Lens holder drive device

Abstract

To reduce the height dimension of a lens holder drive device.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises a fixed-side member FB that has a bottom plate part BP, a lens holder 3 that is capable of holding a lens body LS, a guide mechanism GM that guides the lens holder 3 so as to be capable of moving in the optical axis direction (X-axis direction) along the bottom plate part BP, and a drive unit DM that moves the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction (X-axis direction). The lens holder 3 has a bottom part BT the top of which is released open and that faces the bottom plate part BP. The bottom part BT in at least a section where the lens body LS is located is constituted by a movable-side metal plate part 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens holder driving device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lens holder driving device is known in which a lens barrel (lens body) is fixed to a lens carrier (lens holder), and the focus is adjusted by moving the lens holder in the optical axis direction of the lens body (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-described lens holder has a substantially U-shaped cross section and is configured such that the side wall portion and the bottom wall portion have substantially the same thickness, so the bottom wall portion cannot be thinned. Therefore, the height dimension of the lens holder driving device may increase.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the height dimension of the lens holder driving device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lens holder driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fixed-side member having a bottom plate portion, a lens holder capable of holding a lens body, a guiding mechanism for guiding the lens holder to be movable along the bottom plate portion in the optical axis direction, and a driving portion for moving the lens holder in the optical axis direction. In the lens holder driving device, the lens holder has an open upper portion and a bottom portion facing the bottom plate portion, and at least the bottom portion in a portion where the lens body is disposed is constituted by a movable-side metal plate portionThe lens holder has a pair of side walls that are spaced apart from each other and facing each other in a direction intersecting the optical axis, and each of the pair of side walls is made of synthetic resin that is integrated with the movable metal plate, the movable metal plate has a base that forms the bottom and a bent portion that is bent from the base and embedded in the side wall, the bent portion has an adhesive portion that is exposed on the surface of the side wall and is fixed to the lens body with adhesive, the bent portion is bent multiple times from the base and has a first bent portion that is bent upward from the base and a second bent portion whose plate surface is substantially parallel to the plate surface of the base, and the adhesive portion is provided at least on the second bent portion . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aforementioned lens holder drive device can be made smaller in height. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder drive mechanism. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the camera module. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the lower component. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the magnetic attraction mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the movable side member. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the movable metal plate section. [Figure 7] This is a top view of the lens holder, coil assembly, drive magnet, and shaft. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder drive mechanism. [Figure 9] This is a top view of the magnet holder and coil holder. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a coil holder with a magnet holder positioned inside. [Figure 11] This is a top view of the magnet holder and lens holding assembly. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view of the lens holding assembly. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the lens holding assembly. [Figure 14] This is a front view of the components of the lens holding assembly. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the holding mechanism. [Figure 16] This is a top view of a portion of the coil holder. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of a lens holding assembly with adhesive applied. [Figure 18]It is a perspective view of a printed wiring board attached to a base member. [Figure 19] It is a top view and a front view of the printed wiring board. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view of a part of the printed wiring board attached to the base member. [Figure 21] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system for controlling a lens holder driving device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the lens holder driving device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder driving device 100, showing a state in which the cover member 1 is separated from the lower member LM. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a camera module CM in a camera-equipped mobile device on which the lens holder driving device 100 is mounted. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lens holder driving device 100 is configured to be able to move the lens body LS along the optical axis OA of the lens body LS.

[0010] In FIG. 1, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Also, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Similarly, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In the present embodiment, the X1 side of the lens holder driving device 100 corresponds to the front side (front face side) of the lens holder driving device 100, and the X2 side of the lens holder driving device 100 corresponds to the rear side (rear face side) of the lens holder driving device 100. Also, the Y1 side of the lens holder driving device 100 corresponds to the left side of the lens holder driving device 100, and the Y2 side of the lens holder driving device 100 corresponds to the right side of the lens holder driving device 100. Also, the Z1 side of the lens holder driving device 100 corresponds to the upper side of the lens holder driving device 100, and the Z2 side of the lens holder driving device 100 corresponds to the lower side of the lens holder driving device 100. Also, in the present embodiment, the optical axis OA extends parallel to the X-axis. The same applies to other figures.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the lens holder driving device 100 includes a cover member 1 and a lower member LM as part of a fixed-side member FB. The cover member 1 is configured to cover the upper surface and side surfaces of the lower member LM. In the present embodiment, the cover member 1 is formed of a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel. Since it is formed of a non-magnetic material, the cover member 1 does not have a magnetic adverse effect on a driving unit that utilizes electromagnetic force.

[0012] The cover member 1 has a box-shaped outer shape without a bottom. The cover member 1 includes an outer plate portion 1A including four side plate portions (first side plate portion 1A1 to fourth side plate portion 1A4), and a substantially rectangular and flat upper surface portion 1B provided so as to be continuous with the upper end (end on the Z1 side) of the outer plate portion 1A. The first side plate portion 1A1 has an opening for receiving light LT from a subject reflected by a mirror MR (see FIG. 2). Similarly, the third side plate portion 1A3 has an opening for allowing the light LT to reach an imaging element IS (see FIG. 2). The cover member 1 is joined to a base member BM by an adhesive or the like and constitutes a housing HS together with the base member BM. The base member BM includes a base plate 2 and a coil holder 5.

[0013] The lens body LS is an example of an optical member and is configured to include one or more lenses. In the present embodiment, the lens body LS includes a partially cylindrical tubular portion formed at the center and a substantially T-shaped lens barrel provided with at least one lens, and is configured such that the central axis of the lens barrel (tubular portion) is along the optical axis OA. In the illustrated example, the lens body LS includes a first lens body LS1 and a second lens body LS2.

[0014] The lens holder drive device 100 is configured to move the lens body LS along the optical axis direction by a drive unit DM housed within the housing HS. The "optical axis direction" includes the direction of the optical axis OA of the lens body LS and the direction parallel to the optical axis OA. Specifically, the lens holder drive device 100 can move the first lens body LS1 along the optical axis direction as indicated by the double arrow AR1, and can also move the second lens body LS2 along the optical axis direction as indicated by the double arrow AR2. In other words, the lens holder drive device 100 can move the first lens body LS1 and the second lens body LS2 separately along the optical axis direction.

[0015] The lens holder drive device 100 is used in a camera module CM, such as a periscope-type camera module, as shown in Figure 2. In the example shown in Figure 2, the camera module CM mainly includes a mirror MR, a lens body LS, the lens holder drive device 100, and an image sensor IS. The mirror MR, as a reflector, may be a prism. In this embodiment, the mirror MR is configured to provide a flat reflective surface.

[0016] The lens holder drive unit 100 is typically positioned further from the subject than the mirror MR, as shown in Figure 2. That is, the lens holder drive unit 100 is positioned to direct the light LT from the subject reflected by the mirror MR to the image sensor IS through the lens body LS.

[0017] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the lens holder drive device 100 will be outlined. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member LM, showing the movable side member MB separated from the fixed side member FB.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the lower member LM includes a lens holder 3, a magnet 6, and a magnet holder 7 as movable side members MB, and a base plate 2, a coil assembly 4, a coil holder 5, a shaft 8, a printed circuit board 9, a magnetic member 10, a first cushioning material 11, a magnetic sensor 18, and a lens holding assembly LH as fixed side members FB.

[0019] The base plate 2 is a component that constitutes a part (bottom) of the housing HS. In this embodiment, the base plate 2, like the cover member 1, is made of a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel. In the illustrated example, the base plate 2 has a fixed-side metal plate portion 2B that constitutes a part of the bottom plate portion BP of the fixed-side member FB, and five upright portions 2W that extend upward from the end of the fixed-side metal plate portion 2B. The five upright portions 2W are embedded in the coil holder 5 by insert molding. The fixed-side metal plate portion 2B does not have to be a perfectly flat plate. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the fixed-side metal plate portion 2B has three protrusions that extend in the direction of the optical axis, and is formed in a substantially flat shape overall. These three protrusions protrude slightly upward from the reference surface (top surface) of the fixed-side metal plate portion 2B, increasing the rigidity of the fixed-side metal plate portion 2B.

[0020] The lens holder 3 is configured to hold the lens body LS. In this embodiment, the lens holder 3 is formed by insert molding, embedding a metal plate in a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The lens holder 3 includes a first lens holder 3F configured to hold the first lens body LS1, and a second lens holder 3B configured to hold the second lens body LS2.

[0021] The coil holder 5 is configured to movably support the movable side member MB and to immovably support the coil assembly 4. In this embodiment, the coil holder 5 is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The coil holder 5, together with the base plate 2, constitutes the base member BM. In the illustrated example, a part of the base plate 2 is embedded in the coil holder 5 by insert molding. However, the base plate 2 may be fixed to the coil holder 5 with an adhesive. In other words, the base plate 2 does not have to be embedded in the coil holder 5.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the coil holder 5 has an outer wall portion 5A including four side walls (first side walls 5A1 to fourth side walls 5A4) and a substantially rectangular frame-shaped bottom wall portion 5B provided so as to be continuous with the lower end (Z2 side end) of the outer wall portion 5A. The bottom wall portion 5B may be separated into two parts, for example. The first side wall portion 5A1 has an opening for receiving light LT from the subject reflected by the mirror MR. Similarly, the third side wall portion 5A3 has an opening for allowing light LT to reach the image sensor IS. The coil holder 5 also has a notch portion CU for receiving the coil assembly 4. The notch portion CU includes a left-side notch portion CUL formed in the second side wall portion 5A2 and a right-side notch portion CUR formed in the fourth side wall portion 5A4.

[0023] Furthermore, the fixed-side member FB is configured to form a housing section SP that accommodates the movable-side member MB. The housing section SP is a space separated by a top plate section TP (see Figure 1), a side wall section SW, and a bottom plate section BP. In the illustrated example, the top plate section TP is made up of the upper surface section 1B of the cover member 1, the side wall section SW is made up of the outer wall section 5A of the coil holder 5, and the bottom plate section BP is made up of the fixed-side metal plate section 2B of the base plate 2 and the bottom wall section 5B of the coil holder 5.

[0024] The coil assembly 4 is configured to hold the coil set 42 that constitutes the drive unit DM. In this embodiment, the coil assembly 4 includes a substrate 41 and the coil set 42. In the illustrated example, the substrate 41 is formed of a flexible printed circuit board and is fixed to the coil holder 5 with adhesive. Note that in Figure 3, for clarity, the detailed winding state of the conductive wire material with an insulating surface coating is omitted from the illustration of the coil. The same applies to the other figures.

[0025] The coil assembly 4 includes a left coil assembly 4L that fits into the left notch CUL of the coil holder 5, and a right coil assembly 4R that fits into the right notch CUR of the coil holder 5. The left coil assembly 4L includes a left substrate 41L and a left coil set 42L (a first left coil 42L1 and a second left coil 42L2). The right coil assembly 4R includes a right substrate 41R and a right coil set 42R (a first right coil 42R1 and a second right coil 42R2).

[0026] The coil set 42 is a component that constitutes the electromagnet as the drive unit DM, and is attached to the substrate 41. In this embodiment, the coils that make up the coil set 42 are wound-type coils. Specifically, the left coil set 42L is attached to the left substrate 41L of the left coil assembly 4L, and the right coil set 42R is attached to the right substrate 41R of the right coil assembly 4R.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the left coil set 42L includes a first left coil 42L1 and a second left coil 42L2. The first left coil 42L1 and the second left coil 42L2 are configured to allow independent control of the direction of current flow. Similarly, the right coil set 42R includes a first right coil 42R1 and a second right coil 42R2. The first right coil 42R1 and the second right coil 42R2 are configured to allow independent control of the direction of current flow.

[0028] Magnet 6 is a component of the drive unit DM and is also referred to as the "driving magnet". The drive unit DM is configured to move the movable side member MB along the optical axis direction by utilizing the magnetic force (attraction or repulsion) acting between the coil set 42, which functions as an electromagnet, and the magnet 6, which acts as the driving magnet. In this embodiment, magnet 6 includes a left-side magnet 6L that moves with the first lens holder 3F, and a right-side magnet 6R that moves with the second lens holder 3B. The left-side magnet 6L includes a first left-side magnet 6L1, a second left-side magnet 6L2, and a third left-side magnet 6L3, and the right-side magnet 6R includes a first right-side magnet 6R1, a second right-side magnet 6R2, and a third right-side magnet 6R3.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the first left magnet 6L1, the second left magnet 6L2, the third left magnet 6L3, the first right magnet 6R1, the second right magnet 6R2, and the third right magnet 6R3 are all permanent magnets magnetized to two poles. The first left magnet 6L1, the third left magnet 6L3, the first right magnet 6R1, and the third right magnet 6R3 are each magnetized with the south pole on the inside (the side closer to the optical axis OA) and the north pole on the outside. The second left magnet 6L2 and the second right magnet 6R2 are each magnetized with the north pole on the inside and the south pole on the outside. In Figure 3, for clarity, a coarse cross pattern is applied to the north pole portion of magnet 6, and a fine cross pattern is applied to the south pole portion of magnet 6. The same applies to the other figures.

[0030] The magnet holder 7 is a component of the drive unit DM and is configured to hold the magnet 6. In this embodiment, the magnet holder 7 is made of a magnetic material such as a magnetic metal and is configured to function as a yoke that efficiently applies the magnetic force of the magnet 6 to the coil. The magnet holder 7 includes a first magnet holder 7F which is adhesively fixed to the first lens holder 3F, and a second magnet holder 7B which is adhesively fixed to the second lens holder 3B.

[0031] The left magnet 6L is fixed to the first magnet holder 7F by adhesive, and the right magnet 6R is fixed to the second magnet holder 7B by adhesive. The left magnet 6L, fixed to the first magnet holder 7F, is positioned to face the left coil set 42L provided on the left coil assembly 4L in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA (Y-axis direction), and to be spaced away from the left coil set 42L. Similarly, the right magnet 6R, fixed to the second magnet holder 7B, is positioned to face the right coil set 42R provided on the right coil assembly 4R in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA (Y-axis direction), and to be spaced away from the right coil set 42R.

