Lens holder drive device

Abstract

This lens holder drive device (100) comprises: a support member (5); a first lens holder (LH1) capable of holding a first lens body (LS1); a first drive unit (DM1) that moves a first movable-side member (MB1) including the first lens holder (LH1) in the optical axis direction; and a first shaft member (SH1) and a second shaft member (SH2) that are supported by the support member (5), guide the first movable-side member (MB1) in the optical axis direction, and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The first drive unit (DM1) is configured to include a first magnetic member (MP1) and a first coil (CL1). Moreover, in plan view seen from the Z-axis direction, the first drive unit (DM1) is supported by the first shaft member (SH1) in a state in which at least a portion of the first drive unit is positioned further toward the Y2 side than the first shaft member (SH1).

Description

Lens Holder Driving Device

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

[0002] Conventionally, an operating device (lens holder driving device) having two guide rails (shaft members), two motor carriers (lens holders), and a magnetic shield component (magnetic member) including an operating magnetic component (magnet) that moves each of the two lens holders is known (see Patent Document 1). In this device, the magnetic member is connected to the lens holder so as to move together with the lens holder.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 - 180234

[0004] However, in this device, since a magnetic member having a large mass is provided at a position farther from the optical axis than the shaft member, the center of gravity of the lens holder to which the magnetic member is attached is biased outward, and there is a possibility that the lens holder cannot be stably moved along the optical axis.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a lens holder driving device that can move the lens holder more stably.

[0006] A lens holder driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a support member, a lens holder capable of holding a lens body, a driving unit that moves a movable side member including the lens holder in the optical axis direction, and two shaft members that are supported by the support member and are arranged substantially parallel to each other to guide the movable side member in the optical axis direction. The driving unit includes a magnetic member and a coil, and in a plan view seen from a first direction perpendicular to a virtual plane including the axis lines of each of the two shaft members, at least a part of the driving unit is supported by one of the two shaft members while being located on the other side of one of the two shaft members than the other.

[0007] The above-described lens holder driving device can move the lens holder more stably.

[0008] This is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder drive mechanism. This is a schematic diagram of the camera module. This is an exploded perspective view of the lower member. This is a diagram of the magnetic attraction mechanism. This is an exploded perspective view of the movable side member. This is a diagram of the metal member embedded in the lens holder. This is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder, lens body, coil assembly, and magnetic member that move along the shaft member. This is a front view and rear view of the lens holder and shaft member. This is a bottom view of the lens holder. This is a top view, cross-sectional view, and front view of the support member.

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

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

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the lens holder drive device 100 includes a cover member 1 and a lower member LM as part of the fixed-side member FB. The cover member 1 is configured to cover the top and side surfaces of the lower member LM. In the illustrated example, the cover member 1 is made of a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel. Because it is made of a non-magnetic material, the cover member 1 does not have any adverse magnetic effects on the drive unit that utilizes electromagnetic force.

[0012] Specifically, the cover member 1 has a bottomless, box-shaped exterior. The cover member 1 has an outer plate portion 1A including four flat side plate portions (first side plate portion 1A1 to fourth side plate portion 1A4), and a substantially rectangular and flat top surface portion 1B provided so as to be continuous with the upper end (Z1 side end) of the outer plate portion 1A. The top surface portion 1B functions as the top plate portion TP of the fixed side member FB. The first side plate portion 1A1 has an opening for receiving light LT from the subject reflected by the mirror MR (see Figure 2). Similarly, the third side plate portion 1A3 has an opening for allowing light LT to reach the image sensor IS (see Figure 2). The cover member 1 is joined to the base member BM by adhesive or the like to form the housing HS together with the base member BM. The base member BM includes a base plate 2 and a support member 5.

[0013] The lens body LS is an example of an optical component and is composed of one or more lenses. In this embodiment, the lens body LS includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped lens barrel having at least one lens, and the central axis of the lens barrel is configured to be along the optical axis OA. In the illustrated example, the lens body LS includes a first lens body LS1 and a second lens body LS2, and the optical axis of the first lens body LS1 and the optical axis of the second lens body LS2 coincide with each other, forming a common optical axis OA.

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

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

[0016] The lens holder drive unit 100 is typically positioned further from the subject than the mirror MR, as shown in Figure 2. That is, the lens holder drive unit 100 is positioned to direct the light LT from the subject, reflected by the mirror MR, through the lens body LS to the image sensor IS. The camera module CM may also be configured to include another mirror between the lens holder drive unit 100 and the image sensor IS, so that the light LT from the subject is reflected twice by the two mirrors before entering the image sensor IS.

[0017] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the lens holder drive device 100 will be outlined. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member LM.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the lower member LM includes a first cushioning material 11, a second cushioning material 12, a lens holder LH, and a magnetic member MP as movable side members MB, and a base plate 2, a support member 5, a printed circuit board 9, a side plate 10, a magnetic sensor 18, a magnetic sensor 19, a coil assembly CA, and a shaft member SH as fixed side members FB.

[0019] The base plate 2 is a component that constitutes a part (bottom) of the housing HS. In this embodiment, the base plate 2, like the cover member 1, is made of a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel. In the illustrated example, the base plate 2 has a fixed-side metal plate portion 2B that constitutes a part of the bottom plate portion BP of the fixed-side member FB, and eight upright portions 2W that extend upward from the end of the fixed-side metal plate portion 2B. The eight upright portions 2W are embedded in the support member 5 by insert molding. Note that the fixed-side metal plate portion 2B does not have to be a perfectly flat plate. For example, the fixed-side metal plate portion 2B may have raised portions to increase rigidity.

[0020] The lens holder LH is configured to hold the lens body LS. In this embodiment, the lens holder LH is formed by insert molding, embedding a metal plate in a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Specifically, the lens holder LH includes a first lens holder LH1 configured to hold a first lens body LS1, and a second lens holder LH2 configured to hold a second lens body LS2.

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

[0022] In the illustrated example, the support member 5 has an outer wall portion 5A including four side wall portions (first side wall portion 5A1 to fourth side wall portion 5A4). The first side wall portion 5A1 has an opening for receiving light LT from the subject reflected by the mirror MR. Similarly, the third side wall portion 5A3 has an opening for allowing light LT to reach the image sensor IS. The support member 5 also has a notch portion CU for receiving the coil assembly CA. The notch portion CU includes a left-side notch portion CUL formed in the second side wall portion 5A2 and a right-side notch portion CUR formed in the fourth side wall portion 5A4.

[0023] Furthermore, the fixed-side member FB is configured to form a housing section SP that accommodates the movable-side member MB. The housing section SP is a space separated by a top plate section TP (see Figure 1), a side wall section SW, and a bottom plate section BP. In the illustrated example, the top plate section TP is made up of the upper surface section 1B of the cover member 1, the side wall section SW is made up of the outer plate section 1A of the cover member 1, the outer wall section 5A of the support member 5, and the side plate 10, and the bottom plate section BP is made up of the fixed-side metal plate section 2B of the base plate 2 and the bottom section 5B of the support member 5. Specifically, the side plate 10 includes a left side plate 10L that covers the left-side notch section CUL, and a right side plate 10R that covers the right-side notch section CUR.

[0024] The coil assembly CA is configured to hold the coil CL that constitutes the drive unit DM. In this embodiment, the coil assembly CA includes a coil holder CH and the coil CL. In the illustrated example, the coil holder CH is formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and is fixed to the support member 5 with an adhesive. In Figure 3, for clarity, the detailed winding state of the conductive wire with an insulating material covering the surface of the coil CL is omitted. The same applies to the other figures.

[0025] The coil assembly CA includes a first coil assembly CA1 fitted into the left notch CUL of the support member 5, and a second coil assembly CA2 fitted into the right notch CUR of the support member 5. The first coil assembly CA1 includes a first coil holder CH1 and a first coil CL1. The second coil assembly CA2 includes a second coil holder CH2 and a second coil CL2.

[0026] Coil CL is a component of the drive unit DM and is attached to the coil holder CH. In the illustrated example, coil CL is a wound-type coil. Specifically, the first coil CL1 is wound around the first coil holder CH1 of the first coil assembly CA1, and the second coil CL2 is wound around the second coil holder CH2 of the second coil assembly CA2.

