Lens driving device and camera module

Abstract

A lens driving device (101) comprises: a base member (3); a support member (8); a lens holding member (2); and a second drive unit (DM2) having a shape memory alloy wire (SB) for moving the base member (3) in a direction intersecting an optical axis direction with respect to the support member (8). The base member (3) and the lens holding member (2) are disposed on the upper surface side of the support member (8) in the vertical direction along the optical axis direction. The base member (3) has a body part (3B) disposed on the upper surface side of the support member (8) and a protruding part (3T) protruding below the upper surface of the support member (8). The shape memory alloy wire (SB) is provided between the support member (8) and the protrusion (3T), and is disposed so as to face the lower surface of the support member (8).

Description

Lens driving device and camera module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens driving device and a camera module.

[0002] A lens driving device is known in the art that can move the base (base member) of a lens module in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis using a shape memory alloy wire (see Patent Document 1). In this lens driving device, the shape memory alloy wire is disposed between a first circuit board, which is a movable member attached to the bottom surface of the base, and a second circuit board, which is a support member (fixed member).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-018083

[0004] However, since the shape memory alloy wire is loose when not energized, if the lens driving device is subjected to an impact such as being dropped, there is a risk that the wire will become tangled in part of the first circuit board, which serves as a movable member (for example, the L-shaped arm portion).

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a lens driving device that can prevent problems associated with entanglement of the shape memory alloy wire that moves the base member in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction.

[0006] A lens driving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a lens driving device comprising: a fixed side member including a support member; a base member supported by the support member; a lens holding member capable of holding a lens body; and a driving unit comprising a plurality of shape memory alloy wires that move the base member relative to the support member in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, wherein the base member and the lens holding member are arranged on the upper surface side of the support member in the vertical direction along the optical axis direction, the base member has a main body portion arranged on the upper surface side of the support member and a protrusion portion that protrudes below the upper surface of the support member, and the shape memory alloy wire is provided between the fixed side member and the protrusion portion and is arranged so as to face the lower surface of the support member.

[0007] The above-described lens driving device can suppress the occurrence of problems related to entanglement of the shape memory alloy wire.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view of a camera module including a lens driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lens holding member, a lens side metal member, and a leaf spring. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base member, a magnet, a base side metal member, a leaf spring, and a flexible metal member. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base member, a supported side metal member, a flexible metal member, and an embedded metal member. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support side metal member, a supported side metal member, a flexible metal member, a support member, an embedded metal member, and a magnetic member. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a support side metal member, a support member, and an embedded metal member. FIG. 8 is a side view of a base side metal member, a lens side metal member, and a shape memory alloy wire. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base side metal member, a lens side metal member, a support side metal member, a supported side metal member, a flexible metal member, an embedded metal member, and a shape memory alloy wire. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a base side metal member, a lens side metal member, a support side metal member, a supported side metal member, a flexible metal member, an embedded metal member, and a shape memory alloy wire. 15 is a perspective view of a supporting metal member, a supported metal member, a flexible metal member, an embedded metal member, and a shape memory alloy wire. FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a base member, a flexible metal member, and a second driving unit. FIG. 17 is a bottom view and a cross-sectional view of a base member, a supporting member, and a second driving unit. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another configuration example of a lens driving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the lens driving device shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 19 is a front view of the lens driving device shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 19 is a right side view of the lens driving device shown in FIG. 14.

[0009] A lens driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module CM including the lens driving device 101. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device 101.

[0010] 1 and 2, X1 represents one direction of the X axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. Furthermore, Y1 represents one direction of the Y axis constituting the 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 the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z axis. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the X1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the front side (front face side) of the lens driving device 101, and the X2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the rear side (rear face side) of the lens driving device 101. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the left side of the lens driving device 101, and the Y2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the right side of the lens driving device 101. Furthermore, the Z1 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the upper side (subject side) of the lens driving device 101, and the Z2 side of the lens driving device 101 corresponds to the lower side (image sensor side) of the lens driving device 101. This is the same in the other figures.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the camera module CM includes a substrate SU, a lens driving device 101, a lens body LS attached to the lens driving device 101, and an image sensor IS mounted on the substrate SU so as to face the lens body LS. The camera module CM is connected to a control device (not shown) that is configured with a microcomputer including a CPU, memory, etc. In the illustrated example, the control device is disposed outside the camera module CM, but it may also be disposed inside the camera module CM. The lens driving device 101, which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, is mounted on the substrate SU on which the image sensor IS is mounted, as shown in FIG.

[0012] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lens driving device 101 includes a cover member 1, which is part of the fixed-side member FB, a support member 8, and a magnetic member 10. The cover member 1 is configured to function as part of the housing HS of the lens driving device 101. In the illustrated example, the cover member 1 is made of a non-magnetic metal. However, the cover member 1 may also be made of a magnetic metal. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the cover member 1 has an outer shape like a bottomless box that defines a storage section 1S.

[0013] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 1 has a rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 1A and a rectangular, annular, flat top plate portion 1B that is continuous with the upper end (the end on the Z1 side) of the outer wall portion 1A. A circular opening 1K is formed in the center of the top plate portion 1B. The outer wall portion 1A includes a first side plate portion 1A1 to a fourth side plate portion 1A4. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 face each other, and the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 face each other. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 extend perpendicular to the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4. The cover member 1, the support member 8, and the magnetic member 10 are joined with an adhesive as shown in FIG. 1 to form the housing HS.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, between the cover member 1 and the magnetic member 10, a lens holding member 2, a base member 3, a magnet 4, a metal member 5, a leaf spring 6, a flexible metal member 7, a support member 8, an embedded metal member 9, a shape memory alloy wire SA, and a shape memory alloy wire SB, etc. are housed.

[0015] The lens holding member 2 is a member capable of holding the lens body LS (see FIG. 1) and constitutes the movable member MB. The lens body LS is, for example, a cylindrical lens barrel equipped with at least one lens, and is configured so that its central axis is aligned with the optical axis OA.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the lens holding member 2 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the lens holding member 2 includes a cylindrical portion 2C formed to extend along the optical axis OA and a corner portion 2D formed to protrude from the cylindrical portion 2C radially outward of a circle centered on the optical axis OA. The corner portion 2D includes a first corner portion 2D1 and a second corner portion 2D2. The first corner portion 2D1 and the second corner portion 2D2 are arranged to extend in radially opposite directions relative to each other across the optical axis OA. A portion of a leaf spring 6 is placed on each of the two corner portions 2D.

[0017] The driving unit DM is configured to be able to move the movable-side member MB relative to the fixed-side member FB. In the illustrated example, the driving unit DM includes a shape memory alloy wire, which is an example of a shape memory actuator. Specifically, the driving unit DM includes a first driving unit DM1 for moving the lens holding member 2 relative to the base member 3, and a second driving unit DM2 for moving the base member 3 relative to the support member 8. The first driving unit DM1 includes a shape memory alloy wire SA, and the second driving unit DM2 includes a shape memory alloy wire SB. The shape memory alloy wire SA includes a first wire SA1 to an eighth wire SA8, and the shape memory alloy wire SB includes a first wire SB1 to a fourth wire SB4.

[0018] The shape memory alloy wires increase in temperature when a current flows through them and contract in response to the increase in temperature. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the shape memory alloy wires SA are configured to be stretched linearly along the inner surface of the outer wall portion 1A of the cover member 1 when a current is supplied, thereby moving the lens holding member 2 relative to the base member 3. Each of the first wire SA1 to the eighth wire SA8 has one end fixed to the lens-side metal member 5M by crimping, welding, or the like, and the other end fixed to the base-side metal member 5F by crimping, welding, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the shape memory alloy wires SB are configured to be stretched linearly along each side of the support member 8 when a current is supplied, thereby moving the base member 3 relative to the support member 8. Each of the first wire SB1 to the fourth wire SB4 has one end fixed to the supported-side metal member 5N by crimping, welding, or the like, and the other end fixed to the supporting-side metal member 5G by crimping, welding, or the like.

[0019] In other words, the shape memory alloy wire SA has a first wire SA1 and a second wire SA2 arranged so that the extension lines of the shape memory alloy wire SA intersect (approximately perpendicular to) each other when viewed along the optical axis direction (Z axis direction), a third wire SA3 that intersects with the first wire SA1 in a side view (front view) seen from a first direction (X axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis OA, and a fourth wire SA4 that intersects with the second wire SA2 in a side view (right side view) seen from a second direction (Y axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis OA and the first direction (X axis direction). Further, the shape memory alloy wire SA has a fifth wire SA5 and a sixth wire SA6 arranged so that extension lines of the shape memory alloy wire SA intersect (approximately perpendicular to) each other when viewed along the optical axis direction (Z axis direction), a seventh wire SA7 intersecting with the fifth wire SA5 in a side view (rear view) seen from a first direction (X axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis OA, and an eighth wire SA8 intersecting with the sixth wire SA6 in a side view (left side view) seen from a second direction (Y axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis OA and the first direction (X axis direction). Further, the first wire SB1 and the third wire SB3 are opposed to each other across the optical axis OA, and the second wire SB2 and the fourth wire SB4 are opposed to each other across the optical axis OA. When viewed along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first wire SB1 and the third wire SB3 are arranged so that the extension lines of the shape memory alloy wires SB intersect (approximately perpendicular to) each other with respect to the second wire SB2 and the fourth wire SB4. Note that the intersection of two shape memory alloy wires means that the line connecting one end and the other end of one shape memory alloy wire intersects with the line connecting one end and the other end of the other shape memory alloy wire.

[0020] The first driving unit DM1 can use the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA to move the lens holding member 2 up and down along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), which is a direction parallel to the optical axis OA. The shape memory alloy wire SA is configured so that when one or more of the first wire SA1 to eighth wire SA8 contract, the lens holding member 2 moves, and this movement elongates one or more of the other wires. The second driving unit DM2 can use the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SB to move the base member 3 (including the lens holding member 2) back and forth along a first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis OA, and can also use the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SB to move the base member 3 (including the lens holding member 2) left and right along a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis OA and the first direction. The shape memory alloy wire SB is configured so that when one or more of the first wire SB1 to fourth wire SB4 contract, the base member 3 moves, and this movement elongates one or more of the other wires.

