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

Abstract

[Project] Preventing the occurrence of resistance to the movement of optical elements. [Solution] An optical element driving device is an optical element driving device for driving an optical element, comprising: a holding portion capable of holding an optical element; a receiving portion that receives the holding portion internally; a plurality of driving members interposed between the outer surface of the holding portion and the inner surface of the receiving portion and maintained to be driven by a retainer; a supporting portion that supports the holding portion movably relative to the receiving portion by means of the plurality of driving members; and at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface has a first recess formed in a portion facing the retainer.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical element driving device for driving an optical element, a camera module, and a camera mounting device. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, camera-equipped devices such as smartphones and drones are equipped with camera modules. These camera modules utilize optical element drivers to drive optical elements. Furthermore, a drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flying via remote operation or automatic control, and some are also referred to as multicopters.

[0003] The optical element driving device has an autofocus function (hereinafter referred to as the "AF function," AF: Auto Focus). The optical element driving device moves the lens in the direction of the optical axis by means of the AF function and automatically performs focusing when photographing a subject.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lens driving device comprising a lens holding member for holding a lens, an intermediate moving member for guiding the lens holding member along a guide member in the direction of the optical axis, and a driving member for moving the lens holding member along the guide member in the direction of the optical axis. The intermediate moving member has a plurality of balls guided into a guide groove of the guide member and a retainer that holds the balls so as to drive them. Prior art literature

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2001-141977 The problem to be solved

[0006] In a lens driving device, as shown in Patent Document 1, a ball and a retainer are used to guide the lens holding member in the direction of the optical axis. In such a configuration, grease is applied to the ball to provide lubrication between the ball and the retainer. Furthermore, even if the position of the ball held by the retainer is displaced from the reference position due to an external impact, such as a fall, the ball can still be driven by the applied grease.

[0007] As such, the grease applied to the ball contributes to the lubrication between the ball and the retainer. However, there is a possibility that the grease may scatter due to external impacts, such as a fall, and if the scattered grease enters the gap between the retainer and surrounding components, the retainer may adhere to those components. Although the retainer moves along the optical axis direction together with the ball, if the retainer adheres, resistance to the movement of the lens holding part may occur.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide an optical element driving device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device capable of preventing the occurrence of resistance to the movement of an optical element. means of solving the problem

[0009] The optical element driving device according to the present invention is,

[0010] As an optical element driving device for driving an optical element,

[0011] A retaining part capable of retaining the above optical element, and

[0012] A receiving portion that accommodates the above-mentioned retaining portion on the inside, and

[0013] It has a plurality of electric drive members interposed between the outer surface of the retaining member and the inner surface of the receiving member and maintained to be electric by a retainer, and has a support member that supports the retaining member movably relative to the receiving member by means of the plurality of electric drive members.

[0014] At least one of the outer surface and the inner surface has a first concave portion formed in the portion facing the retainer.

[0015] The camera module according to the present invention is,

[0016] The above optical element driving device and,

[0017] A driving unit that drives the above-mentioned maintenance unit, and

[0018] An imaging unit is provided to capture an image of a subject using the above optical element.

[0019] The camera mounting device according to the present invention is,

[0020] As a camera-mounted device that is an information device or a transport device,

[0021] The above camera module and,

[0022] It is equipped with an image processing unit that processes image information obtained from the above camera module. Effects of the invention

[0023] According to the present invention, the occurrence of resistance to the movement of an optical element can be prevented. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] [Fig. 1a] A front view showing a smartphone equipped with a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 1b] A rear view of the smartphone shown in Fig. 1a. [Fig. 2] A perspective view showing a camera module and an imaging unit. [Fig. 3] A plan view of the optical element driving unit body having the optical element driving unit of the camera module. [Fig. 4] An enlarged view showing the support portion of the optical element driving unit body shown in Fig. 3. [Fig. 5] An exploded perspective view showing a part of the support portion of the optical element driving unit body shown in Fig. 3 disassembled. [Fig. 6] A side view showing the outer circumference of the retaining portion of the optical element driving unit body shown in Fig. 3, and a view showing the periphery of the support portion. [Fig. 7] A side view showing the inner circumference of the receiving portion of the optical element driving unit body shown in Fig. 3, and a view showing the periphery of the support portion. [Fig. 8] A plan view showing the substrate portion of the optical element driving unit body shown in Fig. 3, and a view showing the substrate portion unfolded in a plane. [Fig. 9] The optical element shown in Fig. 3 [Fig. 10] This is a view of the main body of the optical element driving device from the outside. [Fig. 11] This is a view of the receiving portion of the main body of the optical element driving device shown in Fig. 3 from the inside. [Fig. 11a] This is a front view showing a vehicle as a camera mounting device for mounting a camera module for a vehicle. [Fig. 11b] This is a perspective view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 11a from the inclined rear side. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

[0026] [Smartphone]

[0027] FIGS. 1a and FIGS. 1b are drawings showing a smartphone (M) (an example of a camera-mounted device) equipped with a camera module (A) according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 1a is a front view of the smartphone (M), and FIGS. 1b is a rear view of the smartphone (M).

[0028] The smartphone (M) has a dual camera consisting of two rear cameras (OC1, OC2). In this embodiment, a camera module (A) is applied to the rear cameras (OC1, OC2).

[0029] The camera module (A) is equipped with an AF function and can automatically perform focusing when shooting a subject. In addition, the camera module (A) may be equipped with an image stabilization function (hereinafter referred to as "OIS function," OIS: Optical Image Stabilization). By means of the OIS function, shake (vibration) occurring during shooting is optically corrected, and an image without image shake can be captured.