[0027] The magnetic member MP is a component of the drive unit DM and includes a drive magnet MG and a magnetic yoke member YK, and is attached to the lens holder LH. The drive unit DM is configured to move the movable side member MB along the optical axis direction using the electromagnetic force (Lorentz force) generated by the coil CL and the drive magnet MG. In the illustrated example, the drive magnet MG includes a first drive magnet MG1 that moves together with the first lens holder LH1, and a second drive magnet MG2 that moves together with the second lens holder LH2.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the first drive magnet MG1 and the second drive magnet MG2 are each approximately rectangular parallelepiped permanent magnets magnetized with two poles along the Y-axis. Specifically, the inner side (closer to the optical axis OA) of the first drive magnet MG1 and the second drive magnet MG2 are magnetized as the south pole, and the outer side (farther from the optical axis OA) is magnetized as the north pole. In Figure 4, for clarity, a cross pattern is applied to the south pole portion of the drive magnet MG, and a dot pattern is applied to the north pole portion of the drive magnet MG.

[0029] The magnetic yoke member YK is made of a magnetic material such as a magnetic metal and is configured to function as a yoke that efficiently applies the magnetic force of the drive magnet MG to the coil CL. In the illustrated example, the magnetic yoke member YK includes a first magnetic yoke member YK1 that is adhesively fixed to the first lens holder LH1, and a second magnetic yoke member YK2 that is adhesively fixed to the second lens holder LH2.

[0030] The first drive magnet MG1 is fixed to the first magnetic yoke member YK1, and the second drive magnet MG2 is fixed to the second magnetic yoke member YK2. The first drive magnet MG1, fixed to the first magnetic yoke member YK1, is positioned so as to face the first coil CL1 provided in the first coil assembly CA1 and be spaced apart from the first coil CL1 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA (Y-axis direction). Similarly, the second drive magnet MG2, fixed to the second magnetic yoke member YK2, is positioned so as to face the second coil CL2 provided in the second coil assembly CA2 and be spaced apart from the second coil CL2 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA (Y-axis direction).

[0031] The axial member SH is a member for guiding the lens holder LH so that it can move along the bottom plate portion BP (reference plane) in the optical axis direction (X axis direction). In the illustrated example, the axial member SH is inserted through a through hole 5H formed in the support member 5 and fixed to the support member 5 by adhesive. Specifically, the axial member SH includes a first axial member SH1 inserted and fixed through a first front through hole 5H1F and a first rear through hole 5H1B, a second axial member SH2 inserted and fixed through a second front through hole 5H2F and a second rear through hole 5H2B, a third axial member SH3 inserted and fixed through a third front through hole 5H3F and a third rear through hole 5H3B, and a fourth axial member SH4 inserted and fixed through a fourth front through hole 5H4F and a fourth rear through hole 5H4B. In the illustrated example, each of the first axis member SH1 to the fourth axis member SH4 extends in the direction of the optical axis, is arranged parallel to the XY plane, and is parallel to each other. In the illustrated example, each of the first axis member SH1 to the fourth axis member SH4 has the same diameter and the same length.

[0032] Furthermore, the shaft member SH is made of a magnetic material and functions as a member that suppresses rattle of the movable side member MB by attracting the magnet contained in the movable side member MB. In the illustrated example, the magnetic attractive force acting between the magnet contained in the movable side member MB and the shaft member SH is greater than the force caused by the weight of the movable side member MB. Therefore, the shaft member SH can attract the movable side member MB regardless of its orientation.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the shaft member SH is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the magnet included in the movable side member MB in the Z-axis direction. Figure 4 is a diagram of the magnetic attraction mechanism composed of the shaft member SH and the magnet included in the movable side member MB, showing the positional relationship between the shaft member SH and the magnets included in the movable side member MB (driving magnet MG, magnetic field generating member 15, auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A, and attraction magnet 17). Specifically, the upper part of Figure 4 is a perspective view of the magnetic attraction mechanism, and the lower part of Figure 4 is a front view of the magnetic attraction mechanism. Note that in Figure 4, for clarity, the illustration of other members (members other than the driving magnet MG, shaft member SH, magnetic field generating member 15, auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A, attraction magnet 17, magnetic sensor 18, and magnetic sensor 19) is omitted. Also, in Figure 4, the north pole portion of the magnet included in the movable side member MB is marked with a cross pattern, and the south pole portion of the magnet included in the movable side member MB is marked with a dot pattern.

[0034] More specifically, the first shaft member SH1 is positioned diagonally opposite the first drive magnet MG1 in the Z-axis direction, and the third shaft member SH3 is positioned diagonally opposite the second drive magnet MG2 in the Z-axis direction. The second shaft member SH2 is positioned opposite the front attraction magnet 17F in the Z-axis direction, and the fourth shaft member SH4 is positioned opposite the rear attraction magnet 17B in the Z-axis direction. The front attraction magnet 17F is fixed to the first lens holder LH1, and the rear attraction magnet 17B is fixed to the second lens holder LH2. This arrangement has the effect of suppressing the movable side member MB from lifting off the shaft members SH.

[0035] The printed circuit board 9 is configured to be electrically connected to the components that make up the lens holder drive device 100. In the illustrated example, the printed circuit board 9 is made of flexible printed circuit board material and is fixed to the base plate 2 with adhesive. The printed circuit board 9 includes copper conductor patterns for supplying power to magnetic sensors 18 and 19, and coil CL included in the coil assembly CA. In addition to magnetic sensors 18 and 19, electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and control device DV are mounted on the printed circuit board 9.

[0036] The magnetic sensor 18 is an example of a magnetic detection member. In the illustrated example, the magnetic sensor 18 is configured to detect the magnetism generated by a magnetic field generating member 15 (see Figure 4) attached to the movable side member MB. The magnetic sensor 18 is composed of a tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) element and is configured to measure a voltage value that changes according to the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member 15 that the magnetic sensor 18 receives, and to output the measured voltage value to the control device DV.

[0037] Specifically, the magnetic sensor 18 is configured to output a larger voltage value as the north pole portion approaches and a smaller voltage value as the south pole portion approaches. However, the magnetic sensor 18 may also be configured to output a smaller voltage value as the north pole portion approaches and a larger voltage value as the south pole portion approaches. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 18 may be configured to detect the position of the lens holder LH using other magnetoresistive elements such as a semiconductor magnetoresistive (SMR) element, an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) element, or a giant magnetoresistive effect (GMR) element. In the illustrated example, the magnetic sensor 18 includes a front magnetic sensor 18F that detects the movement of the first lens holder LH1 and a rear magnetic sensor 18B that detects the movement of the second lens holder LH2.

[0038] The magnetic sensor 19 is an example of a magnetic detection member. In the illustrated example, the magnetic sensor 19 is configured to detect the magnetism generated by an auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A (see Figure 4) attached to the movable side member MB. The magnetic sensor 19 is composed of a Hall element and is configured to measure a voltage value that changes according to the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A that the magnetic sensor 19 receives, and to output the measured voltage value to the control device DV. In the illustrated example, the magnetic sensor 19 includes a front magnetic sensor 19F that determines whether the first lens holder LH1 has reached a predetermined rear end position, and a rear magnetic sensor 19B that determines whether the second lens holder LH2 has reached a predetermined front end position.

[0039] The control device DV is configured to detect the position of the lens holder LH to which the magnetic field generating member 15 is attached, based on the output of the magnetic sensor 18. The control device DV is also configured to determine whether or not the lens holder LH to which the auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A is attached has reached a predetermined position, based on the output of the magnetic sensor 19. In the illustrated example, the control device DV is a driver IC for controlling the drive unit DM, and includes a first control device DV1 for controlling the first drive unit DM1 which moves the first lens holder LH1 in the optical axis direction, and a second control device DV2 for controlling the second drive unit DM2 which moves the second lens holder LH2 in the optical axis direction. Specifically, the first control device DV1 is configured to detect the position of the first lens holder LH1 to which the front magnetic field generating member 15F is attached, based on the output of the front magnetic sensor 18F, and to determine whether or not the first lens holder LH1 to which the front auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15AF is attached has reached the rear end position, based on the output of the front magnetic sensor 19F. Furthermore, the second control device DV2 is configured to detect the position of the second lens holder LH2 to which the rear magnetic field generating member 15B is attached, based on the output of the rear magnetic sensor 18B, and to determine whether or not the second lens holder LH2 to which the rear auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15AB is attached has reached the front end position, based on the output of the rear magnetic sensor 19B.

[0040] The first cushioning material 11 is a member (impact mitigation member) that absorbs and mitigates the impact when the fixed-side member FB and the movable-side member MB come into contact. In this embodiment, the first cushioning material 11 is made of rubber or sponge or the like. In the illustrated example, the first cushioning material 11 is a member made of silicone rubber and includes a first left front cushioning material 11LF, a first right front cushioning material 11RF, a first left rear cushioning material 11LB (see Figure 5), and a first right rear cushioning material 11RB (see Figure 5).

