Lens driving device and camera module

Abstract

In this lens driving device (101), a first wire (SA1) and a second wire (SA2) are arranged such that a first straight line (SL1) passing through the right end and the left end of the first wire (SA1) and a second straight line (SL2) passing through the front end and the rear end of the second wire (SA2) intersect in a top view. A fixing member (5) has a wire fixing part (J1) to which the left end of the first wire (SA1) is fixed, a wire fixing part (J2) to which the right end of the first wire (SA1) is fixed, a wire fixing part (J3) to which the front end of the second wire (SA2) is fixed, and a wire fixing part (J4) to which the rear end of the second wire (SA2) is fixed. The right end and the left end of the first wire (SA1) are at different heights in the optical axis direction, and the front end and the rear end of the second wire (SA2) are at different heights in the optical axis direction.

Description

Lens Driving Device and Camera Module

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

[0002] Conventionally, a driving module (lens driving device) configured to move a lens frame (lens holding member) relative to a module frame (base member) by a shape memory alloy wire is known (see Patent Document 1). In this lens driving device, one end and the other end of the shape memory alloy wire are each fixed to two corner portions of a base member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an intermediate portion between the one end and the other end is hooked on a guide projection of a lens holding member located at another corner portion of the base member. And this lens driving device is configured to lift and move the guide projection upward by contraction of the shape memory alloy wire.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-128736

[0004] However, in this lens driving device, when the length of the shape memory alloy wire changes with the energization of the shape memory alloy wire, the intermediate portion of the shape memory alloy wire slides on the surface of the guide projection to generate wear powder, or when a strong impact such as dropping is applied to the lens driving device, there is a possibility that the intermediate portion of the shape memory alloy wire may come off from the guide projection, causing problems related to the holding of the shape memory alloy wire.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a lens driving device that can suppress the occurrence of problems related to the holding of the shape memory alloy wire.

[0006] A lens drive device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a lens holding member capable of holding a lens body, a base member, a first drive unit comprising a plurality of shape memory alloy wires for moving the lens holding member along the optical axis direction relative to the base member, and a fixing member to which one end and the other end of each of the plurality of shape memory alloy wires are fixed, wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy wires include a first shape memory alloy wire and a second shape memory alloy wire, the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire are arranged such that a first straight line passing through one end and the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire and a second straight line passing through one end and the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire intersect in a top view, and the fixing member is the lens holding member The lens holder has a wire fixing portion provided on the upper side to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed, a wire fixing portion provided on the upper side of the lens holder to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed, a wire fixing portion provided on the upper side of the base member to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed, and a wire fixing portion provided on the upper side of the base member to which the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed, wherein the one end and the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire are at different heights in the optical axis direction, the one end and the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire are at different heights in the optical axis direction, and the wire fixing portion to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed and the wire fixing portion to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed are electrically connected.

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

[0008] This is a perspective view of a camera module including a lens drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is an exploded perspective view of the lens drive device shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view of the lens holding member, lens-side metal member, elastic support member, lens-side embedded member, and position detection magnet. This is a perspective view of the lens holding member and position detection magnet. This is a perspective view of the base member, magnet, base-side metal member, supported-side fixing member, elastic support member, flexible conductive member, and base-side embedded member. This is a perspective view of the base member, magnet, supported-side fixing member, flexible conductive member, support-side embedded member, and base-side embedded member. This is a perspective view of the support-side fixing member, flexible conductive member, support member, support-side embedded member, and lower cover member. This is a perspective view of the support-side fixing member, support member, support-side embedded member, and lower cover member. This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the base-side metal member, lens-side metal member, and shape memory alloy wire. This is a perspective view of the base-side metal member, lens-side metal member, support-side fixing member, supported-side fixing member, flexible conductive member, support-side embedded member, base-side embedded member, and shape memory alloy wire. This is a perspective view of the base-side metal member, lens-side metal member, flexible conductive member, support-side embedded member, base-side embedded member, and shape memory alloy wire. This is a perspective view of the support-side fixing member, supported-side fixing member, flexible conductive member, support-side embedded member, base-side embedded member, and shape memory alloy wire. This is a top view of the first drive unit. This is a front view of the base-side fixing member, lens-side fixing member, and shape memory alloy wire. This is a diagram showing another configuration example of a lens drive device according to the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of the lens drive device shown in Figure 15. This is a perspective view of another configuration example of the first drive unit. This is a top view of another configuration example of the first drive unit. This is a side view of another configuration example of the first drive unit. This is a top view and front view of the lens holding member and lens-side fixing member. This is a perspective view of yet another configuration example of the first drive unit. This is a front view of yet another configuration example of the first drive unit.

[0009] Hereinafter, a lens drive device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module CR including the lens drive device 101. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens drive device 101.

[0010] In Figures 1 and 2, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In Figures 1 and 2, the X1 side of the lens drive device 101 corresponds to the front side of the lens drive device 101, and the X2 side of the lens drive device 101 corresponds to the rear side of the lens drive device 101. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the lens drive device 101 corresponds to the left side of the lens drive device 101, and the Y2 side of the lens drive device 101 corresponds to the right side of the lens drive device 101. Furthermore, the Z1 side of the lens drive device 101 corresponds to the upper side (subject side) of the lens drive device 101, and the Z2 side of the lens drive device 101 corresponds to the lower side (image sensor side) of the lens drive device 101. The same applies to the other figures.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the camera module CR comprises a substrate SU, a lens drive device 101, a lens body LS mounted on the lens drive device 101, and an image sensor IS mounted on the substrate SU facing the lens body LS. The camera module CR is also connected to a control device (not shown) which consists of a microcomputer including a CPU and memory. In the illustrated example, the control device is located outside the camera module CR, but it may be located inside the camera module CR. The lens drive device 101, which has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, is mounted on the substrate SU on which the image sensor IS is mounted, as shown in Figure 1.

[0012] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lens drive device 101 includes a cover member 1, a support member 8, and a lower cover member 10, which are part of the fixed-side member FB. The cover member 1 is configured to function as part of the housing HS of the lens drive device 101. In the illustrated example, the cover member 1 is made of a non-magnetic metal. However, the cover member 1 may be made of a magnetic metal.

[0013] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the cover member 1 has a bottomless box-shaped outer form that defines the storage section 1R. That is, the cover member 1 has a rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 1A and a rectangular annular and flat top plate portion 1B that is provided so as to be continuous with the upper end (Z1 side end) of the outer wall portion 1A. A substantially circular opening 1K is formed in the center of the top plate portion 1B. The outer wall portion 1A includes first side plate portions 1A1 to fourth side plate portions 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 substantially 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 lower cover member 10 are joined together with adhesive as shown in Figure 1 to form the housing HS. The joining of the cover member 1, the support member 8, and the lower cover member 10 may be achieved by any other means. For example, the cover member 1 and the lower cover member 10 may be joined by welding, and the cover member 1 and the lower cover member 10 may be joined to the support member 8 by riveting.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the following components are housed between the cover member 1 and the lower cover member 10: a lens holding member 2, a base member 3, a magnet 4, a fixing member 5, an elastic support member 6, a flexible conductive member 7, a support member 8, a support-side embedded member 9, a lens-side embedded member 20, a base-side embedded member 30, a position detection magnet MG, a shape memory alloy wire SA, and a shape memory alloy wire SB.

[0015] The lens holding member 2 is a member capable of holding the lens body LS (see Figure 1) and constitutes the movable side member MB. The lens body LS is, for example, a cylindrical lens barrel equipped with at least one lens, and is configured such that its central axis aligns 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 Figure 2, the lens holding member 2 includes a cylindrical portion 2C formed to extend along the optical axis OA, and a base portion 2D formed to protrude from the cylindrical portion 2C radially outward from a circle centered on the optical axis OA. The base portion 2D includes the first base portion 2D1 to the sixth base portion 2D6. The first base portion 2D1 and the second base portion 2D2 are arranged to extend in opposite directions radially (diagonally) across the optical axis OA, the third base portion 2D3 and the fourth base portion 2D4 are arranged to extend in opposite directions radially (in another diagonal direction) across the optical axis OA, and the fifth base portion 2D5 and the sixth base portion 2D6 are arranged to extend in opposite directions radially (in the Y-axis direction) across the optical axis OA. Then, a lens-side fixing member 5M is placed on each of the first base portion 2D1 to the fourth base portion 2D4. A part of the elastic support member 6 is placed on each of the fifth base portion 2D5 and the sixth base portion 2D6.

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

[0018] In this embodiment, the shape memory alloy wire is configured to increase in temperature when an electric current flows through it and to contract in accordance with the increase in temperature. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the shape memory alloy wire SA is stretched linearly along the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the cover member 1 when an electric current is supplied, and is configured to allow the lens holding member 2 to move 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 fixing member 5M by crimping or welding, and the other end fixed to the base-side fixing member 5F by crimping or welding. As shown in Figure 2, the shape memory alloy wire SB is stretched linearly along each side of the support member 8 when an electric current is supplied, and is configured to allow the base member 3 to move relative to the support member 8. Each of the first wire SB1 to the fourth wire SB4 has one end fixed to the supported fixing member 5N by crimping or welding, and the other end fixed to the supporting fixing member 5G by crimping or welding.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2, the second wire SA2 and the third wire SA3, the third wire SA3 and the fourth wire SA4, the fourth wire SA4 and the first wire SA1, the fifth wire SA5 and the sixth wire SA6, the sixth wire SA6 and the seventh wire SA7, the seventh wire SA7 and the eighth wire SA8, the eighth wire SA8 and the fifth wire SA5, the first wire SB1 and the second wire SB2, the second wire SB2 and the third wire SB3, the third wire SB3 and the fourth wire SB4, and the fourth wire SB4 and the first wire SB1 are arranged so as to intersect (approximately orthogonal to) each other when viewed along the optical axis (Z axis). Note that the intersection of two shape memory alloy wires means that a straight line passing through one end and the other end of one shape memory alloy wire intersects a straight line passing through one end and the other end of the other shape memory alloy wire when viewed from above. Furthermore, a top view (plan view) refers to the view of the target component from the Z1 side (subject side) along the optical axis. The same applies below.

[0020] The first drive unit DM1 can move the lens holding member 2 up and down along the optical axis direction (Z axis direction), which is parallel to the optical axis OA, by utilizing the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA. The shape memory alloy wire SA is configured such that when one or more of the first wire SA1 to the eighth wire SA8 contract, the lens holding member 2 moves, and this movement stretches one or more of the other wires. Similarly, the second drive unit DM2 can move the base member 3 (including the lens holding member 2) left and right along a first direction (Y axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis OA, and can also move the base member 3 (including the lens holding member 2) back and forth along a second direction (X axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis OA and the first direction, respectively, by utilizing the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SB. In other words, the second drive unit DM2 can move the base member 3 (including the lens holding member 2) along the XY plane by utilizing the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SB. Furthermore, the shape memory alloy wire SB is configured such that when one or more of the first wire SB1 to the fourth wire SB4 contract, the base member 3 moves, and this movement stretches one or more of the other wires.

[0021] The base member 3 is a member that can move in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction relative to the fixed-side member FB (support member 8), and constitutes the movable-side 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 roughly rectangular outer shape when viewed from above and a roughly circular opening 3K in the center. Specifically, the base member 3 has a rectangular annular main body portion 3B formed so as to surround the opening 3K, and a pedestal portion 3D which is a portion that protrudes upward from the main body portion 3B. The pedestal portion 3D includes the first pedestal portion 3D1 to the fourth pedestal portion 3D4. The first pedestal portion 3D1 and the third pedestal portion 3D3 are arranged to face each other radially across the optical axis OA, and the second pedestal portion 3D2 and the fourth pedestal portion 3D4 are arranged to face each other radially across the optical axis OA. More specifically, the main body 3B is composed of four sides 3E (first side 3E1 to fourth side 3E4), with the first base 3D1 provided on the first side 3E1, the second base 3D2 on the second side 3E2, the third base 3D3 on the third side 3E3, and the fourth base 3D4 on the fourth side 3E4. A base-side fixing member 5F is placed on each of the first to fourth bases 3D4, and a part of the elastic support member 6 is placed on each of the first and third bases 3D3. A vibration damping member DA is also positioned between the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3.

[0022] The vibration damping members DA are members for damping the vibration of the lens holding member 2 relative to the base member 3, and include first vibration damping members DA1 to fourth vibration damping members DA4. In the illustrated example, the vibration damping members DA are gel-like members formed by adhesive. Specifically, the first vibration damping member DA1 is positioned between the first base portion 3D1 and the third base portion 2D3, the second vibration damping member DA2 is positioned between the second base portion 3D2 and the fourth base portion 2D4, the third vibration damping member DA3 is positioned between the third base portion 3D3 and the fourth base portion 2D4, and the fourth vibration damping member DA4 is positioned between the fourth base portion 3D4 and the third base portion 2D3.

[0023] The magnet 4 works in cooperation with the magnetic members fixed to the lens holding member 2 and the support member 8, respectively, to prevent the base member 3 from separating from the lens holding member 2 and the support member 8. Specifically, the magnet 4 is attached to the base member 3 so as to be magnetically attracted to the lens-side magnetic member MP embedded in the lens holding member 2 as shown in Figure 3, and so as to be magnetically attracted to the support-side magnetic member MQ embedded in the support member 8 as shown in Figure 7. In the illustrated example, the magnet 4 is a bipolar magnetized permanent magnet along the Z-axis direction and includes a first magnet 41 and a second magnet 42. The magnet 4 may also be configured to be magnetically attracted to the lower cover member 10 which is adhesively fixed to the support member 8 as shown in Figure 1.

[0024] The fixing member 5 is configured to fix a portion of the shape memory alloy wire. In the illustrated example, the fixing member 5 is made of a non-magnetic metal and includes a base-side fixing member 5F, a lens-side fixing member 5M, a support-side fixing member 5G, and a supported-side fixing member 5N, as shown in Figure 2. The base-side fixing member 5F is configured to be fixed to the base portion 3D of the base member 3. The lens-side fixing member 5M is configured to be fixed to the base portion 2D of the lens holding member 2. The support-side fixing member 5G is configured to be fixed to the lower surface of the support member 8. The supported-side fixing member 5N is configured to be fixed to the end face of a projection 3T (see Figure 6) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base member 3. Note that the base-side fixing member 5F may be embedded in the base portion 3D of the base member 3, and the lens-side fixing member 5M may be embedded in the base portion 2D of the lens holding member 2. Furthermore, the support-side fixing member 5G may be embedded in the lower surface of the support member 8, and the supported-side fixing member 5N may be embedded in the protruding portion 3T of the base member 3.

[0025] More specifically, the base-side fixing member 5F includes the first base-side fixing member 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8, the lens-side fixing member 5M includes the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, the support-side fixing member 5G includes the first support-side fixing member 5G1 to the fourth support-side fixing member 5G4, and the supported-side fixing member 5N includes the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 and the second supported-side fixing member 5N2.