[0030] [Camera Module]

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a camera module (A) and an imaging unit (5). FIG. 3 is a plan view of the optical element driving device body (4) having the optical element driving device (1) of the camera module (A) shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the present embodiment is described using an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z). Also, the drawings described later are described using an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z).

[0032] The camera module (A) is mounted such that, for example, when shooting with a smartphone (M), the X direction is the up-down direction (or left-right direction), the Y direction is the left-right direction (or up-down direction), and the Z direction is the front-back direction. That is, the Z direction is the optical axis direction of the optical axis (OA) of the lens unit (2) shown in FIG. 2, and in FIG. 2, the upper side (+Z side) in the drawing is the light receiving side in the optical axis direction, and the lower side (-Z side) is the image forming side in the optical axis direction.

[0033] In addition, the following explanation will be given using the optical axis (OA), but the optical axis direction of the optical axis (OA) may be changed to the optical path direction or the focal direction (the direction for adjusting the focus) depending on the type of optical element. Here, the light path formed by the opening (301) of the cover (3) described later, the opening (11) of the retaining part (10) described later, or the receiving opening (21) of the receiving part (20) described later is the optical path, and the direction in which this optical path extends (the direction of penetration of each opening) is the optical path direction.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the camera module (A) comprises an optical element driving device (1) that realizes an AF function, a lens unit (2) in which a lens is housed in a cylindrical lens barrel, and an imaging unit (5) that captures an image of a subject formed by the lens unit (2). That is, the optical element driving device (1) is a so-called lens driving device that drives the lens unit (2) as an optical element.

[0035] [sleeve]

[0036] In the optical element driving device (1), the optical element driving device body (4) is covered on the outside by a cover (3). The cover (3) is a rectangular body with a cover that is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed in a planar view from the Z direction. In this embodiment, the cover (3) has an approximately square shape when viewed in a planar view. The cover (3) has an approximately circular opening (301) on its upper surface. The lens part (2) is received in the opening (11) of the holding part (10) of the optical element driving device body (4), faces outward from the opening (301) of the cover (3), and is configured to protrude toward the light receiving side above the opening surface of the cover (3) in accordance with movement in the Z direction. The inner wall of the cover (3) is fixed to the receiving portion (20) (bottom portion (22a)) of the optical element driving device body (4), for example, by adhesive, and accommodates the optical element driving device body (4).

[0037] The cover (3) has a shield member, for example, made of a magnetic material, that blocks electromagnetic waves from the outside of the optical element driving device (1) or from the inside of the cover (3).

[0038] [Image Section]

[0039] The imaging unit (5) is positioned on the imaging side of the optical element driving device (1). The imaging unit (5) has, for example, an image sensor substrate (501), an imaging element (502) mounted on the image sensor substrate (501), and a control unit (503). The imaging element (502) is configured, for example, by a CCD (charge-coupled device) type image sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type image sensor, etc., and captures an image of a subject formed by the lens unit (2).

[0040] The control unit (503) is composed of, for example, a control IC and performs driving control of the optical element driving device (1). The optical element driving device (1) is mounted on the image sensor substrate (501) and is mechanically and electrically connected. The control unit (503) may be provided on the image sensor substrate (501) or may be provided on a camera-mounted device (in this embodiment, a smartphone (M)) on which the camera module (A) is mounted.

[0041] In addition, in FIG. 2, the lens portion (2) is driven in the Z direction by the optical element driving device (1) with respect to the fixed image sensor substrate (501) to form an image of a subject on the imaging element (502), but for example, the imaging element (502) may be driven in the Z direction. In this case, the lens portion (2) is fixed to the cover (3), and the imaging element (502), which is an optical element, is driven in the Z direction by the optical element driving device (1) to form an image of a subject on the imaging element (502).

[0042] [Optical element driving device main body]

[0043] The optical element driving device body (4) is the main body part of the optical element driving device (1) that drives the lens part (2), which is an optical element, in the Z direction. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, the following description is given on the premise that the optical element driving device (1) drives the lens part (2), but as described above, the optical element driving device (1) may drive the image element (502).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the optical element driving device body (4) has a holding part (10), a receiving part (20), a supporting part (30A, 30B, 30C), a driving part (40A, 40B), a substrate part (50), etc.

[0045] [Maintenance Department]

[0046] The retaining part (10) has a frame part (12) in which an opening (11) is formed in the central part, and the opening (11) is configured to hold the lens part (2) inside. For example, the opening (11) is configured to hold the lens part (2) inside by forming a mounting groove, etc., on its inner circumference. In this way, the retaining part (10) surrounds the outer circumference of the lens part (2) and holds the lens part (2).

[0047] The outer surface (13), which is the outer side of the frame part (12), is supported so as to be movable in the Z direction by a plurality of places (in FIG. 3, for example, 3 places) by support parts (30A, 30B, 30C) extending along the Z direction.

[0048] Also, the outer surface (13) is maintained at multiple locations (as an example, 2 locations in FIG. 3) by driving parts (40A, 40B), and the maintenance part (10) can move in the Z direction by the driving parts (40A, 40B).

[0049] Additionally, on the outer surface (13), magnets (14A, 14B) for detecting the Z-direction position are provided at multiple locations (in FIG. 3, as an example, 2 locations). Position detection sensors (54A, 54B), which will be described later, are each provided facing the magnets (14A, 14B).

[0050] Additionally, the opening (11) is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical lens portion (2), but can be changed to an appropriate shape corresponding to the shape of the lens portion (2).

[0051] Also, when the optical element driving device (1) drives the image element (502), the opening (11) in the holding part (10) may not be present, that is, the holding part (10) may not be a frame part, and in that case, for example, the image element (502) may be held on the upper surface (light receiving side surface) of the holding part (10).