[0021] The base member 3 is a member movable in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions relative to the fixed member FB (support member 8) and constitutes the movable member MB. In the illustrated example, the base member 3 is formed by injection molding using a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the base member 3 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a top view and a substantially circular opening 3K in the center. Specifically, the base member 3 has a rectangular annular main body portion 3B formed to surround the opening 3K and a corner portion 3D that protrudes upward from the main body portion 3B. The corner portion 3D includes a first corner portion 3D1 and a second corner portion 3D2. The first corner portion 3D1 and the second corner portion 3D2 are arranged to face each other in the radial direction across the optical axis OA. More specifically, the main body 3B has four sides 3E (first side 3E1 to fourth side 3E4), with a first corner 3D1 provided between the first side 3E1 and the second side 3E2, and a second corner 3D2 provided between the third side 3E3 and the fourth side 3E4.

[0022] The magnet 4 is a member that cooperates with the magnetic member 10 fixed to the support member 8 to prevent the base member 3 from separating from the support member 8. Specifically, the magnet 4 is provided on the base member 3 so as to magnetically attract the magnetic member 10 adhesively fixed to the support member 8. In the illustrated example, the magnet 4 is a permanent magnet that is bipolarly magnetized along the Z-axis direction, and includes a first magnet 41 and a second magnet 42.

[0023] The metal member 5 is configured to fix the end of the shape memory alloy wire. In the illustrated example, the metal member 5 is formed of a non-magnetic metal and includes a base-side metal member 5F, a lens-side metal member 5M, a support-side metal member 5G, and a supported-side metal member 5N. The base-side metal member 5F is configured to be fixed to a corner 3D of the base member 3. The lens-side metal member 5M is configured to be fixed to a corner 2D of the lens holding member 2. The support-side metal member 5G is configured to be fixed to the underside of the support member 8. The supported-side metal member 5N is configured to be fixed to a protrusion 3T (see FIG. 4 ) protruding downward from the underside of the base member 3. The base-side metal member 5F may be embedded in the corner 3D of the base member 3, and the lens-side metal member 5M may be embedded in the corner 2D of the lens holding member 2. In addition, the supporting metal member 5G may be embedded in the lower surface of the supporting member 8, and the supported metal member 5N may be embedded in the protruding portion 3T of the base member 3.

[0024] More specifically, the base-side metal member 5F includes a first base-side metal member 5F1 to an eighth base-side metal member 5F8, and the lens-side metal member 5M includes a first lens-side metal member 5M1 to an eighth lens-side metal member 5M8. The second base-side metal member 5F2 and the fourth base-side metal member 5F4 are integrated to form a common base-side metal member 5FC (a first common base-side metal member 5FC1), and the sixth base-side metal member 5F6 and the eighth base-side metal member 5F8 are integrated to form a common base-side metal member 5FC (a second common base-side metal member 5FC2). The supporting-side metal member 5G includes a first supporting-side metal member 5G1 to a fourth supporting-side metal member 5G4, and the supported-side metal member 5N includes a first supported-side metal member 5N1 and a second supported-side metal member 5N2.

[0025] The leaf spring 6 is configured to support the lens holding member 2 movably relative to the base member 3 in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA. In this embodiment, the leaf spring 6 is made of a metal plate whose main material is, for example, a copper alloy, a titanium-copper alloy (titanium-copper), or a copper-nickel alloy (nickel-tin-copper). In the illustrated example, the leaf spring 6 connects the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3 so that the centers of the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3 coincide with each other when the lens driving device 101 is in a neutral state. Specifically, the leaf spring 6 is configured to connect a corner 2D formed on the lens holding member 2 with a corner 3D formed on the base member 3. The neutral state of the lens driving device 101 is, for example, a state in which current is supplied to each of the first wire SA1 to the eighth wire SA8 and the first wire SB1 to the fourth wire SB4, and the movable member MB (the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3) is located at the center of the movable range in each of the three mutually orthogonal axes (the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis), i.e., a state in which the movable member MB (the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3) is in the neutral position. Typically, in the neutral state of the lens driving device 101, the lens holding member 2 is located at the center of the movable range in each of the three axes, and the base member 3 is located at the center of the movable range in each of the two axes (the X-axis and the Y-axis).

[0026] The flexible metal member 7 is a member for supplying current to each of the shape memory alloy wires SA and SB. Specifically, the flexible metal member 7 has a fixed joint portion fixed to the support member 8, a movable joint portion fixed to the base member 3, and an elastically deformable elastic arm portion connecting the fixed joint portion and the movable joint portion. In the illustrated example, the flexible metal member 7 includes a first flexible metal member 7A to an eighth flexible metal member 7H.

[0027] The support member 8 is a member for supporting the movable member MB and constitutes the fixed member FB. In the illustrated example, the support member 8 is formed by injection molding using a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the support member 8 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in top view and a substantially circular opening 8K in the center. The support member 8 also has a rectangular annular base 8B formed to surround the opening 8K and an outer peripheral wall 8W protruding downward (in the Z2 direction) along the edge (outer periphery) of the lower surface of the base 8B. In the illustrated example, the outer peripheral wall 8W is intermittently arranged along the edge (the substantially rectangular outer periphery in top view) of the lower surface of the base 8B, but may also be arranged continuously without gaps.

[0028] The embedded metal members 9 are members embedded in the support member 8. Specifically, the embedded metal members 9 have terminal portions used for electrical connection to the outside and joining portions exposed on the surface of the support member 8 and used for joining to other metal members. In the illustrated example, the embedded metal members 9 include a first embedded metal member 9A to a twelfth embedded metal member 9L.

[0029] The magnetic member 10 cooperates with the magnet 4 fixed to the base member 3 to prevent the base member 3 from separating from the support member 8. In the illustrated example, the magnetic member 10 is a rectangular, annular, flat metal plate made of a magnetic metal. However, the magnetic member 10 may be a magnet, or may be made of a magnetic resin material or the like as long as it can generate a magnetic attractive force between the magnetic member 10 and the magnet 4. The magnetic member 10 may also be embedded in the support member 8 by insert molding or the like. Specifically, the magnetic member 10 has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed from above, and has a substantially circular opening 10K in the center.

[0030] Next, the positional relationship between the lens holding member 2 and the members attached to the lens holding member 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lens holding member 2, the lens side metal member 5M, and the leaf spring 6. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 3 (the view above the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view of the lens holding member 2, the lens side metal member 5M, and the leaf spring 6, and the lower view of Fig. 3 (the view below the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view of the lens holding member 2, the lens side metal member 5M, and the leaf spring 6.

[0031] In the example shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 3 , the second lens metal member 5M2 is fixed to an upper portion of the second side surface LF2, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the Y2 side of the first corner 2D1. Specifically, the second lens metal member 5M2 is fixed to the first corner 2D1 with an adhesive, with two rectangular protrusions 2V formed on the first corner 2D1 and protruding outward (toward the Y2 side) engaging with two rectangular holes AH formed in the second lens metal member 5M2. The adhesive may be, for example, a photocurable adhesive. The photocurable adhesive may be, for example, an ultraviolet-curable adhesive or a visible-light-curable adhesive. Similarly, the first lens metal member 5M1 is fixed to an upper portion of the first side surface LF1, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the X1 side of the first corner 2D1, the third lens metal member 5M3 is fixed to a lower portion of the first side surface LF1, and the fourth lens metal member 5M4 is fixed to a lower portion of the second side surface LF2. In addition, the fifth lens side metal member 5M5 is fixed to the upper portion of the third side surface LF3, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the X2 side of the second corner 2D2, the sixth lens side metal member 5M6 is fixed to the upper portion of the fourth side surface LF4, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the Y1 side of the second corner 2D2, the seventh lens side metal member 5M7 is fixed to the lower portion of the third side surface LF3, and the eighth lens side metal member 5M8 is fixed to the lower portion of the fourth side surface LF4.

[0032] The leaf spring 6 has a base-side portion 6B fixed to a corner 3D (see FIG. 2) of the base member 3, a lens-side portion 6L fixed to a corner 2D of the lens holding member 2, and an elastic portion 6G connecting the base-side portion 6B and the lens-side portion 6L. Specifically, the base-side portion 6B includes a first base-side portion 6B1 and a second base-side portion 6B2, the lens-side portion 6L includes a first lens-side portion 6L1 and a second lens-side portion 6L2, and the elastic portion 6G includes a first elastic portion 6G1 to a fourth elastic portion 6G4. The first elastic portion 6G1 connects the first lens side portion 6L1 and the first base side portion 6B1, the second elastic portion 6G2 connects the first base side portion 6B1 and the second lens side portion 6L2, the third elastic portion 6G3 connects the second lens side portion 6L2 and the second base side portion 6B2, and the fourth elastic portion 6G4 connects the second base side portion 6B2 and the first lens side portion 6L1.

[0033] The first lens side portion 6L1 has two first through holes 6H1 through which two round protrusions 2P formed on the upper surface of the first corner 2D1 and protruding upward are inserted. The second lens side portion 6L2 has two second through holes 6H2 through which two round protrusions 2P formed on the upper surface of the second corner 2D2 and protruding upward are inserted. In the illustrated example, the leaf spring 6 and the protrusions 2P are bonded together with an adhesive. However, the leaf spring 6 and the protrusions 2P may also be bonded together by heat or cold caulking the protrusions 2P.

[0034] Similarly, the first base side portion 6B1 has two third through holes 6H3 through which two upwardly protruding round protrusions 3P (see FIG. 4) formed on the upper surface of the first corner 3D1 (see FIG. 4) are inserted. The second base side portion 6B2 has two fourth through holes 6H4 through which two upwardly protruding round protrusions 3P (see FIG. 2) formed on the upper surface of the second corner 3D2 are inserted. In the illustrated example, the leaf spring 6 and the protrusions 3P are bonded with an adhesive. However, the leaf spring 6 and the protrusions 3P may also be bonded by heat or cold caulking the protrusions 3P.

