Optical element driving device

Abstract

To increase a moving amount of an optical element holding member without excessively increasing the magnitude of a current flowing through a coil.SOLUTION: An optical element driving device 100 moves an optical element holding member 5 by attracting a movable side magnetic member 4 to a side of an iron core portion 8W by electromagnetic force. The iron core portion 8W has a first tip portion 8W1 and a second tip portion 8W2. The movable side magnetic member 4 has a first movable side magnetic member 4A facing the first tip portion 8W1 and a second movable side magnetic member 4B facing the second tip portion 8W2. When the optical element holding member 5 is at a first position, a first interval G1 between the first tip portion 8W1 and the first movable side magnetic member 4A is smaller than a second interval G2 between the second tip portion 8W2 and the second movable side magnetic member 4B and is larger than the first interval G1 when the optical element holding member 5 is at a second position, and the second interval G2 is larger than the second interval G2 when the optical element holding member 5 is at the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an optical element driving device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lens driving device that moves a lens holder as an optical element holding member up and down with respect to a fixed side member has been known (see Patent Document 1). This lens driving device is configured to move the lens holder downward with respect to the fixed side member by attracting a metal plate fixed to the lens holder using an electromagnetic force generated by an electromagnet constituted by a coil wound around a part (core) of the fixed side member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in this configuration, the greater the set movable amount of the lens holder, the greater the distance between the metal plate and the core, and there is a risk that the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil will increase. This is because the magnitude of the electromagnetic force decreases inversely with the distance between the metal plate and the core.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to be able to increase the movement amount of the optical element holding member without excessively increasing the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An optical element driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a fixed side member; an optical element holding member having a vertically penetrating opening on which an optical element can be placed; a support member that movably supports the optical element holding member with respect to the fixed side member; a movable side magnetic member connected to the optical element holding member; and an electromagnetic mechanism having a fixed side magnetic member having an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core, which moves the optical element holding member from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction by attracting the movable side magnetic member toward the iron core by electromagnetic force, wherein the iron core has a first tip portion and a second tip portion, and the movable side magnetic member is positioned facing the first tip portion in the vertical direction, thereby moving the optical element holding member from a first position to a second position, wherein the iron core portion has a first tip portion and a second tip portion, and the movable side magnetic member is positioned facing the first tip portion in the vertical direction, thereby moving the optical element The optical element holder has a first movable magnetic member connected to a child holder member, and a second movable magnetic member connected to the optical element holder member in a state facing the second tip in the vertical direction, wherein when the optical element holder member is in the first position, the first distance between the first tip and the first movable magnetic member in the vertical direction is smaller than the second distance between the second tip and the second movable magnetic member in the vertical direction, the first distance when the optical element holder member is in the first position is larger than the first distance when the optical element holder member is in the second position, and the second distance when the optical element holder member is in the first position is larger than the second distance when the optical element holder member is in the second position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The optical element driving device described above can increase the amount of movement of the optical element holding member without excessively increasing the current flowing through the coil. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an example configuration of an optical element driving device. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of an optical element drive device. [Figure 3] This is a downward perspective view of the frame member. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the lower component. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the movable side member and the fixed side magnetic member. [Figure 6] This is a top view of the movable side member. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the movable side member. [Figure 8A] This is a right side view of the optical element drive device with the cover removed. [Figure 8B] This is a right side view of the optical element drive device with the cover removed. [Figure 8C] This is a right side view of the optical element drive device with the cover removed. [Figure 8D] This is a right side view of the optical element drive device with the cover removed. [Figure 9A] This is a right side view of the movable magnetic member, the optical element holding member, and the fixed magnetic member. [Figure 9B] This is a right side view of the movable magnetic member, the optical element holding member, and the fixed magnetic member. [Figure 9C] This is a right side view of the movable magnetic member, the optical element holding member, and the fixed magnetic member. [Figure 9D] This is a right side view of the movable magnetic member, the optical element holding member, and the fixed magnetic member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an optical element driving device 100, which is an example of the configuration of an optical element driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the optical element driving device 100. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical element driving device 100.

[0010] In Figure 1, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In Figure 1, the X1 side of the optical element drive device 100 corresponds to the front side of the optical element drive device 100, and the X2 side of the optical element drive device 100 corresponds to the rear side of the optical element drive device 100. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the optical element drive device 100 corresponds to the left side of the optical element drive device 100, and the Y2 side of the optical element drive device 100 corresponds to the right side of the optical element drive device 100. Furthermore, the Z1 side of the optical element drive device 100 corresponds to the upper side of the optical element drive device 100, and the Z2 side of the optical element drive device 100 corresponds to the lower side of the optical element drive device 100. The same applies to other components in the other figures.

[0011] The optical element driving device 100 is a device for moving an optical element (not shown) in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the optical element driving device 100 is configured to move a cylindrical optical element up and down, but it may also be configured to move optical elements of other shapes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, up and down. The optical element is, for example, a lens body, a mirror, a prism, a diffraction grating, a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, an image sensor, or an optical filter. The lens body is a cylindrical lens barrel equipped with at least one lens. In the illustrated example, the optical element is a lens body. Therefore, in the following, the upper side of the optical element driving device 100 may be referred to as the "subject side," the lower side of the optical element driving device 100 may be referred to as the "image sensor side," and the vertical direction may be referred to as the "optical axis direction." Note that the "optical axis direction" includes the direction of the optical axis OA with respect to the lens body, and the direction parallel to the optical axis OA.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 2, the optical element driving device 100 includes a cover member 1, a frame member 2, an upper side plate spring 3, a movable-side magnetic member 4, an optical element holding member 5, a lower side plate spring 6, a coil 7, a fixed-side magnetic member 8, a base member 9, a metal member 10, and a spacer member 11. Further, the cover member 1, the frame member 2, the coil 7, the fixed-side magnetic member 8, the base member 9, and the metal member 10 constitute a fixed-side member FB, and the coil 7, the fixed-side magnetic member 8, the base member 9, and the metal member 10 constitute a lower-side member LB. Also, the cover member 1 and the base member 9 constitute a housing HS, the upper side plate spring 3 and the lower side plate spring 6 constitute a support member SB, the movable-side magnetic member 4, the optical element holding member 5, and the spacer member 11 constitute a movable-side member MB, and the movable-side magnetic member 4, the coil 7, the fixed-side magnetic member 8, and the metal member 10 constitute an electromagnetic mechanism DM.

[0013] The fixed-side member FB is a member that is fixedly arranged among the members constituting the optical element driving device 100. The movable-side member MB is a member that is arranged movably with respect to the fixed-side member FB among the members constituting the optical element driving device 100. The support member SB is a member that is arranged between the fixed-side member FB and the movable-side member MB so that the movable-side member MB can move with respect to the fixed-side member FB and supports the movable-side member MB. Note that the support member SB also functions as a biasing member that returns the movable-side member MB moved by the electromagnetic mechanism DM to its original position.