[0026] The elastic support member 6 is configured to support the lens holding member 2 so that it can move relative to the base member 3 in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA. In this embodiment, the elastic support member 6 is a leaf spring made from a metal plate mainly composed of a copper alloy, a titanium-copper alloy (titanium copper), or a copper-nickel alloy (nickel-tin copper). In the illustrated example, the elastic support member 6 connects the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3 so that the center of the lens holding member 2 and the center of the base member 3 coincide when the lens driving device 101 is in a neutral state. That is, the elastic support member 6 is configured to center the lens holding member 2 in the XY plane relative to the base member 3. Specifically, the elastic support member 6 is configured to connect the pedestal portion 2D (fifth pedestal portion 2D5 and sixth pedestal portion 2D6) formed on the lens holding member 2 and the pedestal portion 3D (first pedestal portion 3D1 and second pedestal portion 3D2) formed on the base member 3. The neutral state of the lens drive device 101 is, for example, a state in which current is supplied to each of the first wires SA1 to the eighth wire SA8 and the first wire SB1 to the fourth wire SB4, and the movable side members MB (lens holding member 2 and base member 3) are located in the middle of the movable range of each of the three mutually orthogonal axes (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis), that is, a state in which the movable side members MB (lens holding member 2 and base member 3) are in the neutral position. Typically, in the neutral state of the lens drive device 101, the lens holding member 2 is located in the center of the movable range of each of the three axes, and the base member 3 is located in the center of the movable range of each of the two axes (X axis and Y axis).

[0027] The flexible conductive member 7 is a member for supplying current to the shape memory alloy wire SA and the shape memory alloy wire SB, respectively. Specifically, the flexible conductive 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 conductive member 7 includes the first flexible conductive member 7A to the eighth flexible conductive member 7H, as shown in Figure 2.

[0028] The support member 8 is a member for supporting the movable side member MB and constitutes the fixed side 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, as shown in Figure 2, the support member 8 has a roughly rectangular outer shape when viewed from above and has a roughly circular opening 8K in the center. The support member 8 also has a rectangular annular base portion 8B formed to surround the opening 8K.

[0029] Furthermore, the support member 8 has a through-hole 8T (through-hole 8T through which at least a portion of the protrusion 3T is inserted) into which the protrusion 3T (see Figure 6) of the base member 3 is located. In the illustrated example, the support member 8 includes a first through-hole 8T1 into which the first protrusion 3T1 is located, and a second through-hole 8T2 into which the second protrusion 3T2 is located. This configuration has the effect of enabling a lens drive device 101 including a second drive unit DM2 (shape memory alloy wire SB) located on the lower surface side of the support member 8 with a simple structure. Specifically, this configuration has the effect of enabling the assembly of the supported-side fixing member 5N constituting the second drive unit DM2 to the base member 3 with a simple structure.

[0030] The support-side embedded member 9 is a metal member embedded in the support member 8. Specifically, the support-side embedded member 9 has a terminal portion used for electrical connection with the outside and a joint portion exposed on the surface of the support member 8 and used for joining with other conductive members. In the illustrated example, the support-side embedded member 9 includes the first support-side embedded member 9A to the twelfth support-side embedded member 9L, as shown in Figure 6.

[0031] The lens-side embedded member 20 is a metal member embedded in the lens-holding member 2. Specifically, the lens-side embedded member 20 has a joint portion that is exposed on the surface of the lens-holding member 2 and used for joining with other conductive members. However, the joint portion of the lens-side embedded member 20 may be omitted. That is, the lens-side embedded member 20 may be embedded in the lens-holding member 2 so as not to be exposed on the surface of the lens-holding member 2. In this case, joining the lens-holding member 2 to other members (for example, the lens-side fixing member 5M) may be achieved by adhesive. In the illustrated example, the lens-side embedded member 20 includes the first lens-side embedded member 20A to the sixth lens-side embedded member 20F, as shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the fifth lens-side embedded member 20E and the sixth lens-side embedded member 20F function as lens-side magnetic members MP that cooperate with the magnet 4. Specifically, the lens-side magnetic members MP include the first lens-side magnetic member MP1 and the second lens-side magnetic member MP2. Furthermore, the fifth exposed portion 20EQ of the fifth lens-side embedded member 20E functions as the first lens-side magnetic member MP1, and the sixth exposed portion 20FQ of the sixth lens-side embedded member 20F functions as the second lens-side magnetic member MP2.

[0032] The lens-side magnetic member MP is a member for positioning the lens-holding member 2 in a predetermined position relative to the base member 3. Specifically, the lens-side magnetic member MP is embedded in the lens-holding member 2 such that the lens-side magnetic member MP is attracted to the base member 3 (magnet 4) by the attractive force acting between it and the magnet 4 fixed to the base member 3, thereby centering the lens-holding member 2 in the XY plane. In the illustrated example, the lens-side magnetic member MP is a metal plate made of a magnetic metal. However, the lens-side magnetic member MP may be a magnet, or it may be made of a magnetic resin material or the like, as long as it can generate a magnetic attractive force with the magnet 4.

[0033] The base-side embedded member 30 is a metal member embedded in the base member 3. Specifically, the base-side embedded member 30 has a wire-side joint portion exposed on the surface of the base member 3 and used for joining with the fixing member 5, and a lower joint portion exposed on the lower surface of the base member 3 and used for joining with the flexible conductive member 7. In the illustrated example, the base-side embedded member 30 includes the first base-side embedded member 30A to the eighth base-side embedded member 30H, as shown in Figure 5.

[0034] The position detection magnet MG is a component that works in cooperation with the magnetic sensor to detect the position of the lens holding member 2. In the illustrated example, the position detection magnet MG is provided on the lens holding member 2 so as to face a magnetic sensor (not shown) mounted on the substrate SU. Specifically, the position detection magnet MG is a permanent magnet that is bipolar magnetized along the Z-axis direction, and as shown in Figure 2, it includes a first position detection magnet MG1 and a second position detection magnet MG2. Note that one of the first position detection magnet MG1 and the second position detection magnet MG2 is for balancing the weight of the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2) and does not face the magnetic sensor.

[0035] The lower cover member 10 is a component that forms part of the housing HS. In the illustrated example, the lower cover member 10 is a rectangular, annular, and flat metal plate made of a magnetic metal, and is positioned to cooperate with the magnet 4 fixed to the base member 3 to prevent the base member 3 from separating from the support member 8. However, the lower cover member 10 may be a magnet, or it may be made of a magnetic resin material or the like, as long as it can generate a magnetic attractive force with the magnet 4. Also, the lower cover member 10 may be embedded in the support member 8 by insert molding or the like. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the lower cover member 10 has a roughly rectangular outer shape when viewed from above and has a roughly circular opening 10K in the center. The lower cover member 10 may also be made of a non-magnetic material such as a non-magnetic metal.

[0036] Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the positional relationship between the member attached to the lens holding member 2 and the lens holding member 2 will be explained. Figure 3 is an overhead perspective view of the lens holding member 2, the lens-side fixing member 5M, the elastic support member 6, the lens-side embedded member 20, and the position detection magnet MG. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 3 (the figure above the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view, and the lower part of Figure 3 (the figure below the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view. Figure 4 is a downward perspective view of the lens holding member 2 and the position detection magnet MG.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 3, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 is fixed to the upper surface of the first base portion 2D1. Specifically, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 is fixed to the first base portion 2D1 by adhesive, with two prismatic projections 2V that protrude upward (towards the Z1 side) formed on the upper surface of the first base portion 2D1 and two rectangular holes AH formed in the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 interlocking. The adhesive is, for example, a light-curing adhesive. A light-curing adhesive is, for example, an ultraviolet-curing adhesive or a visible-light-curing adhesive. Similarly, the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 is fixed to the upper surface of the second base portion 2D2, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 is fixed to the upper surface of the third base portion 2D3, and the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 is fixed to the upper surface of the fourth base portion 2D4.

[0038] The elastic support member 6 has a base-side portion 6B fixed to the base portion 3D (see Figure 2) of the base member 3, a lens-side portion 6L fixed to the base portion 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 lens-side portion 6L1 and the second base-side portion 6B2; 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 lens-side portion 6L2 and the first base-side portion 6B1.

[0039] The first lens-side portion 6L1 has a first through-hole 6H1 through which an upwardly projecting cylindrical projection 2P, formed on the upper surface of the fifth base portion 2D5, is inserted. The second lens-side portion 6L2 has a second through-hole 6H2 through which an upwardly projecting cylindrical projection 2P, formed on the upper surface of the sixth base portion 2D6, is inserted. In the illustrated example, the elastic support member 6 and the projection 2P are joined by adhesive. However, the joining of the elastic support member 6 and the projection 2P may also be achieved by applying heat crimping or cold crimping to the projection 2P.

[0040] Similarly, the first base portion 6B1 has a third through-hole 6H3 through which an upwardly projecting cylindrical projection 3P (see Figure 5) formed on the upper surface of the first base portion 3D1 (see Figure 5) is inserted. The second base portion 6B2 has a fourth through-hole 6H4 through which an upwardly projecting cylindrical projection 3P (see Figure 5) formed on the upper surface of the third base portion 3D3 (see Figure 5) is inserted. In the illustrated example, the elastic support member 6 and the projection 3P are joined by adhesive. However, the joining of the elastic support member 6 and the projection 3P may also be achieved by applying heat riveting or cold riveting to the projection 3P.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the elastic support member 6 is configured to be rotationally symmetrical twice with respect to the optical axis OA. Therefore, the elastic support member 6 can support the lens holding member 2 in a balanced manner in mid-air. In addition, the elastic support member 6 does not adversely affect the weight balance of the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2), which is supported by eight shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 to eighth wire SA8).

[0042] The first lens-side embedded member 20A has a first joint portion 20AP that is exposed on the upper surface of the first pedestal portion 2D1. The first joint portion 20AP and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 are joined by welding. Note that the joining of the first joint portion 20AP and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 may also be realized by an adhesive, solder, or the like. The same applies to the joining of the second joint portion 20BP of the second lens-side embedded member 20B exposed on the upper surface of the second pedestal portion 2D2 and the second lens-side fixing member 5M2, the joining of the third joint portion 20CP of the third lens-side embedded member 20C exposed on the upper surface of the third pedestal portion 2D3 and the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, and the joining of the fourth joint portion 20DP of the fourth lens-side embedded member 20D exposed on the upper surface of the fourth pedestal portion 2D4 and the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4.

[0043] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the fifth lens-side embedded member 20E has a fifth exposed portion 20EQ that is exposed on the lower surface of the fifth pedestal portion 2D5, and the sixth lens-side embedded member 20F has a sixth exposed portion 20FQ that is exposed on the lower surface of the sixth pedestal portion 2D6.

[0044] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a housing portion 2R that opens downward (in the Z2 direction) is formed on the lower surface of the lens holding member 2. A position detection magnet MG is housed in the housing portion 2R and fixed by an adhesive. Specifically, the housing portion 2R includes a first housing portion 2R1 and a second housing portion 2R2. A first position detection magnet MG1 is housed in the first housing portion 2R1, and a second position detection magnet MG2 is housed in the second housing portion 2R2.

[0045] Next, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the positional relationship between the member that contacts the base member 3 and the base member 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the base member 3, the magnet 4, the base-side fixing member 5F, the supported-side fixing member 5N, the elastic support member 6, the flexible conductive member 7, and the base-side embedded member 30. Specifically, the upper figure in FIG. 5 (the figure above the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view, and the lower figure in FIG. 5 (the figure below the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view. FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the base member 3, the magnet 4, the supported-side fixing member 5N, the flexible conductive member 7, the support-side embedded member 9, and the base-side embedded member 30.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, a housing section 3R opening downward (in the Z2 direction) is formed on the lower surface of the base member 3. The magnet 4 is housed in the housing section 3R and fixed with adhesive. Specifically, the housing section 3R includes a first housing section 3R1 and a second housing section 3R2. The first housing section 3R1 houses the first magnet 41, and the second housing section 3R2 houses the second magnet 42.

[0047] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 is fixed to the upper mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 of the base member 3, and the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 is fixed to the lower mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 of the base member 3. Specifically, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 is fixed to the upper mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 by adhesive with a rectangular hole RH1 formed in the first base-side fixing member 5F1, in a state where the rectangular prismatic projection 3U that protrudes upward (towards Z1) formed on the upper mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 is engaged with the rectangular hole RH1 formed in the first base-side fixing member 5F1. Similarly, the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 is fixed to the lower mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 by adhesive with a rectangular prismatic projection 3V that protrudes upward (towards Z1) formed on the lower mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1, in a state where the rectangular hole RH6 formed in the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 is engaged with the rectangular hole RH6 formed in the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6. Similarly, the second base-side fixing member 5F2 is fixed to the upper mounting surface of the second pedestal portion 3D2 of the base member 3, the third base-side fixing member 5F3 is fixed to the upper mounting surface of the third pedestal portion 3D3 of the base member 3, the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4 is fixed to the upper mounting surface of the fourth pedestal portion 3D4 of the base member 3, the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5 is fixed to the lower mounting surface of the fourth pedestal portion 3D4 of the base member 3, the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 is fixed to the lower mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 of the base member 3, the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7 is fixed to the lower mounting surface of the second pedestal portion 3D2 of the base member 3, and the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8 is fixed to the lower mounting surface of the third pedestal portion 3D3 of the base member 3. Thus, each of the first base portion 3D1 to the fourth base portion 3D4 has an upper mounting surface and a lower mounting surface. The upper mounting surface and the lower mounting surface are surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to the optical axis OA.

[0048] The first flexible conductive member 7A to the eighth flexible conductive member 7H each have a first movable joint portion 7AQ to an eighth movable joint portion 7HQ. As shown in FIG. 6, a through hole through which a columnar protrusion 3Q protruding downward formed on the lower surface of the base member 3 is inserted is formed in each of the first movable joint portion 7AQ to the eighth movable joint portion 7HQ. In the illustrated example, the joining of the flexible conductive member 7 and the base member 3 is realized by an adhesive. However, the joining of the flexible conductive member 7 and the base member 3 may be realized by applying thermal caulking or cold caulking to the protrusion 3Q.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion 3T protruding downward is formed on the lower surface of the base member 3. The protrusion 3T includes a first protrusion 3T1 protruding downward from the lower right front corner of the base member 3 and a second protrusion 3T2 protruding downward from the lower left rear corner of the base member 3. Further, two through holes through which two protrusions 3W protruding downward formed on the lower surface of the first protrusion 3T1 are inserted are formed in the first supported-side fixing member 5N1. The joining of the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 and the protrusion 3W is realized by an adhesive. However, the joining of the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 and the protrusion 3W may be realized by applying thermal caulking or cold caulking to the protrusion 3W. The same applies to the joining of the second supported-side fixing member 5N2 and the protrusion 3W formed on the second protrusion 3T2.

[0050] The first base-side embedded member 30A has a first upper wire-side joint portion 30AP1 exposed on the upper mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 of the base member 3, a first lower wire-side joint portion 30AP2 exposed on the lower mounting surface of the second pedestal portion 3D2 of the base member 3, and a first base-side joint portion 30AQ exposed on the lower surface of the second side portion 3E2 of the base member 3. The second base-side embedded member 30B has a second wire-side joint portion 30BP exposed on the upper mounting surface of the second pedestal portion 3D2 of the base member 3, and a second base-side joint portion 30BQ exposed on the lower surface of the second side portion 3E2 of the base member 3. The third base-side embedded member 30C has a third upper wire-side joint portion 30CP1 exposed on the upper mounting surface of the third pedestal portion 3D3 of the base member 3, a third lower wire-side joint portion 30CP2 exposed on the lower mounting surface of the fourth pedestal portion 3D4 of the base member 3, and a third base-side joint portion 30CQ exposed on the lower surface of the fourth side portion 3E4 of the base member 3. The fourth base-side embedded member 30D has a fourth wire-side joint portion 30DP exposed on the upper mounting surface of the fourth pedestal portion 3D4 of the base member 3, and a fourth base-side joint portion 30DQ exposed on the lower surface of the fourth side portion 3E4 of the base member 3. The fifth base-side embedded member 30E has a fifth wire-side joint portion 30EP exposed on the lower mounting surface of the first pedestal portion 3D1 of the base member 3, and a fifth base-side joint portion 30EQ exposed on the lower surface of the first side portion 3E1 of the base member 3. The sixth base-side embedded member 30F has a sixth wire-side joint portion 30FP exposed on the lower mounting surface of the third base portion 3D3 of the base member 3, and a sixth base-side joint portion 30FQ exposed on the lower surface of the third side portion 3E3 of the base member 3. The seventh base-side embedded member 30G has a seventh wire-side joint portion 30GP exposed on the lower surface of the first projection portion 3T1 of the base member 3, and a seventh base-side joint portion 30GQ exposed on the lower surface of the right front corner of the base member 3. The eighth base-side embedded member 30H has an eighth wire-side joint portion 30HP exposed on the lower surface of the second projection portion 3T2 of the base member 3, and an eighth base-side joint portion 30HQ exposed on the lower surface of the left rear corner of the base member 3.