[0032] The shaft 8 is a component of the guide mechanism GM. The guide mechanism GM is a mechanism for guiding the bottom portion BT of the lens holder 3 so that it can move along the bottom plate portion BP (reference plane) in the optical axis direction (X axis direction). In the illustrated example, the shaft 8 is inserted through a through hole 5H formed in the coil holder 5 and fixed to the coil holder 5 with adhesive. Specifically, the shaft 8 includes a left shaft 8L which is inserted and fixed through a first left through hole 5HL1 and a second left through hole 5HL2, and a right shaft 8R which is inserted and fixed through a first right through hole 5HR1 and a second right through hole 5HR2. The left shaft 8L and the right shaft 8R extend in the optical axis direction and are arranged to be parallel to each other.

[0033] The printed circuit board 9 is a component that is electrically connected to components such as coils and magnetic sensors that make up the lens holder drive device 100. In the illustrated example, the printed circuit board 9 is made of flexible printed circuit board material and is fixed to the base plate 2 with adhesive. The printed circuit board 9 includes copper conductor patterns for supplying power to the magnetic sensor 18, the coil set 42 included in the coil assembly 4, and the coil 52 that constitutes the electromagnetic mechanism EM (see Figure 12) included in the lens holding assembly LH.

[0034] The magnetic sensor 18 is an example of a magnetic detection member. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 18 is configured to detect the magnetism generated by a magnetic field generating member 15 (see Figure 5) attached to the movable side member MB. The magnetic sensor 18 is composed of a giant magnetoresistive effect (GMR) element and is configured to measure a voltage value that changes according to the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member 15 that the magnetic sensor 18 receives, and to output the measured voltage value to the control device CTR (see Figure 21). The control device CTR is configured to detect the position of the lens holder 3 to which the magnetic field generating member 15 is attached based on the output of the magnetic sensor 18. The magnetic sensor 18 is configured to output a larger voltage value as the north pole portion approaches and a smaller voltage value as the south pole portion approaches. However, the magnetic sensor 18 may be configured to output a smaller voltage value as the north pole portion approaches and a larger voltage value as the south pole portion approaches. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 18 may be configured to detect the position of the lens holder 3 using other magnetoresistive elements such as a semiconductor magnetoresistive (SMR) element, anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) element, or tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) element, or it may be configured to detect the position of the lens holder 3 using a Hall element. In the illustrated example, the magnetic sensor 18 includes a left magnetic sensor 18L for detecting the movement of the first lens holder 3F and a right magnetic sensor 18R for detecting the movement of the second lens holder 3B. Both the left magnetic sensor 18L and the right magnetic sensor 18R are mounted on the third portion 93 of the printed circuit board 9.

[0035] The magnetic member 10 is a component that suppresses rattling of the movable side member MB by attracting the magnet contained in the movable side member MB. In the illustrated example, the magnetic attractive force acting between the magnet contained in the movable side member MB and the magnetic member 10 is greater than the force caused by the weight of the movable side member MB. Therefore, the magnetic member 10 can attract the movable side member MB regardless of its orientation. In the illustrated example, the magnetic member 10 is an elongated plate-shaped component and includes a left outer magnetic member 10LE and a right outer magnetic member 10RE that are adhesively fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 5B of the coil holder 5, and a left inner magnetic member 10LI and a right inner magnetic member 10RI that are adhesively fixed to the upper surface of the fixed side metal plate portion 2B of the base plate 2.

[0036] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the magnetic member 10 is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the magnet included in the movable member MB in the Z-axis direction. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the magnetic attraction mechanism composed of the magnetic member 10 and the magnet included in the movable member MB, showing the positional relationship between the magnetic member 10 and the magnets included in the movable member MB (magnet 6, magnetic field generating member 15, and magnet 17). Note that in Figure 4, for clarity, the illustration of members other than magnet 6, magnetic member 10, magnetic field generating member 15, magnet 17, and magnetic sensor 18 has been omitted. Also, in Figure 4, the north pole portion of the magnet included in the movable member MB is given a coarse cross pattern, and the south pole portion of the magnet included in the movable member MB is given a fine cross pattern.

[0037] More specifically, the left outer magnetic member 10LE is positioned to face the left magnet 6L in the Z-axis direction, and the right outer magnetic member 10RE is positioned to face the right magnet 6R in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the left inner magnetic member 10LI is positioned to face the rear magnet 17B in the Z-axis direction, and the right inner magnetic member 10RI is positioned to face the front magnet 17F in the Z-axis direction. The front magnet 17F is fixed to the first lens holder 3F, and the rear magnet 17B is fixed to the second lens holder 3B. This arrangement has the effect of suppressing the movable side member MB from lifting off the shaft 8.

[0038] The first cushioning material 11 is a member that absorbs and mitigates the impact when the fixed side member FB and the movable side member MB come into contact. In this embodiment, the first cushioning material 11 is made of rubber or sponge or the like. In the illustrated example, the first cushioning material 11 is a member made of silicone rubber and includes a left front cushioning material 11LF, a right front cushioning material 11RF, a left rear cushioning material 11LB, and a right rear cushioning material 11RB.

[0039] The left front cushioning material 11LF is adhesively fixed to the coil holder 5 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 and the front end (X1 side end) of the first magnet holder 7F come into contact. The right front cushioning material 11RF is adhesively fixed to the coil holder 5 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 and the front end (X1 side end) of the second magnet holder 7B come into contact. The left rear cushioning material 11LB is adhesively fixed to the coil holder 5 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 and the rear end (X2 side end) of the first magnet holder 7F come into contact. The right rear cushioning material 11RB is adhesively fixed to the coil holder 5 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 and the rear end (X2 side end) of the second magnet holder 7B come into contact.

[0040] The lens holding assembly LH is an example of a rotational drive unit and is configured to hold the lens holder 3 in a predetermined position in the optical axis direction. In this embodiment, the lens holding assembly LH is configured to hold the lens holder 3 at a limit position, which is an example of a position within the movable range in the optical axis direction. The limit position refers to the position of the lens holder 3 when it moves to the end of its movable range. However, the lens holding assembly LH may hold the lens holder 3 near the limit position in the optical axis direction. In the illustrated example, the lens holding assembly LH is configured to hold the first lens holder 3F and the second lens holder 3B at the limit position on the front side (X1 side). The lens holding assembly LH is also attached to the fourth portion 94 of the printed circuit board 9 (see Figure 19).

[0041] Next, the details of the movable side member MB will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the movable side member MB. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 5 is a perspective view of the movable side member MB with the lens body LS removed, and the lower part of Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the movable side member MB with the lens body LS removed.

[0042] The movable side member MB includes a lens holder 3 for holding the lens body LS, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the lens holder 3 includes a first lens holder 3F for holding the first lens body LS1, and a second lens holder 3B for holding the second lens body LS2.

[0043] More specifically, the lens holder 3 includes a magnet holder 7, a pair of side wall portions 30, and a movable metal plate portion 32. The magnet holder 7, a second cushioning material 12, a third cushioning material 13, a first yoke 14, a magnetic field generating member 15, a second yoke 16, and a magnet 17 are attached to the pair of side wall portions 30.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the first lens holder 3F includes a first magnet holder 7F, a pair of front side wall portions 30F, and a front movable metal plate portion 32F. The pair of front side wall portions 30F include a first front side wall portion 30F1 and a second front side wall portion 30F2. The first front side wall portion 30F1 is fitted with the first magnet holder 7F, a left front cushioning material 12LF, a first front yoke 14F, and a front magnetic field generating member 15F, while the second front side wall portion 30F2 is fitted with the right front cushioning material 12RF, a front cushioning material 13F, a second front yoke 16F, and a front magnet 17F. The first magnet holder 7F has a first front projection portion 71F and a second front projection portion 72F that protrude inward (towards Y2). The first magnet holder 7F is then fixed to the first front side wall 30F1 with adhesive, with the first front projection 71F and the second front projection 72F each inserted into corresponding recesses formed on the left side of the first front side wall 30F1. Since a portion of the front movable metal plate 32F is exposed on the left side of the first front side wall 30F1, at least a portion of the inner surface (right side) of the first magnet holder 7F is fixed to the front movable metal plate 32F with adhesive. In other words, the adhesion between the first magnet holder 7F and the first front side wall 30F1 is partially achieved by the adhesion of metal members to metal members.

[0045] Similarly, the second lens holder 3B includes a second magnet holder 7B, a pair of rear side wall portions 30B, and a rear movable metal plate portion 32B. The pair of rear side wall portions 30B include a first rear side wall portion 30B1 and a second rear side wall portion 30B2. The first rear side wall portion 30B1 is fitted with the second magnet holder 7B, a right rear cushioning material 12RB, a first rear yoke 14B, and a rear magnetic field generating member 15B, while the second rear side wall portion 30B2 is fitted with a left rear cushioning material 12LB, a rear cushioning material 13B, a second rear yoke 16B, and a rear magnet 17B. The second magnet holder 7B has a first rear projection 71B (see Figure 9) and a second rear projection 72B (see Figure 9) that protrude inward (towards Y1). The second magnet holder 7B is then fixed to the first rear side wall 30B1 with adhesive, with the first rear projection 71B and the second rear projection 72B each inserted into corresponding recesses formed on the right side of the first rear side wall 30B1. Since a portion of the rear movable metal plate 32B is exposed on the right side of the first rear side wall 30B1, at least a portion of the inner surface (left side) of the second magnet holder 7B is fixed to the rear movable metal plate 32B with adhesive. The adhesion between the second magnet holder 7B and the first rear side wall 30B1 is partially achieved by bonding the metal members together.

[0046] Furthermore, through-holes TH are formed in the side wall portion 30 through which the shaft 8 is inserted. Specifically, a left-side through-hole THL is formed in each of the first front side wall portion 30F1 and the second rear side wall portion 30B2 through which the left-side shaft 8L is inserted, and a right-side through-hole THR is formed in each of the first rear side wall portion 30B1 and the second front side wall portion 30F2 through which the right-side shaft 8R is inserted. More specifically, a first left-side through-hole THL1 is formed in the first front side wall portion 30F1 through which the left-side shaft 8L is inserted, a second left-side through-hole THL2 is formed in the second rear side wall portion 30B2 through which the left-side shaft 8L is inserted, a first right-side through-hole THR1 is formed in the second front side wall portion 30F2 through which the right-side shaft 8R is inserted, and a second right-side through-hole THR2 is formed in the first rear side wall portion 30B1 through which the right-side shaft 8R is inserted. Furthermore, the lens holder drive device 100 may be configured such that the shaft 8 penetrates the lens body LS instead of the side wall portion 30, or the shaft 8 penetrates both the side wall portion 30 and the lens body LS.

[0047] The second cushioning material 12 is a component that absorbs and mitigates the impact when the coil holder 5 and the side wall portion 30 come into contact. In this embodiment, the second cushioning material 12 is made of rubber or sponge or the like. In the illustrated example, the second cushioning material 12 is a component made of silicone rubber and includes a left front cushioning material 12LF, a right front cushioning material 12RF, a left rear cushioning material 12LB, and a right rear cushioning material 12RB.

[0048] The left front cushioning material 12LF is adhesively fixed to the front end of the first front side wall 30F1 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 comes into contact with the front end (X1 side end) of the first front side wall 30F1. The right front cushioning material 12RF is adhesively fixed to the front end of the second front side wall 30F2 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 comes into contact with the front end (X1 side end) of the second front side wall 30F2. The left rear cushioning material 12LB is adhesively fixed to the rear end (X2 side end) of the second rear side wall 30B2 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 comes into contact with the rear end (X2 side end) of the second rear side wall 30B2. The right rear cushioning material 12RB is adhesively fixed to the rear end of the first rear side wall 30B1 so as to absorb the impact when the coil holder 5 comes into contact with the rear end (X2 side end) of the first rear side wall 30B1.

[0049] The third cushioning material 13 is a component that absorbs and mitigates the impact when the front side wall portion 30F and the rear side wall portion 30B come into contact. In this embodiment, the third cushioning material 13 is made of rubber or sponge or the like. In the illustrated example, the third cushioning material 13 is a component made of silicone rubber and includes a front cushioning material 13F and a rear cushioning material 13B.

[0050] The front cushioning material 13F is adhesively fixed to the rear end of the second front side wall 30F2 so as to absorb the impact when the rear end of the second front side wall 30F2 comes into contact with the front end of the first rear side wall 30B1. The rear cushioning material 13B is adhesively fixed to the front end of the second rear side wall 30B2 so as to absorb the impact when the rear end of the first front side wall 30F1 comes into contact with the front end of the second rear side wall 30B2.

[0051] The magnetic field generating member 15 is a member configured to generate a magnetic field. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 4, the magnetic field generating member 15 is a permanent magnet that is multi-pole magnetized along the X-axis direction, and includes a front magnetic field generating member 15F fixed to the first front side wall portion 30F1 of the first lens holder 3F, and a rear magnetic field generating member 15B fixed to the first rear side wall portion 30B1 of the second lens holder 3B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the magnetic field generating member 15 is magnetized such that the N poles and S poles are arranged alternately in the X-axis direction.

[0052] The first yoke 14 is a member for increasing the magnetic field generating member 15. In the illustrated example, the first yoke 14 includes a first front yoke 14F which is adhesively fixed to a recess formed in the bottom surface of the first front side wall portion 30F1 in order to increase the magnetic field of the front magnetic field generating member 15F, and a first rear yoke 14B which is adhesively fixed to a recess formed in the bottom surface of the first rear side wall portion 30B1 in order to increase the magnetic field of the rear magnetic field generating member 15B.

[0053] The magnet 17 is a component provided on the movable side member MB so that a magnetic attractive force can be applied between the magnetic member 10 and the magnet 17. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 4, the magnet 17 is a permanent magnet that is bipolar magnetized along the Z-axis direction and includes a front magnet 17F which is adhesively fixed to a recess formed in the bottom surface of the second front side wall portion 30F2 of the first lens holder 3F, and a rear magnet 17B which is adhesively fixed to a recess formed in the bottom surface of the second rear side wall portion 30B2 of the second lens holder 3B.

[0054] The second yoke 16 is a component for increasing the magnetic force of the magnet 17. In the illustrated example, the second yoke 16 includes a second front yoke 16F which is adhesively fixed to a recess formed in the bottom surface of the second front side wall 30F2 in order to increase the magnetic force of the front magnet 17F, and a second rear yoke 16B which is adhesively fixed to a recess formed in the bottom surface of the second rear side wall 30B2 in order to increase the magnetic force of the rear magnet 17B.