[0041] The first left front cushioning material 11LF is adhesively fixed to the first magnetic member MP1 so as to absorb the impact when the support member 5 and the front end (X1 side end) of the first magnetic member MP1 come into contact. The first right front cushioning material 11RF is adhesively fixed to the second magnetic member MP2 so as to absorb the impact when the support member 5 and the front end (X1 side end) of the second magnetic member MP2 come into contact. The first left rear cushioning material 11LB is adhesively fixed to the first magnetic member MP1 so as to absorb the impact when the support member 5 and the rear end (X2 side end) of the first magnetic member MP1 come into contact. The first right rear cushioning material 11RB is adhesively fixed to the second magnetic member MP2 so as to absorb the impact when the support member 5 and the rear end (X2 side end) of the second magnetic member MP2 come into contact.

[0042] The second cushioning material 12 is a component (impact mitigation component) that absorbs and mitigates the impact when the first lens holder LH1 and the second lens holder LH2 come into contact. In this embodiment, the second cushioning material 12 is made of rubber or sponge or the like. In the illustrated example, the second cushioning material 12 is a component made of silicone rubber and includes a second front cushioning material 12F (see Figure 5) and a second rear cushioning material 12B.

[0043] To absorb the impact when the rear end (X2 side end) of the first lens holder LH1 and the front end (X1 side end) of the second lens holder LH2 come into contact, the second front cushioning material 12F is adhesively fixed to the rear end of the right side portion (right front resin member 30FR (see Figure 5)) of the first lens holder LH1, and the second rear cushioning material 12B is adhesively fixed to the front end of the left side portion (left rear resin member 30BL (see Figure 5)) of the second lens holder LH2.

[0044] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the details of the movable-side member MB will be described. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the movable-side member MB. In FIG. 5, for easier explanation, a dot pattern is attached to the metal member 32 partially embedded in the lens holder LH.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the movable-side member MB includes a lens holder LH that holds the lens body LS. Specifically, the lens holder LH includes a first lens holder LH1 that holds the first lens body LS1 and a second lens holder LH2 that holds the second lens body LS2. The movable-side member MB includes a first movable-side member MB1 that includes the first lens holder LH1 and a second movable-side member MB2 that includes the second lens holder LH2.

[0046] The lens holder LH also has a main body portion MN where the lens body LS is disposed and a protruding portion PT that protrudes in one direction in the optical axis direction at a portion located outside the main body portion MN. Specifically, the first lens holder LH1 has a first main body portion MN1 where the first lens body LS1 is disposed and a first protruding portion PT1 that protrudes backward at a portion located on the Y1 side (left side) of the first main body portion MN1. Similarly, the second lens holder LH2 has a second main body portion MN2 where the second lens body LS2 is disposed and a second protruding portion PT2 that protrudes forward at a portion located on the Y2 side (right side) of the second main body portion MN2. Also, a magnetic member MP is fixed to the protruding portion PT. Specifically, a first magnetic member MP1 is fixed to the first protruding portion PT1, and a second magnetic member MP2 is fixed to the second protruding portion PT2. The magnetic member MP includes a magnetic yoke member YK and a drive magnet MG. Specifically, the first magnetic member MP1 includes a first magnetic yoke member YK1 and a first drive magnet MG1, and the second magnetic member MP2 includes a second magnetic yoke member YK2 and a second drive magnet MG2.

[0047] The magnetic yoke member YK has a magnet arrangement portion MH to which the inner surface of the drive magnet MG is fixed, a magnet facing portion MF arranged at a distance from the drive magnet MG so as to face the outer surface of the drive magnet MG, and a connecting portion CN that connects the magnet arrangement portion MH and the magnet facing portion MF. Specifically, the first magnetic yoke member YK1 has a first magnet arrangement portion MH1 to which the inner surface (the surface on the Y2 side) of the first drive magnet MG1 is fixed, a first magnet facing portion MF1 arranged so as to face the outer surface (the surface on the Y1 side) of the first drive magnet MG1 in a non-contact manner, and a first connecting portion CN1 that connects the first magnet arrangement portion MH1 and the first magnet facing portion MF1. Further, the second magnetic yoke member YK2 has a second magnet arrangement portion MH2 to which the inner surface (the surface on the Y1 side) of the second drive magnet MG2 is fixed, a second magnet facing portion MF2 arranged so as to face the outer surface (the surface on the Y2 side) of the second drive magnet MG2 in a non-contact manner, and a second connecting portion CN2 that connects the second magnet arrangement portion MH2 and the second magnet facing portion MF2.

[0048] From another perspective, the lens holder LH includes a pair of resin members 30 and a metal member 32. And the second buffer member 12, the first yoke 14, the magnetic field generating member 15, the auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A, the second yoke 16, and the attracting magnet 17 are attached to the pair of resin members 30.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the first lens holder LH1 includes a pair of front resin members 30F and a front metal member 32F. The pair of front resin members 30F includes a left front resin member 30FL and a right front resin member 30FR. The left front resin member 30FL is fitted with a first magnetic member MP1, a first front yoke 14F, a front magnetic field generating member 15F, and a front auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15AF, while the right front resin member 30FR is fitted with a second front cushioning material 12F, a second front yoke 16F, and a front attraction magnet 17F. The first magnetic member MP1 (the first magnet arrangement portion MH1 of the first magnetic yoke member YK1) has a protrusion PR that projects inward (towards Y2). The first magnetic member MP1 is then fixed to the left front resin member 30FL with adhesive, with the convex portion PR inserted into a corresponding recess (invisible in Figure 5) formed on the left side surface of the left front resin member 30FL. Since a portion of the front metal member 32F is exposed on the left side surface of the left front resin member 30FL, at least a portion of the inner surface (right side) of the first magnet arrangement portion MH1 of the first magnetic member MP1 is fixed to the front metal member 32F with adhesive. In other words, the adhesion between the first magnetic member MP1 and the left front resin member 30FL is partially achieved by the adhesion of metal members to metal members. This type of adhesion of metal members has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the members being bonded compared to the adhesion of synthetic resin members to each other, or synthetic resin members to metal members.

[0050] Similarly, the second lens holder LH2 includes a pair of rear resin members 30B and a rear metal member 32B. The pair of rear resin members 30B includes a left rear resin member 30BL and a right rear resin member 30BR. The right rear resin member 30BR is fitted with a second magnetic member MP2, a first rear yoke 14B, a rear magnetic field generating member 15B, and a rear auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15AB, while the left rear resin member 30BL is fitted with a second rear cushioning material 12B, a second rear yoke 16B, and a rear attraction magnet 17B. The second magnetic member MP2 (the second magnet arrangement portion MH2 of the second magnetic yoke member YK2) has a protrusion (invisible in Figure 5) that protrudes inward (towards Y1). The second magnetic member MP2 is then fixed to the right rear resin member 30BR with adhesive, with its protruding portion inserted into a corresponding recess RS formed on the right side of the right rear resin member 30BR. Since a portion of the rear metal member 32B is exposed on the right side of the right rear resin member 30BR, at least a portion of the inner surface (left side) of the second magnet arrangement portion MH2 of the second magnetic member MP2 is fixed to the rear metal member 32B with adhesive. In other words, the adhesion between the second magnetic member MP2 and the right rear resin member 30BR is partially achieved by the adhesion of metal members to metal members. This type of adhesion of metal members has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the members being bonded compared to the adhesion of synthetic resin members to each other, or between synthetic resin members and metal members.

[0051] Furthermore, the first magnet arrangement portion MH1, to which the first drive magnet MG1 is fixed, is located on one end (Y1 side, left side) in the short direction (Y-axis direction) of the fixed side member FB (support member 5) in the first lens holder LH1, and the second magnet arrangement portion MH2, to which the second drive magnet MG2 is fixed, is located on the other end (Y2 side, right side) in the short direction (Y-axis direction) of the fixed side member FB (support member 5) in the second lens holder LH2.

[0052] Furthermore, grooves GR for receiving shaft members SH are formed in the lower part of the resin member 30. Specifically, the left front resin member 30FL has a first groove GR1 for receiving the first shaft member SH1, the right front resin member 30FR and the right rear resin member 30BR each have a second groove GR2 (second front groove GR2F and second rear groove GR2B) for receiving the second shaft member SH2, the right rear resin member 30BR has a third groove GR3 for receiving the third shaft member SH3, and the left front resin member 30FL and the left rear resin member 30BL each have a fourth groove GR4 (fourth front groove GR4F and fourth rear groove GR4B) through which the fourth shaft member SH4 is inserted.