[0051] The first upper wire side joint 30AP1 and the first base side fixing member 5F1 are joined by welding. The joining of the first upper wire side joint 30AP1 and the first base side fixing member 5F1 may also be achieved by adhesive or solder. The same applies to the joining of the second wire-side joint 30BP and the second base-side fixing member 5F2, the joining of the third upper wire-side joint 30CP1 and the third base-side fixing member 5F3, the joining of the fourth wire-side joint 30DP and the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4, the joining of the third lower wire-side joint 30CP2 and the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5, the joining of the fifth wire-side joint 30EP and the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6, the joining of the first lower wire-side joint 30AP2 and the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7, the joining of the sixth wire-side joint 30FP and the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8, the joining of the seventh wire-side joint 30GP and the first supported-side fixing member 5N1, and the joining of the eighth wire-side joint 30HP and the second supported-side fixing member 5N2.

[0052] Furthermore, each of the first movable joints 7AQ to the eighth movable joint 7HQ has a rounded rectangular through hole formed therein for use during welding. The joint between the first movable joint 7AQ and the first base-side joint 30AQ of the first base-side embedded member 30A is achieved by welding. However, the joint between the first movable joint 7AQ and the first base-side joint 30AQ of the first base-side embedded member 30A may also be achieved by conductive adhesive or solder. The same applies to the joining of the second movable joint 7BQ and the second base-side joint 30BQ, the joining of the third movable joint 7CQ and the third base-side joint 30CQ, the joining of the fourth movable joint 7DQ and the fourth base-side joint 30DQ, the joining of the fifth movable joint 7EQ and the fifth base-side joint 30EQ, the joining of the sixth movable joint 7FQ and the sixth base-side joint 30FQ, the joining of the seventh movable joint 7GQ and the seventh base-side joint 30GQ, and the joining of the eighth movable joint 7HQ and the eighth base-side joint 30HQ.

[0053] The supported-side fixing member 5N is fixed to the lower end surface of the protrusion 3T of the base member 3. Specifically, the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 is fixed to the lower end surface of the first protrusion 3T1, and the second supported-side fixing member 5N2 is fixed to the lower end surface of the second protrusion 3T2. More specifically, the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 has two through holes through which two projections 3W formed on the lower end surface of the first protrusion 3T1 are inserted. The first supported-side fixing member 5N1 and the first protrusion 3T1 are joined by adhesive. However, the joining of the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 and the first protrusion 3T1 may also be achieved by applying heat riveting or cold riveting to the projections 3W. In addition, the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 has a rounded-corner rectangular through hole used during welding. The joining of the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 and the seventh wire-side joint 30GP, which is exposed on the lower surface of the first protrusion 3T1, is achieved by welding. However, the joining of the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 and the seventh wire-side joint 30GP may be achieved by a conductive adhesive or the like. The same applies to the joining of the second supported-side fixing member 5N2 and the eighth wire-side joint 30HP.

[0054] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the positional relationship between the member attached to the support member 8 and the support member 8 will be explained. Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of the support-side fixing member 5G, the flexible conductive member 7, the support member 8, the support-side embedded member 9, and the lower cover member 10. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 7 (the figure above the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view, and the lower part of Figure 7 (the figure below the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view. Figure 8 is a lower perspective view of the support-side fixing member 5G, the support member 8, the support-side embedded member 9, and the lower cover member 10. The lower cover member 10 is adhesively fixed to the support member 8 so as not to come into contact with either the support-side fixing member 5G or the supported-side fixing member 5N.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the first flexible conductive member 7A to the eighth flexible conductive member 7H each have a first fixed joint portion 7AP to the eighth fixed joint portion 7HP. Furthermore, the first support-side embedded member 9A to the twelfth support-side embedded member 9L each have a first terminal portion 9AT to the twelfth terminal portion 9LT as shown in Figure 8, and a first joint portion 9AP to the twelfth joint portion 9LP as shown in Figure 7. The first joint portion 9AP to the eighth joint portion 9HP are exposed on the upper surface of the support member 8 (base portion 8B), and the ninth joint portion 9IP to the twelfth joint portion 9LP are exposed on the lower surface of the support member 8.

[0056] Furthermore, each of the first to eighth fixed joints 7AP to 7HP has a through hole through which an upwardly projecting cylindrical projection 8P, formed on the upper surface of the support member 8, is inserted. In the illustrated example, the joint between the flexible conductive member 7 (first fixed joint 7AP) and the support member 8 (projection 8P) is achieved by adhesive. However, the joint between the flexible conductive member 7 (first fixed joint 7AP) and the support member 8 (projection 8P) may also be achieved by applying heat crimping or cold crimping to the projection 8P. The same applies to the second to eighth fixed joints 7BP to 7HP.

[0057] Furthermore, each of the first to eighth fixed joints 7AP to 7HP has a rounded rectangular through hole formed therein, which is used during welding. The joint between the first fixed joint 7AP and the first joint 9AP is achieved by welding. However, the joint between the first fixed joint 7AP and the first joint 9AP may be achieved by a conductive adhesive or the like. The same applies to the joints between the second fixed joint 7BP and the second joint 9BP, the third fixed joint 7CP and the third joint 9CP, the fourth fixed joint 7DP and the fourth joint 9DP, the fifth fixed joint 7EP and the fifth joint 9EP, the sixth fixed joint 7FP and the sixth joint 9FP, the seventh fixed joint 7GP and the seventh joint 9GP, and the eighth fixed joint 7HP and the eighth joint 9HP.

[0058] Furthermore, parts of the support-side embedded member 9 (second support-side embedded member 9B, fourth support-side embedded member 9D, and ninth support-side embedded member 9I) each have exposed portions (second exposed portion 9BX, fourth exposed portion 9DX, and ninth exposed portion 9IX) that are exposed on the upper surface of the support member 8. As shown in Figure 6, the base member 3 protrudes downward from the main body portion 3B and has a plurality of contact portions 3C (guided portions GE) whose tip contacts the guide portion GD, which is part of the exposed portion of the support-side embedded member 9. In the illustrated example, the guided portion GE includes a first guided portion GE1 that contacts the upper surface of a first guide portion GD1 which is part of the second exposed portion 9BX of the second support-side embedded member 9B, a second guided portion GE2 that contacts the upper surface of a second guide portion GD2 which is part of the fourth exposed portion 9DX of the fourth support-side embedded member 9D, and a third guided portion GE3 that contacts the upper surface of a third guide portion GD3 which is part of the ninth exposed portion 9IX of the ninth support-side embedded member 9I. That is, the guide portion GD includes the first guide portion GD1, the second guide portion GD2, and the third guide portion GD3.

[0059] This configuration offers the advantage of using the support-side embedded member 9 as a guide GD when moving the base member 3 in directions perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis and Y-axis directions). In other words, this configuration offers the advantage of using a metal support-side embedded member 9, which is less prone to deformation than synthetic resin, as a guide GD. Furthermore, sliding between metal (support-side embedded member 9) and synthetic resin (base member 3) suppresses wear on the synthetic resin compared to sliding between synthetic resins. Therefore, this configuration offers the advantage of being less likely to generate wear particles.

[0060] Furthermore, a portion of the support-side embedded member 9 (the second support-side embedded member 9B and the fourth support-side embedded member 9D) may be configured to function as a support-side magnetic member MQ that cooperates with the magnet 4. In the illustrated example, the support-side magnetic member MQ includes a first support-side magnetic member MQ1 and a second support-side magnetic member MQ2. The second flat portion 9BY of the second support-side embedded member 9B functions as the first support-side magnetic member MQ1, and the fourth flat portion 9DY of the fourth support-side embedded member 9D functions as the second lens-side magnetic member MP2.

[0061] The support-side magnetic member MQ is a member for positioning the base member 3 in a predetermined position relative to the support member 8. Specifically, the support-side magnetic member MQ is embedded in the support member 8 such that the base member 3 (magnet 4) is attracted to the support member 8 (support-side magnetic member MQ) by the attractive force acting between the support-side magnetic member MQ and the magnet 4 fixed to the base member 3, thereby centering the base member 3 in the XY plane. In the illustrated example, the support-side magnetic member MQ is a metal plate made of a magnetic metal. However, the support-side magnetic member MQ may also be a magnet, or it may be made of a magnetic resin material or the like, as long as it can generate a magnetic attractive force with the magnet 4.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the first support-side fixing member 5G1 is fixed to the support member 8 by adhesive, with two prismatic projections 8V formed on the lower surface of the support member 8 and projecting downwards (towards the Z2 side) interlocking with two rectangular holes formed in the first support-side fixing member 5G1. However, the joining of the first support-side fixing member 5G1 and the support member 8 may also be achieved by applying heat crimping or cold crimping to the projections 8V. The same applies to each of the second support-side fixing members 5G2 to the fourth support-side fixing members 5G4.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the first support-side fixing member 5G1 has a rounded rectangular through hole used during welding. The joining of the first support-side fixing member 5G1 to the ninth joint 9IP of the ninth support-side embedded member 9I is achieved by welding. However, the joining of the first support-side fixing member 5G1 to the ninth joint 9IP may be achieved by a conductive adhesive or the like. The same applies to the joining of the second support-side fixing member 5G2 to the tenth joint 9JP of the tenth support-side embedded member 9J, the joining of the third support-side fixing member 5G3 to the eleventh joint 9KP of the eleventh support-side embedded member 9K, and the joining of the fourth support-side fixing member 5G4 to the twelfth joint 9LP of the twelfth support-side embedded member 9L.

[0064] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the fixing member 5 to which the shape memory alloy wire SA is attached will be described. Figure 9 shows an example configuration of the base-side fixing member 5F, the lens-side fixing member 5M, and the shape memory alloy wire SA. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first base-side fixing member 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, and the first wire SA1 to the eighth wire SA8. The lower part of Figure 9 shows the first base-side fixing member 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, and the first wire SA1 to the eighth wire SA8 as viewed from the right front side along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA. Note that the positional relationship of each member shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the positional relationship when the lens driving device 101 is in a neutral state.

[0065] Specifically, one end of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 at the wire fixing portion J2 of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, and the other end of the first wire SA1 is fixed to the first base-side fixing member 5F1 at the wire fixing portion J1 of the first base-side fixing member 5F1. Also, one end of the second wire SA2 is fixed to the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 at the wire fixing portion J3 of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, and the other end of the second wire SA2 is fixed to the second base-side fixing member 5F2 at the wire fixing portion J4 of the second base-side fixing member 5F2. Furthermore, one end of the third wire SA3 is fixed to the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 at the wire fixing portion J6 of the second lens-side fixing member 5M2, and the other end of the third wire SA3 is fixed to the third base-side fixing member 5F3 at the wire fixing portion J5 of the third base-side fixing member 5F3. Furthermore, one end of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 at the wire fixing portion J7 of the second lens-side fixing member 5M2, and the other end of the fourth wire SA4 is fixed to the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4 at the wire fixing portion J8 of the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4.

[0066] Similarly, one end of the fifth wire SA5 is fixed to the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 at the wire fixing portion J10 of the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, and the other end of the fifth wire SA5 is fixed to the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5 at the wire fixing portion J9 of the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5. Also, one end of the sixth wire SA6 is fixed to the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 at the wire fixing portion J11 of the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, and the other end of the sixth wire SA6 is fixed to the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 at the wire fixing portion J12 of the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6. Furthermore, one end of the seventh wire SA7 is fixed to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 at the wire fixing portion J14 of the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, and the other end of the seventh wire SA7 is fixed to the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7 at the wire fixing portion J13 of the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7. Furthermore, one end of the eighth wire SA8 is fixed to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 at the wire fixing portion J15 of the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, and the other end of the eighth wire SA8 is fixed to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8 at the wire fixing portion J16 of the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the distances between wire fixing parts J1 and J2 for the first wire SA1, J3 and J4 for the second wire SA2, J5 and J6 for the third wire SA3, J7 and J8 for the fourth wire SA4, J9 and J10 for the fifth wire SA5, J11 and J12 for the sixth wire SA6, J13 and J14 for the seventh wire SA7, and J15 and J16 for the eighth wire SA8 are all the same size, but they do not have to be the same size.

[0068] The wire fixing portion J1 is formed by bending a part of the first base-side fixing member 5F1. Specifically, the wire fixing portion J1 is formed by bending a part of the first base-side fixing member 5F1 so that it sandwiches one end of the first wire SA1. The one end of the first wire SA1 is then fixed to the wire fixing portion J1 by welding. The same applies to wire fixing portions J2 to J16. Furthermore, as shown in the lower part of Figure 9, the first wire SA1 is positioned such that the position of one end (right end) is lower than the position of the other end (left end) in the Z-axis direction, and the second wire SA2 is positioned such that the position of one end (front end) is lower than the position of the other end (rear end) in the Z-axis direction.

[0069] The base member 3 is configured to function as a wire support member that supports the other ends of each of the first wires SA1 to the eighth wires SA8. With this configuration, the lens holding member 2 is connected to the base member 3 via the first wires SA1 to the eighth wires SA8 in a manner that allows it to move in the optical axis direction (Z axis direction), which is parallel to the optical axis OA.

[0070] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, each of the base-side fixing member 5F and the lens-side fixing member 5M is made of a metal plate having a plate-shaped base BP. Specifically, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8 each have bases BPF1 to BPF8, and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 each have bases BPM1 to BPM4. As shown in the lower part of Figure 9, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8 and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 are attached to the lens holding member 2 or the base member 3 such that the plate surfaces of bases BPF1 to BPF8 and bases BPM1 to BPM4 are substantially parallel to the XY plane, that is, substantially parallel to each other. In the illustrated example, the first base-side fixing members 5F1 to the fourth base-side fixing members 5F4 are positioned higher than the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 and the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 in the Z-axis direction, and the fifth base-side fixing members 5F5 to the eighth base-side fixing members 5F8 are positioned lower than the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 and the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 in the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the first base-side fixing members 5F1 to the fourth base-side fixing members 5F4 are positioned at the same height in the Z-axis direction, the fifth base-side fixing members 5F5 to the eighth base-side fixing members 5F8 are positioned at the same height in the Z-axis direction, and the first lens-side fixing members 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing members 5M4 are positioned at the same height in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 9, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 is positioned at a height HT1 higher than the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 in the Z-axis direction, and the second base-side fixing member 5F2 is positioned at a height HT2 higher than the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 in the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, heights HT1 and HT2 are the same. Furthermore, the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 is positioned at a height HT6 lower than the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 in the Z-axis direction, and the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7 is positioned at a height HT7 lower than the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 in the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, heights HT6 and HT7 are the same.