[0052] [Reception Department]

[0053] The receiving portion (20) has a frame portion (22) in which a receiving opening (21) is formed in the central portion, and the receiving opening (21) is configured to surround the outer circumference of the retaining portion (10) so as to receive the retaining portion (10) inside.

[0054] On the inner surface (23) of the receiving opening (21), multiple support members (30A, 30B, 30C) are provided. The receiving part (20) supports the retaining part (10) so that it can move in the Z direction by means of the support members (30A, 30B, 30C).

[0055] Additionally, on the inner surface (23), driving units (40A, 40B) are provided at multiple locations. The driving units (40A, 40B) provided in the receiving unit (20) move the holding unit (10) in the Z direction. The holding unit (10) functions as a movable part driven by the driving units (40A, 40B), and the receiving unit (20) functions as a fixed part for the holding unit (10).

[0056] In the planar view, the inner surface (23) is formed in correspondence with the shape of the outer surface (13) of the retaining part (10). In FIG. 3, the shape of the outer surface (13) of the retaining part (10) and the inner surface (23) of the receiving opening (21) is an example and can be appropriately changed according to the arrangement of, for example, the support part (30A, 30B, 30C) and the driving part (40A, 40B).

[0057] The frame portion (22) has a bottom portion (22a) and a side wall portion (22b). The inner wall of the cover (3) described above is fixed to the bottom portion (22a), for example, by adhesive. On the outer surface (24) which is the outer circumference of the side wall portion (22b), a substrate portion (50) is mounted along the outer surface (24).

[0058] [Support Department]

[0059] The support members (30A, 30B, 30C) are interposed between the outer surface (13) of the retaining member (10) and the inner surface (23) of the receiving member (20), and support the retaining member (10) so as to be movable in the Z direction relative to the receiving member (20). As shown in FIG. 3, the support members (30A, 30B, 30C) are each positioned at three locations distributed in the circumferential direction on the inner surface (23) (outer surface (13)). The support members (30A, 30B, 30C) will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0060] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the support portion (30C) of the optical element driving device body (4) shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a disassembled portion of the support portion (30C) of the optical element driving device body (4) shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, as an example, the support portion (30C) is illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 for explanation. Also, the configuration of the surrounding area of ​​the support portion (30C) shown in FIG. 4 (concave portions (16a, 16b, 27a, 27b), etc.) will be explained with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, which will be described later.

[0061] The support member (30C) has a first groove (15), a second groove (26), a first rail member (31), a second rail member (32), a driving member (33) (e.g., a ball member, etc.), and a retainer (34).

[0062] The first groove (15) is a groove formed concavely in a V-shape, extending in the Z direction on the outer surface (13) of the frame portion (12) of the retaining portion (10). The second groove (26) is a groove formed concavely in a V-shape, extending in the Z direction on the inner surface (23) of the frame portion (22) of the receiving portion (20). The first groove (15) and the second groove (26) are arranged facing each other.

[0063] The first rail member (31) is a member with a V-shaped cross section that extends in the longitudinal direction that becomes the Z direction when mounted. The first rail member (31) has a V-shaped guide groove (31a) (groove in the present invention) on the side where the electric member (33) is placed, and the side opposite to that side is mounted in the first groove portion (15).

[0064] The second rail member (32) is also a member with a V-shaped cross section extending in the longitudinal direction that becomes the Z direction when mounted. The second rail member (32) has a V-shaped guide groove (32a) (groove in the present invention) on the side where the electric member (33) is placed, and the side opposite to that side is mounted in the second groove section (26). Since the first rail member (31) is mounted in the first groove section (15) and the second rail member (32) is mounted in the second groove section (26), the respective guide grooves (31a) and guide grooves (32a) are arranged facing each other.

[0065] Between the guide groove (31a) of the first rail member (31) arranged in this manner and the guide groove (32a) of the second rail member (32), a plurality of electric members (33) (two, as an example, in FIG. 5) are accommodated and are electrically clamped. The plurality of electric members (33) are electrically driven along the guide groove (31a) and the guide groove (32a) and are guided in the Z direction.

[0066] The retainer (34) has a holding hole (34a) corresponding to the number of electric drive members (33). A plurality of electric drive members (33) are held in each holding hole (34a) so as to be electric, and are arranged along the Z direction. By the retainer (34), the distance between the plurality of electric drive members (33) is maintained constant.

[0067] The support member (30C) has the configuration described above, and the support members (30A, 30B) also have the same configuration. By the support members (30A, 30B, 30C) configured in this way, the holding member (10) is supported so as to be movable in the Z direction relative to the receiving member (20). Furthermore, as described above, the support members (30A, 30B, 30C) have a plurality of electric members (33) arranged along the Z direction, so the tilt of the holding member (10) can be suppressed more stably.

[0068] Additionally, the electric member (33) is typically made of a material such as ceramics or an alloy. By providing a first rail member (31) and a second rail member (32), which are made of a metal material, in the first groove (15) and the second groove (26), the first rail member (31) and the second rail member (32) are difficult to deform even when subjected to pressure from the electric member (33). With this configuration, the support members (30A, 30B, 30C) can stably support the holding member (10) so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0069] [Composition around the support]

[0070] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the outer surface (13) of the retaining portion (10) of the optical element driving device body (4) shown in FIG. 3, and is a view showing the periphery of the support portion (30C). FIG. 7 is a side view showing the inner surface (23) of the receiving portion (20) of the optical element driving device body (4) shown in FIG. 3, and is a view showing the periphery of the support portion (30C). Also, as an example, the support portion (30C) is illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 and is described.