[0055] Thus, as shown in the upper part of Figure 5, the lens holder 3 is open at the top and has a bottom portion BT facing the bottom plate portion BP (see Figure 3) of the fixed side member FB. The bottom portion BT, at least in the portion where the lens body LS is placed, is made of a movable side metal plate portion 32. The lens holder 3 also has a pair of side wall portions 30 that are spaced apart from each other and facing each other in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction (X axis direction) (Y axis direction). Each of the pair of side wall portions 30 is made of synthetic resin that is integrated with the movable side metal plate portion 32.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the movable metal plate portion 32 has a base portion BS that constitutes the bottom portion BT and a bent portion FP that is bent from the base portion BS and embedded in the side wall portion 30.

[0057] Figure 6 shows the movable metal plate portion 32 that constitutes the lens holder 3. Specifically, the top view of Figure 6 is a top view of the front movable metal plate portion 32F and the rear movable metal plate portion 32B, the middle view of Figure 6 is a front view of the rear movable metal plate portion 32B, and the bottom view of Figure 6 is a front view of the front movable metal plate portion 32F.

[0058] Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6, the front movable metal plate portion 32F has a base portion BS (front base BSF) that constitutes the bottom portion BT (front bottom portion BTF), and a bent portion FP (front bent portion FPF) that is bent from the base portion BS (front base BSF) and embedded in the side wall portion 30 (front side wall portion 30F). The front bent portion FPF includes a left front bent portion FPFL and a right front bent portion FPFR.

[0059] More specifically, the front movable metal plate portion 32F is composed of the first portion 32F1 to the ninth portion 32F9. The first portion 32F1 to the fourth portion 32F4 constitute the left front folded portion FPFL embedded in the first front side wall portion 30F1, and the sixth portion 32F6 to the ninth portion 32F9 constitute the right front folded portion FPFR embedded in the second front side wall portion 30F2.

[0060] Furthermore, the second part 32F2, the third part 32F3, and the ninth part 32F9 are embedded within the front side wall 30F so as to be partially exposed from the front side wall 30F, and their exposed portions constitute adhesive portions AD which are fixed to other members with adhesive. Specifically, the adhesive portion AD of the second part 32F2 is fixed to the first magnet holder 7F with adhesive, and the adhesive portions AD of the third part 32F3 and the ninth part 32F9 are fixed to the first lens body LS1 with adhesive BD4 (see Figure 8).

[0061] Similarly, the rear movable metal plate portion 32B, as shown in the center view of Figure 6, has a base portion BS (rear base BSB) that constitutes the bottom portion BT (rear bottom portion BTB), and a bent portion FP (rear bent portion FPB) that is bent from the base portion BS (rear base BSB) and embedded in the side wall portion 30. The rear bent portion FPB includes a left rear bent portion FPBL and a right rear bent portion FPBR.

[0062] More specifically, the rear movable metal plate portion 32B is composed of first portion 32B1 to ninth portion 32B9. The first portion 32B1 to fourth portion 32B4 constitute the right rear bent portion FPBR embedded in the first rear side wall portion 30B1, and the sixth portion 32B6 to ninth portion 32B9 constitute the left rear bent portion FPBL embedded in the second rear side wall portion 30B2.

[0063] Furthermore, the second part 32B2, the third part 32B3, and the ninth part 32B9 are each embedded within the rear side wall 30B so as to be partially exposed from the rear side wall 30B, and their exposed portions constitute adhesive portions AD which are fixed to other members with adhesive. Specifically, the adhesive portion AD of the second part 32B2 is fixed to the second magnet holder 7B with adhesive, and the adhesive portions AD of the third part 32B3 and the ninth part 32B9 are fixed to the second lens body LS2 with adhesive.

[0064] In the illustrated example, multiple recesses are formed on the surface of the adhesive portion AD, which is the portion exposed on the surface of the side wall portion 30. This is to increase the adhesive strength between the movable side metal plate portion 32 and the lens body LS and the magnet holder 7, respectively. Note that the multiple recesses may also be multiple protrusions.

[0065] Next, the drive unit DM will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a top view of the lens holder 3, coil assembly 4, magnet 6, and shaft 8. Specifically, the top view of Figure 7 shows the state when both the first lens holder 3F (first lens body LS1) and the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2) are at their front movement limit positions. The middle view of Figure 7 shows the state when the first lens holder 3F (first lens body LS1) is at its front movement limit position and the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2) is at a position further back from its front movement limit position. The bottom view of Figure 7 shows the state when the first lens holder 3F (first lens body LS1) is at its front movement limit position and the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2) is at its rear movement limit position. Note that in Figure 7, for clarity, the illustration of components other than the lens holder 3, coil assembly 4, magnet 6, and shaft 8 has been omitted.

[0066] The drive unit DM is configured to move the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction. In this embodiment, the drive unit DM is configured to move the movable side member MB along the optical axis OA by utilizing the magnetic force (attraction or repulsion) acting between the coil set 42, which functions as an electromagnet, and the magnet 6, which acts as a driving magnet.

[0067] Specifically, the drive unit DM includes a first drive unit DM1 that moves the first lens holder 3F in the optical axis direction, and a second drive unit DM2 that moves the second lens holder 3B in the optical axis direction. The first drive unit DM1 consists of a left coil set 42L attached to the left substrate 41L of the left coil assembly 4L, and a left magnet 6L attached to the first magnet holder 7F. The second drive unit DM2 consists of a right coil set 42R attached to the right substrate 41R of the right coil assembly 4R, and a right magnet 6R attached to the second magnet holder 7B.

[0068] Next, we will describe an example of the relationship between the magnetic poles of the right-side magnet 6R and the magnetic poles of the electromagnet realized by the right-side coil set 42R when moving the second lens holder 3B from its front limit position to its rear limit position. The following explanation, referring to Figure 7, concerns the movement of the second lens holder 3B by the second drive unit DM2, but it also applies to the movement of the first lens holder 3F by the first drive unit DM1.

[0069] When the second lens holder 3B is at its front limit of movement, the right magnet 6R is positioned opposite the first right coil 42R1 in the Y-axis direction, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 7. In the illustrated example, the central axis M1 at the center of the right magnet 6R (second right magnet 6R2) in the optical axis direction (X-axis direction) does not coincide with the central axis L1 at the center of the first right coil 42R1 in the optical axis direction. If the central axes M1 and L1 coincided, there is a risk that the right magnet 6R could not be repelled away by the repulsive force when the first right coil 42R1 is energized. The central axis M1 is a straight line parallel to the Y-axis passing through the center point of the second right magnet 6R2, and the central axis L1 is a straight line parallel to the Y-axis passing through the center point of the first right coil 42R1.

[0070] Similarly, when the first lens holder 3F is at its front limit of movement, the left magnet 6L is positioned opposite the first left coil 42L1 in the Y-axis direction, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 7. Furthermore, the central axis M2 of the left magnet 6L (second left magnet 6L2) at its center in the optical axis direction (X-axis direction) does not coincide with the central axis L2 of the first left coil 42L1 at its center in the optical axis direction.

[0071] Subsequently, as shown in the center diagram of Figure 7, when the first right-side coil 42R1 is energized such that the side of the first right-side coil 42R1 facing the right-side magnet 6R (Y1 side) becomes the south pole, the first right-side magnet 6R1 is attracted to the first right-side coil 42R1 and moves towards the X2 side along the optical axis. This is because magnetic forces act such that the second right-side magnet 6R2 and the first right-side coil 42R1 repel each other, and the first right-side magnet 6R1 and the first right-side coil 42R1 attract each other. In the center diagram of Figure 7, for explanatory purposes, the north pole generated at one end of the coil by the current flowing through the coil is represented by a coarse cross pattern, and the south pole generated at the other end of the coil by the current flowing through the coil is represented by a fine cross pattern. The same applies to the lower diagram of Figure 7. Furthermore, in the following, the direction of the current when the inside of the coil (the side closer to the optical axis OA) is the south pole is referred to as the "forward direction," and the direction of the current when the inside of the coil (the side closer to the optical axis OA) is the north pole is referred to as the "reverse direction."

[0072] Subsequently, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 7, when the side of the first right coil 42R1 facing the right magnet 6R (Y1 side) and the side of the second right coil 42R2 facing the right magnet 6R (Y1 side) are both energized to be north poles, the right magnet 6R moves further towards X2 along the optical axis direction. That is, after the first right coil 42R1 is energized so that the first right magnet 6R1 and the first right coil 42R1 repel each other, and then the second right coil 42R2 is energized so that the second right magnet 6R2 and the second right coil 42R2 attract each other, the right magnet 6R moves further towards X2 along the optical axis direction.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the right-side magnet 6R is attracted to the right-side magnetic member 10RE by the magnetic attraction force acting between the right-side magnet 6R and the right-side magnetic member 10RE. Therefore, even when neither the first right-side coil 42R1 nor the second right-side coil 42R2 is energized, the right-side magnet 6R is held in its current position, and the second lens holder 3B, which moves with the right-side magnet 6R, is also held in its current position. In other words, the lens holder drive device 100 is configured to keep the second lens holder 3B in place until at least one of the first right-side coil 42R1 and the second right-side coil 42R2 is energized.

[0074] Next, referring to Figure 8, the effects of the lens holder 3 being equipped with a movable metal plate portion 32 will be explained. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder drive device 100. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the lens holder drive device 100 in a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane containing the cutting line CL1 shown in Figure 1. The lower part of Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the area R1 enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 8. The following explanation referring to Figure 8 concerns the front movable metal plate portion 32F, but it also applies to the rear movable metal plate portion 32B, which has substantially the same configuration.

[0075] As shown in the upper part of Figure 8, the first front yoke 14F, the front magnetic field generating member 15F, the front movable metal plate portion 32F (fourth portion 32F4), and the second front projection 72F of the first magnet holder 7F are bonded to each other within the first front side wall portion 30F1 by adhesive BD1. Furthermore, the first front yoke 14F, the front magnetic field generating member 15F, the front movable metal plate portion 32F, and the second front projection 72F are all made of metal. Therefore, in the illustrated example, bonding of the four metal members via adhesive BD1 is achieved within the first front side wall portion 30F1.

[0076] This type of bonding between metal components has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the bonded components compared to bonding between synthetic resin components, or between synthetic resin components and metal components.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8, the fifth portion 32F5 of the front movable metal plate portion 32F, which is the base BS (front base BSF) constituting the bottom BT (front bottom BTF) of the lens holder 3, is positioned across a gap GP1 from the upper surface of the fixed metal plate portion 2B of the base plate 2. This means that the bottom surface of the first lens body LS1 is positioned across a gap GP2 from the upper surface of the fixed metal plate portion 2B of the base plate 2. The bottom surface of the first lens body LS1 and the fifth portion 32F5 of the front movable metal plate portion 32F, which is the base BS (front base BSF), are fixed together by adhesive BD4.

[0078] Thus, the front movable metal plate portion 32F allows for a thinner front base BSF while maintaining the strength and rigidity of the front base BSF, compared to the case where the front base BSF is formed from a material other than a metal plate, such as synthetic resin. Therefore, the front movable metal plate portion 32F allows for a lower overall height of the lens holder drive device 100 compared to the case where the front base BSF is formed from a material other than a metal plate, such as synthetic resin. In other words, this configuration enables a lower profile lens holder drive device 100 while maximizing the space for housing the lens body LS. The front base BSF (fifth portion 32F5) of the front movable metal plate portion 32F may have recesses or protrusions formed therein for purposes such as further increasing rigidity.

[0079] Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 12, the holding mechanism HM that mechanically holds the lens holder 3 in a predetermined position will be described. Figure 9 is a top view of the magnet holder 7 and the coil holder 5. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the coil holder 5 on which the magnet holder 7 is positioned. Specifically, Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the coil holder 5 in a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane containing the cutting line CL2 shown in Figure 9. The upper part of Figure 10 shows the positional relationship between the second magnet holder 7B and the coil holder 5 when the second lens holder 3B is at its front limit of movement. The lower part of Figure 10 shows the positional relationship between the second magnet holder 7B and the coil holder 5 when the second lens holder 3B is at a position further back from its front limit of movement. Figure 11 shows a top view of the holding mechanism HM. Specifically, Figure 11 is a top view of the second magnet holder 7B and the lens holding assembly LH, which constitute the holding mechanism HM, and shows the positional relationship between the second magnet holder 7B and the lens holding assembly LH when the second lens holder 3B is at its front limit of movement. The left side of Figure 11 shows the state in which the engaging portion EP of the second magnet holder 7B and the rotational engaging portion RE of the lens holding assembly LH are engaged (engaged state), and the right side of Figure 11 shows the state in which the engagement portion EP of the second magnet holder 7B and the rotational engaging portion RE of the lens holding assembly LH are released (released state). Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holding assembly LH. The engaged state is also called the "locked state," and the released state is also called the "unlocked state."

[0080] The holding mechanism HM includes a lens holding assembly LH and a second magnet holder 7B, as shown in Figure 11. In this embodiment, the holding mechanism HM mechanically holds the second lens holder 3B at its front (X1) limit position. Furthermore, by mechanically holding the second lens holder 3B, the holding mechanism HM can indirectly hold the first lens holder 3F.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the second magnet holder 7B is configured to be located between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5. Specifically, the second magnet holder 7B is positioned such that its lower stopper portion TD contacts the bottom wall portion 5B of the coil holder 5, and its upper stopper portion TU contacts the ceiling surface (upper surface portion 1B) of the cover member 1.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the engagement portion EP of the second magnet holder 7B is configured to engage with the rotational engagement portion RE of the lens holding assembly LH when the second lens holder 3B is at its front limit position in the optical axis direction.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12, the lens holding assembly LH includes a rotating member 50, a magnet 51, a coil 52, a cylindrical member 53, a magnetic member 54, an iron core member 55, an upper cover 56, and a lower cover 57. The magnet 51, coil 52, magnetic member 54, and iron core member 55 constitute an electromagnetic mechanism EM, while the cylindrical member 53, upper cover 56, and lower cover 57 constitute a case body CB. The lens holding assembly LH is housed in a recess 5U (see Figure 9) provided at the right front corner of the coil holder 5.