[0053] The magnetic field generating member 15 is a member configured to generate a magnetic field. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 4, the magnetic field generating member 15 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped permanent magnet that is multi-pole magnetized along the X-axis, and as shown in Figure 5, it includes a front magnetic field generating member 15F that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the lower surface of the left front resin member 30FL (first protrusion PT1) of the first lens holder LH1, and a rear magnetic field generating member 15B that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the lower surface of the right rear resin member 30BR (second protrusion PT2) of the second lens holder LH2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the magnetic field generating member 15 is magnetized such that the N pole and S pole are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0054] The first yoke 14 is a member for increasing the magnetic field generating member 15. In the illustrated example, the first yoke 14 includes a U-shaped first front yoke 14F that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the bottom surface of the left front resin member 30FL (first protrusion PT1) to increase the magnetic field of the front magnetic field generating member 15F, and a U-shaped first rear yoke 14B that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the bottom surface of the right rear resin member 30BR (second protrusion PT2) to increase the magnetic field of the rear magnetic field generating member 15B. Specifically, the front magnetic field generating member 15F is attached to the first protrusion PT1 with its top, left, and right sides covered by the first front yoke 14F (with the bottom surface exposed), and the rear magnetic field generating member 15B is attached to the second protrusion PT2 with its top, left, and right sides covered by the first rear yoke 14B (with the bottom surface exposed).

[0055] The auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A is a member configured to generate a magnetic field. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 4, the auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped permanent magnet magnetized with two poles along the Z-axis, and as shown in Figure 5, it includes a front auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15AF that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the lower surface of the left front resin member 30FL (first protrusion PT1) of the first lens holder LH1, and a rear auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15AB that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the lower surface of the right rear resin member 30BR (second protrusion PT2) of the second lens holder LH2.

[0056] The magnet 17 is a component provided on the movable side member MB so that a magnetic attractive force can be applied between the shaft member SH and the magnet 17. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 4, the magnet 17 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped permanent magnet magnetized with two poles along the Z-axis direction, and as shown in Figure 5, it includes a front magnet 17F that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the right side of the right front resin member 30FR of the first lens holder LH1, and a rear magnet 17B that is adhesively fixed to a recess (not visible in Figure 5) formed on the left side of the left rear resin member 30BL of the second lens holder LH2.

[0057] The second yoke 16 is a component for increasing the magnetic force of the attraction magnet 17. In the illustrated example, the second yoke 16 includes an L-shaped second front yoke 16F that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the right side of the right front resin member 30FR in order to increase the magnetic force of the front attraction magnet 17F, and an L-shaped second rear yoke 16B that is adhesively fixed to a recess formed on the left side of the left rear resin member 30BL in order to increase the magnetic force of the rear attraction magnet 17B. Specifically, the front attraction magnet 17F is attached to the right front resin member 30FR with its top and right side covered by the second front yoke 16F, and the rear attraction magnet 17B is attached to the left rear resin member 30BL with its top and left side covered by the second rear yoke 16B.

[0058] Furthermore, the lower surface of the front suction magnet 17F is joined to the upper surface of the front metal member 32F exposed from the right front resin member 30FR, and the lower surface of the rear suction magnet 17B is joined to the upper surface of the rear metal member 32B exposed from the left rear resin member 30BL. In other words, the adhesion between the suction magnet 17 and the metal member 32 is the adhesion between metal members, and this type of adhesion between metal members has the effect of increasing the adhesive strength between the members being bonded compared to the adhesion between synthetic resin members, or between synthetic resin members and metal members.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the lens holder LH is open at the top and has a bottom portion BT (see Figure 6) that faces the bottom plate portion BP (see Figure 3) of the fixed side member FB (base plate 2). At least the portion of the bottom portion BT corresponding to where the lens body LS is placed is made of a metal member 32. The lens holder LH also has a pair of resin members 30 that are spaced apart from each other and facing each other in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction (X axis direction) (Y axis direction). The lens body LS is placed between the pair of resin members 30. Each of the pair of resin members 30 is integrated with the metal member 32 by insert molding or the like.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the metal member 32 has a bottom portion BT that is exposed to the outside and a bent portion FP that is bent from the bottom portion BT and embedded in the resin member 30. Figure 6 is a diagram of the metal member 32 that constitutes the lens holder LH. Specifically, the top view of Figure 6 is a top view of the front metal member 32F and the rear metal member 32B, the middle view of Figure 6 is a front view of the front metal member 32F, and the bottom view of Figure 6 is a front view of the rear metal member 32B.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in the center view of Figure 6, the front metal member 32F has a front bottom BTF and a front bent portion FPF that is bent from the front bottom BTF and embedded in the front resin member 30F. The front bent portion FPF includes a left front bent portion FPFL and a right front bent portion FPFR.

[0062] More specifically, the front metal member 32F is composed of first portion 32F1 to sixth portion 32F6. The first portion 32F1 to third portion 32F3 constitute the left front bent portion FPFL which is embedded in the left front resin member 30FL, and the fifth portion 32F5 and sixth portion 32F6 constitute the right front bent portion FPFR which is embedded in the right front resin member 30FR.

[0063] Furthermore, the first portion 32F1 is embedded in the left front resin member 30FL such that its upper surface is partially exposed from the left front resin member 30FL, and the exposed portion is fixed to the lower surface of the first magnetic member MP1 (first magnet arrangement portion MH1) via adhesive. Furthermore, the second portion 32F2 is embedded in the left front resin member 30FL such that its left side is partially exposed from the left front resin member 30FL, and the exposed portion is fixed to the right side of the first magnetic member MP1 (first magnet arrangement portion MH1) via adhesive. Furthermore, the sixth portion 32F6 is embedded in the right front resin member 30FR such that its upper surface is partially exposed from the right front resin member 30FR, and the exposed portion is fixed to the lower surface of the front attraction magnet 17F via adhesive.

[0064] Similarly, the rear metal member 32B has a rear bottom portion BTB and a rear bent portion FPB which is bent from the rear bottom portion BTB and embedded in the rear resin member 30B, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6. The rear bent portion FPB includes a left rear bent portion FPBL and a right rear bent portion FPBR.

[0065] More specifically, the rear metal member 32B is composed of first portion 32B1 to sixth portion 32B6. The first portion 32B1 to third portion 32B3 constitute the right rear bent portion FPBR which is embedded in the right rear resin member 30BR, and the fifth portion 32B5 and sixth portion 32B6 constitute the left rear bent portion FPBL which is embedded in the left rear resin member 30BL.

[0066] Furthermore, the first portion 32B1 is embedded in the right rear resin member 30BR such that its upper surface is partially exposed from the right rear resin member 30BR, and the exposed portion is fixed to the lower surface of the second magnetic member MP2 (second magnet arrangement portion MH2) via adhesive. Furthermore, the second portion 32B2 is embedded in the right rear resin member 30BR such that its right side is partially exposed from the right rear resin member 30BR, and the exposed portion is fixed to the left side of the second magnetic member MP2 (second magnet arrangement portion MH2) via adhesive. Furthermore, the sixth portion 32B6 is embedded in the left rear resin member 30BL such that its upper surface is partially exposed from the left rear resin member 30BL, and the exposed portion is fixed to the lower surface of the rear attraction magnet 17B via adhesive.

[0067] Next, the drive unit DM will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder LH, lens body LS, coil assembly CA, and magnetic member MP (driving magnet MG and magnetic yoke member YK) that move along the shaft member SH. Specifically, Figure 7 is a view of the cross-section of the lens holder LH, lens body LS, coil assembly CA, and magnetic member MP (driving magnet MG and magnetic yoke member YK) as seen from the Z1 side in a virtual plane parallel to the XY plane containing the cutting line LC1 in Figure 1. The upper part of Figure 7 shows the state when both the first lens holder LH1 (first lens body LS1) and the second lens holder LH2 (second lens body LS2) are near the front movement limit position. Furthermore, the center view of Figure 7 shows the state when the first lens holder LH1 (first lens body LS1) is near the front movement limit position, and the second lens holder LH2 (second lens body LS2) is located further back from the front movement limit position. The lower view of Figure 7 shows the state when both the first lens holder LH1 (first lens body LS1) and the second lens holder LH2 (second lens body LS2) are located further back from the front movement limit position. Note that in Figure 7, for clarity, other components (components other than the lens holder LH, lens body LS, coil assembly CA, magnetic member MP (driving magnet MG and magnetic yoke member YK), and shaft member SH) are omitted from the illustration.