[0071] As described above, a first groove (15) is formed on the outer surface (13) of the frame portion (12) of the retaining portion (10), and a first rail member (31) is mounted in the first groove (15). Also, a second groove (26) is formed on the inner surface (23) of the frame portion (22) of the receiving portion (20), and a second rail member (32) is mounted in the second groove (26). Furthermore, a retainer (34) is arranged so that a driving member (33) is clamped between the guide groove (31a) of the first rail member (31) and the guide groove (32a) of the second rail member (32).

[0072] In this embodiment as well, grease is applied to the electric member (33) to provide lubrication between the electric member (33) and the retainer (34) (retaining hole (34a)). Due to the applied grease, the electric member (33) can still be driven even if the position of the electric member (33) held by the retainer (34) (retaining hole (34a)) is displaced from the reference position due to external impact, such as a fall.

[0073] Meanwhile, the grease applied to the electric member (33) may scatter outwards due to external impacts such as falling, for example, and if the scattered grease enters the gap between the retainer (34) and the surrounding member, the retainer (34) may stick to the member.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap is formed between the retainer (34) and the outer surface (13) or inner surface (23) facing the retainer (34), through which the retainer (34) can move in the Z direction. In the gap described above, if grease enters between the retainer (34) and the gap, the retainer (34) may stick to the outer surface (13) or inner surface (23) due to the grease, thereby hindering the movement of the retainer (34) and, furthermore, the movement of the retaining part (10).

[0075] Accordingly, in this embodiment, a concave portion (16a, 16b) (the first concave portion in the present invention) is formed on the outer surface (13) in a portion facing the retainer (34) and extends from the outer surface (13). Additionally, a concave portion (27a, 27b) (the first concave portion in the present invention) is formed on the inner surface (23) in a portion facing the retainer (34) and extends from the inner surface (23).

[0076] Referring to the side view shown in FIG. 6, the concave portion (16a) is positioned to face one end (left side in FIG. 6) of the retainer (34) in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction (Y direction in FIG. 6), and extends along the one end of the retainer (34) extending in the Z direction.

[0077] Also, the concave portion (16b) is positioned to face the other end (right side in FIG. 6) of the retainer (34) in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction (Y direction in FIG. 6), and extends along the other end of the retainer (34) extending in the Z direction.

[0078] Also, referring to the side view shown in FIG. 7, the concave portion (27a) is positioned to face one end of the retainer (34) (right side in FIG. 7) in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction (Y direction in FIG. 6) and extends along the one end of the retainer (34) extending in the Z direction.

[0079] Also, the concave portion (27b) is positioned to face the other end of the retainer (34) (left side in FIG. 7) in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction (Y direction in FIG. 6), and extends along the other end of the retainer (34) extending in the Z direction.

[0080] The retainer (34) can rotate around the Z-axis with the driving member (33) as the center of rotation in the gap between the outer surface (13) and the inner surface (23) (see FIG. 4).

[0081] When the retainer (34) rotates around the Z-axis and one end of the retainer (34) (upper side in FIG. 4, left side in FIG. 6) approaches the outer surface (13), the gap between the retainer (34) and the outer surface (13) narrows. Also, when the other end of the retainer (34) (lower side in FIG. 4, right side in FIG. 6) approaches the outer surface (13), the gap between the retainer (34) and the outer surface (13) narrows.

[0082] In this embodiment, by providing the aforementioned concave portions (16a, 16b), the bottom surface of the concave portions (16a, 16b) is separated from the outer surface (13) with respect to one end and the other end of the aforementioned retainer (34). As a result, even if scattered grease adheres to the concave portions (16a, 16b), it is difficult for the grease to come into contact with the retainer (34).

[0083] Also, the first groove (15) and the concave portions (16a, 16b) are partitioned by interposing convex portions (19a, 19b) in a direction orthogonal to the Z direction (Y direction in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6).

[0084] The convex portions (19a, 19b) restrict rotation around the Z-axis of the retainer (34) and secure a predetermined amount of gap between the bottom surface of the retainer (34) and the concave portions (16a, 16b), making it difficult for the grease attached to the concave portions (16a, 16b) to come into contact with the retainer (34). Additionally, the convex portions (19a, 19b) allow the grease to remain within the first groove portion (15).

[0085] In this way, by providing concave portions (16a, 16b) on the outer surface (13), it is made difficult for scattered grease to come into contact with the retainer (34), thereby preventing the retainer (34) from sticking due to grease.

[0086] In addition, in FIG. 6, the convex portions (19a, 19b) extend in the Z direction with a width equal to the width in the Y direction, but they are not limited to a uniform width. For example, in the Z direction of the convex portions (19a, 19b), the width of the central portion may be wider or narrower compared to both ends, and the width may gradually widen or gradually narrow from both ends toward the central portion.

[0087] The concave portion (27a, 27b) also performs the same function as the concave portion (16a, 16b).

[0088] When the retainer (34) rotates around the Z-axis and one end of the retainer (34) (upper side in FIG. 4, right side in FIG. 7) approaches the inner surface (23), the gap between the retainer (34) and the inner surface (23) narrows. Also, when the other end of the retainer (34) (lower side in FIG. 4, left side in FIG. 7) approaches the inner surface (23), the gap between the retainer (34) and the inner surface (23) narrows.

[0089] In this embodiment, by providing the aforementioned concave portions (27a, 27b), the bottom surface of the concave portions (27a, 27b) is separated from the inner surface (23) with respect to one end and the other end of the aforementioned retainer (34). As a result, even if scattered grease adheres to the concave portions (27a, 27b), it is difficult for the grease to come into contact with the retainer (34).

[0090] Also, the second groove (26) and the concave portion (27a, 27b) are partitioned by interposing the convex portion (29a, 29b) in a direction orthogonal to the Z direction (Y direction in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7).