[0035] 3, the leaf spring 6 is configured to have two-fold rotational symmetry about the optical axis OA. Therefore, the leaf spring 6 can support the lens holding member 2 in good balance in the air. Furthermore, the leaf spring 6 does not adversely affect the weight balance of the movable-side member MB (lens holding member 2) supported by eight shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 to eighth wire SA8).

[0036] Next, the positional relationship between the base member 3 and components that come into contact with the base member 3 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the base member 3, magnet 4, base-side metal member 5F, supported-side metal member 5N, leaf spring 6, and flexible metal member 7. Specifically, the top view of Figure 4 (the view above the block arrows) is an exploded perspective view of the base member 3, magnet 4, base-side metal member 5F, supported-side metal member 5N, leaf spring 6, and flexible metal member 7, while the bottom view of Figure 4 (the view below the block arrows) is an assembled perspective view of the base member 3, magnet 4, base-side metal member 5F, supported-side metal member 5N, leaf spring 6, and flexible metal member 7. Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the base member 3, supported-side metal member 5N, flexible metal member 7, and embedded metal member 9.

[0037] As shown in the upper diagram of Figure 4, a housing portion 3R that opens upward (in the Z1 direction) is formed at a corner 3D of the base member 3. A magnet 4 is housed in the housing portion 3R and fixed therein with an adhesive. Specifically, a first housing portion 3R1 that opens upward is formed at a first corner 3D1, and a second housing portion 3R2 that opens upward is formed at a second corner 3D2. A first magnet 41 is housed in the first housing portion 3R1, and a second magnet 42 is housed in the second housing portion 3R2.

[0038] 4, the first common base side metal member 5FC1 is fixed to a second side surface SF2, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the Y2 side of a second corner portion 3D2 arranged along the fourth side portion 3E4 of the base member 3. Specifically, the first common base side metal member 5FC1 is fixed to the second corner portion 3D2 with an adhesive in a state in which two angular protrusions 3V formed on the second corner portion 3D2 and protruding outward (toward the Y2 side) are engaged with two rectangular holes RH formed in the first common base side metal member 5FC1. Similarly, the second common base side metal member 5FC2 is fixed to the fourth side surface SF4, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the Y1 side of the first corner portion 3D1 arranged along the second edge portion 3E2 of the base member 3, the first base side metal member 5F1 is fixed to the lower portion of the first side surface SF1, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the X1 side of the first corner portion 3D1 arranged along the first edge portion 3E1 of the base member 3, the third base side metal member 5F3 is fixed to the upper portion of the first side surface SF1, the fifth base side metal member 5F5 is fixed to the lower portion of the third side surface SF3, which is the outer surface of the side wall on the X2 side of the second corner portion 3D2 arranged along the third edge portion 3E3 of the base member 3, and the seventh base side metal member 5F7 is fixed to the upper portion of the third side surface SF3.

[0039] The first to eighth flexible metal members 7A to 7H have first to eighth movable joints 7AQ to 7HQ, respectively. The first movable joint 7AQ includes a first inner movable joint 7AQ1 and a first outer movable joint 7AQ2, and the fifth movable joint 7EQ includes a fifth inner movable joint 7EQ1 and a fifth outer movable joint 7EQ2.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5 , the eighth movable joint 7HQ has a through-hole through which a round protrusion 3Q formed on the underside of the base member 3 protruding downward is inserted. In the illustrated example, the flexible metal member 7 (eighth movable joint 7HQ) and the base member 3 (protrusion 3Q) are joined with an adhesive. However, the flexible metal member 7 (eighth movable joint 7HQ) and the base member 3 (protrusion 3Q) may also be joined by thermally or cold-caulking the protrusion 3Q. The same applies to the first movable joint 7AQ to the seventh movable joint 7GQ.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5 , a protrusion 3T is formed on the underside of the base member 3. The protrusion 3T includes a first protrusion 3T1 and a second protrusion 3T2. The first outer movable joint 7AQ2 has four through holes through which four downwardly protruding protrusions 3Q (protrusions 3TQ) formed on the underside of the first protrusion 3T1 are inserted. The first outer movable joint 7AQ2 and the protrusions 3TQ are bonded with an adhesive. However, the first outer movable joint 7AQ2 and the protrusions 3TQ may also be bonded by heat or cold caulking the protrusions 3TQ.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4 , the second to fourth movable joints 7BQ to 7DQ and the sixth to eighth movable joints 7FQ to 7HQ each have a rounded rectangular through-hole formed therein for use in welding. The second movable joint 7BQ and the third base-side metal member 5F3 are joined by welding. However, the second movable joint 7BQ and the third base-side metal member 5F3 may also be joined using a conductive adhesive or the like. The same applies to the joints between the third movable joint 7CQ and the first base-side metal member 5F1, the joint between the fourth movable joint 7DQ and the second common base-side metal member 5FC2, the joint between the sixth movable joint 7FQ and the seventh base-side metal member 5F7, the joint between the seventh movable joint 7GQ and the fifth base-side metal member 5F5, and the joint between the eighth movable joint 7HQ and the first common base-side metal member 5FC1.

[0043] The supported metal member 5N is fixed to the lower end surface of the protruding portion 3T of the base member 3 with the flexible metal member 7 sandwiched between them. Specifically, the first supported metal member 5N1 is fixed to the first protruding portion 3T1 with the first outer movable joint 7AQ2 sandwiched between them, and the second supported metal member 5N2 is fixed to the second protruding portion 3T2 with the fifth outer movable joint 7EQ2 sandwiched between them. More specifically, the first supported metal member 5N1 and the first outer movable joint 7AQ2 each have four through holes through which the four protrusions 3TQ formed on the lower end surface of the first protruding portion 3T1 are inserted. The first supported metal member 5N1, the first outer movable joint 7AQ2, and the first protruding portion 3T1 are bonded together with an adhesive. However, the joining of the first supported metal member 5N1, the first outer movable joint 7AQ2, and the first protrusion 3T1 may be achieved by applying heat or cold crimping to the protrusion 3TQ. Furthermore, the first supported metal member 5N1 has a rounded rectangular through-hole formed therein for use in welding. The joining of the first supported metal member 5N1 and the first outer movable joint 7AQ2 is achieved by welding. However, the joining of the first supported metal member 5N1 and the first outer movable joint 7AQ2 may also be achieved using a conductive adhesive or the like. The same applies to the joining of the second supported metal member 5N2, the fifth outer movable joint 7EQ2, and the second protrusion 3T2.

[0044] Next, the positional relationship between the support member 8 and the members attached to it will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the supporting metal member 5G, the supported metal member 5N, the flexible metal member 7, the support member 8, the embedded metal member 9, and the magnetic member 10. Specifically, the top view of FIG. 6 (the view above the block arrows) is an exploded perspective view of the supporting metal member 5G, the supported metal member 5N, the flexible metal member 7, the support member 8 with the embedded metal member 9 embedded therein, and the magnetic member 10. The bottom view of FIG. 4 (the view below the block arrows) is an assembled perspective view of the supporting metal member 5G, the supported metal member 5N, the flexible metal member 7, the support member 8, the embedded metal member 9, and the magnetic member 10. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the supporting metal member 5G, the support member 8, and the embedded metal member 9. The magnetic member 10 is adhesively fixed to the support member 8 so as not to come into contact with either the supporting metal member 5G or the supported metal member 5N. The supported metal member 5N is not directly attached to the support member 8, but is shown in FIG. 6 for ease of understanding.

[0045] 6 and 7, the first to eighth flexible metal members 7A to 7H have first to eighth fixed joints 7AP to 7HP, respectively. The first to twelfth embedded metal members 9A to 9L have first to twelfth terminals 9AT to 9LT, respectively, and have first to twelfth joints 9AP to 9LP.

[0046] The first fixed joint 7AP has a through-hole formed therein through which a round protrusion 8P formed on the upper surface of the support member 8 protruding upward is inserted. In the illustrated example, the flexible metal member 7 (first fixed joint 7AP) and the support member 8 (protrusion 8P) are joined with an adhesive. However, the flexible metal member 7 (first fixed joint 7AP) and the support member 8 (protrusion 8P) may also be joined by thermally or cold-caulking the protrusion 8P. The same applies to the second fixed joint 7BP to the eighth fixed joint 7HP.

[0047] Each of the first to eighth fixed joints 7AP to 7HP has a rounded rectangular through-hole formed therein for use in welding. The first fixed joint 7AP and the first joint 9AP are joined by welding. However, the first fixed joint 7AP and the first joint 9AP may be joined using a conductive adhesive or the like. The same applies to the joints between the second fixed joint 7BP and the second joint 9BP, the joint between the third fixed joint 7CP and the third joint 9CP, the joint between the fourth fixed joint 7DP and the fourth joint 9DP, the joint between the fifth fixed joint 7EP and the fifth joint 9EP, the joint between the sixth fixed joint 7FP and the sixth joint 9FP, the joint between the seventh fixed joint 7GP and the seventh joint 9GP, and the joint between the eighth fixed joint 7HP and the eighth joint 9HP.

[0048] 7, the first support-side metal member 5G1 is fixed to the support member 8 with an adhesive in a state in which two rectangular holes formed in the first support-side metal member 5G1 engage with two angular protrusions 8V formed on the underside of the support member 8 and protruding downward (toward the Z2 side). However, the first support-side metal member 5G1 and the support member 8 may be joined by applying heat or cold caulking to the protrusions 8V. The same applies to the second support-side metal member 5G2 to the fourth support-side metal member 5G4.

[0049] 7, the first support-side metal member 5G1 has a rounded rectangular through-hole formed therein for use in welding. The first support-side metal member 5G1 and the ninth embedded metal member 9I are joined by welding. However, the first support-side metal member 5G1 and the ninth embedded metal member 9I may also be joined using a conductive adhesive or the like. The same applies to the joining between the second support-side metal member 5G2 and the tenth embedded metal member 9J, the joining between the third support-side metal member 5G3 and the eleventh embedded metal member 9K, and the joining between the fourth support-side metal member 5G4 and the twelfth embedded metal member 9L.