[0068] The drive unit DM is configured to move the lens holder LH in the optical axis direction. In this embodiment, the drive unit DM is configured to move the movable side member MB along the optical axis OA by utilizing the electromagnetic force (Lorentz force) generated by the coil CL and the drive magnet MG.

[0069] Specifically, the drive unit DM includes a first drive unit DM1 that moves the first lens holder LH1 in the optical axis direction, and a second drive unit DM2 that moves the second lens holder LH2 in the optical axis direction. The first drive unit DM1 is composed of a first coil CL1 attached to the first coil holder CH1 of the first coil assembly CA1, and a first drive magnet MG1 attached to the first lens holder LH1. The second drive unit DM2 is composed of a second coil CL2 attached to the second coil holder CH2 of the second coil assembly CA2, and a second drive magnet MG2 attached to the second lens holder LH2. The first drive unit DM1 and the second drive unit DM2 are arranged to face each other in the Y-axis direction, with the optical axis OA in between. In the illustrated example, the first drive unit DM1 and the second drive unit DM2 are configured to have the same length in the optical axis direction (X-axis direction).

[0070] Next, we will describe an example of the relationship between the drive magnet MG and the coil CL when moving the lens holder LH, which is near the front limit of movement, to near the rear limit of movement.

[0071] When the first lens holder LH1 is near its front limit of movement, the inner bundle portion BI of the first coil CL1 is positioned in the Y-axis direction opposite to the left side of the rear half of the first drive magnet MG1, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 7. The first coil CL1 has the first magnet opposing portion MF1 inserted through its center, with the inner surface of the outer bundle portion BE facing the outer surface (left side) of the first magnet opposing portion MF1, and the outer surface of the inner bundle portion BI facing the outer surface (left side) of the first drive magnet MG1.

[0072] Similarly, when the second lens holder LH2 is near the front limit of movement, the inner bundle portion BI of the second coil CL2 is positioned in the Y-axis direction opposite to the right side of the rear half of the second drive magnet MG2, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 7. The second coil CL2, like the first coil CL1, has the second magnet opposing portion MF2 inserted through its center, with the inner surface of the outer bundle portion BE facing the outer surface (right side) of the second magnet opposing portion MF2, and the outer surface of the inner bundle portion BI facing the outer surface (right side) of the second drive magnet MG2.

[0073] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 3, when current is supplied to flow from bottom to top through the outer bundle portion BE of the second coil CL2 as indicated by arrow AR3, the second drive magnet MG2 is moved to the rear (X2 side) by the reaction force of the Lorentz force acting on the wires constituting the second coil CL2, as indicated by block arrow AR5 in the center diagram of Figure 7. When the supply of current is stopped, this movement is stopped. Also, when current is supplied in the opposite direction, the second drive magnet MG2 is moved to the front (X1 side).

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, when current is supplied to flow from bottom to top through the inner bundle portion BI of the first coil CL1 as indicated by arrow AR4, the first drive magnet MG1 is moved to the rear (X2 side) by the reaction force of the Lorentz force acting on the wires constituting the first coil CL1, as indicated by block arrow AR6 in the lower diagram of Figure 7. When the supply of current is stopped, this movement is stopped. Also, when current is supplied in the opposite direction, the first drive magnet MG1 is moved to the front (X1 side).

[0075] Next, the positional relationship between the lens holder LH and the shaft member SH will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 show the positional relationship between the lens holder LH and the shaft member SH. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 8 is a front view of the lens holder LH and the shaft member SH, and the lower part of Figure 8 is a rear view of the lens holder LH and the shaft member SH. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the lens holder LH and the shaft member SH. In Figure 8, for clarity, a cross pattern is applied to the front resin member 30F of the first lens holder LH1, and a dot pattern is applied to the rear resin member 30B of the second lens holder LH2. Furthermore, in Figure 9, for clarity, the shaft member SH is represented by a dashed line, the metal member 32 has a coarse dot pattern, the north pole portions of the magnetic field generating member 15 and the auxiliary magnetic field generating member 15A each have a fine dot pattern, the south pole portion of the magnetic field generating member 15 has a cross pattern, and the surface portion of the shaft member SH that contacts the lens holder LH has a diagonal line pattern.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the four shaft members SH (first shaft member SH1 to fourth shaft member SH4) are arranged as shown in Figure 8 such that the two inner shaft members SH (second shaft member SH2 and fourth shaft member SH4) are located on a straight line SL that passes through each of the two outer shaft members SH (first shaft member SH1 and third shaft member SH3) in the Y-axis direction.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the first lens holder LH1 is in contact with the shaft member SH through two contact regions CZ on the first shaft member SH1 (first rear contact region CZ1B and first front contact region CZ1F) and one contact region CZ on the second shaft member SH2 (second contact region CZ2). Specifically, the first rear contact region CZ1B of the first shaft member SH1 is in contact with the V-shaped first rear protrusion RP1B and the first front protrusion RP1F (shallow portions of the V-shaped first groove GR1) within the V-shaped first groove GR1 formed in the left front resin member 30FL. Also, the second contact region CZ2 of the second shaft member SH2 is in contact with the flat portion FT2 within the L-shaped second front groove GR2F formed in the right front resin member 30FR.

[0078] In other words, the first shaft member SH1 does not come into contact with the left front resin member 30FL in the portion between the first rear protrusion RP1B and the first front protrusion RP1F within the V-shaped first groove GR1 formed in the left front resin member 30FL. Furthermore, the second shaft member SH2 does not come into contact with the second lens holder LH2 (right rear resin member 30BR). Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8, the second shaft member SH2 is positioned at a distance GP2 away from the right rear resin member 30BR.

[0079] In the illustrated example, the second contact region CZ2 is positioned between the first rear contact region CZ1B and the first front contact region CZ1F in the optical axis direction (X axis direction). This arrangement has the effect of further stabilizing the posture of the first lens holder LH1, which is supported at three points by the first axis member SH1 and the second axis member SH2.

[0080] Similarly, as shown in Figure 9, the second lens holder LH2 is in contact with the shaft member SH through two contact regions CZ on the third shaft member SH3 (third rear contact region CZ3B and third front contact region CZ3F) and one contact region CZ on the fourth shaft member SH4 (fourth contact region CZ4). Specifically, the third rear contact region CZ3B of the third shaft member SH3 is in contact with the V-shaped third rear protrusion RP3B and the third front protrusion RP3F (shallow portions of the V-shaped third groove GR3) within the V-shaped third groove GR3 formed in the right rear resin member 30BR. In addition, the fourth contact region CZ4 of the fourth shaft member SH4 is in contact with the flat portion FT4 within the L-shaped fourth rear groove GR4B formed in the left rear resin member 30BL.

[0081] In other words, the third axis member SH3 is not in contact with the right rear resin member 30BR in the portion between the third rear protrusion RP3B and the third front protrusion RP3F within the V-shaped third groove GR3 formed in the right rear resin member 30BR. Also, the fourth axis member SH4 is not in contact with the second lens holder LH2 (right rear resin member 30BR). Specifically, as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, the fourth axis member SH4 is positioned at a distance GP1 away from the left front resin member 30FL.

[0082] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the fourth contact region CZ4 is positioned between the third rear contact region CZ3B and the third front contact region CZ3F in the optical axis direction (X axis direction). This arrangement has the effect of further stabilizing the posture of the second lens holder LH2, which is supported at three points by the third axis member SH3 and the fourth axis member SH4.

[0083] Next, the positional relationship between the support member 5 and the shaft member SH will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the support member 5 and the shaft member SH. Specifically, the top diagram of Figure 10 is a top view of the support member 5 and the shaft member SH, the middle diagram of Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 5 and the shaft member SH, and the bottom diagram of Figure 10 is a front view of the support member 5 and the shaft member SH. Note that in the top and bottom diagrams of Figure 10, the shaft member SH is represented by a dashed line for clarity. Furthermore, the middle diagram of Figure 10 is a view of the cross-section of the support member 5 and the shaft member SH as seen from the X1 side in a virtual plane perpendicular to the XY plane containing the cutting line LC2 in the top diagram of Figure 10.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the support member 5 has a bottom portion 5B that extends along the bottom plate portion BP of the fixed side member FB. Specifically, the bottom portion 5B includes a first bottom portion 5B1 arranged along the first shaft member SH1, a second bottom portion 5B2 arranged along the second shaft member SH2, a third bottom portion 5B3 arranged along the third shaft member SH3, and a fourth bottom portion 5B4 arranged along the fourth shaft member SH4. More specifically, the first bottom portion 5B1 includes a first rear bottom portion 5B1B, a first front bottom portion 5B1F, and a first intermediate bottom portion 5B1M, which are spaced apart from each other, and the third bottom portion 5B3 includes a third rear bottom portion 5B3B, a third front bottom portion 5B3F, and a third intermediate bottom portion 5B3M, which are spaced apart from each other.