[0014] The cover member 1 is a member that covers other members constituting the optical element driving device 100. In the illustrated example, the cover member 1 is manufactured by performing punching and drawing processes on a plate material made of a non-magnetic metal such as austenitic stainless steel. Since it is made of a non-magnetic metal, the cover member 1 does not have a magnetic adverse effect on an electromagnetic mechanism DM that utilizes electromagnetic force.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 1 has an outer shape that defines the accommodating portion 1S. Specifically, the cover member 1 includes a substantially rectangular cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 1A and a substantially rectangular annular and flat top plate portion 1B provided so as to be continuous with the upper end (the end on the Z1 side) of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A. A substantially rectangular opening 1K is formed at the center of the top plate portion 1B. The outer peripheral wall portion 1A includes a first side plate portion 1A1 to a fourth side plate portion 1A4. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 face each other, and the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 face each other. The second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 extend perpendicular to the first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover member 1 is joined to the base member 9 by an adhesive and constitutes the housing HS together with the base member 9.

[0016] The frame member 2 is configured to be able to fix the upper side plate spring 3. In the illustrated example, the frame member 2 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the frame member 2 includes four protruding portions 2U having a round convex shape. The protruding portions 2U are formed so as to protrude upward (in the Z1 direction) from the bottom surfaces of the recesses formed at the four corners of the upper surface of the frame member 2.

[0017] The upper side plate spring 3 is configured to be able to connect the fixed side member FB (frame member 2) and the movable side member MB (optical element holding member 5). In the illustrated example, the upper side plate spring 3 includes an annular inner portion 3I fixed to the optical element holding member 5, four outer portions 3E fixed to the frame member 2 as the fixed side member FB, and four elastic arm portions 3G located between the inner portion 3I and each of the four outer portions 3E. In the illustrated example, the upper side plate spring 3 is configured to be rotationally symmetric about the optical axis of the lens body twice.

[0018] The four protrusions 2U formed on the frame member 2 correspond to each of the four outer portions 3E of the upper leaf spring 3. The frame member 2 and the upper leaf spring 3 are fixed together by heat-crimping the protrusions 2U, which are inserted into through holes formed in each of the four outer portions 3E. In Figure 2, the protrusions 2U are shown in a deformed state at the tip after heat-crimping. The same applies to the other figures.

[0019] The movable magnetic member 4 is one of the components constituting the electromagnetic mechanism DM, and is supported by the optical element holding member 5 so that it can be pulled downward by the fixed magnetic member 8 when the fixed magnetic member 8 is magnetized. In the illustrated example, the movable magnetic member 4 is attached to the optical element holding member 5 so that it can slide vertically relative to the optical element holding member 5. The movable magnetic member 4 is formed from a flat metal plate that has magnetism.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the movable magnetic member 4 includes two protruding pieces 4F configured to face the fixed magnetic member 8 in the vertical direction, and an annular coupling portion 4V connecting the two protruding pieces 4F. The two protruding pieces 4F include a left protruding piece 4FL that protrudes to the left (Y1 direction) and a right protruding piece 4FR that protrudes to the right (Y2 direction).

[0021] Specifically, the movable magnetic member 4 includes a first movable magnetic member 4A positioned at the highest position in the vertical direction, a second movable magnetic member 4B positioned at the lowest position in the vertical direction, and a third movable magnetic member 4C positioned between the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction.

[0022] The first movable magnetic member 4A includes a first left protruding piece 4FL1, a first right protruding piece 4FR1, and a first coupling portion 4V1 that connects the first left protruding piece 4FL1 and the first right protruding piece 4FR1. Similarly, the second movable magnetic member 4B includes a second left protruding piece 4FL2, a second right protruding piece 4FR2, and a second coupling portion 4V2 that connects the second left protruding piece 4FL2 and the second right protruding piece 4FR2. The third movable magnetic member 4C includes a third left protruding piece 4FL3, a third right protruding piece 4FR3, and a third coupling portion 4V3 that connects the third left protruding piece 4FL3 and the third right protruding piece 4FR3. Furthermore, the first left-side protruding piece 4FL1, the second left-side protruding piece 4FL2, and the third left-side protruding piece 4FL3 constitute the left-side protruding piece 4FL, and the first right-side protruding piece 4FR1, the second right-side protruding piece 4FR2, and the third right-side protruding piece 4FR3 constitute the right-side protruding piece 4FR. In addition, the first left-side protruding piece 4FL1 and the first right-side protruding piece 4FR1 constitute the first protruding piece 4F1, the second left-side protruding piece 4FL2 and the second right-side protruding piece 4FR2 constitute the second protruding piece 4F2, and the third left-side protruding piece 4FL3 and the third right-side protruding piece 4FR3 constitute the third protruding piece 4F3.

[0023] Here, with reference to Figure 3, the positional relationship between the frame member 2 and the movable magnetic member 4 will be explained. Figure 3 is a downward perspective view of the frame member 2. As shown in Figure 3, the frame member 2 includes two rectangular convex stopper portions 2S that protrude downward (in the Z2 direction) from the end face on the image sensor side (Z2 side). The stopper portions 2S include a left stopper portion 2SL corresponding to the first left protruding piece 4FL1 (see Figure 2) of the movable magnetic member 4, and a right stopper portion 2SR corresponding to the first right protruding piece 4FR1 (see Figure 2) of the movable magnetic member 4. The stopper portions 2S are configured to contact the upper surfaces of the protruding pieces 4F (first left protruding piece 4FL1 and first right protruding piece 4FR1) of the movable magnetic member 4 in the initial state of the optical element driving device 100, thereby preventing further upward movement of the movable magnetic member 4. Note that the initial state of the optical element driving device 100 refers to the state of the optical element driving device 100 when no current is flowing through the coil 7. In the initial state of the optical element driving device 100, the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 are not in contact.

[0024] The optical element holding member 5 is configured to hold an optical element. In the illustrated example, the optical element holding member 5 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the optical element holding member 5 has a cylindrical portion 5C that extends in the vertical direction and a pair of rotation restricting portions 5P that protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 5C. An opening 5K into which the optical element is fitted is formed in the cylindrical portion 5C. The pair of rotation restricting portions 5P include a left rotation restricting portion 5PL and a right rotation restricting portion 5PR. The optical element is fixed, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of the opening 5K with adhesive. The rotation restricting portion 5P is a structural part for restricting relative rotation between the movable magnetic member 4 and the optical element holding member 5. The inner portion 3I of the upper leaf spring 3 is fixed to the upper surface of the rotation restricting portion 5P with adhesive.