[0091] The convex portions (29a, 29b) restrict the rotation of the retainer (34) around the Z-axis and secure a predetermined amount of gap between the retainer (34) and the bottom surface of the concave portions (27a, 27b), making it difficult for the grease attached to the concave portions (27a, 27b) to come into contact with the retainer (34). Additionally, the convex portions (29a, 29b) allow the grease to remain within the second groove portion (26).

[0092] In this way, by providing concave portions (27a, 27b) on the inner surface (23), it is made difficult for scattered grease to come into contact with the retainer (34), thereby preventing the retainer (34) from sticking due to grease.

[0093] In addition, here, a concave portion (16a, 16b) is provided on the outer surface (13) and a concave portion (27a, 27b) is provided on the inner surface (23), but the configuration may be such that either the concave portion (16a, 16b) or the concave portion (27a, 27b) is provided.

[0094] Additionally, at least one of the outer surface (13) and the inner surface (23) may have another concave portion formed adjacent to at least one of the concave portions (16a, 16b) and the concave portions (27a, 27b) on the side opposite to the side of the support portion (30C) in a direction orthogonal to the Z direction.

[0095] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the outer surface (13) has a concave portion (17) (second concave portion in the present invention) formed adjacent to the concave portion (16a) on the side opposite to the side of the support portion (30C) (first groove portion (15)) in a direction orthogonal to the Z direction (Y direction in FIG. 6). The concave portion (17) has a wider opening area than the concave portion (16a) and is recessed deeper than the concave portion (16a).

[0096] By providing a concave portion (17) adjacent to a concave portion (16a), the grease in the concave portion (16a) spreads to the concave portion (17) in a direction away from the retainer (34), thereby preventing the grease from remaining in the concave portion (16a) and preventing the retainer (34) from sticking due to the grease.

[0097] Additionally, the configuration provided adjacent to the concave portions (16a, 16b) or the concave portions (27a, 27b) is not limited to concave portions such as the concave portion (17), provided that the grease can spread in a direction away from the retainer (34). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, an inclined portion (18) may be provided adjacent to the concave portion (16b), and the grease in the concave portion (16b) may spread to the inclined portion (18) in a direction away from the retainer (34).

[0098] [Gudongbu]

[0099] The driving unit (40A, 40B) drives the holding unit (10) in the Z direction relative to the receiving unit (20). As shown in FIG. 3, the driving unit (40A, 40B) is each positioned at two locations distributed in the circumferential direction on the inner surface (23) (outer surface (13)). The optical element driving device body (4) can drive the lens unit (2) in the Z direction together with the holding unit (10) by means of the above-described support unit (30A, 30B, 30C) and driving unit (40A, 40B), thereby realizing the AF function.

[0100] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the driving members (40A, 40B) are each positioned at corners (22bB, 22bC) that are different from the corner (22bA) where the support member (30A) is placed, and are positioned at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis (OA) in a planar view. By arranging them in this way, the holding member (10) can be moved stably even if the weight of the optical element, such as the lens member (2), increases.

[0101] As for the driving unit (40A, 40B), an actuator having a piezoelectric element, for example, an ultrasonic motor, is used. In addition, a driving source such as a voice coil motor (VCM) may be used.

[0102] [Circuit board section]

[0103] With respect to the substrate portion (50), explanation is provided with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, together with FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the substrate portion (50) of the optical element driving device body (4) shown in FIG. 3, and is a view of the substrate portion (50) unfolded in a plane. FIG. 9 is a view of the optical element driving device body (4) shown in FIG. 3 from the outside, and is a view from the direction (D1) shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the driving portion (40A, 40B) is not mounted on the FPC (51) of the substrate portion (50), but in FIG. 8, the driving portion (40A, 40B) is shown to make it easier to understand the positional relationship.

[0104] The substrate part (50) has a circuit that drives the driving part (40A, 40B). The substrate part (50) has a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) (51), a driver IC (52), an inductor (53A, 53B), a position detection sensor (54A, 54B), etc.

[0105] The FPC (51) is a flexible substrate and is composed of a thin insulating layer such as a resin film or a metal layer such as a copper foil. Although not shown in the illustration, the metal layer is formed as a circuit of signal lines or power lines, and a driving unit (40A, 40B), a driver IC (52), an inductor (53A, 53B), a position detection sensor (54A, 54B), etc. are electrically connected.

[0106] The driver IC (52) is an IC that controls a driving signal for driving the driving unit (40A, 40B). The driver IC (52) outputs a driving signal based on a detection signal detected by a position detection sensor (54A, 54B), for example, and the output driving signal is output to the driving unit (40A, 40B) via an inductor (53A, 53B).

[0107] The inductors (53A, 53B) each have a coil and boost the voltage (input voltage) in the driving signal input from the driver IC (52) and output it to the driving unit (40A, 40B) respectively.

[0108] The position detection sensor (54A, 54B) is a magnetic sensor such as a Hall element, for example, and outputs a signal as a detection signal according to the position in the Z direction of the opposing magnets (14A, 14B) (strength of the magnetic field produced by the magnets (14A, 14B)).

[0109] In addition, although the city is omitted, the FPC (51) is provided with a connection wire that is electrically connected to the driving unit (40A, 40B).

[0110] In order to mount the driver IC (52), inductor (53A, 53B), and position detection sensor (54A, 54B) described above onto the FPC (51), the FPC (51) is made of a single long board. And, the FPC (51) is arranged along the outer surface (24) of the frame portion (22) of the receiving portion (20) so as to roughly circle the outer surface (24).