[0085] Furthermore, a first arc-shaped groove GV1 is formed along the first shaft member SH1 so that the first bottom portion 5B1 and the first shaft member SH1 do not come into contact. Specifically, a first rear arc-shaped groove GV1B, a first front arc-shaped groove GV1F, and a first intermediate arc-shaped groove GV1M are formed in the first rear bottom portion 5B1B, the first front bottom portion 5B1F, and the first intermediate bottom portion 5B1M, respectively. Similarly, a third arc-shaped groove GV3 is formed along the third shaft member SH3 so that the third bottom portion 5B3 and the third shaft member SH3 do not come into contact. Specifically, the third rear bottom portion 5B3B, the third front bottom portion 5B3F, and the third intermediate bottom portion 5B3M are formed in the third rear arc-shaped groove portion GV3B, the third front arc-shaped groove portion GV3F, and the third intermediate arc-shaped groove portion GV3M, respectively.

[0086] Furthermore, a second arc-shaped groove GV2 is formed along the second shaft member SH2 on the second bottom portion 5B2 so that the second bottom portion 5B2 and the second shaft member SH2 do not come into contact, and a fourth arc-shaped groove GV4 is formed along the fourth shaft member SH4 on the fourth bottom portion 5B4 so that the fourth bottom portion 5B4 and the fourth shaft member SH4 do not come into contact.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10, the first side wall portion 5A1 of the support member 5 has a first front through hole 5H1F through which the first shaft member SH1 is inserted, a second front through hole 5H2F through which the second shaft member SH2 is inserted, a third front through hole 5H3F through which the third shaft member SH3 is inserted, and a fourth front through hole 5H4F through which the fourth shaft member SH4 is inserted.

[0088] Furthermore, two crush ribs 5C are formed in the upper half of each of the first front through-hole 5H1F to the fourth front through-hole 5H4F, and the lower half of each of the first front through-hole 5H1F to the fourth front through-hole 5H4F is configured in a V-groove shape so that the shaft member SH can make contact at two points.

[0089] In this configuration, the first shaft member SH1, inserted into the first front through hole 5H1F, slides along the V-groove formed in the lower half of the first front through hole 5H1F, and advances through the first front through hole 5H1F while crushing the two crush ribs 5C formed in the upper half of the first front through hole 5H1F. Therefore, the first front through hole 5H1F can hold the inserted first shaft member SH1 without any looseness between the two crush ribs 5C and the V-groove. The first shaft member SH1 and the first front through hole 5H1F may be additionally joined by adhesive. The same applies when the first shaft member SH1 is inserted through the first rear through hole 5H1B (see Figure 3), and when each of the second shaft member SH2 to the fourth shaft member SH4 is inserted through the second front through hole 5H2F to the fourth front through hole 5H4F and the second rear through hole 5H2B to the fourth rear through hole 5H4B, respectively.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in the center view of Figure 10, the shaft member SH is supported by the through hole 5H of the support member 5 so as not to come into contact with the bottom portion 5B of the support member 5. Specifically, the shaft member SH is positioned in the space above the arc-shaped groove GV formed in the bottom portion 5B of the support member 5, with a small gap between them. With this configuration, the support member 5 can prevent the shaft member SH from bending due to impacts such as drops, and can prevent deterioration of the straightness of the axis AX of the shaft member SH.

[0091] As described above, the lens holder driving device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3, includes a support member 5, a lens holder LH capable of holding a lens body LS, a driving unit DM that moves the movable side member MB including the lens holder LH in the optical axis direction (X axis direction), and two axis members SH (first axis member SH1 and second axis member SH2) supported by the support member 5 and arranged substantially parallel to each other to guide the movable side member MB in the optical axis direction. The driving unit DM is configured to include a magnetic member MP and a coil CL. Furthermore, in a plan view from a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to a virtual plane (a virtual plane parallel to the XY plane) that includes the respective axes AX of the two shaft members SH (first axis AX1 and second axis AX2), the drive unit DM is supported by one of the two shaft members SH (first shaft member SH1) with at least a portion of it located on the other side of the two shaft members SH (second shaft member SH2 side, Y2 side) than the other shaft member SH (first shaft member SH1).

[0092] This configuration, compared to a configuration in which the entire drive unit DM is positioned further from the optical axis OA than one of the two axis members SH, can suppress the rotation of the lens holder LH with one of the two axis members SH as the pivot point, and the lens holder LH can be supported more stably by the two axis members SH. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of allowing the lens holder LH to move more stably. In addition, this configuration has the effect of reducing the width of the lens holder drive device 100 in the short direction (Y-axis direction) compared to a configuration in which the entire drive unit DM is positioned further from the optical axis OA than one of the two axis members SH.

[0093] Preferably, the coil CL is provided on the support member 5 so as not to move relative to it, and the magnetic member MP is provided on the lens holder LH so as not to move relative to it. In other words, the lens holder drive device 100 is preferably configured as a moving magnet type device.

[0094] This configuration has the effect of making it easier to energize coil CL because it does not move together with the lens holder LH.

[0095] Furthermore, the magnetic member MP preferably includes a driving magnet MG extending in the optical axis direction and a magnetic yoke member YK integrated with the driving magnet MG. In a plan view from a first direction (Z axis direction), the driving magnet MG is located at a position overlapping with one of the two axis members SH (first axis member SH1), or on the other side of the two axis members SH (second axis member SH2 side) than the first axis member SH1. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 7, the first driving magnet MG1 is located on the other side of the two axis members SH (second axis member SH2 side, Y2 side) than the first axis member SH1.

[0096] This configuration has the effect of allowing the lens holder LH to be supported more stably by the two shaft members SH compared to a configuration in which the driving magnet MG is located outside (towards Y1) each of the two shaft members SH.

[0097] Furthermore, the magnetic yoke member YK has a magnet arrangement portion MH to which one side of the driving magnet MG is fixed, and a magnet opposing portion MF which is positioned to face the other side of the driving magnet MG. As shown in Figure 7, the axis AX (first axis AX1) of one of the two shaft members SH (first shaft member SH1) is located between the magnet arrangement portion MH (first magnet arrangement portion MH1) and the magnet opposing portion MF (first magnet opposing portion MF1) in a plan view from the first direction (Z-axis direction). Also, the first magnet arrangement portion MH1 is positioned closer to the second shaft member SH2 than the first magnet opposing portion MF1.

[0098] This configuration has the effect of allowing the lens holder LH to be supported more stably by the two axis members SH compared to a configuration in which the axis AX (first axis AX1) of one of the two axis members SH (first axis member SH1) is located inside the magnet arrangement portion MH (first magnet arrangement portion MH1) in a plan view from the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0099] Furthermore, one of the two shaft members SH (the first shaft member SH1) is preferably made of a magnetic material (magnetic metal). In this case, as shown in Figure 5, the lens holder LH (first lens holder LH1) has one side portion (left front resin member 30FL) located on one side of the two shaft members SH (the first shaft member SH1 side, Y1 side) and the other side portion (right front resin member 30FR) located on the other side of the two shaft members SH (the second shaft member SH2 side, Y2 side). A driving magnet MG (first driving magnet MG1) is provided on the one side portion (left front resin member 30FL), and as shown in Figure 4, an attractive force acts between the driving magnet MG (first driving magnet MG1) and one of the two shaft members SH (the first shaft member SH1).

[0100] This configuration has the effect of suppressing unwanted lifting of the lens holder LH (first lens holder LH1) from one of the two axis members SH (first axis member SH1).

[0101] Furthermore, the other of the two shaft members SH (the second shaft member SH2) is preferably made of a magnetic material (magnetic metal). In this case, as shown in Figure 5, an attractive magnet 17 (front attractive magnet 17F) is provided on the other side portion (right front resin member 30FR), and as shown in Figure 4, an attractive force acts between the attractive magnet 17 (front attractive magnet 17F) and the other of the two shaft members SH (the second shaft member SH2).

[0102] This configuration has the effect of suppressing unwanted lifting of the lens holder LH (first lens holder LH1) from the other of the two axis members SH (second axis member SH2).