[0025] The lower leaf spring 6 is configured to connect the optical element holding member 5 and the base member 9. In the illustrated example, the lower leaf spring 6 includes an annular inner portion 6I fixed to the optical element holding member 5, which is the movable side member MB; four outer portions 6E fixed to the base member 9, which is the fixed side member FB; and four elastic arm portions 6G located between the inner portion 6I and each of the four outer portions 6E. In the illustrated example, the lower leaf spring 6 is configured to be rotationally symmetric twice with respect to the optical axis OA.

[0026] The lower member LB is a combination of fixed-side members FB positioned below the movable-side member MB, and includes a coil 7, a fixed-side magnetic member 8, a base member 9, and a metal member 10.

[0027] Now, with reference to Figure 4, the details of the lower member LB will be explained. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member LB.

[0028] Coil 7 is a component fixed to the fixed magnetic member 8. In the example shown in Figure 4, coil 7 is a wound-type coil and includes a left coil 7L and a right coil 7R.

[0029] The fixed magnetic member 8 is configured to be fixed to the upper surface of the base member 9. In the illustrated example, the fixed magnetic member 8 includes two iron core portions 8W configured to face the movable magnetic member 4 in the vertical direction, and a base portion 8C connecting the two iron core portions 8W. The fixed magnetic member 8 is formed by punching and bending a single metal plate. The two iron core portions 8W include a left iron core portion 8WL extending upward from the left end of the base portion 8C toward the left protruding piece 4FL of the movable magnetic member 4, and a right iron core portion 8WR extending upward from the right end of the base portion 8C toward the right protruding piece 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4. A left coil 7L is arranged around the left iron core portion 8WL, and a right coil 7R is arranged around the right iron core portion 8WR. An opening 8K is formed in the center of the base portion 8C, capable of receiving the lower end of the optical element holding member 5.

[0030] The base member 9 is configured to secure the lower leaf spring 6 and the fixed magnetic member 8. In the illustrated example, the base member 9 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the base member 9 is a rectangular annular member in top view with an opening 9K in the center, and includes four angular convex columnar parts 9P projecting upward from the four corners, and four round convex projections 9Q projecting upward from the end face on the subject side. The base member 9 also includes four round convex projections 9T projecting upward from the upper end faces of each of the four columnar parts 9P.

[0032] The columnar portion 9P is the part that supports the lower leaf spring 6. In the illustrated example, the columnar portion 9P is configured so that its upper end face can support the outer portion 6E of the lower leaf spring 6.

[0033] The protruding portion 9Q is the part used to fix the fixed magnetic member 8 to the base member 9. The fixing between the fixed magnetic member 8 and the base member 9 is achieved by heat-crimping the four protruding portions 9Q, which are inserted into four through holes 8H formed in the base portion 8C of the fixed magnetic member 8. In Figure 4, the protruding portions 9Q are shown in a deformed state at the tip after heat-crimping. The same applies to the other figures.

[0034] The protruding portion 9T is for fixing the lower leaf spring 6 to the base member 9. Fixation between the lower leaf spring 6 and the base member 9 is achieved by heat-crimping the protruding portion 9T, which is inserted through a through hole (see Figure 2) formed in the outer portion 6E of the lower leaf spring 6. In Figure 4, the protruding portion 9T is shown in a deformed state at the tip after heat-crimping. The same applies to the other figures. The inner portion 6I of the lower leaf spring 6 is fixed to the lower surface of the rotation restricting portion 5P of the optical element holding member 5 with adhesive.

[0035] The metal member 10 functions as a conductive path for supplying current to the coil 7. In the illustrated example, the metal member 10 is embedded in the base member 9 by insert molding. Specifically, the metal member 10 includes a first metal member 10A, a second metal member 10B, and a third metal member 10C. The metal member 10 may also be fixed to the surface of the base member 9.

[0036] The first metal member 10A includes a first terminal portion 10AT used for connection to the outside and a first connection portion 10AP connected to one end of the right coil 7R via solder SD.

[0037] The second metal member 10B includes a second terminal portion 10BT used for connection to the outside and a second connection portion 10BP connected to the other end of the left coil 7L via solder SD.

[0038] The third metal member 10C includes a third right-side connector 10CPR connected to the other end of the right-side coil 7R via solder SD, and a third left-side connector 10CPL connected to one end of the left-side coil 7L via solder SD.

[0039] In this configuration, the left coil 7L and the right coil 7R are connected in series. The coils 7 are configured such that when current flows, the tip of the left core 8WL and the tip of the right core 8WR have opposite magnetic poles. In the illustrated example, when coil 7 is energized, the left coil 7L is positioned around the left core 8WL such that the tip of the left core 8WL becomes the north pole, and the direction of current flow in a top view is counterclockwise. The right coil 7R is positioned around the right core 8WR such that the tip of the right core 8WR becomes the south pole, and the direction of current flow in a top view is clockwise.

[0040] The spacer member 11 is a non-magnetic member configured to prevent the multiple movable magnetic members 4 from coming into contact with each other. When current is supplied to the coil 7 and the fixed magnetic member 8 is magnetized, if the first movable magnetic member 4A, which is attracted to the fixed magnetic member 8, and the third movable magnetic member 4C, which is not attracted to the fixed magnetic member 8, come into contact with each other, the first movable magnetic member 4A and the third movable magnetic member 4C will attract each other. In this case, it will become difficult to separate the third movable magnetic member 4C from the first movable magnetic member 4A and magnetically attract it to the fixed magnetic member 8, and consequently, it may become difficult to move the optical element holding member 5 further downward. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the optical element driving device 100 is configured such that a spacer member 11 is placed between the two movable magnetic members 4. Specifically, the spacer member 11 is made by punching or otherwise processing a plate material made of a non-magnetic metal such as copper, and includes a first spacer member 11A and a second spacer member 11B. The spacer member 11 is attached to the optical element holding member 5 so as to be able to slide vertically relative to the optical element holding member 5.

[0041] The first spacer member 11A is positioned between the first movable magnetic member 4A and the third movable magnetic member 4C to prevent them from coming into contact. The second spacer member 11B is positioned between the third movable magnetic member 4C and the second movable magnetic member 4B to prevent them from coming into contact.

[0042] The electromagnetic mechanism DM is a mechanism for electromagnetically moving the movable side member MB, which is supported by the support member SB, along the optical axis direction. In the illustrated example, the electromagnetic mechanism DM consists of a movable side magnetic member 4, a coil 7, a fixed side magnetic member 8, and a metal member 10. Specifically, the electromagnetic mechanism DM includes a pair of electromagnetic mechanisms (first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 and second electromagnetic mechanism DM2) that are provided facing each other across the opening 5K of the optical element holding member 5.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 includes a left-side protruding piece 4FL of a movable magnetic member 4 positioned to the left of the optical element holding member 5, and a left-side core portion 8WL of a fixed magnetic member 8 around which a left-side coil 7L is arranged. Similarly, as shown in Figure 2, the second electromagnetic mechanism DM2 includes a right-side protruding piece 4FR of a movable magnetic member 4 positioned to the right of the optical element holding member 5, and a right-side core portion 8WR of a fixed magnetic member 8 around which a right-side coil 7R is arranged.