[0084] The rotating member 50 is a member that includes a rotational engagement portion RE. In this embodiment, the rotating member 50 is made of a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel and is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 50X. In the illustrated example, the rotating member 50 includes a magnet arrangement portion 50M, a shaft portion 50V, a rotational stopper portion 50K, and a protruding portion 50E.

[0085] The magnet placement section 50M is the part where the magnet 51 is placed, and has a recess 50U for receiving the magnet 51.

[0086] The shaft portion 50V is a portion that is rotatably supported by a cylindrical member 53 and includes a first shaft portion 50V1 and a second shaft portion 50V2 that are spaced apart in the direction of the rotation axis 50X with respect to the magnet arrangement portion 50M.

[0087] The rotating stopper portion 50K is a part that, in cooperation with the stationary stopper portion 56K of the upper cover 56, constitutes the stopper mechanism SM. In the illustrated example, the rotating stopper portion 50K is provided at the end of the second shaft portion 50V2 (the end on the X1 side) and includes a first rotating stopper portion 50K1 and a second rotating stopper portion 50K2.

[0088] The stopper mechanism SM is a mechanism that restricts the rotation of the rotating member 50, and includes a first stopper mechanism SM1 that restricts the rotation of the rotating member 50 in one direction, and a second stopper mechanism SM2 that restricts the rotation of the rotating member 50 in the other direction. The first stopper mechanism SM1 is composed of a first rotating side stopper portion 50K1 and a first stationary side stopper portion 56K1, and the second stopper mechanism SM2 is composed of a second rotating side stopper portion 50K2 and a second stationary side stopper portion 56K2.

[0089] The protruding portion 50E is a portion that protrudes from the end of the first shaft portion 50V1 (the end on the X2 side) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 50X. Specifically, the protruding portion 50E has a first protruding portion 50E1 that protrudes from the first shaft portion 50V1 in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 50X, and a second protruding portion 50E2 that protrudes from the first shaft portion 50V1 in a second direction (the opposite direction to the first direction) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 50X. The first protruding portion 50E1 constitutes the rotation engagement portion RE.

[0090] The magnet 51 is a permanent magnet with two poles. In the illustrated example, one side portion 51N is magnetized as the north pole, and the other side portion 51S is magnetized as the south pole. The magnet 51 is fitted into a recess 50U formed in the magnet placement portion 50M of the rotating member 50 and fixed with adhesive.

[0091] The coil 52 is configured to energize the magnetic member 54 and the iron core member 55. In this embodiment, the coil 52 is configured by winding a wire around the iron core member 55.

[0092] The cylindrical member 53 is a member that forms the side surface of the lens holding assembly LH. In this embodiment, the cylindrical member 53 is made of a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel. In the illustrated example, the cylindrical member 53 includes a first support portion 53V1 that rotatably supports the first shaft portion 50V1 of the rotating member 50, and a second support portion 53V2 that rotatably supports the second shaft portion 50V2 of the rotating member 50. The cylindrical member 53 is also configured to accommodate the coil 52, the magnetic member 54, and the iron core member 55.

[0093] The magnetic member 54 is configured to function as a yoke that increases the magnetic force generated by the coil 52, which acts as an electromagnet. In this embodiment, the magnetic member 54 is made of a magnetic material and includes a left magnetic member 54L and a right magnetic member 54R.

[0094] The iron core member 55 is configured to function as the core of the electromagnet. In the illustrated example, the iron core member 55 is integrated with the left magnetic member 54L. The iron core member 55 is then inserted into the central hole of the coil 52, and its tip is adhesively fixed to the right magnetic member 54R. The coil 52 and the iron core member 55 are also fixed together with adhesive.

[0095] The upper cover 56 is a component that forms the upper surface of the lens holding assembly LH. In the illustrated example, the upper cover 56 is made of synthetic resin. The upper cover 56 also has a stationary stopper portion 56K that cooperates with the rotating stopper portion 50K of the rotating member 50 to form a stopper mechanism SM. Specifically, the stationary stopper portion 56K is a portion provided on the front surface of the upper cover 56 and includes a first stationary stopper portion 56K1 and a second stationary stopper portion 56K2.

[0096] The lower cover 57 is a component that forms the lower surface of the lens holding assembly LH. In this embodiment, the lower cover 57 is made of synthetic resin. In the illustrated example, the side surface of the lower cover 57 has a front recess 57RF for passing through the first end 52F, which is one end of the coil 52, and a rear recess 57RB for passing through the second end 52B, which is the other end of the coil 52. The lower surface of the lower cover 57 also has a front projection 57PF and a rear projection 57PB (see Figure 13) that project downward. The first end 52F of the coil 52 is wound around the front projection 57PF, and the second end 52B of the coil 52 is wound around the rear projection 57PB.

[0097] Next, the movement of the lens holding assembly LH will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 15. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the lens holding assembly LH. Specifically, the upper left figure of Figure 13 shows the lens holding assembly LH in the released state as viewed from the upper right front, and the upper right figure of Figure 13 shows the lens holding assembly LH in the released state as viewed from the upper left rear. Also, the lower left figure of Figure 13 shows the lens holding assembly LH in the engaged state as viewed from the upper right front, and the lower right figure of Figure 13 shows the lens holding assembly LH in the engaged state as viewed from the upper left rear. Figure 14 is a front view of the components of the lens holding assembly LH. Specifically, the upper left and lower left figures of Figure 14 are front views of the components of the lens holding assembly LH in the engaged state, and the upper right and lower right figures of Figure 14 are front views of the components of the lens holding assembly LH in the released state. Furthermore, the upper left and upper right views of Figure 14 are front views of components other than the cylindrical member 53, and the lower left and lower right views of Figure 14 are front views of the magnet 51 and magnetic member 54. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the holding mechanism HM. Specifically, Figure 15 shows a cross-section of the second magnet holder 7B and the lens holding assembly LH (protrusion 50E) in a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane, which includes the cutting line CL3 shown in the left view of Figure 11. Also, the figure GH represented by the dashed line in Figure 15 shows a cross-section of the lens holding assembly LH (protrusion 50E) in a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane, which includes the cutting line CL4 shown in the right view of Figure 11.

[0098] The lens holding assembly LH is configured to allow the rotating member 50 to rotate around the rotation axis 50X by an electromagnetic mechanism EM. Specifically, when current is supplied to the coil 52, the magnetic member 54 is magnetized. In the example shown in the upper left and lower left figures of Figure 14, when current flows from the second end 52B to the first end 52F of the coil 52, the left magnetic member 54L is magnetized to become a south pole, and the right magnetic member 54R is magnetized to become a north pole. In Figure 14, for clarity, a coarse cross pattern is applied to the portion magnetized to the north pole, and a fine cross pattern is applied to the portion magnetized to the south pole.

[0099] In this case, the rotating member 50 to which the magnet 51 is attached receives rotational torque due to the magnetic attraction between one side portion 51N (N pole) and the left magnetic member 54L (S pole), and the magnetic attraction between the other side portion 51S (S pole) and the right magnetic member 54R (N pole). As a result, the rotating member 50 is rotated around the rotation axis 50X in the direction indicated by arrow AR11 in the upper left diagram of Figure 14 (clockwise).

[0100] The first stopper mechanism SM1 restricts the rotation of the rotating member 50 in the direction indicated by arrow AR11. Specifically, the first stationary stopper portion 56K1 provided on the upper cover 56 contacts the first rotating stopper portion 50K1, which is part of the rotating member 50, when the rotating member 50 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow AR11, thereby restricting further rotation of the rotating member 50. Hereinafter, the state in which the rotation of the rotating member 50 in one direction (the direction indicated by arrow AR11) is restricted by the first stationary stopper portion 56K1 will be referred to as the "first restricted state".

[0101] In the first limiting state, when the supply of current to the coil 52 is stopped, the magnetization of the magnetic member 54 is also stopped. Even in this case, the rotating member 50 to which the magnet 51 is attached continues to be subjected to rotational torque due to the magnetic attractive force between one side portion 51N (N pole) and the left magnetic member 54L, and the magnetic attractive force between the other side portion 51S (S pole) and the right magnetic member 54R. This rotational torque maintains the state in which the first rotating side stopper portion 50K1 is pressed against the first stationary side stopper portion 56K1, and prevents the first rotating side stopper portion 50K1 from rotating counterclockwise and moving away from the first stationary side stopper portion 56K1.

[0102] Furthermore, in the example shown in the upper right and lower right diagrams of Figure 14, when current flows from the first end 52F to the second end 52B of the coil 52, the left magnetic member 54L is magnetized to become an N pole, and the right magnetic member 54R is magnetized to become an S pole. In this case, the rotating member 50 to which the magnet 51 is attached receives rotational torque due to the magnetic attractive force between one side portion 51N (N pole) and the right magnetic member 54R (S pole), and the magnetic attractive force between the other side portion 51S (S pole) and the left magnetic member 54L (N pole). Therefore, the rotating member 50 is rotated around the rotation axis 50X in the direction indicated by arrow AR12 in the upper right diagram of Figure 14 (counterclockwise).

[0103] The second stopper mechanism SM2 restricts the rotation of the rotating member 50 in the direction indicated by arrow AR12. Specifically, the second stationary stopper portion 56K2 provided on the upper cover 56 contacts the second rotating stopper portion 50K2, which is part of the rotating member 50, when the rotating member 50 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow AR12, thereby restricting further rotation of the rotating member 50. Hereinafter, the state in which the rotation of the rotating member 50 in the other direction (the direction indicated by arrow AR12) is restricted by the second stationary stopper portion 56K2 will be referred to as the "second restricted state".

[0104] In the second limiting state, when the supply of current to the coil 52 is stopped, the magnetization of the magnetic member 54 is also stopped. Even in this case, the rotating member 50 to which the magnet 51 is attached continues to experience rotational torque due to the magnetic attractive force between one side portion 51N (N pole) and the right magnetic member 54R, and the magnetic attractive force between the other side portion 51S (S pole) and the left magnetic member 54L. This rotational torque maintains the state in which the second rotating side stopper portion 50K2 is pressed against the second stationary side stopper portion 56K2, and prevents the second rotating side stopper portion 50K2 from rotating clockwise and moving away from the second stationary side stopper portion 56K2.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15, the rotating member 50, when rotated counterclockwise by an angle θ around the rotation axis 50X relative to its position in the first restricted state, assumes the position of the second restricted state. The rotating engagement portion RE, which is the first protrusion 50E1 of the rotating member 50, engages with the engagement portion EP, which is the housing space PK provided in the second magnet holder 7B, in the first restricted state, as shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, as shown by the figure GH in Figure 15, the engagement of the rotating engagement portion RE with the engagement portion EP is released in the second restricted state. The rotation angle of the rotating engagement portion RE is the same as the rotation angle of the rotating member 50 (stationary side stopper portion 56K). In the illustrated example, the rotatable angle θ of the rotating member 50 is set to 80 degrees, but it may be a larger angle or a smaller angle. In order to ensure reliable engagement, it is preferable that the angle θ is 70 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

[0106] The housing space PK is a portion of the second magnet holder 7B that defines a space capable of receiving the rotational engagement portion RE. In the illustrated example, the housing space PK is a through hole that penetrates the second magnet holder 7B in the Y-axis direction, separated by a wall portion WP, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 11. However, the housing space PK may be a hole or a notch. Specifically, a hole is, for example, a recess that opens on the right side of the second magnet holder 7B and is recessed to the left in the Y-axis direction without penetrating the second magnet holder 7B. A notch is, for example, a notch that opens on the right side and the top surface of the second magnet holder 7B and is recessed to the left. The notch may be formed to open on the right side, top surface, and left side of the second magnet holder 7B.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the wall portion WP includes a front wall portion WPF and a rear wall portion WPB, as shown in Figure 11. In the first restricted state, the rearward movement (in the X2 direction) of the second magnet holder 7B is restricted by contact between the front surface of the rotational engagement portion RE and the front wall portion WPF that separates the housing space portion PK. Also in the first restricted state, the forward movement (in the X1 direction) of the second magnet holder 7B is restricted by contact between the rear surface of the rotational engagement portion RE and the rear wall portion WPB that separates the housing space portion PK.

[0108] On the other hand, in the second restricted state, the forward (X1 direction) or backward (X2 direction) movement of the second magnet holder 7B is not restricted by the holding mechanism HM. This is because, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 11, even when the second magnet holder 7B moves in the X-axis direction, the wall portion WP and the rotational engagement portion RE do not come into contact.

[0109] Furthermore, the wall portion WP includes an upper wall portion WPU and a lower wall portion WPD, as shown in Figure 15. The rotational engagement portion RE does not come into contact with either the upper wall portion WPU or the lower wall portion WPD, not only in the second limiting state shown by figure GH, but also in the first limiting state. Specifically, the first stopper mechanism SM1 stops the clockwise rotation of the rotating member 50 around the rotation axis 50X while leaving a gap GP5 between the upper end of the rotational engagement portion RE and the upper wall portion WPU.

[0110] This configuration, which ensures a gap GP5 between the upper end of the rotational engagement part RE and the upper wall part WPU when in the first restricted state, has the effect of suppressing unintended release of the locked state compared to a configuration in which the upper end of the rotational engagement part RE and the upper wall part WPU are in contact when in the first restricted state. This is because if the upper end of the rotational engagement part RE and the upper wall part WPU are in contact when in the first restricted state, there is a risk that the rotational engagement part RE may be dislodged by the rapid displacement of the upper wall part WPU when subjected to an impact such as a fall. Furthermore, the amount of engagement between the engagement part EP and the rotational engagement part RE (contact area between the first protrusion 50E1 and the front wall part WPF) is approximately the same regardless of the presence or absence of the gap GP5. Therefore, in terms of the amount of engagement, the configuration that ensures the gap GP5 is not more prone to unlocking than the configuration that does not ensure the gap GP5.