[0071] Next, with reference to Figures 10, 11, and 12, the positional relationships of the components through which current flows—the fixed member 5, the flexible conductive member 7, the support-side embedded member 9, the shape memory alloy wire SA, the shape memory alloy wire SB, and the base-side embedded member 30—will be explained. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the fixed member 5, the flexible conductive member 7, the support-side embedded member 9, the shape memory alloy wire SA, the shape memory alloy wire SB, and the base-side embedded member 30. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 10 is a perspective view of the components related to the current-carrying path, including the shape memory alloy wire SA, and the lower part of Figure 10 is a perspective view of the components related to the current-carrying path, including the shape memory alloy wire SB. Figure 11 is an excerpt from the upper part of Figure 10. The lower part of Figure 11 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2. The upper part of Figure 11 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the third wire SA3 and the fourth wire SA4. The left part of Figure 11 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the fifth wire SA5 and the sixth wire SA6. The right part of Figure 11 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the seventh wire SA7 and the eighth wire SA8. Figure 12 is an excerpt from the lower part of Figure 10. The lower left part of Figure 12 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the first wire SB1. The lower right part of Figure 12 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the second wire SB2. The upper right part of Figure 12 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the third wire SB3. The upper left part of Figure 12 shows components related to the current-carrying circuit, including the fourth wire SB4.

[0072] As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 11, when the second terminal portion 9BT of the second support-side embedded member 9B is connected to a high potential and the first terminal portion 9AT of the first support-side embedded member 9A is connected to a low potential, the current flows from the second terminal portion 9BT of the second support-side embedded member 9B to the second joint portion 9BP of the second support-side embedded member 9B, the second flexible conductive member 7B (second fixed joint portion 7BP and second movable joint portion 7BQ), the second base-side embedded member 30B (second base-side joint portion 30BQ and second wire-side joint portion 30BP), and the second base-side fixing member 5F2 (base portion BPF2 and wire fixing portion The wire flows through J4), the second wire SA2, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 (wire fixing portion J3, base portion BPM1, and wire fixing portion J2), the first wire SA1, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 (wire fixing portion J1 and base portion BPF1), the first base-side embedded member 30A (first upper wire-side joint portion 30AP1 and first base-side joint portion 30AQ), the first flexible conductive member 7A (first movable joint portion 7AQ and first fixed joint portion 7AP), and the first joint portion 9AP of the first support-side embedded member 9A, and then to the first terminal portion 9AT of the first support-side embedded member 9A.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 11, when the sixth terminal portion 9FT of the sixth support-side buried member 9F is connected to a high potential and the first terminal portion 9AT of the first support-side buried member 9A is connected to a low potential, the current flows from the sixth terminal portion 9FT of the sixth support-side buried member 9F to the sixth joint portion 9FP of the sixth support-side buried member 9F, the sixth flexible conductive member 7F (sixth fixed joint portion 7FP and sixth movable joint portion 7FQ), the sixth base-side buried member 30F (sixth base-side joint portion 30FQ and sixth wire-side joint portion 30FP), and the eighth base-side fixed member 5F8 (base portion BPF8 and wire fixed portion The wire flows through J16), the eighth wire SA8, the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 (wire fixing portion J15, base portion BPM4, and wire fixing portion J14), the seventh wire SA7, the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7 (wire fixing portion J13 and base portion BPF7), the first base-side embedded member 30A (first lower wire-side joint portion 30AP2 and first base-side joint portion 30AQ), the first flexible conductive member 7A (first movable joint portion 7AQ and first fixed joint portion 7AP), and the first joint portion 9AP of the first support-side embedded member 9A, and then to the first terminal portion 9AT of the first support-side embedded member 9A.

[0074] Furthermore, in both cases where the second terminal portion 9BT of the second support-side embedded member 9B is connected to a high potential, and where the sixth terminal portion 9FT of the sixth support-side embedded member 9F is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the first base-side joint portion 30AQ of the first base-side embedded member 30A to the first terminal portion 9AT of the first support-side embedded member 9A is the same.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 11, when the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth support-side embedded member 9D is connected to a high potential and the third terminal portion 9CT of the third support-side embedded member 9C is connected to a low potential, the current flows from the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth support-side embedded member 9D to the fourth joint portion 9DP of the fourth support-side embedded member 9D, the fourth flexible conductive member 7D (fourth fixed joint portion 7DP and fourth movable joint portion 7DQ), the fourth base-side embedded member 30D (fourth base-side joint portion 30DQ and fourth wire-side joint portion 30DP), and the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4 (base portion BPF4 and wire fixing). The wire flows through the fixed portion J8), the fourth wire SA4, the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 (wire fixing portion J7, base portion BPM2, and wire fixing portion J6), the third wire SA3, the third base-side fixing member 5F3 (wire fixing portion J5 and base portion BPF3), the third base-side embedded member 30C (third upper wire-side joint portion 30CP1 and third base-side joint portion 30CQ), the third flexible conductive member 7C (third movable joint portion 7CQ and third fixed joint portion 7CP), and the third joint portion 9CP of the third support-side embedded member 9C, and then to the third terminal portion 9CT of the third support-side embedded member 9C.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 11, when the fifth terminal portion 9ET of the fifth support-side embedded member 9E is connected to a high potential and the third terminal portion 9CT of the third support-side embedded member 9C is connected to a low potential, the current flows from the fifth terminal portion 9ET of the fifth support-side embedded member 9E to the fifth joint portion 9EP of the fifth support-side embedded member 9E, the fifth flexible conductive member 7E (fifth fixed joint portion 7EP and fifth movable joint portion 7EQ), the fifth base-side embedded member 30E (fifth base-side joint portion 30EQ and fifth wire-side joint portion 30EP), and the sixth base-side fixed member 5F6 (base portion BPF6 and wire fixed portion The wire flows through J12), the sixth wire SA6, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 (wire fixing portion J11, base portion BPM3, and wire fixing portion J10), the fifth wire SA5, the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5 (wire fixing portion J9 and base portion BPF5), the third base-side embedded member 30C (third lower wire-side joint portion 30CP2 and third base-side joint portion 30CQ), the third flexible conductive member 7C (third movable joint portion 7CQ and third fixed joint portion 7CP), and the third joint portion 9CP of the third support-side embedded member 9C, and then to the third terminal portion 9CT of the third support-side embedded member 9C.

[0077] Furthermore, in both cases where the fourth terminal portion 9DT of the fourth support-side embedded member 9D is connected to a high potential, and where the fifth terminal portion 9ET of the fifth support-side embedded member 9E is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the third base-side joint portion 30CQ of the third base-side embedded member 30C to the third terminal portion 9CT of the third support-side embedded member 9C is the same.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 12, when the ninth terminal portion 9IT of the ninth support-side buried member 9I is connected to a high potential and the seventh terminal portion 9GT of the seventh support-side buried member 9G is connected to a low potential, current flows from the ninth terminal portion 9IT of the ninth support-side buried member 9I through the ninth joint portion 9IP of the ninth support-side buried member 9I, the first support-side fixing member 5G1 (base BPG1 and wire fixing portion J17), the first wire SB1, the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 (wire fixing portion J18 and base BPN1), the seventh base-side buried member 30G (seventh wire-side joint portion 30GP and seventh base-side joint portion 30GQ), the seventh flexible conductive member 7G (seventh movable joint portion 7GQ and seventh fixed joint portion 7GP), and the seventh joint portion 9GP of the seventh support-side buried member 9G to the seventh terminal portion 9GT of the seventh support-side buried member 9G.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 12, when the 10th terminal portion 9JT of the 10th support-side embedded member 9J is connected to a high potential and the 7th terminal portion 9GT of the 7th support-side embedded member 9G is connected to a low potential, the current flows from the 10th terminal portion 9JT of the 10th support-side embedded member 9J to the 10th joint portion 9JP of the 10th support-side embedded member 9J, the 2nd support-side fixing member 5G2 (base BPG2 and wire fixing portion J20), and the 2nd wire SB2. The fluid flows through the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 (wire fixing portion J19 and base portion BPN1), the seventh base-side embedded member 30G (seventh wire-side joint portion 30GP and seventh base-side joint portion 30GQ), the seventh flexible conductive member 7G (seventh movable joint portion 7GQ and seventh fixed joint portion 7GP), and the seventh joint portion 9GP of the seventh supporting-side embedded member 9G (see Figure 7), and then to the seventh terminal portion 9GT of the seventh supporting-side embedded member 9G.

[0080] Furthermore, in both cases where the ninth terminal portion 9IT of the ninth support-side embedded member 9I is connected to a high potential, and where the tenth terminal portion 9JT of the tenth support-side embedded member 9J is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the first supported-side fixing member 5N1 to the seventh terminal portion 9GT of the seventh support-side embedded member 9G is the same.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in the upper right diagram of Figure 12, when the 11th terminal portion 9KT of the 11th support-side buried member 9K is connected to a high potential and the 8th terminal portion 9HT of the 8th support-side buried member 9H is connected to a low potential, the current flows from the 11th terminal portion 9KT of the 11th support-side buried member 9K to the 11th joint portion 9KP of the 11th support-side buried member 9K, the 3rd support-side fixing member 5G3 (base BPG3 and wire fixing portion J21), and the 3rd wire SB3. The fluid flows through the second supported-side fixing member 5N2 (wire fixing portion J22 and base portion BPN2), the eighth base-side embedded member 30H (eighth wire-side joint portion 30HP (see Figure 6) and eighth base-side joint portion 30HQ), the eighth flexible conductive member 7H (eighth movable joint portion 7HQ and eighth fixed joint portion 7HP), and the eighth joint portion 9HP of the eighth supporting-side embedded member 9H, and then to the eighth terminal portion 9HT of the eighth supporting-side embedded member 9H.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in the upper left of Figure 12, when the 12th terminal portion 9LT of the 12th support-side buried member 9L is connected to a high potential and the 8th terminal portion 9HT of the 8th support-side buried member 9H is connected to a low potential, the current flows from the 12th terminal portion 9LT of the 12th support-side buried member 9L to the 12th joint portion 9LP of the 12th support-side buried member 9L, the 4th support-side fixing member 5G4 (base BPG4 and wire fixing portion J24), and the 4th wire SB4. The fluid flows through the second supported-side fixing member 5N2 (wire fixing portion J23 and base portion BPN2), the eighth base-side embedded member 30H (eighth wire-side joint portion 30HP (see Figure 6) and eighth base-side joint portion 30HQ), the eighth flexible conductive member 7H (eighth movable joint portion 7HQ and eighth fixed joint portion 7HP), and the eighth joint portion 9HP of the eighth supporting-side embedded member 9H, and then to the eighth terminal portion 9HT of the eighth supporting-side embedded member 9H.

[0083] Furthermore, in both cases where the 11th terminal portion 9KT of the 11th support-side embedded member 9K is connected to a high potential, and where the 12th terminal portion 9LT of the 12th support-side embedded member 9L is connected to a high potential, the path of the current flowing from the second supported-side fixing member 5N2 to the 8th terminal portion 9HT of the 8th support-side embedded member 9H is the same.

[0084] The control device located outside the lens drive device 101, as described above, can control the lengths 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 the terminals (first terminal 9AT to twelfth terminal 9LT) of the first support-side embedded member 9A to twelfth support-side embedded member 9L. For example, the control device may detect the electrical resistance value of each shape memory alloy wire and control the length of each shape memory alloy wire according to the detection result. The control device may be located inside the lens drive device 101. Alternatively, the control device may be a component of the lens drive device 101.

[0085] The control device may, for example, utilize the driving force along a direction parallel to the optical axis OA caused by the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire SA as the first drive unit DM1 to move the lens holding member 2 along 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 way, the control device may realize an autofocus adjustment function, which is one of the lens adjustment functions. Specifically, the control device may enable macro photography by moving the lens holding member 2 away from the image sensor, and enable infinity focus photography by moving the lens holding member 2 closer to the image sensor.

[0086] Furthermore, the control device may move the lens holding member 2 in a direction intersecting the optical axis OA (in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions) by controlling the current flowing through the shape memory alloy wire SB, which serves as the second drive unit DM2. In this way, the control device may implement an image stabilization function.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figure 13, the positional relationships of the base-side fixing member 5F and the lens-side fixing member 5M that constitute the first drive unit DM1 will be described. Figure 13 is a top view of the first drive unit DM1. The first drive unit DM1 includes the first wire SA1 to the eighth wire SA8, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8, and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4.

[0088] As shown in Figure 13, the first drive unit DM1 is configured to be located inside the rectangle RT, represented by the dashed line, when viewed along the optical axis direction and in the neutral state of the lens drive device 101. The rectangle RT corresponds to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the cover member 1. Specifically, the rectangle RT includes the first side SD1, which corresponds to the inner surface of the first side plate portion 1A1; the second side SD2, which corresponds to the inner surface of the second side plate portion 1A2; the third side SD3, which corresponds to the inner surface of the third side plate portion 1A3; and the fourth side SD4, which corresponds to the inner surface of the fourth side plate portion 1A4.

[0089] In the illustrated example, wire fixing parts J11, J1, J12, and J2 are arranged in a straight line along the Y-axis from Y1 to Y2, and wire fixing parts J6, J16, J5, and J15 are arranged in a straight line along the Y-axis from Y1 to Y2. Similarly, wire fixing parts J3, J13, J4, and J14 are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis from X1 to X2, and wire fixing parts J10, J8, J9, and J7 are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis from X1 to X2.

[0090] Furthermore, the first wire SA1 and the sixth wire SA6 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the Y-axis, the second wire SA2 and the seventh wire SA7 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the X-axis, the third wire SA3 and the eighth wire SA8 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the Y-axis, and the fourth wire SA4 and the fifth wire SA5 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the X-axis.

[0091] Next, with reference to Figure 14, the details of the wire holding portion formed on the fixing member 5 will be described. Figure 14 is a front view of the base-side fixing member 5F, the lens-side fixing member 5M, and the shape memory alloy wire SA when the lens driving device 101 is in a neutral state. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 14 is a front view of the first base-side fixing member 5F1, the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, the first wire SA1, and the sixth wire SA6. The lower left part of Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the area R1 enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 14, and the lower right part of Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the area R2 enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 14. Note that in the lower left and lower right parts of Figure 14, for the sake of clarity, the portion of the first wire SA1 covered by the wire fixing portion is shown by a dashed line, and a cross pattern is applied to the inner portion IM of the wire fixing portion. "Inside" refers to the side further from the end of the shape memory alloy wire SA than "outside." The following explanation pertains to wire fixing part J1 to which the other end (left end) of the first wire SA1 is fixed, and wire fixing part J2 to which one end (right end) of the first wire SA1 is fixed, but it also applies to wire fixing parts J3 to J16.

[0092] Specifically, the wire fixing portion J1 is composed of a central portion CM, an inner portion IM, and an outer portion EM. In the illustrated example, the wire fixing portion J1 is formed by bending a part of the first base-side fixing member 5F1 so as to sandwich the other end (left end) of the first wire SA1, and then recessing the upper part of the central portion CM. Furthermore, the wire fixing portion J1 is formed to be approximately inverted V-shape when viewed from the front (more precisely, the shape excluding the central portion CM is approximately inverted V-shape). That is, the wire fixing portion J1 is formed so that the inner portion IM slopes downward to the right, and the outer portion EM slopes downward to the left. Note that the bending of the wire fixing portion J1 and the formation of the recess in the upper part of the central portion CM may be performed simultaneously.

[0093] More specifically, the wire fixing portion J1 is formed such that, in a front view, the extending direction of the inner portion IM is inclined by an angle θ11R with respect to the Y axis, and the extending direction of the outer portion EM is inclined by an angle θ11L with respect to the Y axis.

[0094] When the lens drive device 101 is in the neutral position, in a front view, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 are arranged such that the line passing through the wire fixing part J1 and the wire fixing part J2 is inclined by an angle θ1 with respect to the Y axis, and the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 and the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 are arranged such that the line passing through the wire fixing part J11 and the wire fixing part J12 is inclined by an angle θ2 with respect to the Y axis. In the illustrated example, angles θ1 and θ2 are approximately the same; that is, the two lines are approximately parallel. However, angles θ1 and θ2 may be different from each other. Also, angles θ1, θ11L, and θ11R are approximately the same; however, angles θ11R and θ11L, which are approximately the same size as angle θ1, may be different from each other.