[0050] Next, referring to FIG. 8 , the metal member 5 to which the shape memory alloy wire SA is attached will be described. FIG. 8 is a side view of the base-side metal member 5F, the lens-side metal member 5M, and the shape memory alloy wire SA. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a view of the first base-side metal member 5F1, the third base-side metal member 5F3, the first common base-side metal member 5FC1, the first lens-side metal member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side metal member 5M4, and the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4, as viewed from the diagonally front right side along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA. Note that the positional relationship of each component shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the positional relationship when the lens driving device 101 is in a neutral state. Furthermore, the following description with reference to FIG. 8 relates to the combination of the first wire SA1 to the fourth wire SA4, but can also be applied to the combination of the fifth wire SA5 to the eighth wire SA8.

[0051] Specifically, one end of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the first lens metal member 5M1 at a holding portion J1 of the first lens metal member 5M1, and the other end of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the first base metal member 5F1 at a holding portion J2 of the first base metal member 5F1. Similarly, one end of the second wire SA2 is fixed to the second lens metal member 5M2 at a holding portion J3 of the second lens metal member 5M2, and the other end of the second wire SA2 is fixed to the first common base metal member 5FC1 at a holding portion J4 below the first common base metal member 5FC1 functioning as the second base metal member 5F2. One end of the third wire SA3 is fixed to the third lens side metal member 5M3 at a holding portion J5 of the third lens side metal member 5M3, and the other end of the third wire SA3 is fixed to the third base side metal member 5F3 at a holding portion J6 of the third base side metal member 5F3. One end of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 at a holding portion J7 of the fourth lens side metal member 5M4, and the other end of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the first common base side metal member 5FC1 at a holding portion J8 above the first common base side metal member 5FC1 that functions as the fourth base side metal member 5F4.

[0052] The retaining portion J1 is formed by bending a portion of the first lens side metal member 5M1. Specifically, the portion of the first lens side metal member 5M1 is bent while sandwiching one end of the first wire SA1, thereby forming the retaining portion J1. The one end of the first wire SA1 is then fixed to the retaining portion J1 by welding. The same applies to the retaining portions J2 to J8.

[0053] The first wire SA1 and the third wire SA3 are arranged so as to be twisted relative to each other, as shown in Fig. 8. That is, the first wire SA1 and the third wire SA3 are arranged so as not to contact each other (are non-contacting). The same applies to the combination of the second wire SA2 and the fourth wire SA4.

[0054] The base member 3 is configured to function as a wire support member that supports the other ends of the first to eighth wires SA1 to SA8. With this configuration, the lens holding member 2 is supported by the base member 3 via the first to eighth wires SA1 to SA8 in a state where it can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), which is a direction parallel to the optical axis OA.

[0055] The lens side metal member 5M has an extension portion EL configured to extend in the circumferential direction (tangential direction) of a circle centered on the optical axis OA. Specifically, the first lens side metal member 5M1 has a first extension portion EL1, the second lens side metal member 5M2 has a second extension portion EL2, the third lens side metal member 5M3 has a third extension portion EL3, and the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 has a fourth extension portion EL4.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the first lens metal member 5M1 and the second lens metal member 5M2 are arranged such that the second extension portion EL2 is located outside the first extension portion EL1 (farther from the optical axis OA), and the first extension portion EL1 and the second extension portion EL2 are joined together with a conductive adhesive. Similarly, the third lens metal member 5M3 and the fourth lens metal member 5M4 are arranged such that the fourth extension portion EL4 is located outside the third extension portion EL3, and the third extension portion EL3 and the fourth extension portion EL4 are joined together with a conductive adhesive. The joining of the extension portions EL may be achieved by welding, soldering, or the like. Furthermore, the extension portions EL may be arranged so as not to overlap in the radial direction, i.e., so as to be adjacent in the optical axis direction.

[0057] Next, the positional relationship of the metal member 5, flexible metal member 7, embedded metal member 9, shape memory alloy wire SA, and shape memory alloy wire SB, which are members through which current flows, will be described with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the metal member 5, flexible metal member 7, embedded metal member 9, shape memory alloy wire SA, and shape memory alloy wire SB. Specifically, the upper view of Figure 9 is a perspective view of members related to the current path including the shape memory alloy wire SA, and the lower view of Figure 9 is a perspective view of members related to the current path including the shape memory alloy wire SB. Fig. 10 is a diagram extracted from a portion of the upper diagram of Fig. 9, in which the upper left diagram of Fig. 10 shows components related to a current path including the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2, the upper right diagram of Fig. 10 shows components related to a current path including the third wire SA3 and the fourth wire SA4, the lower left diagram of Fig. 10 shows components related to a current path including the fifth wire SA5 and the sixth wire SA6, and the lower right diagram of Fig. 10 shows components related to a current path including the seventh wire SA7 and the eighth wire SA8. Also, Fig. 11 is a diagram extracted from a portion of the lower diagram of Fig. 9, in which the upper left diagram of Fig. 11 shows components related to a current path including the first wire SB1, the lower left diagram of Fig. 11 shows components related to a current path including the second wire SB2, the lower right diagram of Fig. 11 shows components related to a current path including the third wire SB3, and the upper right diagram of Fig. 11 shows components related to a current path including the fourth wire SB4.

[0058] As shown in the upper left diagram of Figure 10, when the third terminal portion 9CT of the third embedded metal member 9C is connected to a high potential and the eighth terminal portion 9HT of the eighth embedded metal member 9H (see Figure 2) is connected to a low potential, current flows from the third terminal portion 9CT of the third embedded metal member 9C through the third joint portion 9CP of the third embedded metal member 9C, the third flexible metal member 7C (the third fixed joint portion 7CP and the third movable joint portion 7CQ), the first base side metal member 5F1 (the joint portion 5F1Q and the holding portion J2), the first wire SA1, the It flows through the first lens side metal member 5M1 (holding portion J1 and first extension portion EL1), the second lens side metal member 5M2 (second extension portion EL2 and holding portion J3), the second wire SA2, the first common base side metal member 5FC1 (holding portion J4 and joint portion 5FC1Q), the eighth flexible metal member 7H (eighth movable joint portion 7HQ and eighth fixed joint portion 7HP (see Figure 2)), and the eighth joint portion 9HP of the eighth embedded metal member 9H (see Figure 2) to the eighth terminal portion 9HT of the eighth embedded metal member 9H.

[0059] 10, when the second terminal portion 9BT of the second embedded metal member 9B is connected to a high potential and the eighth terminal portion 9HT (see FIG. 2) of the eighth embedded metal member 9H is connected to a low potential, a current flows from the second terminal portion 9BT of the second embedded metal member 9B through the second joint portion 9BP of the second embedded metal member 9B, the second flexible metal member 7B (the second fixed joint portion 7BP and the second movable joint portion 7BQ), the third base side metal member 5F3 (the joint portion 5F3Q and the holding portion J6), the third wire SA3, The current flows through the third lens side metal member 5M3 (holding portion J5 and third extension portion EL3), the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 (fourth extension portion EL4 and holding portion J7), the fourth wire SA4, the first common base side metal member 5FC1 (holding portion J8 and joint portion 5FC1Q), the eighth flexible metal member 7H (eighth movable joint portion 7HQ and eighth fixed joint portion 7HP (see Figure 2)), and the eighth joint portion 9HP of the eighth embedded metal member 9H (see Figure 2), to the eighth terminal portion 9HT of the eighth embedded metal member 9H.

[0060] In addition, whether the third terminal portion 9CT of the third embedded metal member 9C is connected to a high potential or the second terminal portion 9BT of the second embedded metal member 9B is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the first common base side metal member 5FC1 to the eighth terminal portion 9HT of the eighth embedded metal member 9H is the same.

[0061] 10, when the seventh terminal portion 9GT of the seventh embedded metal member 9G is connected to a high potential and the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth embedded metal member 9D is connected to a low potential, a current flows from the seventh terminal portion 9GT of the seventh embedded metal member 9G to the seventh joint portion 9GP of the seventh embedded metal member 9G, the seventh flexible metal member 7G (the seventh fixed joint portion 7GP and the seventh movable joint portion 7GQ), the fifth base-side metal member 5F5 (the joint portion 5F5Q and the holding portion J9), the fifth wire SA 5. It flows through the fifth lens side metal member 5M5 (holding portion J10 and fifth extension portion EL5), the sixth lens side metal member 5M6 (sixth extension portion EL6 and holding portion J11), the sixth wire SA6, the second common base side metal member 5FC2 (holding portion J12 and joint portion 5FC2Q), the fourth flexible metal member 7D (fourth movable joint portion 7DQ and fourth fixed joint portion 7DP), and the fourth joint portion 9DP of the fourth embedded metal member 9D to the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth embedded metal member 9D.

[0062] 10, when the sixth terminal portion 9FT of the sixth embedded metal member 9F is connected to a high potential and the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth embedded metal member 9D is connected to a low potential, a current flows from the sixth terminal portion 9FT of the sixth embedded metal member 9F to the sixth joint portion 9FP of the sixth embedded metal member 9F, the sixth flexible metal member 7F (the sixth fixed joint portion 7FP and the sixth movable joint portion 7FQ), the seventh base-side metal member 5F7 (the joint portion 5F7Q and the holding portion J13), the seventh wire SA 7, the seventh lens side metal member 5M7 (holding portion J14 and seventh extension portion EL7), the eighth lens side metal member 5M8 (eighth extension portion EL8 and holding portion J15), the eighth wire SA8, the second common base side metal member 5FC2 (holding portion J16 and joint portion 5FC2Q), the fourth flexible metal member 7D (fourth movable joint portion 7DQ and fourth fixed joint portion 7DP), and the fourth joint portion 9DP of the fourth embedded metal member 9D, and flows to the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth embedded metal member 9D.