[0111] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the rotating member 50 with the magnet 51 fixed is configured such that its center of gravity lies within region ZN in a front view, as shown in Figure 15. The circular region ZN, shown by the dashed line in Figure 15, is the region within the outer contour of both the first shaft portion 50V1 and the second shaft portion 50V2 in a front view (viewed from the X1 side). In the illustrated example, since the diameter of the first shaft portion 50V1 is larger than the diameter of the second shaft portion 50V2, the contour of region ZN shown in Figure 15 corresponds to the outer contour of the second shaft portion 50V2. Preferably, the rotating member 50 with the magnet 51 fixed is configured such that its center of gravity lies within region ZN in a front view and is close to the axis of rotation 50X. More preferably, the rotating member 50 with the magnet 51 fixed is configured such that its center of gravity lies at the same position as the axis of rotation 50X in a front view.

[0112] This configuration prevents the rotating member 50 from rotating undesirably in the event of an impact such as a fall in the lens holding assembly LH. This is because the further the center of gravity of the rotating member 50, with the magnet 51 fixed, is from the axis of rotation 50X, the greater the rotational torque due to its weight.

[0113] Now, referring again to Figure 10, the positional relationship between the second magnet holder 7B and the coil holder 5 will be explained. As shown in Figure 10, the second magnet holder 7B has an upper stopper portion TU and a lower stopper portion TD to limit the amount of movement when it vibrates in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) due to an impact such as dropping.

[0114] In the illustrated example, the lower stopper portion TD is positioned so as to contact the upper surface (inner bottom surface) of the bottom wall portion 5B of the coil holder 5 (bottom plate portion BP of the fixed side member FB) when the front portion of the second magnet holder 7B (the portion where the engaging portion EP is provided) moves downward. With this configuration, the lower stopper portion TD can limit the amount of downward movement of the front portion of the second magnet holder 7B.

[0115] Furthermore, the upper stopper portion TU is positioned so as to contact the lower surface (ceiling surface) of the upper surface portion 1B of the cover member 1 when the front portion (the portion where the engaging portion EP is provided) of the second magnet holder 7B moves upward. This configuration allows the upper stopper portion TU to limit the amount of upward movement of the front portion of the second magnet holder 7B. In Figure 10, for illustrative purposes, the lower surface (ceiling surface) of the upper surface portion 1B of the cover member 1 is shown with a dashed line.

[0116] Furthermore, the coil holder 5 and the second magnet holder 7B are configured such that the size of the gap GP3 between the lower stopper portion TD and the bottom wall portion 5B of the coil holder 5 changes according to the position of the second magnet holder 7B relative to the coil holder 5 in the X-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the coil holder 5 and the second magnet holder 7B are configured such that the size of the gap GP3A when the second magnet holder 7B is at its front limit of movement is smaller than the size of the gap GP3B when the second magnet holder 7B is not at its front limit of movement. Note that the second magnet holder 7B being at its front limit of movement means that the second lens holder 3B is at its front limit of movement. Specifically, the upper surface (inner bottom surface) of the bottom wall portion 5B of the coil holder 5 is configured such that the height of the portion facing the lower stopper portion TD in the upper diagram of Figure 10 is higher than the height of the portion facing the lower stopper portion TD in the lower diagram of Figure 10.

[0117] On the other hand, the cover member 1 and the second magnet holder 7B are configured such that the size of the gap GP4 between the upper stopper portion TU and the upper surface portion 1B of the cover member 1 does not change depending on the position of the second magnet holder 7B relative to the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the cover member 1 and the second magnet holder 7B are configured such that the size of the gap GP4A when the second magnet holder 7B is at its front limit position is the same as the size of the gap GP4B when the second magnet holder 7B is not at its front limit position.

[0118] With the configuration described above, the lens holder drive device 100 can reduce the amount of vertical movement of the second magnet holder 7B due to impacts received in the first restricted state, compared to when the second magnet holder 7B is not at its front limit position. Therefore, the lens holder drive device 100 can prevent the engagement between the engaging portion EP and the rotating engaging portion RE from being undesirably released due to impacts received in the first restricted state.

[0119] Furthermore, the lower surface (ceiling surface) of the upper surface portion 1B of the cover member 1 may be configured such that the height of the portion facing the upper stopper portion TU in the upper view of Figure 10 is lower than the height of the portion facing the upper stopper portion TU in the lower view of Figure 10. This is to ensure that the size of the gap GP4A when the second magnet holder 7B is at its front limit of movement is smaller than the size of the gap GP4B when the second magnet holder 7B is not at its front limit of movement.

[0120] Next, the attachment of the lens holding assembly LH to the coil holder 5 will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a top view of a part of the coil holder 5 (the right front corner), and corresponds to an enlarged view of the area R2 enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 9. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 16 is a top view of the right front corner of the coil holder 5 before the lens holding assembly LH is attached. The middle part of Figure 16 is a top view of the right front corner of the coil holder 5 after the lens holding assembly LH is attached. The lower part of Figure 16 is a top view of the right front corner of the coil holder 5 after the adhesive BD3 has been applied. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the lens holding assembly LH with the adhesive BD3 attached, showing the state of the lens holding assembly LH in the lower part of Figure 16. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 17 is a view of the lens holding assembly LH with the adhesive BD3 attached, viewed from the upper right front. Furthermore, the lower part of Figure 17 shows the lens holding assembly LH with adhesive BD3 attached, viewed from the upper right rear.

[0121] First, the lens holding assembly LH is fitted into a recess 5U located at the right front corner of the coil holder 5, as shown in the upper part of Figure 16. In Figure 16, a cross pattern is shown on the recess 5U for clarity.

[0122] Specifically, the recess 5U includes a first recess 5U1 in which the case body CB of the lens holding assembly LH is housed, a second recess 5U2 in which the stationary stopper portion 56K of the upper cover 56 is housed, and a third recess 5U3 in which the first shaft portion 50V1 of the shaft portion 50V is housed. Furthermore, the side wall defining the recess 5U is provided with a crush rib 5C, a contact portion 5T, and a groove 5G. In Figure 16, although omitted for clarity, the fourth portion 94 of the printed circuit board 9 is placed at the bottom of the first recess 5U1 before the lens holding assembly LH is housed there.

[0123] The crush rib 5C is the portion that collapses and makes close contact with the lens retaining assembly LH when the lens retaining assembly LH is fitted into the recess 5U. In the illustrated example, the crush rib 5C includes a first crush rib 5C1 and a second crush rib 5C2.

[0124] The contact portion 5T is the portion that contacts the case body CB when the lens holding assembly LH is fitted into the recess 5U. In the illustrated example, the contact portion 5T is a flat portion configured to make surface contact with the side surface of the case body CB, and includes the first contact portion 5T1 to the third contact portion 5T3. Specifically, as shown in the center view of Figure 16, the first contact portion 5T1 is positioned to contact the right side surface (Y2 side surface) of the case body CB, and the second contact portion 5T2 and the third contact portion 5T3 are positioned to contact the front side surface (X1 side surface) of the case body CB. The first crush rib 5C1 is positioned to contact the rear side surface (X2 side surface) of the case body CB, and the second crush rib 5C2 is positioned to contact the left side surface (Y1 side surface) of the case body CB.

[0125] The groove 5G is a structure designed to prevent adhesive BD3 from flowing into the second recess 5U2 and the third recess 5U3 when the adhesive BD3 is applied to the lens holding assembly LH fitted into the recess 5U. In the illustrated example, groove 5G includes the first groove 5G1 to the third groove 5G3. Specifically, the first groove 5G1 is a groove for receiving the portion of adhesive BD3 applied between the right side surface of the case body CB and the inner wall surface of the first recess 5U1 that has entered the third recess 5U3 beyond the first crush rib 5C1. The second groove 5G2 is a groove for receiving the portion of adhesive BD3 applied between the right side surface of the case body CB and the inner wall surface of the first recess 5U1 that is attempting to enter the second recess 5U2 beyond the second contact portion 5T2. The third groove 5G3 is a groove for receiving the portion of the adhesive BD3 applied between the left front corner of the case body CB and the inner wall surface of the first recess 5U1 that attempts to enter the second recess 5U2 beyond the third contact portion 5T3.

[0126] The above configuration prevents the rotation of the rotating stopper portion 50K (rotating member 50) from being hindered by the adhesive BD3 entering the second recess 5U2 and adhering and solidifying between the rotating stopper portion 50K and the case body CB. Furthermore, the above configuration prevents the rotation of the first shaft portion 50V1 (rotating member 50) from being hindered by the adhesive BD3 entering the third recess 5U3 and adhering and solidifying between the first shaft portion 50V1 and the case body CB.

[0127] Specifically, the adhesive BD3 applied to the lens holding assembly LH fitted into the recess 5U adheres to and solidifies on the cylindrical member 53, upper cover 56, and lower cover 57 that make up the case body CB, as shown in Figure 17, but does not adhere to the rotating member 50.

[0128] Next, the details of the printed circuit board 9 will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 20. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the printed circuit board 9 attached to the base member BM. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 18 is a perspective view of the base plate 2, coil assembly 4, coil holder 5, and printed circuit board 9. The lower part of Figure 18 is a perspective view of the base plate 2, coil holder 5, and printed circuit board 9, showing the state in which the coil assembly 4 has been removed from the configuration shown in the upper part of Figure 18. Figure 19 is a top view and a front view of the printed circuit board 9. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 19 is a top view of the printed circuit board 9, and the middle part of Figure 19 is a front view of the printed circuit board 9. The lower part of Figure 19 is a front view of a part of the printed circuit board 9, and corresponds to an enlarged view of the area R3 enclosed by the dashed line shown in the middle part of Figure 19. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a part of the printed circuit board 9 attached to the base member BM. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 20 corresponds to an enlarged view of the area R4 shown by the dashed line in Figure 18. The center view of Figure 20 shows the state in which the right coil set 42R is connected to the conductor pattern of the printed circuit board 9 shown in the upper view of Figure 20 by bonding material SD. The lower view of Figure 20 shows the state in which adhesive BD2 is applied to the first right portion 91R of the printed circuit board 9 shown in the center view of Figure 20. Note that the right board 41R is omitted from the illustration in the center view and the lower view of Figure 20 for clarity. Also, in the lower view of Figure 20, a cross pattern is applied to the adhesive BD2 for clarity.

[0129] Except for the fourth portion 94, the printed circuit board 9 is placed on and glued to a base plate 2 which constitutes a part of the bottom plate portion BP of the fixed side member FB (base member BM), as shown in Figure 18. The fourth portion 94 is placed at the bottom of the first recess 5U1 (see upper diagram in Figure 16). The printed circuit board 9 is electrically connected to a power supply CS (see Figure 21), which is a current supply source (current supply circuit) located outside the lens holder drive device 100, and to each of the multiple coils located inside the lens holder drive device 100.

[0130] Specifically, the printed circuit board 9 has a first portion 91, a second portion 92, a third portion 93, and a fourth portion 94 (see the upper portion of Figure 19), as shown in the lower part of Figure 18. The first portion 91, the third portion 93, and the fourth portion 94 are located within the housing portion SP, while the second portion 92 is located outside the housing portion SP. The housing portion SP includes portions located at the notches CU (left-side notch CUL and right-side notch CUR). The first portion 91 is located at a position corresponding to the notch CU.

[0131] More specifically, the first part 91 is located directly below the coil assembly 4 and includes a first left part 91L having a conductor pattern connected to the left coil set 42L, and a first right part 91R having a conductor pattern connected to the right coil set 42R. The second part 92 has a second left part 92L adjacent to the first left part 91L, and a second right part 92R adjacent to the first right part 91R. The third part 93 has a conductor pattern connected to the magnetic sensor 18. The fourth part 94 has a conductor pattern to which the coil 52 of the electromagnetic mechanism EM is connected. Specifically, on the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the fourth part 94, as shown in the upper part of Figure 19, a fifth conductor pattern PT5 is formed by conductive adhesive or solder, etc., to electrically connect to both ends of the coil 52 constituting the electromagnetic mechanism EM included in the lens holding assembly LH. More specifically, the lower surface (Z2 side) of the fourth portion 94 has a fifth conductor pattern PT5F to which the first end 52F of the coil 52 is electrically connected, and a fifth conductor pattern PT5B to which the second end 52B of the coil 52 is electrically connected.

[0132] Here, with reference to Figure 20, the details of the first right portion 91R and the second right portion 92R will be described. The following description with reference to Figure 20 also applies to the first left portion 91L and the second left portion 92L, which have substantially the same configuration.

[0133] In the illustrated example, the first right-side portion 91R includes six first conductor patterns PT1 (first conductor patterns PT1a to PT1f), as shown in the upper part of Figure 20. The first conductor patterns PT1 are formed to increase the adhesive strength between the printed circuit board 9 and the adhesive BD2. Therefore, the first conductor patterns PT1 are not electrically connected to other components and are covered by the adhesive BD2, as shown in the lower part of Figure 20. The surface of the conductor pattern, which is formed of metal, has higher wettability than the surface of the printed circuit board 9, which is formed of insulating material. Therefore, the adhesive strength between the first conductor pattern PT1 and the adhesive BD2 is higher than the adhesive strength between the insulating material and the adhesive BD2. The higher the adhesive strength, the less likely it is that the adhesive BD2 will peel off from the printed circuit board 9 when subjected to impact such as dropping.

[0134] Furthermore, the first right portion 91R includes a second conductor pattern PT2 connected to one end of the coil constituting the right coil set 42R, and a third conductor pattern PT3 connected to the other end of the coil constituting the right coil set 42R, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 20. Specifically, the first right portion 91R includes a second conductor pattern PT2a connected to one end of the first right coil 42R1, a third conductor pattern PT3a connected to the other end of the first right coil 42R1, a second conductor pattern PT2b connected to one end of the second right coil 42R2, and a third conductor pattern PT3b connected to the other end of the second right coil 42R2.

[0135] Specifically, as shown in the center diagram of Figure 20, the first right-side coil 42R1 has one end, the first end TM1 (first end TM11), electrically connected to the second conductor pattern PT2a by the first connecting material SD1 (first connecting material SD11), and the other end, the second end TM2 (second end TM21), electrically connected to the third conductor pattern PT3a by the second connecting material SD2 (second connecting material SD21). Similarly, as shown in the center diagram of Figure 20, the second right-side coil 42R2 has one end TM1 (first end TM12) electrically connected to the second conductor pattern PT2b by the first connecting material SD1 (first connecting material SD12), and the second end TM2 (second end TM22) electrically connected to the third conductor pattern PT3b by the second connecting material SD2 (second connecting material SD22). The bonding material SD, which includes the first bonding material SD1 and the second bonding material SD2, is, for example, a conductive adhesive.