[0095] This configuration has the effect of preventing the stress on the boundary portion BR1 (the portion enclosed by the dashed circle) between the portion of the first wire SA1 covered by the wire fixing portion J1 and the portion not covered by the wire fixing portion J1 from becoming excessively large compared to other parts of the first wire SA1, compared to the case where the inner portion IM does not slope downward to the right. The same applies to the boundary portion BR2 (the portion enclosed by the dashed circle) between the portion of the first wire SA1 covered by the wire fixing portion J2 and the portion not covered by the wire fixing portion J2.

[0096] Similarly, the wire fixing portion J2 is composed of a central portion CM, an inner portion IM, and an outer portion EM. In the illustrated example, the wire fixing portion J2 is formed by bending a part of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 so as to sandwich one end (right end) of the first wire SA1, and then recessing the upper part of the central portion CM. Furthermore, the wire fixing portion J2 is formed to be approximately V-shaped when viewed from the front (more precisely, the shape excluding the central portion CM is approximately V-shaped). That is, the wire fixing portion J2 is formed so that the inner portion IM slopes upward to the left, and the outer portion EM slopes upward to the right. Note that the bending of the wire fixing portion J2 and the formation of the recess in the upper part of the central portion CM may be performed simultaneously.

[0097] More specifically, the wire fixing portion J2 is formed such that, in a front view, the extending direction of the inner portion IM is inclined by an angle θ12L with respect to the Y axis, and the extending direction of the outer portion EM is inclined by an angle θ12R with respect to the Y axis. In the illustrated example, angles θ1, θ12L, and θ12R are approximately the same. However, angles θ12L and θ12R, which are approximately the same size as angle θ1, may be different from each other.

[0098] This configuration has the effect of preventing the stress on the boundary portion (the portion enclosed by the dashed circle) of the first wire SA1 between the portion covered by the wire fixing portion J2 and the portion not covered by the wire fixing portion J2 from becoming excessively large compared to other parts of the first wire SA1, compared to the case where the inner portion IM does not tilt upward to the left.

[0099] Next, another configuration example of the lens drive device 101 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a perspective view of another configuration example of the lens drive device 101. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 15 is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101 with the cover member 1 attached, and the lower part of Figure 15 is a perspective view of the lens drive device 101 with the cover member 1 removed. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of another configuration example of the lens drive device 101. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 16 is a view of the cross section of the lens drive device 101 from the Z1 side in a virtual plane substantially parallel to the XY plane including the cutting line L1 shown in the upper part of Figure 15, the lower left part of Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the area R3 enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 16, and the lower right part of Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the area R4 enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 16. Note that in Figures 15 and 16, the lens drive device 101 is in a neutral state.

[0100] Specifically, the lens driving device 101 shown in Figure 15 differs from the lens driving device 101 shown in Figure 1 in that the cover member 1 has a raised portion 1S, the lens holding member 2 has a raised portion 2S, and the base member 3 has a raised portion 3S.

[0101] The raised portions 1S, 2S, and 3S are parts that protect the wire fixing portion of the fixing member 5. In the lower diagram of Figure 15, a dot pattern is added to the raised portions 2S and 3S for clarity.

[0102] The raised portion 1S is a part provided on the inside of the cover member 1 so as to make contact with the raised portion 2S of the lens holding member 2 before the wire fixing portion of the fixing member 5 comes into contact with the cover member 1 when the lens holding member 2 moves inside the housing HS due to an impact such as dropping. In the illustrated example, the raised portion 1S is formed by recessing a part of the upper end of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the cover member 1 inward. That is, the raised portion 1S is a convex portion when viewed from the inside of the cover member 1 and a concave portion when viewed from the outside of the cover member 1.

[0103] The raised portion 2S is a part of the lens holding member 2 that is provided to protrude upward from the upper part of the base portion 2D of the lens holding member 2. In the illustrated example, the raised portion 2S includes a first raised portion 2S1 formed at the corner of the first base portion 2D1 on the right front side of the lens holding member 2, a second raised portion 2S2 formed at the corner of the second base portion 2D2 on the left rear side of the lens holding member 2, a third raised portion 2S3 formed at the corner of the third base portion 2D3 on the left front side of the lens holding member 2, and a fourth raised portion 2S4 formed at the corner of the fourth base portion 2D4 on the right rear side of the lens holding member 2. As shown in the lower part of Figure 15, the first raised portion 2S1 is a part that prevents the wire fixing portion J2 and wire fixing portion J3 of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1. Similarly, the second raised portion 2S2 is a portion for preventing the wire fixing portions J6 and J7 of the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1, the third raised portion 2S3 is a portion for preventing the wire fixing portions J10 and J11 of the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1, and the fourth raised portion 2S4 is a portion for preventing the wire fixing portions J14 and J15 of the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1.

[0104] More specifically, as shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 16, the third raised portion 2S3 is positioned at a distance DS1 from the inner surface of the first side plate portion 1A1 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J11 of the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 is positioned at a distance DS1A greater than DS1 from the inner surface of the first side plate portion 1A1 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the lens holding member 2 moves forward (towards X1), the third raised portion 2S3 contacts the first side plate portion 1A1 before the wire fixing portion J11 comes into contact with the first side plate portion 1A1. Thus, the third raised portion 2S3 can prevent the wire fixing portion J11 from coming into contact with the first side plate portion 1A1. Furthermore, as shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 16, the third raised portion 2S3 is positioned at a distance DS4 away from the inner surface of the fourth side plate portion 1A4 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J10 of the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 is positioned at a distance DS4A, which is greater than the distance DS4, away from the inner surface of the fourth side plate portion 1A4 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the lens holding member 2 moves to the left side (Y1 side), the third raised portion 2S3 contacts the fourth side plate portion 1A4 before the wire fixing portion J10 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 come into contact. Thus, the third raised portion 2S3 can prevent the wire fixing portion J10 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 from coming into contact. Also, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 15, the upper surface of the third raised portion 2S3 is higher than the upper surfaces of the wire fixing portion J10 and the wire fixing portion J11, respectively. Therefore, the third raised portion 2S3 can prevent the wire fixing portion J10 and the wire fixing portion J11 from coming into contact with the ceiling surface of the top plate portion 1B of the cover member 1.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 16, the fourth raised portion 2S4 is positioned at a distance DS2 from the inner surface of the second side plate portion 1A2 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J14 of the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 is positioned at a distance DS2A, which is greater than the distance DS2, from the inner surface of the second side plate portion 1A2 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the lens holding member 2 moves to the right (Y2 side), the fourth raised portion 2S4 contacts the second side plate portion 1A2 before the wire fixing portion J14 comes into contact with the second side plate portion 1A2. Thus, the fourth raised portion 2S4 can prevent the wire fixing portion J14 from coming into contact with the second side plate portion 1A2. Furthermore, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 16, the fourth raised portion 2S4 is positioned at a distance DS3 from the inner surface of the third side plate portion 1A3 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J15 of the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 is positioned at a distance DS3A, which is greater than the distance DS3, from the inner surface of the third side plate portion 1A3 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the lens holding member 2 moves to the rear side (X2 side), the fourth raised portion 2S4 contacts the third side plate portion 1A3 before the wire fixing portion J15 comes into contact with the third side plate portion 1A3. Thus, the fourth raised portion 2S4 can prevent the wire fixing portion J15 from coming into contact with the third side plate portion 1A3. Also, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 15, the upper surface of the fourth raised portion 2S4 is higher than the upper surfaces of the wire fixing portion J14 and the wire fixing portion J15, respectively. Therefore, the fourth raised portion 2S4 can prevent the wire fixing portion J14 and the wire fixing portion J15 from coming into contact with the ceiling surface of the top plate portion 1B of the cover member 1.

[0106] The above explanation, with reference to Figure 16, pertains to the third raised portion 2S3 and the fourth raised portion 2S4, but the same applies to the first raised portion 2S1 and the second raised portion 2S2.

[0107] The raised portion 3S is a part of the base member 3 that is provided to protrude upward from the upper part of the base portion 3D of the base member 3. In the illustrated example, the raised portion 3S includes a first raised portion 3S1 formed at the left end of the first base portion 3D1 located on the left front side of the base member 3, a second raised portion 3S2 formed at the rear end of the second base portion 3D2 located on the right rear side of the base member 3, a third raised portion 3S3 formed at the right end of the third base portion 3D3 located on the right rear side of the base member 3, and a fourth raised portion 3S4 formed at the front end of the fourth base portion 3D4 located on the right front side of the base member 3. As shown in the lower part of Figure 15, the first raised portion 3S1 is a part that prevents the wire fixing portion J1 of the first base-side fixing member 5F1 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1. Similarly, the second raised portion 3S2 is a portion for preventing the wire fixing portion J4 of the second base-side fixing member 5F2 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1, the third raised portion 3S3 is a portion for preventing the wire fixing portion J5 of the third base-side fixing member 5F3 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1, and the fourth raised portion 3S4 is a portion for preventing the wire fixing portion J8 of the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1.

[0108] More specifically, as shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 16, the first raised portion 3S1 is positioned at a distance GP1 from the first raised portion 1S1 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J1 of the first base-side fixing member 5F1 is positioned at a distance GP1A greater than GP1 from the inner surface of the first side plate portion 1A1 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the base member 3 moves forward (towards X1), the first raised portion 3S1 comes into contact with the first raised portion 1S1 before the wire fixing portion J1 and the first side plate portion 1A1 come into contact. Thus, the first raised portion 3S1 can prevent the wire fixing portion J1 and the first side plate portion 1A1 from coming into contact. Also, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 15, the upper surface of the first raised portion 3S1 is higher than the upper surface of the wire fixing portion J1. Therefore, the first raised portion 3S1 can prevent the wire fixing portion J1 from coming into contact with the ceiling surface of the top plate portion 1B of the cover member 1.

[0109] Furthermore, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 16, the second raised portion 3S2 is positioned at a distance GP2 away from the second raised portion 1S2 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J4 of the second base-side fixing member 5F2 is positioned at a distance GP2A, which is greater than the distance GP2, from the inner surface of the second side plate portion 1A2 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the base member 3 moves to the right (Y2 side), the second raised portion 3S2 comes into contact with the second raised portion 1S2 before the wire fixing portion J4 comes into contact with the second side plate portion 1A2. Thus, the second raised portion 3S2 can prevent the wire fixing portion J4 from coming into contact with the second side plate portion 1A2. Also, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 15, the upper surface of the second raised portion 3S2 is higher than the upper surface of the wire fixing portion J4. Therefore, the second raised portion 3S2 can prevent the wire fixing portion J4 from coming into contact with the ceiling surface of the top plate portion 1B of the cover member 1.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 16, the third raised portion 3S3 is positioned at a distance GP3 away from the third raised portion 1S3 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J5 of the third base-side fixing member 5F3 is positioned at a distance GP3A, which is greater than the distance GP3, from the inner surface of the third side plate portion 1A3 of the cover member 1 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the base member 3 moves to the rear side (X2 side), the third raised portion 3S3 comes into contact with the third raised portion 1S3 before the wire fixing portion J5 comes into contact with the third side plate portion 1A3. Thus, the third raised portion 3S3 can prevent the wire fixing portion J5 from coming into contact with the third side plate portion 1A3. Also, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 15, the upper surface of the third raised portion 3S3 is higher than the upper surface of the wire fixing portion J5. Therefore, the third raised portion 3S3 can prevent the wire fixing portion J5 from coming into contact with the ceiling surface of the top plate portion 1B of the cover member 1.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in the lower left diagram of Figure 16, the fourth raised portion 3S4 is positioned at a distance GP4 away from the fourth raised portion 1S4 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction, and the wire fixing portion J8 of the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4 is positioned at a distance GP4A, which is greater than the distance GP4, from the inner surface of the fourth side plate portion 1A4 of the cover member 1 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the base member 3 moves to the left (Y1 side), the fourth raised portion 3S4 comes into contact with the fourth raised portion 1S4 before the wire fixing portion J8 comes into contact with the fourth side plate portion 1A4. Thus, the fourth raised portion 3S4 can prevent the wire fixing portion J8 from coming into contact with the fourth side plate portion 1A4. Also, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 15, the upper surface of the fourth raised portion 3S4 is higher than the upper surface of the wire fixing portion J8. Therefore, the fourth raised portion 3S4 can prevent the wire fixing portion J8 from coming into contact with the ceiling surface of the top plate portion 1B of the cover member 1.

[0112] As described above, the lens drive device 101 shown in Figures 15 and 16, by having raised portions 1S, 2S, and 3S, has the effect of preventing the wire fixing portion of the fixing member 5 from coming into contact with other members such as the cover member 1 and being damaged (deformed) even if the movable side member MB (lens holding member 2 and base member 3) moves significantly inside the housing HS due to an impact such as dropping.

[0113] Next, with reference to Figures 17 to 19, another configuration example of the first drive unit DM1 will be described. Figures 17 to 19 show another configuration example of the first drive unit DM1. Specifically, Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view, Figure 18 is a top view, and Figure 19 is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the block arrow in Figure 18. The first drive unit DM1 includes the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 to the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8, and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4. The positional relationships of the members shown in Figures 17 to 19 correspond to the positional relationships when the lens drive device 101 is in a neutral state.

[0114] The shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figures 17 to 19 includes one end FE, the other end SE, an intermediate section MD between the two ends, a first connecting section FN connecting the two ends, and a second connecting section SN connecting the two ends. The shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figures 17 to 19 differs from the shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figure 2 in that the one end FE and the other end SE are fixed to the base-side fixing member 5F, and the intermediate section MD is fixed to the lens-side fixing member 5M. In the shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figure 2, one end is fixed to the base-side fixing member 5F and the other end is fixed to the lens-side fixing member 5M. Therefore, the shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figures 17 to 19 is longer than the shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figure 2.

[0115] Specifically, the shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figures 17 to 19 includes the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 to the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14. The first shape memory alloy wire SA11 has one end FE (one end FE1) fixed to the first base-side fixing member 5F1, the other end SE (other end SE1) fixed to the second base-side fixing member 5F2, and the intermediate part MD (intermediate part MD1) fixed to the first lens-side fixing member 5M1. The second shape memory alloy wire SA12 has one end FE (one end FE2) fixed to the third base-side fixing member 5F3, the other end SE (other end SE2) fixed to the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4, and the intermediate part MD (intermediate part MD2) fixed to the second lens-side fixing member 5M2. The third shape memory alloy wire SA13 has one end FE (one end FE3) fixed to the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5, the other end SE (other end SE3) fixed to the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6, and the middle part MD (middle part MD3) fixed to the third lens-side fixing member 5M3. The fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 has one end FE (one end FE4) fixed to the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7, the other end SE (other end SE4) fixed to the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8, and the middle part MD (middle part MD4) fixed to the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4.