[0063] In addition, whether the sixth terminal portion 9FT of the sixth embedded metal member 9F is connected to a high potential or the seventh terminal portion 9GT of the seventh embedded metal member 9G is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the second common base side metal member 5FC2 to the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth embedded metal member 9D is the same.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in the upper left diagram of Figure 11, when the ninth terminal portion 9IT of the ninth embedded metal member 9I is connected to a high potential and the first terminal portion 9AT of the first embedded metal member 9A is connected to a low potential, current flows from the ninth terminal portion 9IT of the ninth embedded metal member 9I, through the ninth joint portion 9IP of the ninth embedded metal member 9I, the first supporting side metal member 5G1 (holding portion J17), the first wire SB1, the first supported side metal member 5N1 (holding portion J18), the first flexible metal member 7A (first outer movable joint portion 7AQ2, first inner movable joint portion 7AQ1, and first fixed joint portion 7AP), and the first joint portion 9AP of the first embedded metal member 9A, to the first terminal portion 9AT of the first embedded metal member 9A.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in the upper right diagram of Figure 11, when the 12th terminal portion 9LT of the 12th embedded metal member 9L is connected to a high potential and the first terminal portion 9AT of the first embedded metal member 9A is connected to a low potential, current flows from the 12th terminal portion 9LT of the 12th embedded metal member 9L, through the 12th joint portion 9LP of the 12th embedded metal member 9L, the fourth supporting side metal member 5G4 (holding portion J21), the fourth wire SB4, the first supported side metal member 5N1 (holding portion J22), the first flexible metal member 7A (first outer movable joint portion 7AQ2, first inner movable joint portion 7AQ1, and first fixed joint portion 7AP), and the first joint portion 9AP of the first embedded metal member 9A, to the first terminal portion 9AT of the first embedded metal member 9A.

[0066] In addition, whether the ninth terminal portion 9IT of the ninth embedded metal member 9I is connected to a high potential or the twelfth terminal portion 9LT of the twelfth embedded metal member 9L is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the first supported side metal member 5N1 to the first terminal portion 9AT of the first embedded metal member 9A is the same.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 11, when the tenth terminal portion 9JT of the tenth embedded metal member 9J is connected to a high potential and the fifth terminal portion 9ET of the fifth embedded metal member 9E is connected to a low potential, current flows from the tenth terminal portion 9JT of the tenth embedded metal member 9J, through the tenth joint portion 9JP of the tenth embedded metal member 9J, the second supporting side metal member 5G2 (holding portion J19), the second wire SB2, the second supported side metal member 5N2 (holding portion J20), the fifth flexible metal member 7E (fifth outer movable joint portion 7EQ2, fifth inner movable joint portion 7EQ1, and fifth fixed joint portion 7EP), and the fifth joint portion 9EP of the fifth embedded metal member 9E, to the fifth terminal portion 9ET of the fifth embedded metal member 9E.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 11, when the 11th terminal portion 9KT of the 11th embedded metal member 9K is connected to a high potential and the 5th terminal portion 9ET of the 5th embedded metal member 9E is connected to a low potential, current flows from the 11th terminal portion 9KT of the 11th embedded metal member 9K, through the 11th joint portion 9KP of the 11th embedded metal member 9K, the third supporting side metal member 5G3 (holding portion J23), the third wire SB3, the second supported side metal member 5N2 (holding portion J24), the 5th flexible metal member 7E (the 5th outer movable joint portion 7EQ2, the 5th inner movable joint portion 7EQ1, and the 5th fixed joint portion 7EP), and the 5th joint portion 9EP of the 5th embedded metal member 9E, to the 5th terminal portion 9ET of the 5th embedded metal member 9E.

[0069] In addition, whether the 10th terminal portion 9JT of the 10th embedded metal member 9J is connected to a high potential or the 11th terminal portion 9KT of the 11th embedded metal member 9K is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the second supported side metal member 5N2 to the 5th terminal portion 9ET of the 5th embedded metal member 9E is the same.

[0070] A control device external to the lens driving device 101 as described above can control the length of each of the shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 to eighth wire SA8) and shape memory alloy wires SB (first wire SB1 to fourth wire SB4) by controlling the voltage applied to each of the terminal portions (first terminal portion 9AT to twelfth terminal portion 9LT) of the first embedded metal member 9A to twelfth embedded metal member 9L. For example, the control device may detect the electrical resistance value of each of the shape memory alloy wires and control the length of each of the shape memory alloy wires in accordance with the detection results. The control device may be disposed within the lens driving device 101. The control device may also be a component of the lens driving device 101.

[0071] The control device may, for example, use a driving force parallel to the optical axis OA due to contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA as the first drive unit DM1 to move the lens holding member 2 in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA (Z-axis direction) on the Z1 side (subject side) of the image sensor IS. By moving the lens holding member 2 in this manner, the control device may realize an autofocus adjustment function, which is one of the lens adjustment functions. Specifically, the control device may move the lens holding member 2 away from the image sensor to enable macro photography, and move the lens holding member 2 toward the image sensor to enable infinity photography.

[0072] Furthermore, the control device may control the current flowing through the shape memory alloy wire SB serving as the second driving unit DM2 to move the lens holding member 2 together with the base member 3 in directions intersecting the optical axis OA (the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively). In this way, the control device may realize an image stabilization function.

[0073] Next, the positional relationship between the second driving unit DM2 and the base member 3 and the flexible metal member 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the base member 3, the flexible metal member 7, and the second driving unit DM2. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the base member 3 and the second driving unit DM2, and the lower view of Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the flexible metal member 7 and the second driving unit DM2. The second driving unit DM2 includes the first wire SB1 to the fourth wire SB4, the first supporting side metal member 5G1 to the fourth supporting side metal member 5G4, the first supported side metal member 5N1, and the second supported side metal member 5N2.

[0074] As shown in the upper diagram of Figure 12, when viewed along the optical axis direction, the second driving unit DM2 is configured to be located inside the rectangle RT represented by dashed lines surrounding the base member 3 when the lens driving device 101 is in a neutral state.

[0075] 12, when viewed along the optical axis direction, the second drive unit DM2 is configured to partially overlap the flexible metal member 7, with a support member 8 (not shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 12) sandwiched between them. Specifically, the first wire SB1 is arranged to overlap the first flexible metal member 7A to the fourth flexible metal member 7D, the second wire SB2 is arranged to overlap the third flexible metal member 7C to the fifth flexible metal member 7E, the third wire SB3 is arranged to overlap the fifth flexible metal member 7E to the eighth flexible metal member 7H, and the fourth wire SB4 is arranged to overlap the first flexible metal member 7A, the seventh flexible metal member 7G, and the eighth flexible metal member 7H.

[0076] This configuration has the effect of reducing the size of the lens driving device 101 compared to when each of the shape memory alloy wires SB (first wire SB1 to fourth wire SB4) is positioned outside the rectangle RT when viewed along the optical axis direction.

[0077] Next, the positional relationship between the second drive unit DM2 and each of the base member 3 and support member 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the base member 3, support member 8, and second drive unit DM2. Specifically, the upper view of FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the base member 3, support member 8, and second drive unit DM2, and the lower view of FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the base member 3, support member 8, and second drive unit DM2. Specifically, the lower view of FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the base member 3, support member 8, and second drive unit DM2 in the YZ plane including the cutting line CL1 in the upper view of FIG. 13 , viewed from the X1 side.

[0078] 13, when the lens driving device 101 is in a neutral state, the base member 3 is configured so that the lower end surface of the protrusion 3T (first protrusion 3T1) protrudes through the through-hole 8T (first through-hole 8T1) of the support member 8 to a position a distance DS1 from the upper surface of the support member 8. This is to ensure that the position (height) of the supported-side metal member 5N (first supported-side metal member 5N1) and the position (height) of the supporting-side metal member 5G (first supporting-side metal member 5G1 and second supporting-side metal member 5G2) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) are the same below the support member 8.

[0079] This configuration brings about the effect that the lens driving device 101 can be realized with a simple structure of just providing a protrusion 3T on the base member 3 and a through-hole 8T on the support member 8, and includes a second driving unit DM2 (shape memory alloy wire SB) disposed on the underside of the support member 8. Specifically, this configuration brings about the effect that the supported-side metal member 5N constituting the second driving unit DM2 can be assembled to the base member 3, and the supporting-side metal member 5G constituting the second driving unit DM2 can be assembled to the support member 8, with a simple structure.

[0080] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 , a lens driving device 101A, which is another configuration example of the lens driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the lens driving device 101A. Specifically, the upper view of FIG. 14 (the view above the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device 101A, and the lower view of FIG. 14 (the view below the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view of the lens driving device 101A. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the lens driving device 101A. Note that, for ease of understanding, the magnetic member 10 is omitted from FIG. 15 , and a dot pattern is applied to the support member 8. FIG. 16 is a front view of the lens driving device 101A turned upside down, and FIG. 17 is a right side view of the lens driving device 101A turned upside down. Specifically, the lower diagram of Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of an area R1 surrounded by a dashed line in the upper diagram of Fig. 16, and the lower diagram of Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of an area R2 surrounded by a dashed line in the upper diagram of Fig. 17. Note that in Figs. 16 and 17, a dot pattern is applied to the support member 8 for ease of understanding.

[0081] Lens driving device 101A differs from lens driving device 101 in that 16 restriction portions RP are provided on the lower surface BS of outer peripheral wall portion 8W of support member 8 and that 16 through-holes 10C are provided in magnetic member 10, but is otherwise the same as lens driving device 101. Therefore, in the following, a description of the common portions will be omitted and the different portions will be described in detail.

[0082] In the illustrated example, the 16 restricting portions RP are convex portions 8Q provided so as to extend downward from the lower surface BS of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W, and correspond to the 16 through-holes 10C provided in the magnetic member 10. Specifically, the convex portions 8Q as restricting portions RP are portions for preventing the shape memory alloy wire SB from entering a gap between the support member 8 and the magnetic member 10 that is generated momentarily when the lens driving device 101 is subjected to a strong impact due to a fall or the like and the magnetic member 10 is bent.