[0136] Between the second conductor pattern PT2a and the third conductor pattern PT3a, two first conductor patterns PT1 (first conductor pattern PT1a and first conductor pattern PT1b) were arranged with a gap between them. Also, between the second conductor pattern PT2b and the third conductor pattern PT3b, two first conductor patterns PT1 (first conductor pattern PT1e and first conductor pattern PT1f) were arranged with a gap between them. Furthermore, between the third conductor pattern PT3a and the second conductor pattern PT2b, two first conductor patterns PT1 (first conductor pattern PT1c and first conductor pattern PT1d) were also arranged with a gap between them.

[0137] This arrangement of the first conductor pattern PT1 has the effect of preventing the ends TM of the first right coil 42R1 and the second right coil 42R2 from being short-circuited by the bonding material SD.

[0138] For example, even if the first connecting material SD11, which electrically connects the first end TM11 of the first right coil 42R1 to the second conductor pattern PT2a, comes into contact with the first conductor pattern PT1a, and further, the second connecting material SD21, which electrically connects the second end TM21 of the first right coil 42R1 to the third conductor pattern PT3a, comes into contact with the first conductor pattern PT1b, the first conductor pattern PT1a and the first conductor pattern PT1b are spaced apart from each other, so the first end TM11 and the second end TM21 of the first right coil 42R1 will not be short-circuited.

[0139] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the coil holder 5 has enclosure portions EN (first enclosure portion EN1 to sixth enclosure portion EN6) integrally formed with the side wall portion SW so as to surround three of the four sides of the periphery of the second conductor pattern PT2 and the third conductor pattern PT3, respectively, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 20. The enclosure portions EN have the effect of suppressing the undesirable spreading of the fluid bonding material SD when it is applied to the conductor pattern. Therefore, the configuration having enclosure portions EN has the effect of facilitating the adoption of an assembly method in which the right coil assembly 4R is fitted into the right notch portion CUR on the fourth side wall portion 5A4 of the coil holder 5 after the bonding material SD has been applied to the first right portion 91R of the printed wiring board 9. In addition, when such an assembly method is adopted, it becomes unnecessary to insert the tip of a needle for applying the bonding material SD into the gap between the first right portion 91R of the printed wiring board 9 and the right substrate 41R of the right coil assembly 4R. As a result, malfunctions such as coil breakage caused by contact between the needle and the coil are suppressed. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of improving the workability of applying the bonding material SD and improving the reliability of contact between the coil end TM and the bonding material SD (conductor pattern).

[0140] Specifically, the first enclosure EN1 is positioned to the right of the second conductor pattern PT2a, preventing the first bonding material SD11 applied to the second conductor pattern PT2a from spreading to the right. The second enclosure EN2 is positioned in front of the third conductor pattern PT3a, preventing the second bonding material SD21 applied to the third conductor pattern PT3a from spreading forward. The third enclosure EN3 is positioned behind the third conductor pattern PT3a, preventing the second bonding material SD21 applied to the third conductor pattern PT3a from spreading backward. The fourth enclosure EN4 is positioned in front of the second conductor pattern PT2b, preventing the first bonding material SD12 applied to the second conductor pattern PT2b from spreading forward. The fifth enclosure EN5 is positioned behind the second conductor pattern PT2b, preventing the first bonding material SD12 applied to the second conductor pattern PT2b from spreading backward. The sixth enclosure EN6 is positioned to the right of the third conductor pattern PT3b, preventing the second bonding material SD22 applied to the third conductor pattern PT3b from spreading to the right.

[0141] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the second right portion 92R includes 11 fourth conductor patterns PT4 (fourth conductor patterns PT4a to fourth conductor patterns PT4k), as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 20.

[0142] After the first right coil 42R1 and the second right coil 42R2 are electrically connected to the conductor pattern by bonding material SD, and the right substrate 41R supporting the first right coil 42R1 and the second right coil 42R2 is adhesively fixed to the fourth side wall portion 5A4 of the coil holder 5, adhesive BD2 is applied to the first right portion 91R as shown in the lower part of Figure 20. In practice, as shown in the upper part of Figure 18, adhesive BD2 is applied to fill the gap between the right substrate 41R of the right coil assembly 4R, which is fitted into the right notch portion CUR on the fourth side wall portion 5A4 of the coil holder 5, and the first right portion 91R of the printed wiring board 9. That is, the gap between the substrate 41 and the first portion 91 is sealed by adhesive BD2. In the illustrated example, the first bonding material SD1 and the second bonding material SD2 are completely covered by adhesive BD2, and the first conductor pattern PT1 is also completely covered. This configuration has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the right coil assembly 4R (right substrate 41R), the coil holder 5, and the printed circuit board 9 (first right portion 91R). Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of increasing the insulation between the respective ends TM of the first right coil 42R1 and the second right coil 42R2.

[0143] Furthermore, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 19, the printed circuit board 9 is configured to have a step ST between the upper surface (Z1 side) of the first right portion 91R and the upper surface (Z1 side) of the second right portion 92R. Specifically, the printed circuit board 9 is a multilayer board with multiple layers stacked on top of each other, and is configured such that the number of layers in the first right portion 91R is greater than the number of layers in the second right portion 92R. In the illustrated example, the first right portion 91R is composed of four layers, and the second right portion 92R is composed of two layers. Typically, the number of layers in the first right portion 91R is greater than the number of layers in the second right portion 92R, but it may be less than or equal to the number of layers in the second right portion 92R. Also, at least one of the first right portion 91R and the second right portion 92R may be composed of a single layer.

[0144] Furthermore, the first right portion 91R has a thickness TK1 that is greater than the thickness TK2 of the second right portion 92R, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 19. However, the thickness TK1 of the first right portion 91R may be less than or equal to the thickness TK2 of the second right portion 92R.

[0145] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the first right portion 91R and the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the second right portion 92R are configured to be flush. However, the printed circuit board 9 may be configured to have a step between the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the first right portion 91R and the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the second right portion 92R.

[0146] A configuration having such a step ST has the effect of suppressing the spreading of the bonding material SD and adhesive BD2 from the first right portion 91R to the second right portion 92R. This is because the bonding material SD and adhesive BD2 that reach the step ST are prevented from entering the second right portion 92R by surface tension. A recess that functions as an adhesive reservoir may be provided at the end of the step ST. This is to further suppress the spreading of the bonding material SD or adhesive BD2 from the first right portion 91R to the second right portion 92R by receiving the bonding material SD or adhesive BD2 that has spread along the step ST.

[0147] Next, with reference to Figure 21, the control of the lens holder drive device 100 mounted on a camera-equipped portable device will be described. Figure 21 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control system SYS that controls the lens holder drive device 100.

[0148] The control system SYS mainly includes, as components, a left magnetic sensor 18L, a right magnetic sensor 18R, a first left coil 42L1 and a second left coil 42L2 in the left coil set 42L, a first right coil 42R1 and a second right coil 42R2 in the right coil set 42R, and a coil 52 in the lens holding assembly LH, all of which are located within the lens holder drive device 100.

[0149] Furthermore, the control system SYS includes, as components, an input device ID, a control device CTR, and a power supply CS, which are located outside the lens holder drive device 100.

[0150] The input device ID is a device that receives input to the control device CTR. In the example shown in Figure 21, the input device ID is a touch panel installed on a portable device with a camera.

[0151] The control device CTR is configured to control the power supply CS, which can supply current to the lens holder drive device 100. In the example shown in Figure 21, the control device CTR is configured to control the power supply CS based on information from the input device ID, the left magnetic sensor 18L, and the right magnetic sensor 18R, etc.

[0152] The power supply CS is configured to supply current individually to each of the following: the first left coil 42L1 and the second left coil 42L2 in the left coil set 42L, the first right coil 42R1 and the second right coil 42R2 in the right coil set 42R, and the coil 52 in the lens holding assembly LH.

[0153] In the example shown in Figure 21, the control device CTR can supply the appropriate amount of current to each component at the appropriate timing by controlling the power supply CS using PWM control or the like. Specifically, for example, when the control device CTR receives a camera activation signal from the input device ID, it supplies current to the coil 52 in the lens holding assembly LH by PWM controlling the power supply CS.

[0154] The camera activation signal is a signal used to activate the camera installed in a camera-equipped portable device. In the example shown in Figure 21, the camera activation signal is output by the touch panel, which acts as the input device ID, when the camera icon displayed on the touch panel display installed in the camera-equipped portable device is touched.

[0155] When the coil 52 in the lens holding assembly LH receives current from the power supply CS, it rotates the rotating member 50 around the rotation axis 50X in the direction indicated by arrow AR12 (counterclockwise), as shown in Figure 14. That is, as shown in the lower right figure of Figure 14, the coil 52 magnetizes the left magnetic member 54L to the north pole and the right magnetic member 54R to the south pole, thereby rotating the magnet 51 fixed to the rotating member 50 from the state shown in the lower left figure of Figure 14 to the state shown in the lower right figure of Figure 14. This is to change the state in which the engaging part EP and the rotating engaging part RE are engaged (mesh) as shown in the left figure of Figure 11 to the state in which the engaging part EP and the rotating engaging part RE are disengaged, as shown in the right figure of Figure 11. This disengagement allows the second lens holder 3B to move freely in the optical axis direction, and as a result, the first lens holder 3F can also move freely in the optical axis direction.

[0156] Subsequently, the control device CTR can supply a forward current to the first right coil 42R1 in the right coil set 42R by PWM control of the power supply CS. When the first right coil 42R1 receives a forward current from the power supply CS, the magnetic force generated by the first right coil 42R1 attracts the first right magnet 6R1 and pushes the second right magnet 6R2 backward. As a result, the control device CTR can move the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2), which is in the position shown in the upper diagram of Figure 7 (the limit of movement on the front side (X1 side)), backward (in the X2 direction).

[0157] Subsequently, the control device CTR can supply a reverse current to the first right coil 42R1 by PWM control of the power supply CS. When the first right coil 42R1 receives a reverse current from the power supply CS, the magnetic force it generates can move the first right magnet 6R1 backward. The control device CTR can also supply a reverse current to the second right coil 42R2 by PWM control of the power supply CS. When the second right coil 42R2 receives a reverse current from the power supply CS, the magnetic force it generates can attract the second right magnet 6R2. As a result, the control device CTR can move the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2), which is located in the position shown in the center diagram of Figure 7, further backward (in the X2 direction) to the position shown in the lower diagram of Figure 7.

[0158] The same control by the control device CTR is performed when moving the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2) forward, when moving the first lens holder 3F (first lens body LS1) backward, and when moving the first lens holder 3F (first lens body LS1) forward.

[0159] Furthermore, the control device CTR can determine the position of the left magnet 6L (first lens holder 3F) based on the output of the left magnetic sensor 18L. Therefore, when moving the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3F) in the optical axis direction, the control device CTR can provide feedback control of the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to the first left coil 42L1 and the second left coil 42L2, which constitute the left coil set 42L, based on the output of the left magnetic sensor 18L.

[0160] Similarly, the control device CTR can determine the position of the right magnet 6R (second lens holder 3B) based on the output of the right magnetic sensor 18R. Therefore, when moving the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) in the optical axis direction, the control device CTR can provide feedback control of the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to the first right coil 42R1 and the second right coil 42R2, which constitute the right coil set 42R, based on the output of the right magnetic sensor 18R.

[0161] Subsequently, when the control device CTR receives a camera stop signal from the input device ID, it can move the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3F) and the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) to their front limit positions by controlling the power supply CS with PWM.

[0162] The camera stop signal is a signal used to disable the camera function of a camera-equipped portable device. In the example shown in Figure 21, the camera stop signal is output by the touch panel, which acts as the input device ID, when the software button (icon) for disabling the camera function displayed on the touch panel display of the camera-equipped portable device is touched.

[0163] After moving the first lens holder 3F to its front limit position and the second lens holder 3B to its front limit position, the control device CTR supplies a current to the coil 52 in the lens holding assembly LH in the opposite direction to when the camera activation signal was received.

[0164] Furthermore, the control device CTR can determine whether the first lens holder 3F (left magnet 6L) has reached its front limit position based on the output of the left magnetic sensor 18L, and can also determine whether the second lens holder 3B (second magnet 6B) has reached its front limit position based on the output of the right magnetic sensor 18R.

[0165] When coil 52 in the lens holding assembly LH receives a reverse current from the power supply CS, it rotates the rotating member 50 around the rotation axis 50X in the direction indicated by arrow AR11 (clockwise), as shown in Figure 14. That is, as shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 14, coil 52 magnetizes the left magnetic member 54L to the south pole and the right magnetic member 54R to the north pole, thereby rotating the magnet 51 fixed to the rotating member 50 from the state shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 14 to the state shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 14. This is to change the state in which the engagement part EP and the rotational engagement part RE are disengaged, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 11, to the state in which the engagement part EP and the rotational engagement part RE are engaged (engaged), as shown in the left diagram of Figure 11. This engagement restricts the movement of the second lens holder 3B in the optical axis direction, and as a result, the movement of the first lens holder 3F in the optical axis direction is also restricted.

[0166] Through the control described above, the control device CTR can switch between a state in which the engaging portion EP and the rotating engaging portion RE are engaged (locked state) and a state in which the engaging portion EP and the rotating engaging portion RE are disengaged (unlocked state), and conversely, it can also switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. Furthermore, the control device CTR can move the first lens holder 3F and the second lens holder 3B individually in the optical axis direction.

[0167] As described above, the lens holder drive device 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 3, comprises a fixed-side member FB (base plate 2 and coil holder 5) having a bottom plate portion BP (fixed-side metal plate portion 2B and bottom wall portion 5B), a lens holder 3 capable of holding a lens body LS, a guide mechanism GM that guides the lens holder 3 to move along the bottom plate portion BP in the optical axis direction (X axis direction), and a drive unit DM that moves the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction (X axis direction). As shown in Figure 5, the lens holder 3 is open at the top and has a bottom portion BT facing the bottom plate portion BP. At least the portion of the bottom portion BT where the lens body LS is placed is made of a movable-side metal plate portion 32. This configuration has the effect of reducing the height dimension of the lens holder drive device 100 compared to the case where the entire lens holder 3 is made of a material other than metal, such as synthetic resin. In other words, this configuration has the effect of making the lens holder drive device 100 low profile.