[0044] The optical element driving device 100, composed of the various components described above, is mounted, for example, on a main substrate (not shown). The coil 7 is connected to a current supply source via the metal component 10 and the main substrate. When current flows through the coil 7, the electromagnetic mechanism DM generates an electromagnetic force along the optical axis direction.

[0045] When the optical element is a lens body, the optical element driving device 100 can switch between macro photography and normal photography by using the electromagnetic force along the optical axis direction provided by the electromagnetic mechanism DM to move the lens body as an optical element along the optical axis direction.

[0046] Next, the details of the movable side member MB will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the movable side member MB and the fixed side magnetic member 8, Figure 6 is a top view of the movable side member MB, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the movable side member MB. In Figure 6, the frame member 2 is shown with a dashed line for clarity. Also, in Figures 6 and 7, a fine dot pattern is applied to the movable side magnetic member 4, and a coarse dot pattern is applied to the optical element holding member 5 for clarity.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the optical element holding member 5 includes a cylindrical projection 5F that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 5C.

[0048] The protruding portion 5F is configured to position the movable magnetic member 4 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the protruding portion 5F has a three-stage cylindrical shape and includes a first protruding portion 5F1 configured to position the first movable magnetic member 4A, a second protruding portion 5F2 configured to position the second movable magnetic member 4B, and a third protruding portion 5F3 configured to position the third movable magnetic member 4C.

[0049] More specifically, the first protrusion 5F1 is configured so that its upper surface can support the lower surface of the first coupling portion 4V1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A. Similarly, the second protrusion 5F2 is configured so that its upper surface can support the lower surface of the second coupling portion 4V2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B, and the third protrusion 5F3 is configured so that its upper surface can support the lower surface of the third coupling portion 4V3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the first spacer member 11A has the same size as the third coupling portion 4V3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C. Specifically, the inner width ID3, which is the inner diameter of the third movable magnetic member 4C, is the same as the inner width ID4, which is the inner diameter of the first spacer member 11A, and the outer width ED3 (see Figure 9A), which is the outer diameter of the third movable magnetic member 4C, is the same as the outer width (outer diameter) of the first spacer member 11A. Furthermore, the second spacer member 11B has the same size as the second coupling portion 4V2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B. Specifically, the inner width ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B is the same as the inner width ID5 of the second spacer member 11B, and the outer width ED2 (see Figure 9A) of the second movable magnetic member 4B is the same as the outer width of the second spacer member 11B.

[0051] Furthermore, the inner width ID1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A is smaller than the inner width ID3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C, and the inner width ID3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C is smaller than the inner width ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner width ID1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A is approximately the same as the outer width ED0 of the cylindrical portion 5C (see Figure 9A), the inner width ID3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C is approximately the same as the outer width ED11 of the first protrusion 5F1 (see Figure 9A), and the inner width ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B is approximately the same as the outer width ED13 of the third protrusion 5F3.

[0053] Furthermore, the outer width ED1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A (see Figure 9A) is greater than the inner width ID3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C, and the outer width ED3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C (see Figure 9A) is greater than the inner width ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9A, the outer width ED11 of the first protrusion 5F1 is smaller than the outer width ED13 of the third protrusion 5F3, and the outer width ED13 of the third protrusion 5F3 is smaller than the outer width ED12 of the second protrusion 5F2. Also, the outer width ED12 of the second protrusion 5F2 is smaller than the outer width ED2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B, and larger than the inner width ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B (see Figure 5).

[0055] In the illustrated example, the three movable magnetic members 4 (first movable magnetic member 4A, second movable magnetic member 4B, and third movable magnetic member 4C) are formed so that their vertical widths are the same. Similarly, the two spacer members 11 (first spacer member 11A and second spacer member 11B) are formed so that their vertical widths are the same. Furthermore, each of the three movable magnetic members 4 is formed so that its vertical width is smaller than the width of the spacer members 11.

[0056] Furthermore, the left core portion 8WL of the fixed magnetic member 8 is formed in a stepped shape, as shown in Figure 5, having three tip portions that are positioned (height) at different locations in the vertical direction. Specifically, the three tip portions include a first left tip portion 8WL1, a third left tip portion 8WL3, and a second left tip portion 8WL2. The first left tip portion 8WL1 is formed to protrude above the third left tip portion 8WL3, and the third left tip portion 8WL3 is formed to protrude above the second left tip portion 8WL2.

[0057] Similarly, the right-side core portion 8WR of the fixed-side magnetic member 8 is formed in a stepped shape so as to have three tip portions that are at different positions (heights) in the vertical direction. Specifically, the three tip portions include a first right-side tip portion 8WR1, a third right-side tip portion 8WR3, and a second right-side tip portion 8WR2. The first right-side tip portion 8WR1 is formed to protrude above the third right-side tip portion 8WR3, and the third right-side tip portion 8WR3 is formed to protrude above the second right-side tip portion 8WR2.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the first movable magnetic member 4A has a first left protruding piece 4FL1 positioned to face the first left tip portion 8WL1 in the vertical direction, and a first right protruding piece 4FR1 positioned to face the first right tip portion 8WR1 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the third movable magnetic member 4C has a third left protruding piece 4FL3 positioned to face the third left tip portion 8WL3 in the vertical direction, and a third right protruding piece 4FR3 positioned to face the third right tip portion 8WR3 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the second movable magnetic member 4B has a second left protruding piece 4FL2 positioned to face the second left tip portion 8WL2 in the vertical direction, and a second right protruding piece 4FR2 positioned to face the second right tip portion 8WR2 in the vertical direction.

[0059] In this configuration, each of the three left-side protruding pieces 4FL (first left-side protruding piece 4FL1, third left-side protruding piece 4FL3, and second left-side protruding piece 4FL2) is attracted downward and makes contact with the corresponding one of the three tips (first left tip 8WL1, third left tip 8WL3, and second left tip 8WL2) when current flows through the left-side coil 7L. Similarly, each of the three right-side protruding pieces 4FR (first right-side protruding piece 4FR1, third right-side protruding piece 4FR3, and second right-side protruding piece 4FR2) is attracted downward and makes contact with the corresponding one of the three tips (first right tip 8WR1, third right tip 8WR3, and second right tip 8WR2) when current flows through the right-side coil 7R.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the movable magnetic members 4 and spacer members 11 are attached to and stacked on the outer circumference of the optical element holding member 5 from above in the order of second movable magnetic member 4B, second spacer member 11B, third movable magnetic member 4C, first spacer member 11A, and first movable magnetic member 4A. In the illustrated example, the second movable magnetic member 4B, second spacer member 11B, third movable magnetic member 4C, first spacer member 11A, and first movable magnetic member 4A are slidable independently in the vertical direction from each other while attached to the outer circumference of the optical element holding member 5. However, the lower surface of the first spacer member 11A may be attached to the upper surface of the third movable magnetic member 4C with an adhesive or the like so that it can move up and down together with the third movable magnetic member 4C. Similarly, the lower surface of the second spacer member 11B may be attached to the upper surface of the second movable magnetic member 4B with an adhesive or the like so that it can move up and down together with the second movable magnetic member 4B.