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the lens body LS includes a first lens body LS1 and a second lens body LS2 having the same optical axis OA, and the lens holder LH includes a first lens holder LH1 capable of holding the first lens body LS1 and a second lens holder LH2 capable of holding the second lens body LS2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the drive unit DM includes a first drive unit DM1 that moves the first movable side member MB1, which includes the first lens holder LH1, in the optical axis direction, and a second drive unit DM2 that moves the second movable side member MB2, which includes the second lens holder LH2, in the optical axis direction, and the first drive unit DM1 and the second drive unit DM2 are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis OA in the Y axis direction. The first drive unit DM1 includes a first magnetic member MP1 that is immovably mounted on the first lens holder LH1 and a first coil CL1 that is immovably mounted on the support member 5, and the second drive unit DM2 includes a second magnetic member MP2 that is immovably mounted on the second lens holder LH2 and a second coil CL2 that is immovably mounted on the support member 5.

[0104] This configuration can prevent the first drive unit DM1 and the second drive unit DM2 from interfering with other members when the distance between the first lens holder LH1 and the second lens holder LH2 in the optical axis direction becomes less than or equal to a predetermined distance. In other words, this configuration can bring the first lens holder LH1 and the second lens holder LH2 closer to each other until the distance between them in the optical axis direction becomes less than or equal to a predetermined distance, while suppressing interference between members. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of making it easier to energize the first coil CL1 and the second coil CL2 compared to a configuration in which the first coil CL1 and the second coil CL2 are each provided so as to be movable relative to the support member 5. In the illustrated example, the first lens holder LH1 is supported by the first axis member SH1 and the second axis member SH2, and the second lens holder LH2 is supported by the third axis member SH3 and the fourth axis member SH4. However, the first lens holder LH1 and the second lens holder LH2 may each be supported by two common axial members SH (first axial member SH1 and second axial member SH2). In this case, the third axial member SH3 and the fourth axial member SH4 may be omitted.

[0105] Furthermore, the lens drive device 101 preferably includes, as shown in Figure 3, a first axis member SH1 and a second axis member SH2 that guide the first movable side member MB1 in the optical axis direction while being supported (fixed) by the support member 5, and a third axis member SH3 and a fourth axis member SH4 that guide the second movable side member MB2 in the optical axis direction while being supported (fixed) by the support member 5. In this case, in a plan view from the first direction (Z axis direction), the first axis member SH1, the second axis member SH2, the third axis member SH3, and the fourth axis member SH4 are arranged parallel to each other in the order of first axis member SH1, fourth axis member SH4, second axis member SH2, and third axis member SH3 in the second direction (Y axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction, as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the first magnetic member MP1 has a first driving magnet MG1 extending in the optical axis direction (X axis direction) and a first magnetic yoke member YK1 integrated with the first driving magnet MG1, and is supported by the first axis member SH1. Furthermore, the second magnetic member MP2 has a second driving magnet MG2 extending in the optical axis direction and a second magnetic yoke member YK2 integrated with the second driving magnet, and is supported by the third axis member SH3. In a plan view from the first direction, the first driving magnet MG1 is located in a position that overlaps with the first axis member SH1, or in a position that is on the second axis member SH2 side (Y2 side) of the first axis member SH1 (the position shown in Figure 7), and the second driving magnet MG2 is located in a position that overlaps with the third axis member SH3, or in a position that is on the fourth axis member SH4 side (Y1 side) of the third axis member SH3 (the position shown in Figure 7).

[0106] This configuration further suppresses interference between the first drive unit DM1 and the second drive unit DM2 and other members, compared to a configuration in which the first lens holder LH1 and the second lens holder LH2 are each supported by two common shaft members SH (first shaft member SH1 and second shaft member SH2). In other words, this configuration allows the first lens holder LH1 and the second lens holder LH2 to be brought even closer together while suppressing interference between members.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the four shaft members SH (first shaft member SH1 to fourth shaft member SH4) are arranged to be at the same height (located on the straight line SL) as shown in Figure 8, but they may also be arranged to be at different heights.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the first magnetic yoke member YK1 has a first magnet arrangement portion MH1 fixed to one side (inner) surface (Y2 side) of the first drive magnet MG1, and a first magnet opposing portion MF1 positioned to face the other side (outer) surface (Y1 side) of the first drive magnet MG1. Similarly, the second magnetic yoke member YK2 has a second magnet arrangement portion MH2 fixed to one side (inner) surface (Y1 side) of the second drive magnet MG2, and a second magnet opposing portion MF2 positioned to face the other side (outer) surface (Y2 side) of the second drive magnet MG2. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, in a plan view from the first direction (Z-axis direction), the first axis AX1 of the first axis member SH1 is located between the first magnet arrangement portion MH1 and the first magnet opposing portion MF1, and the third axis AX3 of the third axis member SH3 is located between the second magnet arrangement portion MH2 and the second magnet opposing portion MF2. Furthermore, the first magnet arrangement portion MH1 is positioned closer to the second axis member SH2 than the first magnet opposing portion MF1, and the second magnet arrangement portion MH2 is positioned closer to the fourth axis member SH4 than the second magnet opposing portion MF2.

[0109] This configuration offers the advantage of allowing the first lens holder LH1 to be supported more stably by the first axis member SH1 and the second axis member SH2, and allowing the second lens holder LH2 to be supported more stably by the third axis member SH3 and the fourth axis member SH4, compared to a configuration in which the first axis AX1 and the third axis AX3 are located inside the magnet arrangement portion MH (first magnet arrangement portion MH1 and second magnet arrangement portion MH2) in a plan view from the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0110] Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, the first lens holder LH1 has a first main body MN1 on which the first lens body LS1 is arranged, and a first protruding portion PT1 that protrudes (extends) in one direction (X2 direction, rearward) in the optical axis direction (X axis direction) at a portion (left front resin member 30FL) located on the first axis member SH1 side (Y1 side) of the first lens body LS1. The first magnetic member MP1 is fixed (placed) on the first protruding portion PT1. That is, the first magnetic member MP1 extending in the optical axis direction is supported by the first axis member SH1 via the first protruding portion PT1 extending in the optical axis direction. Similarly, the second lens holder LH2 has a second main body MN2 on which the second lens body LS2 is arranged, and a second projection PT2 that protrudes (extends) in the other direction (X1 direction, forward direction) in the optical axis direction, in the portion (right rear resin member 30BR) located on the third axis member SH3 side (Y2 side) of the second lens body LS2. The second magnetic member MP2 is fixed (placed) on the second projection PT2. That is, the second magnetic member MP2 extending in the optical axis direction is supported by the third axis member SH3 via the second projection PT2 which extends in the optical axis direction.

[0111] This configuration offers the advantage of more stably holding the magnetic member MP compared to a configuration in which the lens holder LH does not have a protruding portion PT.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the first metal member (front metal member 32F) is embedded in the first protrusion PT1 so as to be partially exposed, and the first metal member (front metal member 32F) and the first magnetic member MP1 are fixed together with adhesive. Similarly, the second metal member (rear metal member 32B) is embedded in the second protrusion PT2 so as to be partially exposed, and the second metal member (rear metal member 32B) and the second magnetic member MP2 are fixed together with adhesive.

[0113] This configuration has the effect of stably holding the magnetic member MP even when the magnetic member MP extends long in the optical axis direction and its weight increases, because the metal member 32, which has higher rigidity than the resin member 30, is embedded in the protruding portion PT.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in a plan view from the first direction (Z-axis direction), the first protrusion PT1 and the first magnetic member MP1 are located further from the second axial member SH2 than the second lens holder LH2, and the second protrusion PT2 and the second magnetic member MP2 are located further from the fourth axial member SH4 than the first lens holder LH1.

[0115] In this configuration, when the lens holder LH (first lens holder LH1 and second lens holder LH2) moves in the optical axis direction, the first magnetic member MP1 and the first protrusion PT1 do not interfere with the second lens holder LH2, and the second magnetic member MP2 and the second protrusion PT2 do not interfere with the first lens holder LH1. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of bringing the two lens holders LH even closer together compared to configurations in which the first magnetic member MP1 and the first protrusion PT1 and the second lens holder LH2 overlap in the optical axis direction, or where the second magnetic member MP2 and the second protrusion PT2 and the second lens holder LH2 overlap.