[0168] Furthermore, the base plate portion BP may be configured to have a fixed metal plate portion 2B facing the movable metal plate portion 32. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the base plate portion BP may have a fixed metal plate portion 2B facing the movable metal plate portion 32 over at least the entire range of movement of the lens holder 3. This configuration has the effect of reducing the height dimension of the lens holder drive device 100 compared to the case where the entire base plate 2 is formed of a material other than metal, such as synthetic resin. In other words, this configuration has the effect of further reducing the height of the lens holder drive device 100.

[0169] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the lens holder 3 may have a pair of side wall portions 30 that are spaced apart from each other and facing each other in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the optical axis direction (X-axis direction). Each of the pair of side wall portions 30 may be made of synthetic resin that is integrated with the movable side metal plate portion 32. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the movable side metal plate portion 32 may have a base portion BS that constitutes the bottom portion BT and a bent portion FP that is bent from the base portion BS and embedded in the side wall portion 30. This configuration has the effect of increasing the strength of the lens holder 3 compared to a configuration without the bent portion FP.

[0170] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the bent portion FP may have an adhesive portion AD that is exposed on the surface of the side wall portion 30 and fixed to the lens body LS with adhesive. This configuration has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the lens body LS and the lens holder 3.

[0171] Furthermore, multiple protrusions or recesses may be formed on the surface of the adhesive portion AD. In the example shown in Figure 6, multiple recesses are formed on the surface of the adhesive portion AD. This configuration has the effect of further increasing the adhesive strength between the lens body LS and the lens holder 3.

[0172] Furthermore, the bent portion FP may be bent multiple times from the base portion BS and may have a first bent portion FP1 bent upward from the base portion BS and a second bent portion FP2 whose plate surface is substantially parallel to the plate surface of the base portion BS. In this case, the adhesive portion AD may be provided at least in the second bent portion FP2. In the example shown in Figure 6, the first bent portion FP1 of the front movable side metal plate portion 32F includes a fourth portion 32F4, and the second bent portion FP2 of the front movable side metal plate portion 32F includes a third portion 32F3 and a ninth portion 32F9. The adhesive portion AD is provided in the third portion 32F3 and the ninth portion 32F9. The same applies to the rear movable side metal plate portion 32B. This configuration has the effect of exposing the adhesive portion AD to the upper surface of the side wall portion 30. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of increasing the strength of the lens holder 3 compared to a configuration without the second bent portion FP2.

[0173] Furthermore, the guide mechanism GM may consist of two parallel shafts 8 (see Figure 3) provided on the fixed side member FB, and a through-hole TH (see Figure 5) provided on the lens holder 3 through which the shafts 8 are inserted. The through-hole TH may be formed on each of the pair of side wall portions 30, as shown in Figure 5. Preferably, the through-hole TH is located between the lower surface of the bottom portion BT and the upper surface of the side wall portion 30, as shown in Figure 5. This is to reduce the height of the lens holder drive device 100. This configuration has the advantage of being simpler and easier to assemble compared to the case where a ball is used as the guide mechanism GM.

[0174] Furthermore, the lens holder 3 may have a magnetic field generating member 15, as shown in Figure 5. The fixed-side member FB (printed circuit board 9) may have a magnetic sensor 18 for detecting the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating member 15, as shown in Figure 3. Also, at least a portion of the magnetic field generating member 15 may be fixed to the movable-side metal plate portion 32 via adhesive BD1, as shown in Figure 8. This configuration has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the magnetic field generating member 15 and the lens holder 3.

[0175] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the lens holder drive device 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a fixed side member FB, a lens holder 3 capable of holding a lens body LS, a drive unit DM for moving the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction, and a holding mechanism HM for holding the lens holder 3 at a predetermined position in the optical axis direction. The holding mechanism HM includes an engagement portion EP provided on the movable side member MB including the lens holder 3, a rotational engagement portion RE that rotates so as to be engageable with the engagement portion EP, and a rotational drive unit (lens holding assembly LH) which includes an electromagnetic mechanism EM configured to have a magnet 51 and a coil 52 and rotate the rotational engagement portion RE. The rotational drive unit (lens holding assembly LH) includes a rotating member 50 to which the magnet 51 or coil 52 is fixed, and a receiving portion 53V that rotatably supports the rotating member 50. The rotational engagement portion RE is integrally provided on the rotating member 50. In the example shown in Figure 12, the lens holding assembly LH has a rotating member 50 to which the magnet 51 is fixed, and a receiving portion 53V that rotatably supports the rotating member 50. The rotating engagement portion RE is formed by the first projection 50E1 of the rotating member 50 and is integrally formed with the rotating member 50. However, the rotating engagement portion RE and the rotating member 50 may be made of separate components and integrated with an adhesive. This configuration does not require gears or the like because the rotating engagement portion RE is integrally provided with the rotating member 50. Therefore, this configuration can suppress the enlargement of the lens holder drive device 100 and, consequently, has the effect of reducing its size.

[0176] Furthermore, the holding mechanism HM may have a limiting part (stopper mechanism SM) that limits the rotation range of the rotating member 50. This configuration has the effect that, when the limiting part (stopper mechanism SM) is properly set, the engagement between the engaging part EP and the rotating engaging part RE is ensured. In other words, this configuration has the effect of suppressing problems such as the rotating member 50 rotating too much and the engagement being unintentionally released.

[0177] Furthermore, the electromagnetic mechanism EM may be composed of an electromagnet. Specifically, the lens holding assembly LH may have a magnet 51 fixed to the rotating member 50, a pair of magnetic members 54 arranged facing each other with the magnet 51 in between, an iron core member 55 provided to connect the pair of magnetic members 54, and a coil 52 provided around the iron core member 55, as shown in Figure 12. In this case, the magnet 51 may have different magnetic poles in one side portion 51N located on one side of the plane 50P containing the rotation axis 50X of the rotating member 50 and the other side portion 51S located on the other side, as shown in Figure 14. In the example shown in Figure 14, the one side portion 51N is magnetized to the N pole, and the other side portion 51S is magnetized to the S pole. The lens holding assembly LH may be configured such that the pair of magnetic members 54 are magnetized by the current flowing through the coil 52, and the rotating member 50 rotates due to the magnetic force generated between the magnetic members 54 and the magnet 51. Furthermore, the rotation axis 50X of the rotating member 50 extends in the X-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of magnetic members 54 face each other (Y-axis direction). This configuration has the effect of simplifying the configuration of the rotation drive unit (lens holding assembly LH).

[0178] Furthermore, the limiting part (stopper mechanism SM) may have a first stationary stopper part 56K1 that limits the rotation of the rotating member 50 in one direction, and a second stationary stopper part 56K2 that limits rotation in the other direction. In this case, in the first limiting state in which the rotation of the rotating member 50 in one direction (the direction indicated by arrow AR11) is limited by the first stationary stopper part 56K1, and when no current is flowing through the coil 52, a magnetic force may act between the magnet 51 and the pair of magnetic members 54 that attempts to rotate the rotating member 50 in one direction (the direction indicated by arrow AR11). Also, in the second limiting state in which the rotation of the rotating member 50 in the other direction (the direction indicated by arrow AR12) is limited by the second stationary stopper part 56K2, and when no current is flowing through the coil 52, a magnetic force may act between the magnet 51 and the pair of magnetic members 54 that attempts to rotate the rotating member 50 in the other direction (the direction indicated by arrow AR12). This configuration has the effect of making it difficult for the engagement state (locked state) to be released even if an impact such as a fall occurs when no current is supplied to the coil 52.

[0179] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the lens holding assembly LH may be configured such that a pair of magnetic members 54 (left magnetic member 54L and right magnetic member 54R) are parallel to the direction (Y-axis direction) in which they face each other across the magnet 51, and the plane 50P of the magnet 51 is tilted in different directions with respect to the first virtual plane VP1 which contains the rotation axis 50X of the rotating member 50, in the first restricted state (see lower left diagram in Figure 14) and the second restricted state (see lower right diagram in Figure 14), and during the transition from the first restricted state to the second restricted state, it passes through a state where it is perpendicular to the first virtual plane VP1 and the plane 50P is perpendicular to the second virtual plane VP2 which contains the rotation axis 50X. This configuration has the effect of enabling switching between the first restricted state and the second restricted state with a simple configuration using the magnet 51 and magnetic members 54. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of enabling the maintenance of the first and second limiting states with a simple structure, even without flowing current through the coil 52. The angle θ1 between the first virtual plane VP1 and plane 50P in the first limiting state is acute, and the angle θ2 between the first virtual plane VP1 and plane 50P in the second limiting state is also acute. Preferably, angles θ1 and θ2 are 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. Also, the sum of angles θ1 and θ2 is preferably 70 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

[0180] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the lens holding assembly LH may have a case body CB that houses a pair of magnetic members 54, an iron core member 55, and a coil 52, and also has a receiving portion 53V. The limiting portion (stopper mechanism SM, stationary side stopper portion 56K) may be provided integrally with the case body CB that constitutes the fixed side member FB. This configuration has the effect of making it less likely for the engagement state (locked state) to be undesirably released when subjected to impact such as dropping, compared to the case where the limiting portion (stopper mechanism SM) is provided on a movable side member MB such as the lens holder 3 (second magnet holder 7B).

[0181] Furthermore, the movable side member MB may include an engaging member (second magnet holder 7B) with an engaging portion EP formed thereon, as shown in Figure 3. In this case, the engaging portion EP may be composed of a housing space PK (through hole, hole, or notch) into which the rotating engaging portion RE fits, as shown in Figures 11 and 15. The rotating engaging portion RE may, in the first restricted state as shown in Figure 15, engage with the engaging portion EP with a gap GP5 between the wall portion WP forming the housing space PK (through hole, hole, or notch) and the rotating engaging portion RE in the direction of rotation of the rotating engaging portion RE. This configuration has the effect of further suppressing the unwanted release of the engaged state (locked state) when subjected to impact such as a fall. This is because it can suppress the rotational engaging portion RE from being repelled by the rapid displacement of the wall portion WP when subjected to impact such as a fall, and it can suppress the rotational engaging portion RE from being rotated in the direction indicated by arrow AR12 (see upper right diagram of Figure 14).

[0182] Furthermore, the fixed-side member FB (coil holder 5) may have a bottom plate portion BP (bottom wall portion 5B) facing the movable-side member MB, as shown in Figure 10. In this case, the gap GP3 between the portion of the movable-side member MB (second magnet holder 7B) where the engagement portion EP is formed (lower stopper portion TD) and the bottom plate portion BP (bottom wall portion 5B) is preferably set to be smaller when the lens holder 3 is in a position held by the holding mechanism HM (see upper diagram in Figure 10) than when the lens holder 3 is in other positions (see lower diagram in Figure 10). In the illustrated example, the fixed-side member FB (coil holder 5) is configured such that the size of the gap GP3A when the movable-side member MB is at the front limit of movement is smaller than the size of the gap GP3B when the movable-side member MB is not at the front limit of movement. This configuration has the effect of further suppressing the undesirable release of the engagement state (locked state) in the event of an impact such as a fall. This is because it suppresses the magnitude of downward movement of the second magnet holder 7B when subjected to impact such as dropping, and prevents the rotational engagement part RE from being rotated in the direction indicated by arrow AR12 (see upper right diagram in Figure 14) due to the downward movement of the second magnet holder 7B.

[0183] Furthermore, the receiving portion 53V may include a first receiving portion 53V1 and a second receiving portion 53V2, which are spaced apart in the direction of the rotation axis 50X, as shown in Figure 12. The rotating member 50 may also have a magnet arrangement portion 50M on which the magnet 51 is arranged, a first shaft portion 50V1 and a second shaft portion 50V2, which are spaced apart in the direction of the rotation axis 50X on either side of the magnet arrangement portion 50M, and a projection portion 50E that protrudes from the first shaft portion 50V1, which is located on the opposite side of the magnet arrangement portion 50M on either side of the first receiving portion 53V1, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 50X. In this case, the first shaft portion 50V1 may be rotatably supported by the first receiving portion 53V1, and the second shaft portion 50V2 may be rotatably supported by the second receiving portion 53V2. Furthermore, the protruding portion 50E may have a first protruding portion 50E1 that protrudes in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 50X from the first shaft portion 50V1, and a second protruding portion 50E2 that protrudes in the opposite direction to the first direction. The first protruding portion 50E1 constitutes the rotation engagement portion RE, and as shown in Figure 15, the center of gravity of the rotating member 50 with the magnet 51 fixed, when viewed along the direction of the rotation axis 50X, may be located within the region ZN of the first shaft portion 50V1 and the second shaft portion 50V2. This configuration has the effect of further suppressing the unwanted release of the engagement state (locked state) when subjected to impact such as dropping. This is because, by bringing the center of gravity of the rotating member 50 with the magnet 51 fixed closer to the axis of rotation 50X, the rotational torque due to its weight can be reduced, thereby preventing the rotating engagement part RE from being rotated in the direction indicated by arrow AR12 (see upper right diagram of Figure 14) due to such rotational torque.

[0184] Furthermore, the fixed-side member FB (coil holder 5) may have a mounting portion (recess 5U) to which the rotary drive unit (lens holding assembly LH) is fixed, as shown in Figure 16. In this case, the mounting portion (recess 5U) may be provided with a rib (crush rib 5C) that contacts the rotary drive unit (lens holding assembly LH). The rotary drive unit (lens holding assembly LH) may be fixed to the mounting portion (recess 5U) by adhesive BD3. This configuration has the effect of preventing the adhesive BD3 from adhering to the rotary drive unit (rotating member 50 of the lens holding assembly LH) and hindering its rotation. This is because the amount of adhesive BD3 flowing from the first recess 5U1 to the third recess 5U3 is limited by the crush rib 5C.