[0111] In order to arrange the FPC (51) along the outer surface (24), the outer surface (24) of the corner portions (22bA, 22bB, 22bC) is formed in an arc shape when viewed in a planar state. Thus, the FPC (51) can be arranged in close contact with the outer surface (24), including the outer surface (24) of the corner portions (22bA, 22bB, 22bC). Because of this, there is no need to increase the size of the cover (3) placed on the outside of the FPC (51), and the entire device can be made smaller and cost can be reduced.

[0112] Additionally, the FPC (51) has an FPC main part (51a), an FPC constriction part (51b, 51c), and an FPC end part (51d, 51e). The FPC main part (51a) connects the FPC constriction part (51b) and FPC end part (51d) on one end side in the longitudinal direction with the FPC constriction part (51c) and FPC end part (51e) on the other end side, and a driver IC (52) and a position detection sensor (54A, 54B) are mounted thereon.

[0113] The FPC constricted portions (51b, 51c) are each positioned between the FPC main portion (51a) and the FPC end portion (51d) and between the FPC main portion (51a) and the FPC end portion (51e), respectively, and are portions that are narrow in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the FPC constricted portions (51b, 51c) are portions formed to avoid the portion of the receiving portion (20) where the support portion (30B, 30C) is positioned. By providing such FPC constricted portions (51b, 51c), there is no need to increase the size of the cover (3) positioned on the outside of the FPC (51), and the overall device can be miniaturized and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0114] Inductors (53A, 53B) are mounted on each of the FPC ends (51d, 51e), which are the ends in the longitudinal direction of the FPC (51). As described above, the inductors (53A, 53B) have coils and emit leakage magnetic flux or noise from the coils. In order to secure a distance from the position detection sensors (54A, 54B) that may be affected by leakage magnetic flux or noise emission, the inductors (53A, 53B) are placed at the FPC ends (51d, 51e). Meanwhile, the position detection sensors (54A, 54B) are placed at a location close to the driving unit (40A, 40B) where the driving force is applied for position detection.

[0115] In addition, the optical element driving device body (4) is equipped with a cover member (60A, 60B) and a metal layer (55) to suppress leakage magnetic flux or noise.

[0116] The cover member (60A, 60B) is formed of a metallic material that shields leakage magnetic flux or noise. The cover member (60A, 60B) has a cover portion (61), a flange portion (63), an opening, etc.

[0117] The cover portion (61) is a rectangular body with a cover having an opening. The flange portion (63) extends to the outer circumference of the opening of the cover portion (61). Specifically, it extends along the surface of the FPC end portions (51d, 51e) along the outer circumference of the edge of the cover portion (61), which is the outer circumference of the opening (62).

[0118] And, the cover member (60A, 60B) is configured to accommodate an inductor (53A, 53B) mounted on an FPC end (51d, 51e) within the opening of the cover part (61), and also to cover the flange part (63) placed on the FPC end (51d, 51e).

[0119] In this way, the cover member (60A, 60B) is provided with a flange portion (63) as well as a cover portion (61). Therefore, leakage magnetic flux or noise radiated from the inductor (53A, 53B) toward the cover member (60A, 60B) can be shielded over a wider area by the cover portion (61) and the flange portion (63). As a result, the leakage of magnetic flux or noise to the outside can be reduced compared to a cover member without a flange portion.

[0120] The flange portion (63) may be fixed to the surface of the FPC end portion (51d, 51e) by, for example, adhesive. Compared to the case where there is no flange portion, the contact area between the flange portion (63) and the surface of the FPC end portion (51d, 51e) is increased, so the cover member (60A, 60B) can be securely fixed to the surface of the FPC end portion (51d, 51e).

[0121] The metal layer (55) is positioned so as to face the inductor (53A) mounted on the FPC end (51d) at the FPC end (51d). The metal layer (55) is provided, for example, on the side opposite to the side on which the inductor (53A) is mounted at the FPC end (51d). And, the metal layer (55) is formed as a solid pattern that, in a planar view, includes at least the area on which the inductor (53A) is placed.

[0122] In this way, since a metal layer (55) is provided at the FPC end (51d) where the inductor (53A) is mounted, leakage magnetic flux or noise radiated from the inductor (53A) toward the FPC end (51d) can be shielded by the metal layer (55). As a result, compared to an FPC that does not have the metal layer (55) described above, the magnetic flux or noise leaking to the outside through the FPC (51) can be reduced.

[0123] Additionally, the metal layer (55) is preferably formed to overlap with the flange portion (63), as shown in FIG. 8. As a result, the gap between the flange portion (63) and the metal layer (55) can be reduced. This is particularly effective when using an FPC as a substrate.

[0124] In this way, by making the gap between the flange portion (63) and the metal layer (55) smaller, approximately the entire area surrounding the inductor (53A) is covered by the cover member (60A) and the metal layer (55). As a result, leakage magnetic flux or noise radiated from the inductor (53A) can be shielded by the cover member (60A) and the metal layer (55). Consequently, the leakage of magnetic flux or noise to the outside can be further reduced.

[0125] The cover members (60A, 60B) are made of a metal material that reduces leakage magnetic flux or noise. As for the cover members (60A, 60B), a laminated structure is used in which a layer made of iron, such as a ferromagnetic material like SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial; cold-rolled steel plate), is laminated with at least a layer made of copper and nickel. In this laminated structure, the iron layer, copper layer, and nickel layer are laminated in that order, thereby preventing rust on the iron layer.

[0126] The copper layer is laminated for the purpose of offsetting the effect of the inductance being increased by the iron layer, and by making the copper layer thicker than the nickel layer, the shielding ability against noise can be improved. As such, for the cover member (60A, 60B), at least in a laminated structure in which an iron layer, a copper layer, and a nickel layer are laminated, a configuration in which the copper layer is thicker than the nickel layer is more suitable.