[0116] More specifically, one end FE is fixed to the base-side fixing member 5F at the first wire fixing portion J51 of the base-side fixing member 5F, and the middle portion MD is fixed to the lens-side fixing member 5M at the second wire fixing portion J52 of the lens-side fixing member 5M. The other end SE is fixed to the base-side fixing member 5F at the second wire fixing portion J52 of the base-side fixing member 5F. In the illustrated example, the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 has one end FE1 fixed to the first wire fixing portion J51A of the first base-side fixing member 5F1, the middle portion MD1 fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52A of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, and the other end SE1 fixed to the third wire fixing portion J53A of the second base-side fixing member 5F2. The second shape memory alloy wire SA12 has one end FE2 fixed to the first wire fixing portion J51B of the third base-side fixing member 5F3, the middle portion MD2 fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52B of the second lens-side fixing member 5M2, and the other end SE2 fixed to the third wire fixing portion J53B of the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4. The third shape memory alloy wire SA13 has one end FE3 fixed to the first wire fixing portion J51C of the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5, the middle portion MD3 fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52C of the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, and the other end SE3 fixed to the third wire fixing portion J53C of the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6. The fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 has one end FE4 fixed to the first wire fixing portion J51D of the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7, the middle portion MD4 fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52D of the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, and the other end SE4 fixed to the third wire fixing portion J53D of the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8.

[0117] The first wire fixing portion J51 is formed by bending a part of the base-side fixing member 5F. Specifically, the first wire fixing portion J51 is formed by bending a part of the base-side fixing member 5F so that it sandwiches one end FE of the shape memory alloy wire SA. The end FE of the shape memory alloy wire SA is then fixed to the first wire fixing portion J51 by welding. Welding may be omitted. The same applies to the third wire fixing portion J53 to which the other end SE of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed. The second wire fixing portion J52 is formed by bending a part of the lens-side fixing member 5M. Specifically, the second wire fixing portion J52 is formed by bending a part of the lens-side fixing member 5M so that it sandwiches the middle portion MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA. The middle portion MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA is then fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52 by welding. Welding may be omitted. Furthermore, the intermediate portion MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA may be fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52 by adhesive or welding, rather than being sandwiched by the lens-side fixing member 5M. In this case, bending of the lens-side fixing member 5M may be omitted.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 is positioned such that the position of one end FE1 is higher by a height HT11 than the position of the middle section MD1, and the position of the other end SE1 is higher by a height HT12 than the position of the middle section MD1. Note that heights HT11 and HT12 are the same size. The same applies to the second shape memory alloy wire SA12, which is not visible in Figure 19. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the third shape memory alloy wire SA13 is positioned such that the position of the other end SE3 is lower by a height HT13 than the position of the middle section MD3. The same applies to the positional relationship between the one end FE3 and the middle section MD3, which is not visible in Figure 19. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 is positioned such that the position of one end FE4 is lower by a height HT14 than the position of the middle section MD4. The same applies to the positional relationship between the other end SE4 and the middle section MD4, which is not visible in Figure 19. Heights HT13 and HT14 are the same size. Also, heights HT11 (height HT12) and HT13 (height HT14) may be the same size or may be different sizes. Also, heights HT11 and HT12 may be different sizes. Similarly, heights HT13 and HT14 may be different sizes.

[0119] Here, referring to Figure 18, the positional relationships of the base-side fixing member 5F and the lens-side fixing member 5M that constitute the first drive unit DM1 will be explained. As shown in Figure 18, when viewed along the optical axis direction, the first drive unit DM1 is configured to be located inside the rectangle RT, represented by the dashed line, in the neutral state of the lens drive device 101. The rectangle RT is a square and corresponds to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the cover member 1. Specifically, the rectangle RT includes the first side SD1, which corresponds to the inner surface of the first side plate portion 1A1; the second side SD2, which corresponds to the inner surface of the second side plate portion 1A2; the third side SD3, which corresponds to the inner surface of the third side plate portion 1A3; and the fourth side SD4, which corresponds to the inner surface of the fourth side plate portion 1A4.

[0120] In the illustrated example, the second wire fixing part J52C, the first wire fixing part J51A, the third wire fixing part J53C, and the second wire fixing part J52A are arranged in a substantially straight line along the Y-axis from Y1 to Y2. Furthermore, the second wire fixing part J52A, the first wire fixing part J51D, the third wire fixing part J53A, and the second wire fixing part J52D are arranged in a substantially straight line along the X-axis from X1 to X2. Furthermore, the second wire fixing part J52B, the third wire fixing part J53D, the first wire fixing part J51B, and the second wire fixing part J52D are arranged in a substantially straight line along the Y-axis from Y1 to Y2. Furthermore, the second wire fixing part J52C, the third wire fixing part J53B, the first wire fixing part J51C, and the second wire fixing part J52B are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis from the X1 side to the X2 side.

[0121] In other words, the fixing member 5 is arranged such that, in a top view as shown in Figure 18, the first straight line SL11 connecting the first wire fixing part J51 and the second wire fixing part J52, and the second straight line SL12 connecting the second wire fixing part J52 and the third wire fixing part J53 are substantially perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first base-side fixing member 5F1, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, and the second base-side fixing member 5F2 are arranged such that the first straight line SL11A connecting the first wire fixing part J51A and the second wire fixing part J52A, and the second straight line SL12A connecting the second wire fixing part J52A and the third wire fixing part J53A are substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the third base-side fixing member 5F3, the second lens-side fixing member 5M2, and the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4 are arranged such that the first straight line SL11B connecting the first wire fixing part J51B and the second wire fixing part J52B, and the second straight line SL12B connecting the second wire fixing part J52B and the third wire fixing part J53B are substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, and the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 are arranged such that the first straight line SL11C connecting the first wire fixing part J51C and the second wire fixing part J52C, and the second straight line SL12C connecting the second wire fixing part J52C and the third wire fixing part J53C are substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7, the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, and the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8 are arranged such that the first straight line SL11D connecting the first wire fixing part J51D and the second wire fixing part J52D, and the second straight line SL12D connecting the second wire fixing part J52D and the third wire fixing part J53D are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0122] Furthermore, the fixing member 5 is positioned such that, in a top view as shown in Figure 18, the first straight line SL11A and the second straight line SL12C are approximately aligned, the first straight line SL11B and the second straight line SL12D are approximately aligned, the first straight line SL11C and the second straight line SL12B are approximately aligned, and the first straight line SL11D and the second straight line SL12A are approximately aligned.

[0123] Furthermore, the second wire fixing section J52 is positioned such that, in a top view as shown in Figure 18, the bent line FL intersects the first straight line SL11 and the second straight line SL12 at approximately 45 degrees. Specifically, the second wire fixing section J52A is positioned such that the bent line FL1 intersects the first straight line SL11A and the second straight line SL12A at approximately 45 degrees, and the second wire fixing section J52B is positioned such that the bent line FL2 intersects the first straight line SL11B and the second straight line SL12B at approximately 45 degrees. In addition, the second wire fixing section J52C is positioned such that the bent line FL3 intersects the first straight line SL11C and the second straight line SL12C at approximately 45 degrees, and the second wire fixing section J52D is positioned such that the bent line FL4 intersects the first straight line SL11D and the second straight line SL12D at approximately 45 degrees.

[0124] Furthermore, in the top view shown in Figure 18, the first connecting portion FN1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 and the second connecting portion SN3 of the third shape memory alloy wire SA13 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the Y-axis. Also, the first connecting portion FN2 of the second shape memory alloy wire SA12 and the second connecting portion SN4 of the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the Y-axis. Also, the first connecting portion FN3 of the third shape memory alloy wire SA13 and the second connecting portion SN2 of the second shape memory alloy wire SA12 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the X-axis. Similarly, the first connecting portion FN4 of the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 and the second connecting portion SN1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 are arranged on the same straight line substantially parallel to the X-axis.

[0125] Next, referring to Figure 20, the positional relationship between the lens-side fixing member 5M and the lens-side fixing member 2 shown in Figures 17 to 19 will be explained. The upper part of Figure 20 is a top view of the lens-side fixing member 2 and the lens-side fixing member 5M, and the lower part of Figure 20 is a front view of the lens-side fixing member 2 and the lens-side fixing member 5M. Note that in Figure 20, a dot pattern is added to the lens-side fixing member 5M for clarity of explanation.

[0126] The lens-side fixing member 5M is attached to the corner portion CN of the lens-holding member 2. Specifically, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 is attached to the first corner portion CN1 of the lens-holding member 2, and the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 is attached to the second corner portion CN2 of the lens-holding member 2. Furthermore, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 is attached to the third corner portion CN3 of the lens-holding member 2, and the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 is attached to the fourth corner portion CN4 of the lens-holding member 2.

[0127] Furthermore, the lens-side fixing member 5M is positioned such that, in a top view, the second wire fixing portion J52 is located inside the outer end (distal end) of the corner portion CN. In other words, the lens-side fixing member 5M is positioned such that, in a top view, the second wire fixing portion J52 is located closer to the optical axis OA than the outer end (distal end) of the corner portion CN. Specifically, the lens-side fixing member 5M is positioned such that, in a top view, the outer end of the second wire fixing portion J52 is located inside the outer end of the corner portion CN by a distance GA. More specifically, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 is positioned such that, in a top view, the second wire fixing portion J52A is located inside the outer end of the first corner portion CN1 by a distance GA1. Similarly, the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 is positioned such that the second wire fixing portion J52B is located at a distance GA2 inward from the outer end of the second corner portion CN2, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 is positioned such that the second wire fixing portion J52C is located at a distance GA3 inward from the outer end of the third corner portion CN3, and the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 is positioned such that the second wire fixing portion J52D is located at a distance GA4 inward from the outer end of the third corner portion CN3. This arrangement has the effect of preventing the lens-side fixing member 5M from contacting the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the cover member 1 when the lens holding member 2 moves excessively in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. This is because the corner portion CN of the lens holding member 2 contacts the outer peripheral wall portion 1A before the lens-side fixing member 5M contacts the outer peripheral wall portion 1A. In other words, the corner portion CN of the lens holding member 2 functions as a stopper. Therefore, this arrangement has the effect of preventing the lens-side fixing member 5M from coming into contact with the cover member 1 and becoming deformed.

[0128] Furthermore, the lens-side fixing member 5M is configured such that, in a side view, the second wire fixing portion J52 is located at a distance DH from the upper surface TF of the corner portion CN. Specifically, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 is configured such that, in a side view, the second wire fixing portion J52A is located at a distance DH1 above the upper surface TF1 of the first corner portion CN1. Similarly, the second lens-side fixing member 5M2 is configured such that the second wire fixing portion J52B is located at a predetermined distance above the upper surface TF2 of the second corner portion CN2, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3 is configured such that the second wire fixing portion J52C is located at a distance DH3 above the upper surface TF3 of the third corner portion CN3, and the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4 is configured such that the second wire fixing portion J52D is located at a predetermined distance above the upper surface TF4 of the fourth corner portion CN4. This configuration has the effect of preventing the shape memory alloy wire SA from coming into contact with the lens holding member 2.

[0129] The lens-side fixing member 5M may be made of a non-conductive material. This is because the connecting portions of the shape memory alloy wire SA (first connecting portion FN or second connecting portion SN) are electrically connected to each other by the intermediate portion MD.

[0130] Next, with reference to Figures 21 and 22, yet another configuration example of the first drive unit DM1 will be described. Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams showing yet another configuration example of the first drive unit DM1. Specifically, Figure 21 is a top view and Figure 22 is a front view.

[0131] The shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figures 21 and 22 differs from the shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figures 17 to 19 in that its intermediate portion MD is fixed to the fixing member 5 at two points. In the shape memory alloy wire SA shown in Figures 17 to 19, the intermediate portion MD is fixed to the fixing member 5 at one point. Specifically, the intermediate portion MD1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 is fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52A1 and the second wire fixing portion J52A2 of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, respectively. The portion between the second wire fixing portion J52A1 and the second wire fixing portion J52A2 is positioned to be exposed from the first lens-side fixing member 5M1. Furthermore, the intermediate portion MD2 of the second shape memory alloy wire SA12 is fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52B1 and the second wire fixing portion J52B2 of the second lens-side fixing member 5M2, respectively. Furthermore, the portion between the second wire fixing portion J52B1 and the second wire fixing portion J52B2 is positioned to be exposed from the second lens-side fixing member 5M2. In addition, the intermediate portion MD3 of the third shape memory alloy wire SA13 is fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52C1 and the second wire fixing portion J52C2 of the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, respectively. Furthermore, the portion between the second wire fixing portion J52C1 and the second wire fixing portion J52C2 is positioned to be exposed from the third lens-side fixing member 5M3. In addition, the intermediate portion MD4 of the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 is fixed to the second wire fixing portion J52D1 and the second wire fixing portion J52D2 of the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, respectively. Furthermore, the portion between the second wire fixing portion J52D1 and the second wire fixing portion J52D2 is positioned to be exposed from the fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4.

[0132] However, the intermediate portion MD1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 may be covered by a bent portion (not shown), which is another part of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, and arranged so as not to be exposed from the first lens-side fixing member 5M1. In this case, the bent portion may integrally include the second wire fixing portion J52A1 and the second wire fixing portion J52A2. The same applies to the second shape memory alloy wires SA12 to the fourth shape memory alloy wires SA14.

[0133] Furthermore, the second wire fixing portion J52 of the lens-side fixing member 5M shown in Figures 21 and 22 is positioned such that the bent line FL is approximately parallel to the first straight line SL11 or the second straight line SL12. Specifically, the second wire fixing portion J52A1 is positioned such that the bent line FLA1 is approximately parallel to the first straight line SL11A, and the second wire fixing portion J52A2 is positioned such that the bent line FLA2 is approximately parallel to the second straight line SL12A. Also, the second wire fixing portion J52B1 is positioned such that the bent line FLB1 is approximately parallel to the first straight line SL11B, and the second wire fixing portion J52B2 is positioned such that the bent line FLB2 is approximately parallel to the second straight line SL12B. Furthermore, the second wire fixing section J52C1 is positioned such that the bent line FLC1 is approximately parallel to the first straight line SL11C, and the second wire fixing section J52C2 is positioned such that the bent line FLC2 is approximately parallel to the second straight line SL12C. Furthermore, the second wire fixing section J52D1 is positioned such that the bent line FLD1 is approximately parallel to the first straight line SL11D, and the second wire fixing section J52D2 is positioned such that the bent line FLD2 is approximately parallel to the second straight line SL12D.

[0134] This arrangement has the effect of allowing the first connecting portion FN and the second connecting portion SN of the shape memory alloy wire SA to extend along the outer peripheral wall portion 1A of the cover member 1 when the lens drive device 101 is in a neutral state. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of stabilizing the movement of the lens holding member 2 by the first drive unit DM1. Furthermore, since this configuration allows the shape memory alloy wire SA to extend substantially parallel to the bending line FL when viewed from above, it is possible to achieve a longer lifespan for the shape memory alloy wire SA compared to a configuration in which the shape memory alloy wire SA extends diagonally to the bending line FL when viewed from above (the configuration shown in Figure 18). This is because it is possible to suppress the increase in load on the shape memory alloy wire SA at the boundary between the portion covered by the second wire fixing portion 52 and the portion not covered by the second wire fixing portion 52.

[0135] The upper part of Figure 22 is a front view of the first base-side fixing member 5F1, the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6, the first lens-side fixing member 5M1, the third lens-side fixing member 5M3, the first shape memory alloy wire SA11, and the third shape memory alloy wire SA13. The lower left part of Figure 22 is an enlarged view of the area R1 enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 22, and the lower right part of Figure 22 is an enlarged view of the area R2 enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of Figure 22. In the lower left and lower right parts of Figure 22, for the sake of clarity, the parts of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 covered by the first wire fixing part J51A and the second wire fixing part J52A are shown with dashed lines, and the inner parts IM of the first wire fixing part J51A and the second wire fixing part J52A are each marked with a cross pattern. Furthermore, the positional relationships of the components shown in Figures 21 and 22 correspond to the positional relationships when the lens drive device 101 is in a neutral state. Also, "inside" means the side further from the end of the shape memory alloy wire SA than "outside". The following description relates to the first wire fixing part J51A to which one end FE1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 is fixed, and the second wire fixing part J52A to which the middle part MD1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 is fixed. However, the following description also applies to the first wire fixing parts J51B to J51D, the second wire fixing parts J52B to J52D, and the third wire fixing parts J53A to J53D.