[0061] Furthermore, the openings of the second movable magnetic member 4B, the second spacer member 11B, the third movable magnetic member 4C, the first spacer member 11A, and the first movable magnetic member 4A each have a pair of expansion parts, as shown in Figure 5. The pair of expansion parts are configured such that one (left) expansion part engages with the left rotation restricting part 5PL, and the other (right) expansion part engages with the right rotation restricting part 5PR. The second movable magnetic member 4B, the second spacer member 11B, the third movable magnetic member 4C, the first spacer member 11A, and the first movable magnetic member 4A are held by the optical element holding member 5 in a slidable but relative non-rotatable manner by engaging with the rotation restricting part 5P at their respective expansion parts.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the frame member 2 is configured and positioned such that the stopper portion 2S faces the first protruding piece 4F1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A in the vertical direction. Specifically, the frame member 2 is configured and positioned such that the left stopper portion 2SL faces the first left protruding piece 4FL1, and the right stopper portion 2SR faces the first right protruding piece 4FR1. With this configuration, when the optical element holding member 5 moves upward, the frame member 2 can bring the upper surface of the first protruding piece 4F1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A, which is pushed upward by the first protrusion 5F1 of the optical element holding member 5, into contact with the lower surface of the stopper portion 2S, thereby restricting further upward movement of the optical element holding member 5.

[0063] Next, referring to Figures 8A to 8D and 9A to 9D, the state of each member when the optical element holding member 5 is displaced from the first position through the third and fourth positions to the second position will be described. In the illustrated example, the first position of the optical element holding member 5 is the position of the optical element holding member 5 when the optical element driving device 100 is in its initial state, that is, when no current is flowing through the coil 7. The second position of the optical element holding member 5 is the position of the optical element holding member 5 when current is flowing through the coil 7. The third and fourth positions are intermediate positions between the first and second positions, with the third position being closer to the first position than the fourth position.

[0064] Figures 8A to 8D are right side views of the optical element driving device 100 with the cover member 1 removed. Specifically, Figure 8A is a right side view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, Figure 8B is a right side view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, Figure 8C is a right side view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the fourth position, and Figure 8D is a right side view of the optical element driving device 100 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position.

[0065] Figures 9A to 9D are right side views of the movable magnetic member 4, the optical element holding member 5, and the fixed magnetic member 8. Specifically, Figure 9A is a right side view of the movable magnetic member 4, the optical element holding member 5, and the fixed magnetic member 8 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position; Figure 9B is a right side view of the movable magnetic member 4, the optical element holding member 5, and the fixed magnetic member 8 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position; Figure 9C is a right side view of the movable magnetic member 4, the optical element holding member 5, and the fixed magnetic member 8 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the fourth position; and Figure 9D is a right side view of the movable magnetic member 4, the optical element holding member 5, and the fixed magnetic member 8 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position.

[0066] In Figures 8A to 8D and 9A to 9D, for clarity, a fine dot pattern is applied to the movable magnetic member 4, and a coarse dot pattern is applied to the optical element holding member 5.

[0067] Furthermore, the following explanation, with reference to Figures 8A to 8D and 9A to 9D, mainly concerns the relationship between the right-side protruding piece 4FR of the movable magnetic member 4 and the right-side core portion 8WR of the fixed magnetic member 8, but it also applies similarly to the relationship between the left-side protruding piece 4FL of the movable magnetic member 4 and the left-side core portion 8WL of the fixed magnetic member 8.

[0068] When the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, as shown in Figures 8A and 9A, the right-side protruding piece 4FR of the movable-side magnetic member 4 is not in contact with the right-side iron core portion 8WR of the fixed-side magnetic member 8.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8A, the first interval G1, which is the distance between the first tip portion 8W1 and the first movable magnetic member 4A in the vertical direction, has a value of G1A; the second interval G2, which is the distance between the second tip portion 8W2 and the second movable magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction, has a value of G2A; and the third interval G3, which is the distance between the third tip portion 8W3 and the third movable magnetic member 4C in the vertical direction, has a value of G3A. Also, as shown in Figure 9A, the fourth interval G4, which is the distance between the first movable magnetic member 4A and the third movable magnetic member 4C in the vertical direction, has a value of G4A and corresponds to the length (thickness) of the first spacer member 11A in the vertical direction. Similarly, the fifth interval G5, which is the distance between the third movable magnetic member 4C and the second movable magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction, has a value of G5A and corresponds to the length (thickness) of the second spacer member 11B in the vertical direction.

[0070] When the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the smallest distance between the magnetized magnetic member (fixed magnetic member 8) and the unmagnetized magnetic member (movable magnetic member 4) is the first distance G1. Therefore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the first movable magnetic member 4A receives the greatest magnetic force (attraction force) from the magnetized magnetic member (first tip portion 8W1).

[0071] As a result, the first movable magnetic member 4A is attracted to the first tip portion 8W1 and moves downward together with the optical element holding member 5. Then, the optical element holding member 5 moves from the first position to the third position.

[0072] Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, as shown in Figures 8B and 9B, the lower surface of the first right protruding piece 4FR1 of the right protruding piece 4FR contacts the first right tip portion 8WR1 of the right iron core portion 8WR.

[0073] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8B, the first interval G1 is a value G1B (zero) which is smaller than the value G1A, the second interval G2 is a value G2B which is smaller than the value G2A, and the third interval G3 is a value G3B which is smaller than the value G3A. Also, as shown in Figure 9B, the fourth interval G4 is the same value G4B as the value G4A, and the fifth interval G5 is the same value G5B as the value G5A.

[0074] When the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, the value of the third interval G3, G3B, is smaller than the value of the fourth interval G4, G4B. That is, the smallest of the intervals between the magnetized magnetic members (the fixed magnetic member 8 and the first movable magnetic member 4A attached to the fixed magnetic member 8) and the unmagnetized magnetic members (the second movable magnetic member 4B and the third movable magnetic member 4C) is the third interval G3. Therefore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, the third movable magnetic member 4C receives the greatest magnetic force (attraction force) from the magnetized magnetic member (the third tip portion 8W3). In the illustrated example, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position, the value of the third interval G3, G3B, is the same as the value of the first interval G1, G1A.