[0116] Furthermore, the first axis member SH1, the second axis member SH2, the third axis member SH3, and the fourth axis member SH4 are preferably made of a magnetic material. In this case, the first driving magnet MG1 constituting the first magnetic member MP1 is positioned between the first axis member SH1 and the fourth axis member SH4 in a plan view from the first direction (Z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 7, and the first lens holder LH1 is biased toward the first axis member SH1 by the magnetic attractive force acting between the first driving magnet MG1, which is positioned as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 4, and the first axis member SH1 and the fourth axis member SH4, respectively. Similarly, the second driving magnet MG2, which constitutes the second magnetic member MP2, is positioned between the third axis member SH3 and the second axis member SH2 in a plan view from the first direction (Z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 7. The magnetic attractive force acting between the second driving magnet MG2, which is positioned as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 4, and the third axis member SH3 and the second axis member SH2 respectively, biases the second lens holder LH2 toward the third axis member SH3.

[0117] This configuration has the effect of preventing the lens holder LH from lifting away from the shaft member SH by utilizing the magnetic force of the drive magnet MG.

[0118] Furthermore, preferably, as shown in Figure 8, the first lens holder LH1 and the fourth axis member SH4 are separated by a distance GP1 in the first direction (Z-axis direction), and the second lens holder LH2 and the second axis member SH2 are separated by a distance GP2 in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0119] This configuration offers the advantage of allowing the movement of the first lens holder LH1 in the optical axis direction to be appropriately guided by two axis members SH (first axis member SH1 and second axis member SH2) compared to a configuration in which the first lens holder LH1 and the fourth axis member SH4 are in contact. This is because it prevents unwanted frictional resistance from occurring between the first lens holder LH1 and the fourth axis member SH4. Furthermore, this configuration offers the advantage of allowing the movement of the second lens holder LH2 in the optical axis direction to be appropriately guided by two axis members SH (third axis member SH3 and fourth axis member SH4) compared to a configuration in which the second lens holder LH2 and the second axis member SH2 are in contact. This is because it prevents unwanted frictional resistance from occurring between the second lens holder LH2 and the second axis member SH2.

[0120] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the first lens holder LH1 is supported at two points on the first axial member SH1 (the first rear contact region CZ1B and the first front contact region CZ1F) and at one point on the second axial member SH2 (the second contact region CZ2). In other words, the first lens holder LH1 is supported at three points by the first axial member SH1 and the second axial member SH2. The same applies to the second lens holder LH2.

[0121] This configuration has the advantage of stabilizing the orientation of the lens holder LH, which moves in the direction of the optical axis, compared to a configuration supported at two points by two axial members.

[0122] 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.

[0123] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-184150, filed on 18 October 2024, and the entire contents of that Japanese Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0124]

Claims

1. A lens holder driving device comprising: a support member; a lens holder capable of holding a lens body; a drive unit for moving a movable side member including the lens holder in the optical axis direction; and two axis members supported by the support member and arranged substantially parallel to each other for guiding the movable side member in the optical axis direction, wherein the drive unit comprises a magnetic member and a coil, and in a plan view taken from a first direction perpendicular to a virtual plane containing the axes of each of the two axis members, the drive unit is supported by one of the two axis members such that at least a portion of it is located on the other side of the two axis members than one of the two axis members.

2. The lens holder driving device according to claim 1, wherein the coil is provided on the support member so as not to move relative to it, and the magnetic member is provided on the lens holder so as not to move relative to it.

3. The lens holder driving device according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic member comprises a driving magnet extending in the direction of the optical axis and a magnetic yoke member integrated with the driving magnet, and in a plan view from the first direction, the driving magnet is located at a position overlapping with one of the two axis members, or at a position on the other side of one of the two axis members.

4. The lens holder driving device according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic yoke member has a magnet arrangement portion to which one side surface of the driving magnet is fixed, and a magnet opposing portion arranged to face the other side surface of the driving magnet, and the axis of one of the two shaft members is located between the magnet arrangement portion and the magnet opposing portion in a plan view from the first direction.

5. The lens holder driving device according to claim 4, wherein one of the two shaft members is formed of a magnetic material, the lens holder has a one-side portion located on one side of the two shaft members and a other-side portion located on the other side of the two shaft members, the one-side portion is provided with the driving magnet, and an attractive force acts between the driving magnet and one of the two shaft members.

6. The lens holder driving device according to claim 4, wherein the other of the two shaft members is formed of a magnetic material, the lens holder has a one-side portion located on one side of the two shaft members and a other-side portion located on the other side of the two shaft members, an attractive magnet is provided on the other-side portion, and an attractive force acts between the attractive magnet and the other of the two shaft members.

7. The lens body includes a first lens body and a second lens body having the same optical axis; the lens holder includes a first lens holder capable of holding the first lens body and a second lens holder capable of holding the second lens body; the drive unit includes a first drive unit for moving a first movable side member including the first lens holder in the optical axis direction and a second drive unit for moving a second movable side member including the second lens holder in the optical axis direction; the first drive unit and the second drive unit are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis; the first drive unit includes a first magnetic member provided on the first lens holder so as not to move relative to it and a first coil provided on the support member so as not to move relative to it; the second drive unit includes a second magnetic member provided on the second lens holder so as not to move relative to it and a second coil provided on the support member so as not to move relative to it, as described in claim 2.

8. The device comprises a first axis member and a second axis member supported by the support member and guiding the first movable side member in the optical axis direction, and a third axis member and a fourth axis member supported by the support member and guiding the second movable side member in the optical axis direction, wherein in a plan view from the first direction, the first axis member, the second axis member, the third axis member, and the fourth axis member are arranged parallel to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, in the order of the first axis member, the fourth axis member, the second axis member, and the third axis member, the first magnetic member has a first driving magnet extending in the optical axis direction and a first magnetic yoke member integrated with the first driving magnet, and the second magnetic member has a second driving magnet extending in the optical axis direction and a second magnetic yoke member integrated with the second driving magnet. In a plan view from the first direction, the first driving magnet is located at a position overlapping with the first shaft member, or at a position closer to the second shaft member than the first shaft member, and the second driving magnet is located at a position overlapping with the third shaft member, or at a position closer to the fourth shaft member than the third shaft member, according to claim 7.

9. The lens holder drive device according to claim 8, wherein the first magnetic yoke member has a first magnet arrangement portion to which one side surface of the first drive magnet is fixed, and a first magnet opposing portion arranged to face the other side surface of the first drive magnet, the second magnetic yoke member has a second magnet arrangement portion to which one side surface of the second drive magnet is fixed, and a second magnet opposing portion arranged to face the other side surface of the second drive magnet, and in a plan view from the first direction, the first axis of the first shaft member is located between the first magnet arrangement portion and the first magnet opposing portion, and the third axis of the third shaft member is located between the second magnet arrangement portion and the second magnet opposing portion.

10. The lens holder driving device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first lens holder has a first main body portion on which the first lens body is arranged, and a first projection portion located on the side of the first axis member that protrudes in one direction in the optical axis direction, and the first magnetic member is fixed to the first projection portion, and the second lens holder has a second main body portion on which the second lens body is arranged, and a second projection portion located on the side of the third axis member that protrudes in the other direction in the optical axis direction, and the second magnetic member is fixed to the second projection portion.

11. The lens holder drive device according to claim 10, wherein a first metal member is embedded in the first protrusion so as to be partially exposed, and the first metal member and the first magnetic member are fixed together with an adhesive, and a second metal member is embedded in the second protrusion so as to be partially exposed, and the second metal member and the second magnetic member are fixed together with an adhesive.

12. In a plan view from the first direction, the first protrusion and the first magnetic member are located further from the second axis member than the second lens holder, and the second protrusion and the second magnetic member are located further from the fourth axis member than the first lens holder, as described in claim 10.

13. The lens holder driving device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first shaft member, the second shaft member, the third shaft member, and the fourth shaft member are formed of a magnetic material, and the first driving magnet constituting the first magnetic member is positioned between the first shaft member and the fourth shaft member in a plan view from the first direction, and biases the first lens holder toward the first shaft member by the magnetic attractive force acting between the first driving magnet and the first shaft member and the fourth shaft member, respectively, and the second driving magnet constituting the second magnetic member is positioned between the third shaft member and the second shaft member in a plan view from the first direction, and biases the second lens holder toward the third shaft member by the magnetic attractive force acting between the second driving magnet and the third shaft member and the second shaft member, respectively.

14. The lens holder driving device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the first lens holder and the fourth axis member are spaced apart in the first direction, and the second lens holder and the second axis member are spaced apart in the first direction.

15. The lens holder drive device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first lens holder is supported at two locations on the first axis member and at one location on the second axis member.

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