[0136] Specifically, the first wire fixing portion J51A is composed of a central portion CM, an inner portion IM, and an outer portion EM. In the illustrated example, the first wire fixing portion J51A is formed by bending a part of the first base-side fixing member 5F1 so as to sandwich one end FE1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11, and then recessing the upper part of the central portion CM. Furthermore, the first wire fixing portion J51A is formed to be approximately inverted V-shape when viewed from the front (more precisely, the shape excluding the central portion CM is approximately inverted V-shape). That is, the first wire fixing portion J51A is formed so that the inner portion IM slopes downward to the right, and the outer portion EM slopes downward to the left. Note that the bending of the first wire fixing portion J51A and the formation of the recess in the upper part of the central portion CM may be performed simultaneously.

[0137] More specifically, the first wire fixing portion J51A is formed such that, in a front view, the extending direction of the inner portion IM is inclined by an angle θ11R with respect to the Y axis, and the extending direction of the outer portion EM is inclined by an angle θ11L with respect to the Y axis.

[0138] In a front view, the first base-side fixing member 5F1 and the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 are arranged such that the first straight line SL11A passing through the first wire fixing portion J51A and the second wire fixing portion J52A1 is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the Y axis. The third lens-side fixing member 5M3 and the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6 are arranged such that the second straight line SL12C passing through the second wire fixing portion J52C2 and the third wire fixing portion J53C is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the Y axis. In the illustrated example, angles θ1 and θ2 are approximately the same; that is, the two straight lines are approximately parallel. However, angles θ1 and θ2 may be different from each other. Also, angles θ1, θ11L, and θ11R are approximately the same; however, angles θ11R and θ11L, which are approximately the same size as angle θ1, may be different from each other.

[0139] This configuration allows the first wire fixing portion J51A to suppress the stress on the boundary portion BR1 (the portion enclosed by the dashed circle) from becoming excessively large compared to other parts of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11, compared to the case where the inner portion IM does not slope downward to the right. The boundary portion BR1 is the boundary portion of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 between the portion covered by the first wire fixing portion J51A and the portion not covered by the first wire fixing portion J51A. The same applies to the boundary portion BR2 (the portion enclosed by the dashed circle) between the portion covered by the second wire fixing portion J52A1 and the portion not covered by the second wire fixing portion J52A.

[0140] Similarly, the second wire fixing portion J52A1 is composed of a central portion CM, an inner portion IM, and an outer portion EM. In the illustrated example, the second wire fixing portion J52A1 is formed by bending a part of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 so as to sandwich the intermediate portion MD1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11, and then recessing the upper part of the central portion CM. Furthermore, the second wire fixing portion J52A1 is formed to be approximately V-shaped when viewed from the front (more precisely, the shape excluding the central portion CM is approximately V-shaped). That is, the second wire fixing portion J52A1 is formed so that the inner portion IM is inclined upward to the left, and the outer portion EM is inclined upward to the right. Note that the bending of the second wire fixing portion J52A1 and the formation of the recess in the upper part of the central portion CM may be performed simultaneously.

[0141] More specifically, the second wire fixing portion J52A1 is formed such that, in a front view, the extending direction of the inner portion IM is inclined by an angle θ12L with respect to the Y axis, and the extending direction of the outer portion EM is inclined by an angle θ12R with respect to the Y axis. In the illustrated example, angles θ2, θ12L, and θ12R are approximately the same. However, angles θ12L and θ12R, which are approximately the same size as angle θ2, may be different from each other.

[0142] This configuration has the effect of preventing the stress on the boundary portion BR2 (the portion enclosed by the dashed circle) between the portion of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 covered by the second wire fixing portion J52A1 and the portion not covered by the second wire fixing portion J52A1 from becoming excessively large compared to other parts of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11, compared to the case where the inner portion IM does not tilt upward to the left.

[0143] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 22, the first wire fixing portion J51, the second wire fixing portion J52, and the third wire fixing portion J53 are configured to be approximately V-shaped or approximately inverted V-shaped in a side view, that is, to form only one recessed central portion CM. However, the first wire fixing portion J51, the second wire fixing portion J52, and the third wire fixing portion J53 may be configured to be approximately W-shaped or approximately inverted W-shaped in a side view, that is, to form two recessed central portions CM. Alternatively, the first wire fixing portion J51, the second wire fixing portion J52, and the third wire fixing portion J53 may be configured to form three recessed central portions CM.

[0144] As described above, the lens drive device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 2, comprises a lens holding member 2 capable of holding a lens body LS, a base member 3, a first drive unit DM1 comprising a plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA that move the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) relative to the base member 3, and a fixing member 5 to which one end and the other end of each of the plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA are fixed. The plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA include a first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) provided along one side surface (front side surface) of the lens drive device 101, and a second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) provided along another side surface (right side surface) of the lens drive device 101. The first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) and the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) are arranged such that, in a top view, a first straight line SL1 (see Figure 13) passing through one end and the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) intersects with a second straight line SL2 (see Figure 13) passing through one end and the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2). As shown in the upper diagram of Figure 9, the fixing member 5 includes a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J2) provided on the upper surface side of the lens holding member 2 to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed, a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J3) provided on the upper surface side of the lens holding member 2 to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed, a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J1) provided on the upper surface side of the base member 3 to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed, and a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J4) provided on the upper surface side of the base member 3 to which the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed. As shown in the lower part of Figure 9, one end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) differs in height by HT1 in the optical axis direction, and one end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) differs in height by HT2 in the optical axis direction.Furthermore, the wire fixing part (wire fixing part J2) to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed and the wire fixing part (wire fixing part J3) to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed are electrically connected.

[0145] In this configuration, both ends of the two shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1 and second wire SA2) that constitute the first drive unit DM1, which as a whole is V-shaped, are fixed to the fixing member 5. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of suppressing problems related to the retention of the shape memory alloy wire SA, such as the generation of wear particles due to the middle portion of the shape memory alloy wire SA sliding on the surface of the lens holding member 2, or the middle portion of the shape memory alloy wire SA falling out of the lens holding member 2. In addition, this configuration has the effect of reducing the stress on the middle portion of the shape memory alloy wire SA. Specifically, in this configuration, one end (right end) of the first wire SA1, which is located on the front side of the lens holding member 2, and one end (front end) of the second wire SA2, which is located on the right side of the lens holding member 2, which correspond to the middle portion of the shape memory alloy wire in Patent Document 1, are both fixed to the fixing member 5 (first lens-side fixing member 5M1). Therefore, this configuration has the effect of suppressing problems related to the retention of the shape memory alloy wires SA, such as the generation of wear particles due to the sliding of the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2 on the surface of the lens holding member 2, or the detachment of the first wire SA1 and the second wire SA2 from the lens holding member 2. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of simplifying the current supply paths of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) and the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2).

[0146] Preferably, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 9, the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J2) to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed is a part of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 as a metal plate, and the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J3) to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed is another part of the first lens-side fixing member 5M1 as a metal plate.

[0147] This configuration has the advantage of reducing the number of parts compared to a case where the wire fixing part (wire fixing part J2) to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed and the wire fixing part (wire fixing part J3) to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed are made of separate members. However, the member including the wire fixing part J2 and the member including the wire fixing part J3 may be separate members.

[0148] Preferably, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 9, the plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA include a third shape memory alloy wire SA (sixth wire SA6) which is arranged along one side (front) of the lens drive device 101 together with the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1). The fixing member 5 also has a wire fixing part (wire fixing part J11) to which one end (left end) of the third shape memory alloy wire SA (sixth wire SA6) is fixed, and a wire fixing part (wire fixing part J12) to which the other end (right end) of the third shape memory alloy wire SA (sixth wire SA6) is fixed. The wire fixing parts (wire fixing part J1, wire fixing part J2, wire fixing part J11, and wire fixing part J12) are arranged in positions that do not overlap in a top view, as shown in Figure 13. Similarly, the multiple shape memory alloy wires SA include a third shape memory alloy wire SA (seventh wire SA7) which is arranged along one side (right side) of the lens drive device 101 together with the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2). The fixing member 5 has a wire fixing part (wire fixing part J13) to which one end (front end) of the third shape memory alloy wire SA (seventh wire SA7) is fixed, and a wire fixing part (wire fixing part J14) to which the other end (rear end) of the third shape memory alloy wire SA (seventh wire SA7) is fixed. Each wire fixing part (wire fixing part J3, wire fixing part J4, wire fixing part J13, and wire fixing part J14) is positioned so as shown in Figure 13 that they do not overlap in a top view.

[0149] This configuration allows the fixing members 5 (base-side fixing member 5F and lens-side fixing member 5M) to be attached to the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3 from one side (the top side), thereby improving the productivity (assembly ease) of the lens driving device 101.

[0150] Preferably, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 9, the first drive unit DM1 is configured to include a plurality of wire pairs WP, each consisting of two shape memory alloy wires SA arranged along one of the sides of the lens drive device 101 (at least in the neutral state of the lens drive device 101) so as not to intersect each other (for example, so as to be substantially parallel to each other). In the illustrated example, the wire pairs WP include a first wire pair WP1 consisting of a first wire SA1 and a sixth wire SA6, a second wire pair WP2 consisting of a second wire SA2 and a seventh wire SA7, a third wire pair WP3 consisting of a third wire SA3 and an eighth wire SA8, and a fourth wire pair WP4 consisting of a fourth wire SA4 and a fifth wire SA5. Furthermore, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 14, the first wire SA1 and the sixth wire SA6 that constitute the first wire pair WP1 are arranged such that the first straight line SL1 passing through one end and the other end of the first wire SA1 and the sixth straight line SL6 passing through one end and the other end of the sixth wire SA6 are approximately parallel to each other when viewed from the front. The same applies to the second wire pair WP2 to the fourth wire pair WP4.

[0151] This configuration has the effect of making the two shape memory alloy wires SA that constitute the wire pair WP less likely to get tangled compared to the case where the two shape memory alloy wires SA intersect each other in a side view. In addition, this configuration has the effect of making it easier to attach the two shape memory alloy wires SA that constitute the wire pair WP to the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3.

[0152] Preferably, as shown in Figure 13, in a top view, the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J1) to which the other end of one of the shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1) of the wire pair WP is fixed is located between the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J11) to which one end of the other shape memory alloy wire SA (sixth wire SA6) of the wire pair WP is fixed and the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J12) to which the other end of the other shape memory alloy wire SA (sixth wire SA6) of the wire pair WP is fixed.

[0153] This configuration, when viewed from above, has the effect of allowing for a longer effective length of the shape memory alloy wire SA compared to cases where the wire fixing part J1 is not positioned between the wire fixing parts J11 and J12, for example, when both the wire fixing part J1 and the wire fixing part J2 are positioned to the right of the respective wire fixing parts J11 and J12. This is because the effective lengths of the first wire SA1 and the sixth wire SA6 are limited by the dimensions of the lens driving device 101 in the Y-axis direction, and the length can be increased by the length of the overlapping portion of the first wire SA1 and the sixth wire SA6 in the Y-axis direction.

[0154] Furthermore, the fixing member 5 preferably includes a plurality of fixing member sets 5S, which are combinations of one lens-side fixing member 5M (first lens-side fixing member 5M1) having a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J2) to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed, and a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J3) to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed; one base-side fixing member 5F (first base-side fixing member 5F1) having a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J1) to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed; and another base-side fixing member 5F (second base-side fixing member 5F2) having a wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J4) to which the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed. In the illustrated example, the fixing member 5 includes a first fixing member set 5S1 which is a combination of a first lens-side fixing member 5M1, a first base-side fixing member 5F1, and a second base-side fixing member 5F2; a second fixing member set 5S2 which is a combination of a second lens-side fixing member 5M2, a third base-side fixing member 5F3, and a fourth base-side fixing member 5F4; a third fixing member set 5S3 which is a combination of a third lens-side fixing member 5M3, a fifth base-side fixing member 5F5, and a sixth base-side fixing member 5F6; and a fourth fixing member set 5S4 which is a combination of a fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4, a seventh base-side fixing member 5F7, and an eighth base-side fixing member 5F8. In the illustrated example, the first base-side fixing member 5F1, the third base-side fixing member 5F3, the fifth base-side fixing member 5F5, and the seventh base-side fixing member 5F7 have the same shape and size, the second base-side fixing member 5F2, the fourth base-side fixing member 5F4, the sixth base-side fixing member 5F6, and the eighth base-side fixing member 5F8 have the same shape and size, and the first lens-side fixing members 5M1 to the fourth lens-side fixing members 5M4 have the same shape and size. Furthermore, the first base-side fixing members 5F1 to the eighth base-side fixing members 5F8 have the same shape and size before a portion of them is bent to form the wire fixing portion.In other words, the lens-side fixing member 5M in each combination is formed by bending a metal plate having the same shape and size, and the base-side fixing member 5F in each combination is formed by bending a metal plate having the same shape and size.

[0155] This configuration has the effect of reducing the number of parts. This is because the four lens-side fixing members 5M (first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4) are formed as the same single part, and the eight base-side fixing members 5F (first base-side fixing member 5F1 to eighth base-side fixing member 5F8) are also formed as the same single part.

[0156] Furthermore, preferably, two wire pairs WPs that are positioned opposite each other across the optical axis OA from a plurality of wire pairs WPs are arranged such that the positions of their corresponding wire fixing parts are point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA when viewed from above. In the example shown in Figure 13, the first wire SA1 constituting the first wire pair WP1 and the third wire SA3 constituting the third wire pair WP3 are arranged such that the wire fixing part J1 corresponding to the other end of the first wire SA1 and the wire fixing part J5 corresponding to the other end of the third wire SA3 are point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA when viewed from above, and the wire fixing part J2 corresponding to one end of the first wire SA1 and the wire fixing part J6 corresponding to one end of the third wire SA3 are point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA when viewed from above. Furthermore, the sixth wire SA6 constituting the first wire pair WP1 and the eighth wire SA8 constituting the third wire pair WP3 are arranged such that the wire fixing part J11 corresponding to one end of the sixth wire SA6 and the wire fixing part J15 corresponding to one end of the eighth wire SA8 are point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA when viewed from above, and the wire fixing part J12 corresponding to the other end of the sixth wire SA6 and the wire fixing part J16 corresponding to the other end of the eighth wire SA8 are also point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA when viewed from above. In Figure 13, it is shown that the dashed lines connecting wire fixing part J1 and wire fixing part J5, the dashed lines connecting wire fixing part J2 and wire fixing part J6, the dashed lines connecting wire fixing part J3 and wire fixing part J7, and the dashed lines connecting wire fixing part J4 and wire fixing part J8 all pass through the optical axis OA. Furthermore, Figure 13 shows that the dashed lines connecting wire fixing part J9 and wire fixing part J13, the dashed line connecting wire fixing part J10 and wire fixing part J14, the dashed line connecting wire fixing part J11 and wire fixing part J15, and the dashed line connecting wire fixing part J12 and wire fixing part J16 all pass through the optical axis OA.

[0157] This configuration has the effect of improving the weight balance of the lens drive device 101 compared to the case where each wire fixing part is arranged so as not to be point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of simplifying the movement control of the lens holding member 2 and the base member 3 compared to the case where each wire fixing part is arranged so as not to be point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA.