[0075] As a result, the third movable magnetic member 4C is attracted to the third tip portion 8W3 and moves downward together with the optical element holding member 5. Then, the optical element holding member 5 moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0076] Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the fourth position, as shown in Figures 8C and 9C, the lower surface of the third right protruding piece 4FR3 of the right protruding piece 4FR contacts the third right tip portion 8WR3 of the right iron core portion 8WR.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8C, the first interval G1 is the same value G1C (zero) as the value G1B, the third interval G3 is a smaller value G3C (zero) than the value G3B, and the second interval G2 is a smaller value G2C than the value G2B. Also, as shown in Figure 9C, the fourth interval G4 is a larger value G4C than the value G4B, and is greater than the length (thickness) of the first spacer member 11A in the vertical direction. That is, when the optical element holding member 5 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the first spacer member 11A, which was in contact with the first movable magnetic member 4A, moves downward together with the optical element holding member 5 due to its own weight, separating from the first movable magnetic member 4A. The fifth interval G5 is the same value G5C as the value G5B.

[0078] When the optical element holding member 5 is in the fourth position, the value of the second interval G2, G2C, is smaller than the value of the fifth interval G5, G5C (see Figure 9C). That is, the smallest interval between the magnetized magnetic members (the fixed magnetic member 8 and the first movable magnetic member 4A and the third movable magnetic member 4C attached to the fixed magnetic member 8) and the unmagnetized magnetic member (the second movable magnetic member 4B) is the second interval G2. Therefore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the fourth position, the second movable magnetic member 4B receives the greatest magnetic force (attraction force) from the magnetized magnetic member (the second tip portion 8W2). In the illustrated example, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the fourth position, the value of the second interval G2, G2C, is the same as the value of the first interval G1, G1A.

[0079] As a result, the second movable magnetic member 4B is attracted to the second tip portion 8W2 and moves downward together with the optical element holding member 5. Then, the optical element holding member 5 moves from the fourth position to the second position.

[0080] Furthermore, when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position, as shown in Figures 8D and 9D, the lower surface of the second right protruding piece 4FR2 of the right protruding piece 4FR contacts the second right tip portion 8WR2 of the right iron core portion 8WR.

[0081] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8D, the first interval G1 is the same value G1D (zero) as the value G1C, the third interval G3 is the same value G3D (zero) as the value G3C, and the second interval G2 is a value G2D (zero) that is smaller than the value G2C. Also, as shown in Figure 9D, the fourth interval G4 is the same value G4D as the value G4C, and the fifth interval G5 is a value G5D that is larger than the value G5C, and is greater than the length (thickness) of the second spacer member 11B in the vertical direction. In other words, when the optical element holding member 5 moves from the fourth position to the second position, the second spacer member 11B, which was in contact with the third movable magnetic member 4C, moves downward together with the optical element holding member 5, away from the third movable magnetic member 4C due to its own weight.

[0082] Furthermore, when the supply of current to the coil 7 is stopped, the optical element holding member 5, which is in the second position, is pushed upward by the restoring force of the support member SB (upper leaf spring 3 and lower leaf spring 6) acting as a biasing member and returns to the first position. This is because the attractive force acting between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8 disappears.

[0083] Thus, the electromagnetic mechanism DM can move the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the second position by electromagnetic force by supplying current to the coil 7 and magnetizing the iron core portion 8W of the fixed magnetic member 8. Furthermore, the electromagnetic mechanism DM can move the optical element holding member 5 from the second position to the first position by the restoring force of the support member SB by stopping the supply of current to the coil 7 and ceasing the magnetization of the iron core portion 8W of the fixed magnetic member 8.

[0084] Therefore, the optical element driving device 100 can move the optical element holding member 5 from the third position to the fourth position, and further move the optical element holding member 5 from the fourth position to the second position, by using a current of the same magnitude as the current used to move the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the third position. In other words, the optical element driving device 100 can move the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the second position by using a current of the same magnitude as the current used to move the optical element holding member 5 from the first position to the third position.

[0085] As described above, the optical element driving device 100, as shown in Figure 2, comprises a fixed-side member FB, an optical element holding member 5 having a vertically penetrating opening 5K on which an optical element can be placed, a support member SB that movably supports the optical element holding member 5 relative to the fixed-side member FB, a movable-side magnetic member 4 connected to the optical element holding member 5 (slidably combined with the optical element holding member 5), and an electromagnetic mechanism DM. The electromagnetic mechanism DM has a fixed-side magnetic member 8 having an iron core 8W and a coil 7 wound around the iron core 8W, and moves the optical element holding member 5 from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction by attracting the movable-side magnetic member 4 toward the iron core 8W by electromagnetic force. In the optical element driving device 100, as shown in Figure 5, the iron core 8W has a first tip portion 8W1 and a second tip portion 8W2. The movable magnetic member 4 includes a first movable magnetic member 4A connected to the optical element holding member 5 in a position facing the first tip portion 8W1 in the vertical direction, and a second movable magnetic member 4B connected to the optical element holding member 5 in a position facing the second tip portion 8W2 in the vertical direction. When the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the value of the first distance G1 between the first tip portion 8W1 and the first movable magnetic member 4A in the vertical direction, G1A (see Figure 8A), is smaller than the value of the second distance G2 between the second tip portion 8W2 and the second movable magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction, G2A (see Figure 8A). Also, the value of the first distance G1 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, G1A (see Figure 8A), is larger than the value of the first distance G1 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position, G1D (see Figure 8D). Furthermore, the value of the second interval G2 G2A (see Figure 8A) when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position is greater than the value of the second interval G2 G2D (see Figure 8D) when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position.

[0086] This configuration has the effect of allowing the first interval G1 to be set to a value G1A smaller than the desired amount of movement of the optical element holding member 5 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, that is, in the initial state of the optical element driving device 100 when the coil 7 is not energized. In other words, this configuration has the effect of increasing the amount of movement of the optical element holding member 5 without excessively increasing the current flowing through the coil 7. In the illustrated example, the desired amount of movement of the optical element holding member 5 is the sum of the values ​​G1A, G3B, and G2C.

[0087] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first tip portion 8W1 and the second tip portion 8W2 of the iron core portion 8W may be arranged so that their positions in the vertical direction are different from each other, as shown in Figure 4. In the illustrated example, the first tip portion 8W1 is positioned higher than the second tip portion 8W2.

[0088] This configuration has the effect of making it easy to determine the respective positions of the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B in the vertical direction when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position, as shown in Figures 8D and 9D.

[0089] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B may each be formed in an annular shape so as to surround the outer circumference of the optical element holding member 5, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. In this case, the optical element holding member 5 may be inserted through the respective openings of the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B in a state where relative rotation with respect to each of the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B is not possible.

[0090] This configuration has the effect of stabilizing the movement (sliding in the vertical direction) of the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B relative to the optical element holding member 5.