[0083] In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the convex portion 8Q serving as the restricting portion RP is formed outside the straight line SL connecting one end and the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SB. Specifically, the restricting portion RP includes a first restricting portion RP1 to a fourth restricting portion RP4. That is, the convex portion 8Q includes a first convex portion 8Q1 to a fourth convex portion 8Q4. The first convex portion 8Q1 serving as the first restricting portion RP1 is formed outside the first straight line SL1 connecting one end and the other end of the first wire SB1, and the second convex portion 8Q2 serving as the second restricting portion RP2 is formed outside the second straight line SL2 connecting one end and the other end of the second wire SB2. Similarly, the third convex portion 8Q3 as the third regulating portion RP3 is formed outside the third straight line SL3 connecting one end and the other end of the third wire SB3, and the fourth convex portion 8Q4 as the fourth regulating portion RP4 is formed outside the fourth straight line SL4 connecting one end and the other end of the fourth wire SB4.

[0084] As shown in the lower diagrams of FIGS. 16 and 17 , the protrusion EQ1 of the protrusion 8Q downward from the lower surface BS of the outer peripheral wall 8W is configured to be smaller than the protrusion EQ2 of the magnetic member 10. This is to prevent the lens driving device 101A from floating up from the substrate SU when the lens driving device 101A is attached to the substrate SU, as the lower end surface of the protrusion 8Q, rather than the lower surface of the magnetic member 10, comes into contact with the substrate SU. In other words, this is to prevent a gap from being created between the upper surface of the substrate SU and the lower surface of the magnetic member 10. However, as long as it is possible to prevent the lens driving device 101A from floating up, the protrusion EQ1 of the protrusion 8Q may be the same as or greater than the protrusion EQ2 of the magnetic member 10. Also, in the illustrated example, the protrusion amount EQ1 of the convex portion 8Q is greater than half the protrusion amount EQ2 of the magnetic member 10, but it may be less than half the protrusion amount EQ2 of the magnetic member 10 as long as it can prevent the shape memory alloy wire SB from entering the gap between the support member 8 and the magnetic member 10.

[0085] In the illustrated example, the protrusion 8Q is configured to have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may be configured to have any other shape such as a cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, a polygonal prism shape, etc. In addition, the protrusion 8Q may have a tapered shape or a widened shape.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the number of protrusions 8Q is 16 in total, with 6 on the X1 side, 6 on the X2 side, 2 on the Y1 side, and 2 on the Y2 side, but there may be one on each of the X1 side, X2 side, Y1 side, and Y2 side, for a total of 17 or more. The numbers on the X1 side, X2 side, Y1 side, and Y2 side may be different from each other or the same as each other.

[0087] 16, the width WD1 of the protrusion 8Q is configured to be smaller than the width WD2 of the terminal portion of the embedded metal member 9. However, the width WD1 of the protrusion 8Q may be configured to be larger than the width WD2 of the terminal portion of the embedded metal member 9.

[0088] 14, the convex portion 8Q is configured so that its inner end face (the side closer to the optical axis OA) is flush with the inner end face of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W. However, the convex portion 8Q may be configured so that its inner end face is positioned farther from the optical axis OA than the inner end face of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W.

[0089] 14 , the support member 8 is configured so that the depths (dimensions in the X-axis direction) of some (two) of the protrusions 8Q provided on each of the X1-side and X2-side outer peripheral wall portions 8W are smaller than the depth DP1 of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W. The support member 8 is also configured so that the depths (dimensions in the Y-axis direction) of all of the protrusions 8Q provided on each of the Y1-side and Y2-side outer peripheral wall portions 8W are the same as the depth DP2 of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W. However, the support member 8 may be configured so that the depths of all of the protrusions 8Q are smaller than the depth of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W, or may be configured so that they are the same as the depth of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W.

[0090] 14, adhesive may be applied to the through-hole 10C that receives the protrusion 8Q to bond the support member 8 and the magnetic member 10. In the illustrated example, the through-hole 10C is a notch, but it may also be a through-hole.

[0091] 2 , the lens driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base member 3, a lens holding member 2 having a cylindrical portion 2C capable of holding a lens body LS and movable relative to the base member 3, and a driving unit (first driving unit DM1) provided between the base member 3 and the lens holding member 2 and configured with a plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA for moving the lens holding member 2 at least in the up and down direction along the optical axis direction. The shape memory alloy wires SA include a first wire SA1 and a third wire SA3 that intersect with each other in a side view (front view) seen from a first direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the optical axis OA, and a second wire SA2 and a fourth wire SA4 that intersect with each other in a side view (right side view) seen from a second direction (Y-axis direction) that is orthogonal to the optical axis OA and perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction). The first wire SA1, the second wire SA2, the third wire SA3, and the fourth wire SA4 each have one end fixed to a corresponding lens-side metal member 5M provided (fixed) on the outer peripheral surface of the lens holding member 2, and the other end fixed to a corresponding base-side metal member 5F provided (fixed) on the base member 3, and are configured so that one end and the other end form a straight line when current is applied. Each of the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2 is arranged so that one end is located higher and closer to the subject than the other end in the optical axis direction, and each of the third wire SA3 and the fourth wire SA4 is arranged so that the other end is located higher and closer to the subject than the one end in the optical axis direction. The lens side metal member 5M includes a first lens side metal member 5M1 to which one end of the first wire SA1 is fixed, a second lens side metal member 5M2 to which one end of the second wire SA1 is fixed, a third lens side metal member 5M3 to which one end of the third wire SA3 is fixed, and a fourth lens side metal member 5M4 to which one end of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed. The first lens side metal member 5M1 and the second lens side metal member 5M2 are electrically connected, and the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2 are connected in series. In other words, the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2 are configured to be in series (to form a series circuit).Similarly, the third lens side metal member 5M3 and the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 are electrically connected, and the third wire SA3 and the fourth wire SA4 are connected in series. The first lens side metal member 5M1 and the third lens side metal member 5M3 are arranged adjacent to each other but spaced apart on the first side surface LF1 of the lens holding member 2, and the second lens side metal member 5M2 and the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 are arranged adjacent to each other but spaced apart on the second side surface LF2 of the lens holding member 2. That is, the first lens side metal member 5M1 and the third lens side metal member 5M3 are insulated from each other when the shape memory alloy wire is not present, and the second lens side metal member 5M2 and the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 are insulated from each other when the shape memory alloy wire is not present. In the illustrated example, one end of the first wire SA1 and one end of the second wire SA2 are adjacent to each other. That is, the distance between one end of the first wire SA1 and one end of the second wire SA2 is shorter than the distance between the other end of the first wire SA1 and the other end of the second wire SA2. The same applies to the relationship between the third wire SA3 and the fourth wire SA4.

[0092] This configuration has the effect of suppressing problems related to the retention of the shape memory alloy wire SA. This is because the shape memory alloy wire SA is configured so that one end and the other end are linear when energized, and the middle portion is not hooked onto other components. Therefore, this configuration can suppress problems such as the middle portion of the shape memory alloy wire sliding on other components and generating wear powder, scraping, or rubbing, or the middle portion of the shape memory alloy wire becoming detached from the retaining element. Therefore, this configuration can suppress the subsequent operation of the lens driving device 101 from being affected even if a strong impact is applied to the lens driving device 101 due to a drop, etc.

[0093] Furthermore, the lens holding member 2 may have a corner 2D (first corner 2D1), and the first side surface LF1 and the second side surface LF2 may be adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with the first corner 2D1 in between. In the illustrated example, the corner 2D (first corner 2D1) is configured so that a plane along the first side surface LF1 and a plane along the second side surface LF2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0094] This configuration has the advantage that the first side surface LF1 and the second side surface LF2 are close to each other, making it easier to electrically connect the corresponding lens side metal members 5M compared to when the first side surface LF1 and the second side surface LF2 are far apart.

[0095] Furthermore, the first lens side metal member 5M1 and the third lens side metal member 5M3 may be disposed adjacent to each other but spaced apart in the optical axis direction. Similarly, the second lens side metal member 5M2 and the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 may be disposed adjacent to each other but spaced apart in the optical axis direction. In this case, the first lens side metal member 5M1 and the second lens side metal member 5M2 may have a portion (extension portion EL) located outward from the other in the radial direction of a circle centered on the optical axis OA, as shown in FIG. 8 , and may be joined at that portion (extension portion EL). Similarly, the third lens side metal member 5M3 and the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 may have a portion (extension portion EL) located outward from the other in the radial direction, and may be joined at that portion (extension portion EL). In addition, the first extension portion EL1 of the first lens side metal member 5M1 and the second extension portion EL2 of the second lens side metal member 5M2 may be arranged so as to be in contact with each other, and the third extension portion EL3 of the third lens side metal member 5M3 and the fourth extension portion EL4 of the fourth lens side metal member 5M4 may be arranged so as to be in contact with each other.

[0096] This configuration brings about the effect that it is easier to establish electrical continuity between the corresponding lens side metal members 5M compared to a configuration that does not have the extension portion EL.

[0097] Furthermore, the corner portion 2D may have a corner side surface CF, as shown in FIG. 2 . In this case, the first lens metal member 5M1, the second lens metal member 5M2, the third lens metal member 5M3, and the fourth lens metal member 5M4 may each have an extension portion EL extending along the corner side surface CF, as shown in FIG. 8 , and corresponding extension portions EL may be joined together. In the illustrated example, the first corner portion 2D1 has a first corner side surface CF1, and the second corner portion 2D2 has a second corner side surface CF2. Each of the first to fourth extension portions EL1 to EL4 is arranged to extend along the first corner side surface CF1, and each of the fifth to eighth extension portions EL5 to EL8 is arranged to extend along the second corner side surface CF2. Note that the corner side surfaces CF may not be flat, but may be curved.

[0098] In this configuration, the two extension portions EL to be joined are arranged along the same single surface, the corner side surface CF, which makes it easier to join the corresponding extension portions EL compared to when the two extension portions EL to be joined are arranged on different surfaces. Therefore, this configuration improves the ease of assembly of the lens driving device 101, and ultimately improves the productivity of the lens driving device 101.

[0099] Furthermore, the corresponding extension portions EL may be joined by welding, which has the effect of making it easier to join the corresponding extension portions EL.