[0127] Additionally, the metal layer (55) may be used as a power layer or ground layer that supplies power in the circuit of the FPC (51). Also, the metal layer (55) is not limited to a single layer but may be composed of multiple layers stacked with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. For example, when composed of two layers stacked with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, one layer may be the power layer described above and the other layer may be the ground layer.

[0128] Also, as a metal layer (55), if the power layer or ground layer of the circuit of the FPC (51) is not used, the metal layer (55) may be constructed by stacking a plurality of metal layers, just like the cover members (60A, 60B).

[0129] Here, FIG. 10 is a view taken from the inside of the receiving portion (20) of the optical element driving device body (4) shown in FIG. 3, and is a view taken in the direction (D2) shown in FIG. 3 with the lens portion (2) and the holding portion (10) separated.

[0130] In order to achieve miniaturization of the device, the receiving portion (20) has an insertion portion (25A, 25B) into which a cover member (60A, 60B) of the above-described configuration is inserted. As shown in FIG. 10, the insertion portion (25A, 25B) is provided by penetrating the side wall portion (22b) of the frame portion (22), but as long as the cover member (60A, 60B) can be inserted, it may be configured not to penetrate the side wall portion (22b), for example, a configuration such as a concave portion.

[0131] By inserting cover members (60A, 60B) into such insertion parts (25A, 25B), the entire device can be miniaturized and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0132] In addition, in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 10, for example, if the space between the receiving portion (20) and the FPC end portion (51d) is fixed with an adhesive or the like, the flange portion (63) is fixed between the receiving portion (20) and the FPC (51), so the flange portion (63) does not need to be fixed on the surface of the FPC end portions (51d, 51e). By doing so, the manufacturing process of the optical element driving device body (4) can be simplified.

[0133] In addition, when a cover member (60A, 60B) is inserted to fit into the insertion part (25A, 25B), the cover member (60A, 60B) serves to reinforce the receiving part (20) having the insertion part (25A, 25B), thereby suppressing deformation of the receiving part (20).

[0134] [Other embodiments]

[0135] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope without departing from the gist thereof.

[0136] For example, in the above embodiment, a first rail member (31) and a second rail member (32) are provided in the first groove (15) and the second groove (26), but they may not be provided, and the first groove (15) and the second groove (26) may be configured to directly grip the electric member (33).

[0137] In addition, in the above embodiment, the support members (30A, 30B, 30C) have the same configuration, but in one or more of these support members, a supporting member that applies a supporting force to the electric member (33) so as to press the outer surface (13) of the retaining member (10) inwardly may be provided. By providing such a supporting member, the tilting of the retaining member (10) can be suppressed.

[0138] Here, the frame portion (22) of the receiving portion (20) has four corner portions (22bA, 22bB, 22bC, 22bD) as shown in FIG. 3. In a planar view, the corner portions (22bA, 22bB, 22bC, 22bD) have space, and since the support portion having a sub-member requires space, the support portion is placed in at least one of the corner portions (22bA, 22bB, 22bC, 22bD).

[0139] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned supporting member is provided in the supporting member (30A), and the supporting member (30A) is placed in the corner member (22bA). By placing it in this way, space saving of the device can be achieved, the overall miniaturization of the device can be achieved, and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0140] Additionally, in one or more of the support members, the electric member (33) may be displaced in the circumferential direction within at least one of the guide groove (31a) of the first rail member (31) and the guide groove (32a) of the second rail member (32). As shown in FIG. 4, the first groove portion (15) and the second groove portion (26) are formed as V-shaped grooves, but at least one of them is formed as a U-shaped groove, for example, with a width wider than the diameter of the electric member (33). Also, the first rail member (31) and the second rail member (32) are formed as V-shaped cross-sections, but at least one of them is formed as an I-shaped cross-section, for example. By such a configuration, at least one of the groove formed by the first groove portion (15) and the first rail member (31) and the groove formed by the second groove portion (26) and the second rail member (32) is formed as a U-shaped groove.

[0141] By means of a U-shaped groove configured in this manner, the electric member (33) can be displaced in the circumferential direction within the groove, and relative displacement between the outer surface (13) of the opposing retaining part (10) and the inner surface (23) of the receiving part (20) is made possible. By means of a support member configured in this manner, even if there are individual differences in the dimensions of the retaining part (10), the receiving part (20), etc., or in the state of assembly thereof, such individual differences can be absorbed.

[0142] In addition, when one or more of the support members have the aforementioned supporting members, in the support member having the U-shaped groove, the outer surface (13) of the retaining member (10) and the inner surface (23) of the receiving member (20) undergo relative displacement so that the force pressing the driving member (33) due to the supporting force of the supporting member and the reaction force are balanced. As a result, for a plurality of support members including the support member having the U-shaped groove, the support position of the retaining member (10) is determined, and stable support without rattling can be realized.

[0143] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the support member (30B) placed on the side portion between the corner portion (22bB) and the corner portion (22bD) or the support member (30C) placed on the side portion between the corner portion (22bC) and the corner portion (22bD) may be configured to have the U-shaped groove.

[0144] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the support members (30B, 30C) that do not require space are placed on the side portions, avoiding the corner portions (22bA, 22bB, 22bC, 22bD), so the driving members (40A, 40B) that require space can be placed on the corner portions (22bB, 22bC).

[0145] Additionally, in the above embodiment, two position detection sensors (54A, 54B) are provided, but only one position detection sensor may be provided. In this case, it is preferable to provide a position detection sensor near a support member configured such that a power member is clamped in a V-shaped groove (in other words, a support member that does not have the aforementioned supporting member or U-shaped groove). For example, in FIG. 3, when the support member (30A) has a supporting member, the support member (30B) has a U-shaped groove, and the support member (30C) has a power member clamped in a V-shaped groove, the support member (30C) becomes a reference (center of rotation) for the retaining member (10) that is capable of relative displacement with respect to the receiving member (20). Therefore, it is sufficient to have one position detection sensor (54B) near the support member (30C) that serves as such a reference.