[0158] Preferably, as shown in Figure 14, the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J1) to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed, and the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J2) to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire SA (first wire SA1) is fixed, are each crimped such that a portion (inner portion IM) of each is aligned with the first straight line SL1. Similarly, although not shown, the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J3) to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed, and the wire fixing portion (wire fixing portion J4) to which the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire SA (second wire SA2) is fixed, are each crimped such that a portion (inner portion) of each is aligned with the second straight line SL2.

[0159] This configuration has the effect of reducing the stress on the shape memory alloy wire SA held by the wire fixing portion, compared to the case where the wire fixing portion is formed so as not to follow a straight line passing through one end and the other end of the shape memory alloy wire SA (for example, when the wire fixing portion is formed to follow the XY plane).

[0160] Furthermore, the lens driving device 101 preferably includes a second driving unit DM2 that moves the lens holding member 2 in a direction intersecting the optical axis OA (for example, a direction along the XY plane), as shown in Figure 2.

[0161] This configuration has the effect of enabling the lens drive device 101 to implement image stabilization in addition to the autofocus adjustment function.

[0162] Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the second drive unit DM2 is configured to include a plurality of other shape memory alloy wires SB.

[0163] This configuration offers the advantage of realizing the image stabilization function by the lens drive device 101 in a space-saving manner, compared to using a drive unit that includes magnets and coils.

[0164] Preferably, as shown in Figure 13, the wire pairs WP (first wire pair WP1) are arranged such that, in a top view, a straight line (first straight line SL1) passing through one end and the other end of one of the shape memory alloy wires SA (first wire SA1) of the wire pair WP and a straight line (sixth straight line SL6) passing through one end and the other end of the other shape memory alloy wire SA (sixth wire SA6) of the wire pair WP overlap (are on the same straight line) in a top view.

[0165] This configuration has the effect of reducing the size of the lens drive device 101 compared to the case where the two lines are arranged so that they do not overlap in a top view. Specifically, the configuration in which the first line SL1 and the sixth line SL6 are arranged to overlap has the effect of reducing the dimensions of the lens drive device 101 in the X-axis direction compared to the case in which the first line SL1 and the sixth line SL6 are arranged so that they do not overlap.

[0166] Furthermore, the lens driving device 101 according to the above embodiment includes a lens holding member 2 capable of holding a lens body LS, a base member 3, and a first driving unit DM1 comprising a plurality of shape memory alloy wires SA that move the lens holding member 2 along the optical axis direction relative to the base member 3. As shown in Figure 17, the shape memory alloy wire SA has one end FE, the other end SE, and the middle part MD fixed to separate fixing members 5. Also, as shown in Figure 18, a first straight line SL11 passing through the one end FE and the middle part MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA and a second straight line SL12 passing through the other end SE and the middle part MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA are arranged to intersect in a top view along the optical axis direction.

[0167] In this configuration, one end FE, the other end SE, and the intermediate part MD of each of the shape memory alloy wires SA (first shape memory alloy wire SA11 to fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14) that constitute the first drive unit DM1, which as a whole form a V shape, are fixed to the fixing member 5. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of suppressing problems related to the retention of the shape memory alloy wires SA, such as the generation of wear particles due to the shape memory alloy wires SA sliding on the surface of the lens holding member 2, or the intermediate part MD falling out of the lens holding member 2. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of reducing the number of shape memory alloy wires by realizing the movement of the first drive unit DM1, which was previously realized by two shape memory alloy wires SA, with one shape memory alloy wire SA spanning two sides. In addition, this configuration has the effect of expanding the range of motion of the lens holding member 2 (lens body LS) compared to when the shape memory alloy wires SA are short, because the length of the shape memory alloy wires SA can be increased.

[0168] Furthermore, the intermediate portion MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA may be fixed at one point to the fixing member 5 (lens-side fixing member 5M), as shown in Figure 18.

[0169] This configuration, as shown in Figure 21, allows for a longer effective length of the shape memory alloy wire SA (the length involved in the movement of the lens holding member 2) compared to the case where the intermediate section MD is fixed at two points to the fixing member 5 (lens-side fixing member 5M), thereby expanding the range of motion of the lens holding member 2 (lens body LS). Furthermore, this configuration simplifies the work required to fix the intermediate section MD to the fixing member 5 (lens-side fixing member 5M) compared to the case where the intermediate section MD is fixed at two points to the fixing member 5, thus improving the productivity (assembly ease) of the lens driving device 101.

[0170] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the fixing member 5 may include a first wire fixing portion J51 (base-side fixing member 5F) provided on one side (Z1 side) of the base member 3 in the optical axis direction, to which one end FE of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed; a second wire fixing portion J52 (lens-side fixing member 5M) provided on one side (Z1 side) of the lens holding member 2 in the optical axis direction, to which the intermediate portion MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed; and a third wire fixing portion J53 (base-side fixing member 5F) provided on one side (Z1 side) of the base member 3 in the optical axis direction, to which the other end SE of the shape memory alloy wire SA is fixed. In this case, as shown in Figure 19, the height of the one end FE and the intermediate portion MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA may be different in the optical axis direction. Also, the height of the intermediate portion MD and the other end SE of the shape memory alloy wire SA may be different in the optical axis direction.

[0171] This configuration offers the advantage of easier attachment of the fixing members 5 compared to a configuration in which the fixing members 5 (base-side fixing member 5F and lens-side fixing member 5M) are attached to the components to be mounted (lens holding member 2 and base member 3) from multiple sides. This is because the fixing members 5 can be attached to the components to be mounted from the same single side (for example, the Z1 side).

[0172] Furthermore, the second wire fixing portion J52 may be positioned at the corner CN of the lens holding member 2, as shown in Figure 20, and configured to fix one point of the intermediate portion MD of the shape memory alloy wire SA, as shown in Figure 18.

[0173] This configuration, compared to the case where the intermediate section MD is fixed at two points to the second wire fixing section J52 as shown in Figure 21, allows for a longer effective length of the shape memory alloy wire SA (the length involved in the movement of the lens holding member 2), and consequently, expands the range of motion of the lens holding member 2 (lens body LS).

[0174] Furthermore, the first drive unit DM1 may be composed of four shape memory alloy wires SA (first shape memory alloy wire SA11 to fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14), as shown in Figure 17. In this case, two of the four shape memory alloy wires SA are for moving the lens holding member 2 in one direction along the optical axis, and the remaining two of the four shape memory alloy wires SA are for moving the lens holding member 2 in the other direction along the optical axis. In the example shown in Figure 17, the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 and the second shape memory alloy wire SA12 are for raising the lens holding member 2 (moving it towards Z1), and the third shape memory alloy wire SA13 and the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 are for lowering the lens holding member 2 (moving it towards Z2).

[0175] This configuration allows for a reduction in the number of shape memory alloy wires SA compared to using eight shape memory alloy wires SA, which in turn improves the productivity (assembly efficiency) of the lens drive device 101.

[0176] Furthermore, the four shape memory alloy wires SA may be arranged so as shown in Figure 19 that they do not intersect each other in a side view along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when current is supplied.

[0177] This configuration has the effect of suppressing entanglement between the shape memory alloy wires SA when no current is supplied to them.

[0178] Furthermore, the multiple fixing members 5 may be arranged in positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from above along the optical axis, as shown in Figure 18. In the example shown in Figure 18, the multiple fixing members 5 (first base-side fixing member 5F1 to eighth base-side fixing member 5F8 and first lens-side fixing member 5M1 to fourth lens-side fixing member 5M4) are spaced apart from each other so as not to overlap when viewed from above along the optical axis.

[0179] This configuration has the effect of allowing multiple fixing members 5 to be attached to the components to be mounted (lens holding member 2 and base member 3) from one direction almost simultaneously.

[0180] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, the second wire fixing portion J52 may be positioned inside the corner portion CN of the lens holding member 2 when viewed from above along the optical axis. In other words, the second wire fixing portion J52 may be positioned closer to the optical axis OA than the outer end (distal end) of the corner portion CN. In other words, the second wire fixing portion J52 may be positioned so as not to protrude outside the corner portion CN.

[0181] This configuration has the effect of preventing the second wire fixing portion J52 from coming into contact with the cover member 1 and becoming deformed.

[0182] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, two shape memory alloy wires (for example, the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 and the second shape memory alloy wire SA12) among the multiple shape memory alloy wires SA that are positioned opposite each other across the optical axis OA may be arranged so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA when viewed from above along the optical axis. In the examples shown in Figures 17 and 18, the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 and the second shape memory alloy wire SA12 are arranged so as to be point-symmetric (twice rotationally symmetric) with respect to the optical axis OA. Also, the third shape memory alloy wire SA13 and the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 are arranged so as to be point-symmetric (twice rotationally symmetric) with respect to the optical axis OA. Furthermore, Figure 18 shows that the dashed lines connecting the first wire fixing part J51A and the first wire fixing part J51B, the dashed lines connecting the second wire fixing part J52A and the second wire fixing part J52B, and the dashed lines connecting the third wire fixing part J53A and the third wire fixing part J53B all pass through the optical axis OA. Also, in the example shown in Figure 21, the combination of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 and the second shape memory alloy wire SA12, and the combination of the third shape memory alloy wire SA13 and the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 are arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA. Figure 21 shows that the dashed lines connecting the first wire fixing part J51A and the first wire fixing part J51B, the dashed lines connecting the second wire fixing part J52A1 and the second wire fixing part J52B1, the dashed lines connecting the second wire fixing part J52A2 and the second wire fixing part J52B2, and the dashed lines connecting the third wire fixing part J53A and the third wire fixing part J53B all pass through the optical axis OA.

[0183] This configuration has the effect of stabilizing the movement of the lens holding member 2 (lens body LS) by the first drive unit DM1 compared to the case where the two shape memory alloy wires are arranged so as not to be point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis OA.

[0184] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, the first wire fixing portion J51 may be crimped so that a portion of it aligns with the first straight line SL11. Also, the third wire fixing portion J53 may be crimped so that a portion of it aligns with the second straight line SL12. In the example shown in the lower left of Figure 22, the first wire fixing portion J51A is crimped so that a portion of it (the inner portion IM) aligns with the first straight line SL11A. Also, the third wire fixing portion J53C is crimped so that a portion of it aligns with the second straight line SL12C.

[0185] This configuration has the effect of reducing the stress on the shape memory alloy wire SA held by the wire fixing parts, compared to the case where the wire fixing parts (first wire fixing part J51, second wire fixing part J52, and third wire fixing part J53) are formed so as not to be aligned with a straight line passing through the connecting part of the shape memory alloy wire SA (first connecting part FN or second connecting part SN) (for example, the case where the wire fixing parts are formed to be aligned with the XY plane as shown in Figure 19).

[0186] The system may also include a second drive unit DM2 that moves the lens holding member 2 in a direction intersecting the optical axis OA.

[0187] This configuration offers the advantage of enabling not only automatic focus adjustment by the first drive unit DM1, but also image stabilization.

[0188] Furthermore, the second drive unit DM2 may be composed of a plurality of other shape memory alloy wires SB.

[0189] This configuration has the effect of allowing the second drive unit DM2 to operate independently of the first drive unit DM1.

[0190] Furthermore, the multiple shape memory alloy wires SA may include a first shape memory alloy wire (first shape memory alloy wire SA11) and a second shape memory alloy wire (fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14), as shown in Figure 18. In this case, the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 and the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 may be arranged such that, as shown in Figure 18, in a top view along the optical axis, the second straight line SL12A passing through the other end SE1 and the intermediate part MD1 of the first shape memory alloy wire SA11 and the first straight line SL11D passing through one end FE4 and the intermediate part MD4 of the fourth shape memory alloy wire SA14 overlap.

[0191] This configuration has the effect of reducing the width of the lens drive device 101 in the Y-axis direction compared to the case where the first straight line SL11D and the second straight line SL12A are arranged so that they do not overlap.

[0192] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the embodiments described above and those described later without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above and those described later may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not conflict technically.

[0193] For example, in the above embodiment, the fixing member 5 is fixed to each member (lens holding member 2, base member 3, and support member 8) by adhesive or the like, but it may also be embedded in each member, or it may be a conductive pattern formed on the surface of each member.

[0194] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-157309, filed on 11 September 2024, and the entire contents of that Japanese Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0195]

Claims

1. A lens driving device comprising: a lens holding member capable of holding a lens body; a base member; a first driving unit comprising a plurality of shape memory alloy wires for moving the lens holding member along the optical axis direction relative to the base member; and a fixing member to which one end and the other end of each of the plurality of shape memory alloy wires are fixed, wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy wires include a first shape memory alloy wire and a second shape memory alloy wire, and the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire are arranged such that a first straight line passing through one end and the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire and a second straight line passing through one end and the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire intersect in a top view, The fixing member is provided on the upper surface side of the lens holding member and includes a wire fixing portion to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed, a wire fixing portion provided on the upper surface side of the lens holding member and includes a wire fixing portion to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed, a wire fixing portion provided on the upper surface side of the base member and includes a wire fixing portion to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed, wherein the one end and the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire are at different heights in the optical axis direction, the one end and the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire are at different heights in the optical axis direction, and the wire fixing portion to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed and the wire fixing portion to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed are electrically connected.

2. The lens driving device according to claim 1, wherein the wire fixing portion to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed is a part of a metal plate, and the wire fixing portion to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed is another part of the metal plate.

3. The lens drive device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy wires include a third shape memory alloy wire arranged together with the first shape memory alloy wire along one of the sides of the lens drive device, the fixing member has a wire fixing portion to which one end of the third shape memory alloy wire is fixed and a wire fixing portion to which the other end of the third shape memory alloy wire is fixed, and the wire fixing portions of the first shape memory alloy wire and the third shape memory alloy wire are arranged in positions that do not overlap when viewed from above.

4. The lens drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first drive unit comprises a plurality of wire pairs, each consisting of two shape memory alloy wires, arranged along one of the sides of the lens drive device so as not to intersect with each other.

5. In a top view, the wire fixing portion to which the other end of one of the wire pairs of shape memory alloy wires is fixed is located between the wire fixing portion to which one end of the other wire pair of shape memory alloy wires is fixed and the wire fixing portion to which the other end of the other wire pair of shape memory alloy wires is fixed, as described in claim 4.

6. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing member includes a plurality of combinations of one lens-side fixing member having a wire fixing portion to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed and a wire fixing portion to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed, one base-side fixing member having a wire fixing portion to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed, and another base-side fixing member having a wire fixing portion to which the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed, wherein one lens-side fixing member in each combination is formed by bending a metal plate having the same shape and size, one base-side fixing member in each combination is formed by bending a metal plate having the same shape and size, and another base-side fixing member in each combination is formed by bending a metal plate having the same shape and size.

7. The lens driving device according to claim 4, wherein two of the plurality of wire pairs that are arranged opposite each other across the optical axis are arranged such that the positions of the corresponding wire fixing portions are point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis when viewed from above.

8. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a wire fixing portion to which one end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed and a wire fixing portion to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy wire is fixed are each partially crimped so as to be aligned with the first straight line, and a wire fixing portion to which one end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed and a wire fixing portion to which the other end of the second shape memory alloy wire is fixed are each partially crimped so as to be aligned with the second straight line.

9. The lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second driving unit for moving the lens holding member in a direction intersecting the optical axis.

10. The lens driving device according to claim 9, wherein the second driving unit comprises a plurality of other shape memory alloy wires.

11. The lens driving device according to claim 4, wherein the wire pairs are arranged such that, in a top view, a straight line passing through one end and the other end of one of the shape memory alloy wires of the wire pair overlaps in a top view with a straight line passing through one end and the other end of the other shape memory alloy wire of the wire pair.

12. A camera module comprising: a lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a lens body fixed to the lens holding member; and an image sensor facing the lens body.

Images