[0100] The base-side metal member 5F may include a first base-side metal member 5F1 to which the other end of the first wire SA1 is fixed, a second base-side metal member 5F2 to which the other end of the second wire SA2 is fixed, a third base-side metal member 5F3 to which the other end of the third wire SA3 is fixed, and a fourth base-side metal member 5F4 to which the other end of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed. In this case, the first base-side metal member 5F1 and the third base-side metal member 5F3 may be fixed to the first side surface SF1 of the base member 3 while being spaced apart from each other and adjacent to each other, and the second base-side metal member 5F2 and the fourth base-side metal member 5F4 may be integrated as a common base-side metal member 5FC (first common base-side metal member 5FC1) and fixed to the second side surface SF2 of the base member 3.

[0101] This configuration brings about the effect of reducing the number of parts compared to when the second base side metal member 5F2 and the fourth base side metal member 5F4 are configured as separate, independent members.

[0102] Furthermore, the first wire SA1, the third wire SA3, the first lens side metal member 5M1, the third lens side metal member 5M3, the first base side metal member 5F1, and the third base side metal member 5F3 may be provided in pairs with the optical axis (cylindrical portion 2C) between them. In the illustrated example, the fifth wire SA5, the seventh wire SA7, the fifth lens side metal member 5M5, the seventh lens side metal member 5M7, the fifth base side metal member 5F5, and the seventh base side metal member 5F7 correspond to the first wire SA1, the third wire SA3, the first lens side metal member 5M1, the third lens side metal member 5M3, the first base side metal member 5F1, and the third base side metal member 5F3, respectively. Similarly, the second wire SA2, the fourth wire SA4, the second lens side metal member 5M2, the fourth lens side metal member 5M4, and the common base side metal member 5FC (first common base side metal member 5FC1) may be provided in pairs with the optical axis (cylindrical portion 2C) between them. In the illustrated example, the sixth wire SA6, the eighth wire SA8, the sixth lens side metal member 5M6, the eighth lens side metal member 5M8, and the second common base side metal member 5FC2 correspond to the second wire SA2, the fourth wire SA4, the second lens side metal member 5M2, the fourth lens side metal member 5M4, and the first common base side metal member 5FC1, respectively.

[0103] This configuration provides the advantage that the movement of the lens holding member 2 in the optical axis direction is more stable than when the first driving unit DM1 is disposed at a biased position around the optical axis OA.

[0104] In addition, the lens driving device 101 may have a support member 8 (fixed side member FB) arranged below the base member 3, and another driving unit (second driving unit DM2) that moves the base member 3 in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction.

[0105] This configuration brings about the effect of realizing an image stabilization function in addition to an automatic focus adjustment function.

[0106] 2, the lens driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fixed member FB including a support member 8, a base member 3 supported by the support member 8, a lens holding member 2 having a cylindrical portion 2C capable of holding a lens body LS and movable relative to the base member 3 in at least the optical axis direction, and a driving unit DM (second driving unit DM2) including a plurality of shape memory alloy wires SB that move the base member 3 relative to the support member 8 in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction. The base member 3 and the lens holding member 2 are disposed on the upper surface of the support member 8 (base 8B) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) along the optical axis direction. The base member 3 includes a main body portion 3B disposed on the upper surface of the support member 8 (base 8B) and a protrusion 3T (see FIG. 4) that protrudes below the upper surface of the support member 8 (base 8B). The shape memory alloy wire SB is disposed between the fixed member FB and the protrusion 3T and is disposed so as to face the lower surface of the support member 8 (base 8B).

[0107] This configuration has the effect of suppressing the occurrence of problems related to entanglement of the shape memory alloy wire SB. This is because the shape memory alloy wire SB is provided on the lower surface side of the support member 8, and therefore contact with the movable side member MB (base member 3) and the like provided on the upper surface side of the support member 8 can be avoided. As a result, this configuration has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of components. In other words, this configuration has the effect of suppressing entanglement of the shape memory alloy wire SB with other components when the shape memory alloy wire SB is undesirably deformed. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of reducing the distance between the shape memory alloy wire SB and other components, and ultimately increasing the degree of freedom in the design of the lens driving device 101.

[0108] 2, the support member 8 may have a through portion 8T (through portion 8T through which at least a part of the protrusion 3T is inserted) in which the protrusion 3T of the base member 3 is disposed. In the illustrated example, the support member 8 includes a first through portion 8T1 in which the first protrusion 3T1 is disposed, and a second through portion 8T2 in which the second protrusion 3T2 is disposed. Note that the lower end surface of the protrusion 3T does not have to be lower than the lower surface of the base 8B of the support member 8.

[0109] This configuration has the effect of realizing, with a simple structure, the lens driving device 101 including the second driving unit DM2 (shape memory alloy wire SB) disposed on the underside of the support member 8. Specifically, this configuration has the effect of realizing, with a simple structure, the assembly of the supported metal member 5N constituting the second driving unit DM2 to the base member 3.

[0110] 2, the support member 8 (base 8B) may have an opening 8K through which light that has passed through the lens body LS can pass. In this case, the support member 8 (base 8B) may have a partition 8S located between the through-hole 8T and the opening 8K. In the illustrated example, the support member 8 includes a first partition 8S1 located between the opening 8K and the first through-hole 8T1, and a second partition 8S2 located between the opening 8K and the second through-hole 8T2.

[0111] This configuration brings about the effect of increasing the strength of the support member 8 compared to when the opening 8K and the through portion 8T are continuous.

[0112] The partition 8S may also have an embedded metal member 9 disposed therein. In the illustrated example, the wide portion 9AU of the first embedded metal member 9A is disposed in the first partition 8S1, and the wide portion 9EU of the fifth embedded metal member 9E is disposed in the second partition 8S2.

[0113] This configuration has the effect of further increasing the strength of the support member 8. In addition, this configuration has the effect of facilitating routing of the buried metal member 9 that functions as part of the current path.

[0114] 12 , the shape memory alloy wire SB may be located inside a rectangle RT surrounding the base member 3 when viewed along the optical axis direction. Specifically, the base member 3 (main body 3B) may have a first side 3E1 and a third side 3E3 that face each other across an opening 3K in a first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a second side 3E2 and a fourth side 3E4 that face each other across the opening 3K in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that is perpendicular to the optical axis direction and perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction). Each of the shape memory alloy wires SB (first wire SB1 to fourth wire SB4) may be located inside a straight line (each side of the rectangle RT represented by a dashed line) that runs along the outer edge of the first side 3E1 to fourth side 3E4 when viewed along the optical axis direction.

[0115] This configuration has the effect of reducing the size of the lens driving device 101 compared to when each of the shape memory alloy wires SB (first wire SB1 to fourth wire SB4) is positioned outside the rectangle RT when viewed along the optical axis direction.

[0116] 2, a supporting metal member 5G may be provided on the lower surface of the supporting member 8, and a supported metal member 5N may be provided on the protruding portion 3T of the base member 3. In this case, the supporting metal member 5G may include a first supporting metal member 5G1, a second supporting metal member 5G2, a third supporting metal member 5G3, and a fourth supporting metal member 5G4, the supported metal member 5N may include a first supported metal member 5N1 and a second supported metal member 5N2, and the shape memory alloy wire SB may include a first wire SB1, a second wire SB2, a third wire SB3, and a fourth wire SB4. The first wire SB1 may have one end fixed to the first supported metal member 5N1 and the other end fixed to the first supporting metal member 5G1, the second wire SB2 may have one end fixed to the second supported metal member 5N2 and the other end fixed to the second supporting metal member 5G2, the third wire SB3 may have one end fixed to the second supported metal member 5N2 and the other end fixed to the third supporting metal member 5G3, and the fourth wire SB4 may have one end fixed to the first supported metal member 5N1 and the other end fixed to the fourth supporting metal member 5G4. In the illustrated example, the supported metal member 5N is fixed to the protrusion 3T of the base member 3 via the flexible metal member 7, but it may also be fixed to metal embedded in the base member 3.

[0117] This configuration has the effect of realizing a current path including the shape memory alloy wire SB with a simple structure. This is because the supported metal member 5N to which one end of the shape memory alloy wire SB is fixed also functions as a part of the current path. As a result, this configuration has the effect of reliably positioning the shape memory alloy wire SB at a desired position.

[0118] Furthermore, the support member 8 may have an embedded metal member 9 that is embedded with a portion thereof exposed as an exposed portion EX (see FIG. 6 ) on the upper surface of the support member 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5 , the base member 3 may have a plurality of contact portions 3C (guided portions GE) that protrude downward from the main body portion 3B and whose tip portions come into contact with a guiding portion GD that is a portion of the exposed portion EX of the embedded metal member 9. In the illustrated example, the exposed portion EX is included in each of the first embedded metal member 9A, the fifth embedded metal member 9E, and the seventh embedded metal member 9G, as shown in FIG. In addition, the guided portion GE includes a first guided portion GE1 that contacts the first guiding portion GD1, which is part of the exposed portion EX of the first embedded metal member 9A, a second guided portion GE2 that contacts the second guiding portion GD2, which is part of the exposed portion EX of the fifth embedded metal member 9E, and a third guided portion GE3 that contacts the third guiding portion GD3, which is part of the exposed portion EX of the seventh embedded metal member 9G.

[0119] This configuration has the advantage that the embedded metal member 9 can be used as the guide GD when moving the base member 3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. That is, this configuration has the advantage that the embedded metal member 9, which is less likely to deform than synthetic resin, can be used as the guide GD. Furthermore, sliding between metal (embedded metal member 9) and synthetic resin (base member 3) can prevent the synthetic resin from being worn away compared to sliding between synthetic resins. Therefore, this configuration has the advantage of making it less likely to generate wear powder.

[0120] 2, the fixed-side member FB may include a magnetic member 10. In this case, a plurality of magnets 4 (first magnets 41 and second magnets 42) may be provided on the base member 3. The exposed portion EX and the contact portion 3C shown in FIG. 5 may be configured to be pressed against each other by an attractive force acting between the magnets 4 and the magnetic member 10. In the illustrated example, the magnetic member 10 is a shield plate adhesively fixed to the underside of the support member 8, but it may also be a magnetic metal member embedded in the support member 8.

