position of the lens 305. This stabilizes the absolute position of the lens 305, reducing the effects of camera shake. Furthermore, the relative position of the lens 305 with respect to the base 307 changes in a direction parallel to the y-axis or parallel to the z-axis, depending on the type of camera shake.

[0059] [Effects and Effects of Imaging Device 100A] Since the imaging device 100A is equipped with position detection devices 1-1 and 1-2 that have substantially the same configuration as the position detection device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the position (displacement) of the magnet 10 that moves integrally with the lens 305 can be detected while reducing the overall dimensions of the imaging device 100A. As a result, the imaging device 100A can achieve good optical image stabilization while being compact.

[0060] Furthermore, the imaging device 100A may also be equipped with an autofocus mechanism for the imaging device 100. In that case, the imaging device 100A can perform high-precision optical image stabilization and high-precision focusing.

[0061] <8. Other variations> Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to several embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiments, the bias magnet 40 is provided at the X-axis end of the partial annular yoke 30C that extends in the X-axis direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the position detection device 5 in Figure 9, the bias magnet 40 may be provided at an intermediate position in the X-axis direction of the partial annular yoke 30B, sandwiched in the Z-axis direction between the extending portion 33 and the extending portion 36. Alternatively, as shown in the position detection device 6 in Figure 10, for example, the bias magnet 40 may be provided between the extending portions 36A and 36B of the partial annular yoke 30D, which extend in the X-axis direction and are adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, as shown in the position detection device 7 in Figure 11, for example, a back yoke 11 may be further provided on the side of the magnet 10 opposite to the partial annular yoke 30D. The position detection device 7 in Figure 11 has a configuration in which a back yoke 11 is further added to the magnet 10 in the position detection device 6 shown in Figure 10, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the magnets 10 of the position detection devices 1 and 2 described in the first and second embodiments above, and the magnets 10-1 and 10-2 of the position detection device 3 described in the third embodiment may be further equipped with a back yoke 11.

[0062] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example of a magnet 10 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as the magnetic field generating unit, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The magnetic field generating unit of this disclosure may be, for example, the magnet 60 used in the position detection device 8 shown in Figure 12. The magnet 60 is, for example, a ring-shaped magnet having a central axis J60 extending in the X-axis direction, and is magnetized in its radial direction. The magnet 60 faces the extended portion 33 of the partial annular yoke 30 in the Z-axis direction. Here, "the magnet 60 faces the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction" means that at least a part of the magnet 60 overlaps with the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. However, it is preferable that the central axis J60 is located in a position that overlaps with a part of the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. That is, it is preferable that more than half of the magnet 60 overlaps with a part of the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. In particular, as shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that the magnet 60 is directly below the extended portion 33 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, in the Y-axis direction, the position of the central axis J60 of the magnet 60 should coincide with the center position 33PY of the extended portion 33 in the Y-axis direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the dimensions and layout of each component are examples only and are not limiting.

[0064] Furthermore, the position detection device of this disclosure is not limited to a device for detecting the position of a lens, but may also be used for detecting the spatial position of objects other than lenses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1-8...Position detection device, 10, 60...Magnet, 11...Back yoke, 20...Magnetic field sensor, 30...Partial annular yoke, 30K...Notch, 31, 32...Opposite parts, 33, 36...Extending parts, 34, 35...Connecting parts, 40...Bias magnet, 50...Position detection device assembly, ML...Magnetic field lines.

Claims

1. A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, A magnetic field detection unit that detects at least one of the intensity of the magnetic field component along the first axis direction of the magnetic field and the intensity of the magnetic field component along the second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction of the magnetic field, A yoke having an extended portion that extends in the first axial direction and a pair of opposing portions that face each other with the magnetic field detection unit in between. Equipped with, The magnetic field generating unit is positioned opposite the extending portion in the second axial direction and on the opposite side of the magnetic field detection unit from the extending portion in the second axial direction, and is movable in the first axial direction relative to the magnetic field detection unit and the yoke. Position detection device.

2. The yoke has a curved shape along a first plane that includes both the first axial direction and the second axial direction, The magnetic field generating unit is positioned on the opposite side of the space surrounded by the yoke, as viewed from the extended portion. The position detection device according to claim 1.

3. The magnetic field generating unit is magnetized in the second axial direction. The position detection device according to claim 1.

4. The magnetic field generating unit is movable in the first axial direction within a range facing the extended portion in the second axial direction. The position detection device according to claim 1.

5. A first unit comprising: a first magnetic field generating unit that generates a first magnetic field; a first magnetic field detection unit that detects the intensity of a magnetic field component of the first magnetic field in a first direction; and a first yoke having a first extending portion that extends in a first axial direction along the first direction, and a pair of first opposing portions that face each other on either side of the first magnetic field detection unit; A second unit comprising: a second magnetic field generating unit that generates a second magnetic field; a second magnetic field detecting unit that detects the intensity of the magnetic field component of the second magnetic field in the first direction; and a second yoke having a second extending portion that extends in the first axial direction and a pair of second opposing portions that face each other on either side of the second magnetic field detecting unit. Equipped with, The first magnetic field generating section faces the first extending portion in the second axial direction intersecting the first axial direction, The second magnetic field generating portion is opposite the second extending portion in the second axial direction, The first unit and the second unit are adjacent to each other in a third axial direction that intersects both the first axial direction and the second axial direction. The first magnetic field generating unit and the second magnetic field generating unit are integrally movable in the first axial direction with respect to the first magnetic field detection unit, the second magnetic field detection unit, the first yoke, and the second yoke. The first magnetic field generating unit is magnetized in a second direction along the second axial direction, The second magnetic field generating unit is magnetized in the opposite direction to the second magnetic field generating unit. Position detection device.

6. Position detection device and Lens and It has, The position detection device is, A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, A magnetic field detection unit that detects at least one of the intensity of the magnetic field component along the first axis direction of the magnetic field and the intensity of the magnetic field component along the second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction of the magnetic field, A yoke having an extending portion that extends in the first axial direction and a pair of opposing portions that face each other with respect to the magnetic field detection unit, Equipped with, The magnetic field generating unit is positioned opposite the extending portion in the second axial direction and on the opposite side of the magnetic field detection unit when viewed from the extending portion in the second axial direction, and is movable in the first axial direction integrally with the lens relative to the magnetic field detection unit and the yoke. Lens module.

7. Image sensor and Lens module and Equipped with, The aforementioned lens module is Position detection device and Lens and It has, The position detection device is, A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, A magnetic field detection unit for detecting the strength of the first direction of the magnetic field, A magnetic field detection unit that detects at least one of the intensity of the magnetic field component along the first axis direction of the magnetic field and the intensity of the magnetic field component along the second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction of the magnetic field, A yoke having an extending portion that extends in the first axial direction and a pair of opposing portions that face each other with respect to the magnetic field detection unit, Equipped with, The magnetic field generating unit is positioned opposite the extending portion in the second axial direction and on the opposite side of the magnetic field detection unit when viewed from the extending portion in the second axial direction, and is movable in the first axial direction together with the lens relative to the magnetic field detection unit and the yoke. Imaging device.

8. A drive unit that generates a driving force to move the lens in the first axial direction, A control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit and Furthermore, The lens has an optical axis along the first axial direction, The control unit generates the driving force in the drive unit and moves the lens along the direction of the optical axis to focus on the subject. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

9. A drive unit that generates a driving force to move the lens in the first axial direction, A control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit and Furthermore, The lens has an optical axis along the second axial direction, The control unit generates the driving force in the drive unit and performs image stabilization by moving the lens along the first axis. Imaging apparatus according to claim 7

Images