[0185] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the lens holder drive device 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a fixed side member FB (base plate 2 and coil holder 5) having a side wall SW and a bottom plate BP that form a housing SP, a lens holder 3 capable of holding a lens body LS and housed in the housing SP so as to be movable relative to the fixed side member FB, a drive unit DM configured to move the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction and having at least a magnet 6 and coils (first left coil 42L1, second left coil 42L2, first right coil 42R1, second right coil 42R2), and a printed circuit board 9 (flexible printed circuit board) supported by the bottom plate BP. The side wall SW has a notch CU that is open at the top. The printed circuit board 9 has a step ST (see lower diagram of Figure 19) between a first portion 91 positioned at a location corresponding to the notch CU and a second portion 92 adjacent to the first portion 91 and located outside the notch CU. Specifically, the first portion 91 includes a first left portion 91L and a first right portion 91R, and the second portion 92 includes a second left portion 92L and a second right portion 92R. The printed circuit board 9 also has a third portion 93 positioned between the first left portion 91L and the first right portion 91R. The first portion 91 and the third portion 93 are arranged within a housing portion SP including a notch CU, and the second portion 92 is positioned outside the housing portion SP, extending from the notch CU. The upper surface of the first portion 91 is higher than the upper surface of the second portion 92. A part of the drive unit DM (coil assembly 4) is positioned above the first portion 91. An adhesive BD2 is provided between the first portion 91 and the part of the drive unit DM (coil assembly 4), as shown in the upper part of Figure 18. This configuration has the effect of preventing the adhesive BD2 from flowing out from the first portion 91 to the second portion 92. This is because the adhesive BD2 moves along the edge of the first portion 91 due to surface tension. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of preventing the adhesive BD2 from adhering to the conductive pattern (fourth conductive pattern PT4) even when a conductive pattern (second right portion 92R) is formed on the upper surface of the second portion 92 (second right portion 92R), as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 20.

[0186] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 9 may be configured such that the thickness TK1 of the first portion 91 is greater than the thickness TK2 of the second portion 92, as shown in Figure 19. This configuration has the effect of making the lower surface of the first portion 91 and the lower surface of the second portion 92 flush with each other while maintaining a step ST between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of facilitating adhesive fixing of the printed circuit board 9 to the upper surface of the base plate 2.

[0187] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 9 may be composed of a multilayer board in which multiple layers are stacked. In this case, the printed circuit board 9 may be configured such that the number of layers in the first part 91 is greater than the number of layers in the second part 92. This configuration has the effect of easily and reliably forming a step ST between the first part 91 and the second part 92.

[0188] Furthermore, the first conductor pattern PT1 may be exposed on the upper surface of the first portion 91 of the printed circuit board 9, as shown in the upper part of Figure 20. In this case, adhesive BD2 may be attached to the first conductor pattern PT1, as shown in the lower part of Figure 20. This configuration has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the adhesive BD2 and the printed circuit board 9, and consequently increasing the adhesive strength between the coil assembly 4 and the coil holder 5 and the printed circuit board 9. This is because the surface of the first conductor pattern PT1, which is made of metal, has higher wettability than the surface of other parts of the printed circuit board 9, which is made of insulating material.

[0189] Furthermore, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 20, a second conductor pattern PT2 and a third conductor pattern PT3 may be formed on the upper surface of the first portion 91 of the printed circuit board 9, flanking the first conductor pattern PT1. The second conductor pattern PT2 may be electrically connected to the first end TM1 of the coil (first left coil 42L1, second left coil 42L2, first right coil 42R1, second right coil 42R2) by a first bonding material SD1. Similarly, the third conductor pattern PT3 may be electrically connected to the second end TM2 of the coil (first left coil 42L1, second left coil 42L2, first right coil 42R1, second right coil 42R2) by a second bonding material SD2. Adhesive BD2 may be attached to at least one of the first bonding material SD1 and the second bonding material SD2. This configuration has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the coil set 42 and the printed circuit board 9, because the bonding material SD is sealed by the adhesive BD2.

[0190] Furthermore, as shown in the upper part of Figure 20, multiple first conductor patterns PT1 may be arranged side by side between the second conductor pattern PT2 and the third conductor pattern PT3, spaced apart from each other and insulated from one another. This configuration has the effect of suppressing electrical conductivity between the second conductor pattern PT2a and the third conductor pattern PT3a, even if the first bonding material SD11 adheres to the first conductor pattern PT1a located next to the second conductor pattern PT2a, as shown in the upper part of Figure 20. This is because the first conductor patterns PT1a and PT1b are spaced apart from each other.

[0191] Furthermore, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 20, a fourth conductor pattern PT4 used for external connection may be provided on the upper surface of the second portion 92. This configuration has the effect of preventing foreign matter such as flux from entering the lens holder drive device 100, even when soldering is performed to connect an external device such as a control device CTR to the printed circuit board 9. This is because the gap between the coil assembly 4 and the printed circuit board 9 is sealed by the adhesive BD2.

[0192] Furthermore, the fixed-side member FB may have an enclosure portion EN formed integrally with the side wall portion SW so as to surround three of the four sides surrounding the second conductor pattern PT2. In the example shown in the upper part of Figure 20, the coil holder 5 has an enclosure portion EN formed integrally with the side wall portion SW so as to surround the front, left, and right sides of the second conductor pattern PT2a. The right side of the second conductor pattern PT2a is surrounded by the first enclosure portion EN1. The coil holder 5 also has an enclosure portion EN formed integrally with the side wall portion SW so as to surround the front, left, and rear sides of the second conductor pattern PT2b. The front of the second conductor pattern PT2b is surrounded by the fourth enclosure portion EN4, and the rear of the second conductor pattern PT2b is surrounded by the fifth enclosure portion EN5. The same applies to the enclosure portion EN surrounding the third conductor pattern PT3. This configuration has the effect of facilitating connection between each of the second conductor pattern PT2 and the third conductor pattern PT3 and the coil set 42. This is because the required precision regarding the application position of the bonding agent SD is relaxed.

[0193] 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 and those described later without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above and those described later may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not conflict technically.

[0194] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the coils constituting the coil set 42 have a coil axis, which is the winding center of the coil, parallel to the Y-axis. However, the coils may also have a coil axis parallel to the optical axis OA. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0195] 1. Cover component 1A. Outer plate 1A1. First side plate 1A2. Second side plate 1A3. Third side plate 1A4. Fourth side plate 1B. Top surface 2. Base plate 2B. Fixed side metal plate 2W. Elevating part 3. Lens holder 3B. Second lens holder 3F. First lens holder 4. Coil assembly 4L. Left side coil assembly 4R. Right side coil assembly 5. Coil holder 5A. Outer wall 5A1. First side wall 5A2. Second side wall 5A3. Third side wall 5A4. Fourth side wall 5B. Bottom wall 5C. Crushed rib 5C1...First crush rib 5C2...Second crush rib 5G...Groove 5G1...First groove 5G2...Second groove 5G3...Third groove 5H...Through hole 5HL1...First left through hole 5HL2...Second left through hole 5HR1...First right through hole 5HR2...Second right through hole 5U...Concave part 5U1...First concave part 5U2...Second concave part 5U3...Third concave part 6...Magnet 6L...Left side magnet 6L1...First left magnet 6L2...Second left magnet 6L3...Third left magnet 6R...Right side magnet 6R1...First right magnet 6R2...Second right magnet 6R3...Third right magnet 7...Magnet holder 7B...Second magnet holder 7F...First magnet holder 8...Shaft 8L...Left shaft 8R...Right shaft 9...Printed circuit board 10...Magnetic component 10LE...Left outer magnetic component 10LI...Left inner magnetic component 10RE...Right outer magnetic component 10RI...Right inner magnetic component 11...First cushioning material 11LB...Left rear cushioning material 11LF...Left front cushioning material 11RB...Right rear cushioning material 11RF...Right front cushioning material 12...Second cushioning material 12LB...Left rear cushioning material 12LF...Left front cushioning material 12RB...Right rear cushioning material 12RF...Right front cushioning material 13...Third cushioning material 13B...Rear cushioning material 13F...Front cushioning material 14...First yoke 14B...First rear yoke 14F...First front yoke 15...Magnetic field generating member 15B...Rear magnetic field generating member 15F...Front magnetic field generating member 16...Second yoke 16B...Second rear yoke16F...Second front yoke 17...Magnet 17B...Rear magnet 17F...Front magnet 18...Magnetic sensor 18L...Left magnetic sensor 18R...Right magnetic sensor 30...Side wall section 30B...Rear side wall section 30B1...First rear side wall section 30B2...Second rear side wall section 30F...Front side wall section 30F1...First front side wall section 30F2...Second front side wall section 32...Movable metal plate section 32B...Rear movable metal plate section 32B1...First section 32B2...Second section 32B3...Third section 32B4...Fourth section 32B5...Fifth section 32B6...Sixth section 32B7...Part 7 32B8...Part 8 32B9...Part 9 32F...Front movable metal plate section 32F1...Part 1 32F2...Part 2 32F3...Part 3 32F4...Part 4 32F5...Part 5 32F6...Part 6 32F7...Part 7 32F8...Part 8 32F9...Part 9 41...Circuit board 41L...Left circuit board 41R...Right circuit board 42...Coil set 42L...Left coil set 42L1...First left coil 42L2...Second left coil 42R...Right coil set 42R1...First right coil 42R2...Second right coil 50...Rotating member 50E...Protruding part 50E1...First protruding part 50E2...Second protruding part 50K...Rotating side stopper part 50K1...First rotating side stopper part 50K2...Second rotating side stopper part 50M...Magnet arrangement part 50P...Plane 50V...Shaft part 50V1...First shaft part 50V2...Second shaft part 50X...Rotation axis 51...Magnet 51N...One side part 51S...Other side part 52...Coil 52B...Second end 52F...First end 53...Cylindrical member 53V...Receiving part 53V1...First receiving part 53V2...Second receiving part 54...Magnetic component 54L...Left magnetic component 54R...Right magnetic component 55...Iron core component 56...Upper cover 56K...Stationary stopper section 56K1...First stationary stopper section 56K2...Second stationary stopper section 57...Lower cover 57PB...Rear projection 57PF...Front projection 57RB...Rear recess57RF...Front recess 71B...First rear protrusion 71F...First front protrusion 72B...Second rear protrusion 72F...Second front protrusion 91...First part 91L...First left part 91R...First right part 92...Second part 92L...Second left side part 92R...Second right side part 93...Third part 94...Fourth part 100...Lens holder drive device AD...Adhesive part BD1, BD2, BD3...Adhesive BM...Base member BP...Bottom plate part BS...Base BSB...Back side base BSF...Front side base BT...Bottom BTB...Rear bottom BTF...Front bottom CB...Case body CM...Camera module CS...Power supply CTR...Control device CU...Notch CUL...Left notch CUR...Right notch DM...Drive unit DM1...First drive unit DM2...Second drive unit EM...Electromagnetic mechanism EN...Enclosure EN1...First enclosure EN2...Second enclosure EN3...Third enclosure EN4...Fourth enclosure EN5...Fifth enclosure EN6...Sixth enclosure EP...Engaging part FB...Fixed side member FP...Bent part FP1...First bent part FP2...Second bent part FPB...Rear bent part FPBL...Left rear bent part FPBR...Right rear bent part FPF...Front bent part FPFL...Left front folding section FPFR...Right front folding section GH...Shape GM...Guiding mechanism GP1~GP5...Gap HM...Holding mechanism HS...Housing ID...Input device IS...Image sensor L1, L2...Central axis LH...Lens holding assembly LM...Lower member LS...Lens body LS1...First lens body LS2...Second lens body LT...Optical axis M1, M2...Central axis MB...Movable side member MR...Mirror OA...Optical axis PK...Accommodation space PT1, PT1a~PT1f...First conductor pattern PT2, PT2a, PT2b...Second conductor pattern PT3, PT3a, PT3b...Third conductor pattern PT4, PT4a~PT4k...Fourth conductor pattern PT5, PT5B, PT5F... Fifth conductor pattern RE... Rotating engagement part SD... Joining materialSD1, SD11, SD12...First connecting material SD2, SD21, SD22...Second connecting material SM...Stopper mechanism SM1...First stopper mechanism SM2...Second stopper mechanism SP...Housing section ST...Step SW...Side wall section SYS...Control system TD...Lower stopper section TH...Penetration section THL...Left penetration section THL1...First left penetration section THL2...Second left penetration section THR...Right penetration section THR1...First right penetration section THR2...Second right penetration section TM...End section TM1, TM11, TM12...First end section TM2, TM21, TM22...Second end section TP...Top plate section TU...Upper stopper section VP1...First virtual plane VP2...Second virtual plane WP...Wall WPB...Back wall WPD...Lower wall WPF...Front wall WPU...Upper wall ZN...Area

Claims

1. A fixed side member having a bottom plate, A lens holder capable of holding the lens body, A guide mechanism that guides the lens holder so that it can move along the bottom plate in the direction of the optical axis, A lens holder driving device comprising a drive unit for moving the lens holder in the optical axis direction, The lens holder is open at the top and has a bottom portion that faces the bottom plate portion. At least the bottom portion in the area where the lens body is positioned is composed of a movable metal plate portion. The lens holder has a pair of side walls that are spaced apart from each other and facing each other in a direction intersecting the optical axis, Each of the pair of side wall portions is made of synthetic resin that is integrated with the movable metal plate portion. The movable metal plate portion has a base portion that constitutes the bottom portion and a bent portion that is bent from the base portion and embedded in the side wall portion. The bent portion has an adhesive portion that is exposed on the surface of the side wall and is fixed to the lens body with an adhesive. The bent portion is bent multiple times from the base and has a first bent portion bent upward from the base and a second bent portion whose plate surface is substantially parallel to the plate surface of the base. The adhesive portion is provided at least on the second bent portion. A lens holder driving device characterized by the following features.

2. The bottom plate portion is configured to have a fixed metal plate portion facing the movable metal plate portion. The lens holder driving device according to claim 1.

3. Multiple protrusions or recesses are formed on the surface of the adhesive portion. The lens holder driving device according to claim 1.

4. The guide mechanism is composed of two parallel shafts provided on the fixed side member and a through-hole provided on the lens holder through which the shafts are inserted. The aforementioned through-ports are formed in each of the pair of aforementioned side wall portions. The lens holder driving device according to claim 1.

5. The lens holder has a magnetic field generating member, The fixed side member has a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating member. The magnetic field generating member is fixed to the movable metal plate portion with adhesive. The lens holder driving device according to claim 1.

Images