[0121] This configuration has the effect of preventing the base member 3 from separating (floating) from the support member 8. In other words, this configuration has the effect of ensuring contact between the base member 3 and the embedded metal member 9 embedded in the support member 8.

[0122] 2 and 14, the fixed-side member FB may have a plate-like member (magnetic member 10) arranged to face the lower surface of the support member 8 with the shape memory alloy wire SB sandwiched therebetween. The magnetic member 10 as a plate-like member may be arranged so as to suppress the influence of the magnetism generated by the shape memory alloy wire SB on the imaging element IS. In other words, the magnetic member 10 as a plate-like member may be arranged so as to function as a magnetic shield.

[0123] This configuration allows an appropriate amount of magnetic attraction force to act between the magnet 4 (see Figure 2) and the magnetic member 10, and ultimately has the effect of preventing the distance between the magnet 4 and the magnetic member 10 from becoming too large by the magnetic force.

[0124] 14, the support member 8 may have an outer peripheral wall portion 8W that protrudes downward (toward Z2) at the edge of the support member 8. The shape memory alloy wire SB may be arranged so as to face the inner surface (surface facing the optical axis OA) of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W of the support member 8. That is, the shape memory alloy wire SB may be arranged between the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W and the optical axis OA. The plate-like member (magnetic member 10) may be arranged in contact with the tip (lower surface BS) of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W, as shown in FIG. 15. The fixed-side member FB may have a restricting portion RP located outside a straight line SL connecting one end and the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SB, as shown in FIG. 15. The restricting portion RP is a portion that prevents the shape memory alloy wire SB from being pinched between the outer peripheral wall portion 8W of the support member 8 and the plate-like member (magnetic member 10). In the illustrated example, the restricting portion RP is a part (protrusion 8Q) of the support member 8, but it may also be a part of the plate-like member (magnetic member 10). For example, the restricting portion RP may be formed by bending upward a portion (tongue) that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the magnetic member 10. In this case, a recess for receiving the tongue may be formed in the lower end surface of the outer periphery wall portion 8W.

[0125] This configuration has the effect of preventing the shape memory alloy wire SB from being pinched between the outer peripheral wall 8W of the support member 8 and the plate-like member (magnetic member 10). Specifically, in a configuration without the restricting portion RP, if the lens driving device 101 receives an impact due to a fall or the like, the shape memory alloy wire SB, which is in a slack state due to no current flowing therethrough, may be pinched in a gap that momentarily appears between the outer peripheral wall 8W and the magnetic member 10. The shape memory alloy wire SB pinched between the outer peripheral wall 8W and the magnetic member 10 may not be able to contract properly when a current is supplied, which may prevent the second drive unit DM2 from properly moving the base member 3 relative to the support member 8. The gap between the outer peripheral wall 8W and the magnetic member 10 is created, for example, by bending the center portion of the side 10E of the magnetic member 10 upon impact, and then disappears when the magnetic member 10 returns to its original shape. Typically, each of the four corners of the magnetic member 10 is fixed to the support member 8 with an adhesive. 14, the restricting portion RP can prevent the shape memory alloy wire SB in a bent state from entering the gap, and can also prevent the shape memory alloy wire SB from being pinched between the outer peripheral wall portion 8W and the magnetic member 10. The restricting portion RP comes into contact with the shape memory alloy wire SB that attempts to enter the gap that momentarily appears between the outer peripheral wall portion 8W and the magnetic member 10, thereby preventing the shape memory alloy wire SB from entering the gap.

[0126] The plate-like member (magnetic member 10) may also have a through-hole 10C. The restricting portion RP may be a protrusion 8Q inserted into the through-hole 10C, as shown in FIG. 14 . The protrusion 8Q is a portion that protrudes further downward (in the Z2 direction) from the outer peripheral wall portion 8W. In this case, the through-hole 10C may be a notch, as shown in FIG. 14 , provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion 8Q. The through-hole 10C may also be a through-hole through which the protrusion 8Q is inserted. In the illustrated example, the shape memory alloy wire SB is disposed in a space formed between the support member 8 and the magnetic member 10, and is configured to contract and become tense when a current is supplied to the wire. The shape memory alloy wire SB is in a slack state when no current is supplied to it. When no current is supplied to the shape memory alloy wire SB, the lower surface BS of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W and the upper surface of the magnetic member 10 are in contact with each other.

[0127] This configuration has the effect of preventing the plate-like member (magnetic member 10) attached to the support member 8 from coming into contact with the lower end surface of the protrusion 8Q serving as the restricting portion RP, rather than the lower surface BS of the outer peripheral wall portion 8W, and from floating up from the support member 8. This configuration is because the through portion 10C can prevent the lower end surface of the protrusion 8Q from coming into contact with the upper surface of the plate-like member (magnetic member 10).

[0128] 2, the lens driving device 101 may have another driving unit DM (first driving unit DM1) that moves the lens holding member 2 at least in the optical axis direction relative to the base member 3. In this case, a current-carrying flexible metal member 7 that is electrically connected to at least one of the driving unit DM (second driving unit DM2) and the other driving unit DM (first driving unit DM1) may be provided between the support member 8 (base portion 8B) and the base member 3 (main body portion 3B) as shown in FIG. 2. When viewed along the optical axis direction, the shape memory alloy wire SB and the flexible metal member 7 may partially overlap each other as shown in the lower diagram of FIG.

[0129] This configuration brings about the effect that it is easier to ensure a current path including the shape memory alloy wire SB compared to a configuration in which the flexible metal member 7 is not provided.

[0130] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the above-described embodiments and the embodiments described below without departing from the scope of the present invention. The features described with reference to the above-described embodiments and the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0131] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the metal member 5 is fixed to each member (the lens holding member 2, the base member 3, and the support member 8) by adhesive or the like, but it may also be embedded in each member or may be a conductive pattern formed on the surface of each member.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the base member 3 has three contact portions 3C (guided portions GE) on the underside of the main body portion 3B, but may have four contact portions 3C. In this case, it is desirable that the contact portions 3C are provided near (adjacent to) the metal members 5 when viewed from above. This configuration brings about the effect of enabling the base member 3 to be stably driven when the shape memory alloy wire SB contracts. Specifically, the base member 3 may have contact portions 3C protruding downward from each of the four corners of the main body portion 3B so as to be located near the set of the first supporting side metal member 5G1 and the second supporting side metal member 5G2, the set of the third supporting side metal member 5G3 and the fourth supporting side metal member 5G4, the first supported side metal member 5N1, and the second supported side metal member 5N2, respectively.

[0133] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-025881, filed on February 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0134]

Claims

1. A lens driving device comprising: a fixed side member including a support member; a base member supported by the support member; a lens holding member capable of holding a lens body; and a driving unit comprising a plurality of shape memory alloy wires that move the base member relative to the support member in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, wherein the base member and the lens holding member are arranged on the upper surface side of the support member in the vertical direction along the optical axis direction, the base member has a main body portion arranged on the upper surface side of the support member and a protrusion portion that protrudes below the upper surface of the support member, and the shape memory alloy wire is provided between the fixed side member and the protrusion portion and is arranged so as to face the lower surface of the support member.

2. The lens driving device according to claim 1, wherein the support member has a through-hole in which the protrusion is disposed.

3. The lens driving device according to claim 2, wherein the support member has an opening formed therein through which light that has passed through the lens body can pass, and the support member has a partition portion located between the through-hole and the opening.

4. The lens driving device according to claim 3, wherein an embedded metal member is disposed in the partition portion.

5. A lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shape memory alloy wire is located inside a rectangle surrounding the base member when viewed along the optical axis direction.

6. A supporting side metal member is provided on the underside of the supporting member, and a supported side metal member is provided on the protruding portion, and the supporting side metal members include a first supporting side metal member, a second supporting side metal member, a third supporting side metal member, and a fourth supporting side metal member, and the supported side metal members include a first supported side metal member and a second supported side metal member, and the shape memory alloy wires include a first wire, a second wire, a third wire, and a fourth wire, and one end of the first wire is fixed to the first supported side metal member and the other end is fixed to the first supporting side metal member, and one end of the second wire is fixed to the second supported side metal member and the other end is fixed to the second supporting side metal member, and one end of the third wire is fixed to the second supported side metal member and the other end is fixed to the third supporting side metal member, and the fourth wire is fixed to the first supported side metal member and the other end is fixed to the fourth supporting side metal member.

5. The lens driving device according to claim 1.

7. A lens driving device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support member has an embedded metal member that is embedded with a portion exposed as an exposed portion on the upper surface of the support member, and the base member has a plurality of contact portions that protrude downward from the main body portion and whose tip portions come into contact with guide portions that are part of the exposed portion of the embedded metal member.

8. A lens driving device as described in claim 7, wherein the fixed side member includes a magnetic member, the base member is provided with a magnet, and the exposed portion and the contact portion are configured to be pressed against each other by an attractive force acting between the magnet and the magnetic member.

9. A lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixed member has a plate-like member arranged to face the lower surface of the support member with the shape memory alloy wire sandwiched therebetween.

10. A lens driving device as described in claim 9, wherein the support member has an outer peripheral wall portion that protrudes downward at the edge, the shape memory alloy wire is arranged so as to face the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall portion of the support member, the plate-shaped member is arranged in contact with the tip of the outer peripheral wall portion, and the fixed side member has a regulating portion outside a straight line connecting one end and the other end of the shape memory alloy wire.

11. The lens driving device according to claim 10, wherein the plate-like member has a through-hole, and the restricting portion is a protrusion that is inserted into the through-hole of the plate-like member.

12. A lens driving device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a separate driving unit that moves the lens holding member relative to the base member at least in the optical axis direction, a flexible metal member electrically connected to at least one of the driving unit and the separate driving unit is provided between the support member and the base member, and when viewed along the optical axis direction, the shape memory alloy wire and the flexible metal member partially overlap.

13. A camera module comprising: a lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a lens body fixed to the lens holding member; and an imaging element facing the lens body.

Images