[0146] Additionally, it is preferable to arrange the support members (30A, 30B, 30C) at intervals of 120°, but this angle can be appropriately changed. When arranging the support members (30A, 30B, 30C) at an angle other than 120° intervals, it is preferable to have the following configuration and arrangement.

[0147] For example, a supporting member is provided in the supporting member (30A), and in one of the supporting member (30B) and the supporting member (30C), one of the first groove (15) and the second groove (26) is formed into a U-shaped groove. Then, in a planar view, the direction of pressure of the electric member by the supporting member (30A) is directed toward the optical axis (OA), and the supporting member (30B) and the supporting member (30C) are arranged so as to be positioned symmetrically with respect to said direction. By configuring and arranging in this way, the pressure received from the supporting member (30A) side in the supporting member (30B) and the supporting member (30C) becomes equal, and the supporting member (10) can be stably supported.

[0148] Additionally, the support members may be distributed at three or more locations in the circumferential direction of the inner surface (23) (outer surface (13)). In this case, it is preferable to place the support members at multiples of three locations, such as six or nine locations, to provide additional support between the three-point supports, based on a three-point support system that can stably support the object.

[0149] In addition, although the above embodiment was described using a smartphone (M) as an example, the present invention can be applied to a camera-mounted device having a camera module and an image processing unit that processes image information obtained from the camera module. The camera-mounted device includes information devices and transport devices. Information devices include, for example, a camera-equipped mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, a portable game console, a web camera, a camera-equipped vehicle device (for example, a back monitor device, a drive recorder device), etc. In addition, transport devices include, for example, an automobile or a drone, etc.

[0150] FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate a vehicle (V) as a camera mounting device equipped with a vehicle camera module (VC). FIG. 11a is a front view of the vehicle (V), and FIG. 11b is a rear perspective view of the vehicle (V). The vehicle (V) is equipped with a camera module (A) described in the above embodiment as a vehicle camera module (VC). As shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, the vehicle camera module (VC) is mounted, for example, on the front windshield facing forward or on the rear gate facing backward. This vehicle camera module (VC) is used for a back monitor, a drive recorder, collision avoidance control, automatic driving control, etc.

[0151] In addition, in the above embodiment, an optical element driving device (1) that drives a lens part (2) as an optical element has been described, but the optical element to be driven may be an optical element other than a lens, such as a mirror or a prism, or may be an optical element such as an imaging element (502). In this case, the opening (11) of the holding part (10) may be modified in shape according to the shape of the optical element being mounted, or in some cases, removed.

[0152] In addition, in the above embodiment, the optical element driving device (1) has an AF function, but may also have a function that moves the lens part (2) in the Z direction, such as a zoom function, in addition to the AF function.

[0153] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Furthermore, the above description is an example of a suitable embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the description of the configuration of the device and the shape of each part is merely an example, and it is clear that various modifications or additions to these examples are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0154] [Industrial Applicability]

[0155] The optical element driving device and camera module according to the present invention are useful for mounting on camera-mounted devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, automotive cameras, and drones. Explanation of the symbols

[0156] 1. Optical element driving device 2 Lens section 3 covers 4 Optical element driving device main body 5 Imaging unit 10 Maintenance section 11 openings 12 frame section 13 outsourcing 14A, 14B magnets 15 1st Home 16a, 16b Concave 17 Concave part 18 inclined section 19a, 19b Convex parts 20 reception units 21 receiving opening 22 Frame section 22a bottom 22b Sidewall 22bA, 22bB, 22bC, 22bD corners If you give me 23 24 outsourced 25A, 25B inserts 26 2nd Home 27a, 27b Concave 29a, 29b Convex parts 30A, 30B, 30C supports 31 First rail member 32 Second rail member 31a, 32a Guide Home 33 Electric component 34 retainers 34a retaining hole 40A, 40B drive unit 50 substrate section 51 FPC 51a FPC housewife 51b, 51c FPC stenosis 51d, 51e FPC end 52 Driver IC 53A, 53B inductors 54A, 54B position detection sensors 55 metal layer 60A, 60B cover member 61 Cover part 63 Flange section 301 opening 501 image sensor board 502 image sensor 503 Control Unit

Claims

Claim 1 An optical element driving device for driving an optical element, comprising: a retaining portion capable of holding the optical element; a receiving portion that receives the retaining portion internally; a plurality of driving members interposed between the outer surface and the inner surface, in a state of being received in a groove formed on at least one of the outer surface of the retaining portion and the inner surface of the receiving portion, and being maintained to be driven by a retainer; and a supporting portion that supports the retaining portion so as to be movable in the optical path direction of the optical element by means of the plurality of driving members, wherein at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface has a first concave portion formed from a surface adjacent to the groove in a portion that includes a portion in which an end portion of the retainer, which rotates around the driving member as a rotation center, can be contacted, and the first concave portion and the groove are partitioned by interposing a convex portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical path direction. Claim 2 In claim 1, the first concave portion is an optical element driving device extending along the end portion of the retainer extending in the direction of the optical path. Claim 3 An optical element driving device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface has a second concave portion formed adjacent to the first concave portion on the side opposite to the side of the support member in a direction orthogonal to the optical path direction. Claim 4 A camera module comprising an optical element driving device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, a driving unit that drives the holding unit, and an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject using the optical element. Claim 5 A camera-mounted device that is an information device or a transport device, comprising a camera module described in claim 4 and an image processing unit that processes image information obtained by said camera module. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete

Images