[0091] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B may each have a shape that includes a portion along the outer circumference of the optical element holding member 5, as shown in Figure 5. The optical element holding member 5 may have a first protrusion 5F1 and a second protrusion 5F2 on its outer circumference. The second protrusion 5F2 may be formed at a different position from the first protrusion 5F1 in the vertical direction. In this case, in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (X-axis direction), the outer width ED11 of the first protrusion 5F1 (see Figure 9A) is greater than the inner width ID1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A (see Figure 5), and the outer width ED12 of the second protrusion 5F2 (see Figure 9A) is greater than the inner width ID2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B (see Figure 5). Also, the positions of the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B are different in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the first movable magnetic member 4A is located at a higher position than the second movable magnetic member 4B.

[0092] This configuration has the effect of facilitating the assembly of the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B to the optical element holding member 5.

[0093] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B may each be formed in an annular shape so as to surround the outer circumference of the optical element holding member 5, as shown in Figure 5. In this case, the size of the opening through which the optical element holding member 5 is inserted in the first movable magnetic member 4A, which is located on the side (upper side) furthest from the coil 7, is typically smaller than the size of the opening through which the optical element holding member 5 is inserted in the second movable magnetic member 4B, which is located on the side (lower side) closer to the coil 7.

[0094] This configuration has the effect of making it easier to assemble the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B to the optical element holding member 5.

[0095] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the fixed-side member FB (frame member 2) may have a stopper portion 2S that restricts the position of the first movable-side magnetic member 4A when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 8A.

[0096] This configuration has the effect of maintaining an appropriate first spacing G1 regardless of the orientation of the optical element drive device 100, because even if the first movable magnetic member 4A is movable in the vertical direction, the position of the first movable magnetic member 4A when the optical element drive device 100 is in its initial state is restricted by the stopper portion 2S.

[0097] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the electromagnetic mechanism DM may include a pair of electromagnetic mechanisms (first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 and second electromagnetic mechanism DM2) provided on either side of the opening 5K of the optical element holding member 5, as shown in Figure 2. Note that one of the first electromagnetic mechanism DM1 and the second electromagnetic mechanism DM2 may be omitted.

[0098] The configuration, which includes a pair of electromagnetic mechanisms, has the effect of stabilizing the movement of the optical element holding member 5 in the vertical direction.

[0099] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the fixed magnetic member 8 is formed of a magnetic metal plate and may have, as shown in Figure 4, a left core portion 8WL as a first core portion, a right core portion 8WR as a second core portion, and a base portion 8C connecting the left core portion 8WL and the right core portion 8WR. In this case, the left core portion 8WL extends upward from the left end of the base portion 8C toward the side of the movable magnetic member 4, and the right core portion 8WR extends upward from the right end of the base portion 8C toward the side of the movable magnetic member 4. In addition, the left coil 7L as a first coil wound around the left core portion 8WL and the right coil 7R as a second coil wound around the right core portion 8WR may be connected in series. Furthermore, the fixed magnetic member 8 may be configured such that when current flows through the left coil 7L and the right coil 7R, the tip of the left core portion 8WL and the tip of the right core portion 8WR have different magnetic poles.

[0100] This configuration has the effect of strengthening the magnetic force (attraction force) acting between the movable magnetic member 4 and the fixed magnetic member 8, compared to the case where the tip of the left core 8WL and the tip of the right core 8WR have the same magnetic pole.

[0101] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B may each be formed from a magnetic metal plate. In the vertical direction, a spacer member 11 made of a non-magnetic material may be placed between the first movable magnetic member 4A and the second movable magnetic member 4B. Note that the spacer member 11 may be omitted.

[0102] The configuration including the spacer member 11 has the effect of reducing the second gap G2 by moving the second movable magnetic member 4B together with the spacer member 11 toward the second tip portion 8W2 when the first movable magnetic member 4A moves toward the first tip portion 8W1, regardless of the orientation of the optical element driving device 100.

[0103] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, as shown in Figure 6, the first movable magnetic member 4A may have a first protruding piece 4F1 that protrudes outward away from the opening along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (XY plane), and the second movable magnetic member 4B may have a second protruding piece 4F2 that protrudes outward away from the opening along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (XY plane) and is positioned differently from the first protruding piece 4F1 in a plan view along the vertical direction. In this case, the first protruding piece 4F1 and the first tip portion 8W1 (see Figure 5) may face each other in the vertical direction, and the second protruding piece 4F2 and the second tip portion 8W2 (see Figure 5) may face each other.

[0104] This configuration has the effect of preventing the first protruding piece 4F1 from obstructing contact between the second protruding piece 4F2 and the second tip portion 8W2 when the optical element holding member 5 moves in the vertical direction, and also preventing the second protruding piece 4F2 from obstructing contact between the first protruding piece 4F1 and the first tip portion 8W1.

[0105] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, the electromagnetic mechanism DM may be configured to move the optical element holding member 5 from a first position to a third position and then to a second position in the vertical direction. In this case, the iron core portion 8W may further have a third tip portion 8W3, as shown in Figure 5. The movable magnetic member 4 may further have a third movable magnetic member 4C that is connected to the optical element holding member 5 in a state facing the third tip portion 8W3 in the vertical direction. When the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position, the value of the third interval G3, G3A (see Figure 8A), which is the distance between the third tip portion 8W3 and the third movable magnetic member 4C in the vertical direction, is greater than the value of the first interval G1, G1A (see Figure 8A), and less than the value of the second interval G2, G2A (see Figure 8A). Furthermore, the value of the third interval G3 G3 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the first position (see Figure 8A) is greater than the value of the third interval G3 G3 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the second position (see Figure 8D), and greater than the value of the third interval G3 G3 when the optical element holding member 5 is in the third position (see Figure 8B).

[0106] Furthermore, in the optical element driving device 100, when current is supplied to the coil 7, the iron core 8W may attract the movable magnetic members 4 in the order of the first movable magnetic member 4A, the third movable magnetic member 4C, and the second movable magnetic member 4B.

[0107] This configuration has the effect of further reducing the current flowing through the coil 7 compared to the case where the iron core 8W has a two-stage configuration. The iron core 8W may also have four or more tip sections. This configuration has the effect of further reducing the current flowing through the coil 7 compared to the case where the iron core 8W has a three-stage configuration.

[0108] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not conflict technically.

[0109] For example, in the embodiment described above, the protrusion 5F of the optical element holding member 5 is configured to have a first protrusion 5F1, a second protrusion 5F2, and a third protrusion 5F3, but the first protrusion 5F1 and the third protrusion 5F3 may be omitted. In this case, the first coupling portion 4V1 of the first movable magnetic member 4A, the first spacer member 11A, the third coupling portion 4V3 of the third movable magnetic member 4C, the second spacer member 11B, and the second coupling portion 4V2 of the second movable magnetic member 4B may each be configured to have equal inner width (inner diameter) and outer width (outer diameter). Also, the first spacer member 11A and the second spacer member 11B may be the same part. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1. Cover part 1A. Outer peripheral wall 1A1. First side plate 1A2. Second side plate 1A3. Third side plate 1A4. Fourth side plate 1B. Top plate 1K. Opening 1S. Reception part 2. Bracket part 2S. Stopper part 2SL. Left stopper part 2SR. Right stopper part 2U. Protrusion part 3. Upper side plate 3E. Outer part 3G. Elastic wrist part 3I. Inner part 4. Movable side magnetic part 4A. First movable side magnetic part 4B. Second movable side magnetic part 4C. Third movable side magnetic part 4F···Protruding piece 4F1···First protruding piece 4F2···Second protruding piece 4F3···Third protruding piece 4FL···Left protruding piece 4FL1···First left protruding piece 4FL2···Second left protruding piece 4FL3···Third left protruding piece 4FR···Right protruding piece 4FR1···First right protruding piece 4FR2···Second right protruding piece 4FR3···Third right protruding piece 4V···Joint 4V1···First joint 4V2···Second joint 4V3···Third joint 5···Optical element holding part 5C···Cylindrical part 5F···Protruding part 5F1···First protruding piece Part 5F2···Second Protrusion 5F3···Third Protrusion 5K···Opening 5P···Turning Regulation Part 5PL···Left Turning Regulation Part 5PR···Right Turning Regulation Part 6···Lower Side Plate 6E···Outer Part 6G···Elastic Wrist Part 6I···Inner Part 7···Coil 7L···Left Coil 7R···Right Coil 8···Fixed Side Magnetic Part 8C···Base 8H···Through Hole 8K···Opening 8W···Iron Core Part 8W1···First Tip 8W2···Second Tip 8W3···Third Tip 8WL···Left Iron Core Part 8WL1···First Left Tip End 8WL2... Second left tip 8WL3... Third left tip 8WR... Right iron core 8WR1... First right tip 8WR2... Second right tip 8WR3... Third right tip 9... Base component 9K... Opening 9P... Columnar part 9Q, 9T... Protruding part 10... Metal component 10A... First metal component 10AP... First connector 10AT... First terminal part 10B... Second metal component 10BP... Second connector 10BT... Second terminal part 10C... Third metal component 10CPL... Third left connector10CPR...Third right-side connection part 11...Spacer member 11A...First spacer member 11B...Second spacer member 100...Optical element driving device DM...Electromagnetic mechanism DM1...First electromagnetic mechanism DM2...Second electromagnetic mechanism FB...Fixed side member HS...Housing LB...Lower side member MB...Movable side member OA...Optical axis SB...Support member SD...Solder

Claims

1. Fixed side member and An optical element holding member having an opening that penetrates vertically and into which an optical element can be placed, A support member that movably supports the optical element holding member with respect to the fixed side member, A movable magnetic member connected to the optical element holding member, An optical element driving device comprising: a fixed magnetic member having an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core, and an electromagnetic mechanism that moves the optical element holding member from a first position to a second position in the vertical direction by attracting the movable magnetic member toward the iron core by electromagnetic force, The iron core portion has a first tip portion and a second tip portion, The movable magnetic member comprises a first movable magnetic member connected to the optical element holding member in a state facing the first tip in the vertical direction, and a second movable magnetic member connected to the optical element holding member in a state facing the second tip in the vertical direction. When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the first distance between the first tip and the first movable magnetic member in the vertical direction is smaller than the second distance between the second tip and the second movable magnetic member in the vertical direction. The first spacing when the optical element holding member is in the first position is greater than the first spacing when the optical element holding member is in the second position. The second spacing when the optical element holding member is in the first position is greater than the second spacing when the optical element holding member is in the second position. An optical element driving device characterized by the following:

2. The first tip and the second tip of the iron core are arranged such that their positions in the vertical direction are different from each other. The optical element driving device according to claim 1.

3. Each of the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the outer circumference of the optical element holding member. The optical element holding member is inserted into the openings of the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member in a manner that prevents relative rotation with respect to each of the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member, respectively. The optical element driving device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Each of the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member has a shape that includes a portion along the outer circumference of the optical element holding member, The optical element holding member has a first projection on its outer circumference and a second projection at a position different from the first projection in the vertical direction. In the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the outer width of the first protrusion is greater than the inner width of the first movable magnetic member, and the outer width of the second protrusion is greater than the inner width of the second movable magnetic member. In the vertical direction, the positions of the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member are different from each other. An optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the outer circumference of the optical element holding member. The size of the opening through which the optical element holding member is inserted in the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member, which is located on the side furthest from the coil, is smaller than the size of the opening through which the optical element holding member is inserted in the other movable magnetic member, which is located on the side closer to the coil. The optical element driving device according to claim 4.

6. The fixed-side member has a stopper portion that restricts the position of the first movable-side magnetic member when the optical element holding member is in the first position. An optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The electromagnetic mechanism includes a first electromagnetic mechanism and a second electromagnetic mechanism provided on either side of the opening of the optical element holding member. An optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The fixed magnetic member is formed of a magnetic metal plate and has a first core portion, a second core portion, and a base portion connecting the first core portion and the second core portion. The first iron core extends from the base toward the movable magnetic member, The second iron core extends from the base toward the movable magnetic member, The first coil wound around the first iron core and the second coil wound around the second iron core are connected in series. The fixed magnetic member is configured such that when current flows through the first coil and the second coil, the tip of the first core and the tip of the second core become opposite magnetic poles. The optical element driving device according to claim 7.

9. Each of the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member is formed from a magnetic metal plate, and a spacer member made of a non-magnetic material is positioned between the first movable magnetic member and the second movable magnetic member in the vertical direction. An optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first movable magnetic member has a first protruding piece that protrudes outward away from the opening along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, The second movable magnetic member has a second protruding piece that protrudes outward from the opening along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and is positioned differently from the first protruding piece in a plan view along the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the first protruding piece and the first tip portion face each other, and the second protruding piece and the second tip portion face each other. An optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The electromagnetic mechanism is configured to move the optical element holding member from the first position through the third position to the second position in the vertical direction. The aforementioned iron core portion further has a third tip portion, The movable magnetic member further comprises a third movable magnetic member which is connected to the optical element holding member in a state facing the third tip in the vertical direction, When the optical element holding member is in the first position, the third distance between the third tip and the third movable magnetic member in the vertical direction is greater than the first distance and smaller than the second distance. The third spacing when the optical element holding member is in the first position is greater than the third spacing when the optical element holding member is in the second position, and greater than the third spacing when the optical element holding member is in the third position. An optical element driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. When current is supplied to the coil, the iron core attracts the first movable magnetic member, the third movable magnetic member, and the second movable magnetic member in that order. The optical element driving device according to claim 11.

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