Optical module driving device

Abstract

An optical module driving device (20), comprising: a fixed portion (27), a rotary portion (24) disposed on the fixed portion (27), and a rotation driving portion (23) for driving the rotary portion (24) to rotate around a first axis. The fixed portion (27) and the rotary portion (24) are opposed to each other in an axial direction along the first axis, the fixed portion (27) and the rotary portion (24) are further opposed to each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, a shaft body (25) is interposed between the fixed portion (27) and the rotary portion (24), the shaft body (25) is fixed to one of the rotary portion (24) and the fixed portion (27), and the rotary portion (24) and the fixed portion (27) are rotatably connected by means of the shaft body (25). The optical module driving device (20) further comprises a slot portion (244) having an opening direction facing the shaft body (25) and a first magnetic component (M1) adjacent to the slot portion (244), the slot portion (244) and the first magnetic component (M1) are arranged on the other one of the rotary portion (24) and the fixed portion (27), the shaft body (25) can be attracted by a magnetic field, and the first magnetic component (M1) attracts the shaft body (25), such that the circumferential surface of the shaft body (25) partially abuts against the surface of the side of the slot portion (244) facing the shaft body (25).

Description

Optical module driving device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical module driving device. Background Technology

[0002] In optical units used in imaging devices such as cameras, in order to suppress image distortion caused by shaking, an optical module drive device with tilt drive function and rotation drive function has been developed. The tilt drive function makes the optical module swing (tilt) around the X-axis and Y-axis respectively, and the rotation drive function makes the optical module rotate around the optical axis.

[0003] In existing technologies, a shaft is inserted into a movable plate with a circular hole along the optical axis, causing the movable plate to rotate around the shaft as its center. However, in this case, since the shaft and the circular hole are combined to function as a rotation axis, there is a possibility of loosening or wobbling in the combined structure, which can easily lead to center deviation. While adding a bearing between the two to prevent loosening can solve the center deviation problem, it also increases the overall weight and cost.

[0004] Furthermore, existing technology discloses a method of limiting the rotation angle by providing a notch on the housing of the fixed part of the rotary drive unit and providing a protrusion on the housing of the movable part of the rotary drive unit at a position corresponding to the notch, so that the protrusion can engage with the notch, and the notch on the housing of the fixed part can perform the function of limiting the rotation angle. However, in this case, since the protrusion is located on the outside of the movable body, it occupies external space, thus increasing the size of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose is to provide an optical module driving device that is not prone to center deviation during rotation, has a small size, and reduces reaction force.

[0006] The optical module driving device of technical solution one includes: a fixed part, a rotating part disposed on the fixed part, and a rotary driving part for driving the rotating part to rotate around a first axis. The fixed part and the rotating part are opposed to each other along the axial direction of the first axis. The fixed part and the rotating part are also opposed to each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and a shaft is sandwiched in the middle. The shaft is fixed to one of the rotating part and the fixed part. The rotating part and the fixed part are rotatably connected through the shaft. The optical module driving device also has a groove with an opening direction facing the shaft and a first magnetic component adjacent to the groove. The groove and the first magnetic component are disposed on the other side of the rotating part and the fixed part. The shaft can be attracted by a magnetic field. The first magnetic component attracts the shaft, causing the circumferential surface of the shaft to partially abut against the surface of the groove facing the shaft.

[0007] According to technical solution one, by setting a magnetic component near the shaft that can be attracted by a magnetic field, the magnetic attraction can be used to achieve the anti-loosening effect between the shaft and the groove, and it is not easy for the center to deviate.

[0008] The optical module driving device of technical solution two is characterized in that: the groove extends along the axial direction of the first axis and, when viewed from the direction of the first axis, the groove contacts the shaft at at least two points.

[0009] According to technical solution 2, the shaft does not need to be tightly joined to the groove as a whole. As long as at least two points are in contact with the groove when viewed from the first shaft direction, the anti-loosening effect can be achieved.

[0010] The optical module driving device of technical solution three is characterized in that: the shaft body has an arc surface formed on at least one side opposite to the groove.

[0011] According to technical solution three, the shaft does not need to be formed as a whole into a cylindrical shape. As long as an arc surface is formed on the side opposite to the groove, the anti-loosening effect can be achieved.

[0012] The optical module driving device of technical solution four is characterized in that: the shaft is an integrally formed solid magnetic body, and the entire shaft is made of a magnetic material that can be attracted by a magnetic field.

[0013] The optical module driving device of technical solution four is characterized in that: the shaft is assembled by assembling a magnetic core and a non-magnetic hollow shaft shell, and the magnetic core is made of a magnetic material that can be attracted by a magnetic field.

[0014] According to technical solutions four and five, the shaft can be a solid magnetic body or assembled from a magnetic core and a non-magnetic hollow shaft shell. As long as it can be attracted by a magnetic field, it can achieve the effect of preventing loosening.

[0015] The optical module driving device of technical solution six is ​​characterized in that: a transmission mechanism is provided between the rotating part and the fixed part; a second magnetic component is provided on one of the rotating part and the fixed part; and an attraction plate opposite to the second magnetic component is provided on the other of the rotating part and the fixed part. The attraction plate is made of a material that can be attracted by a magnetic field, and the attraction plate is attracted by the second magnetic component along the axial direction of the first axis.

[0016] According to technical solution six, by providing a second magnetic component on one side of the rotating part and the fixed part, and providing an attraction plate attracted by the magnetic component on the other side, the rotating part and the fixed part can be made to be closely attached to the second magnetic component with a gap in the optical axis direction.

[0017] The optical module driving device of technical solution seven is characterized in that: the transmission mechanism is composed of a plurality of grooves disposed on one side of the rotating part and the fixed part and recessed on the side away from the other side, and balls respectively disposed in the plurality of grooves.

[0018] According to technical solution seven, transmission is achieved by allowing the balls to roll freely within the groove, which reduces friction during rotation.

[0019] The optical module driving device of technical solution eight is characterized in that: it further comprises a limiting mechanism, which is used to limit the angle of rotation of the rotating part relative to the fixed part. The limiting mechanism consists of a boss disposed on one of the fixed part and the rotating part and protruding towards the other, and a receiving part disposed on the other of the fixed part and the rotating part. The boss protrudes from the surface of the fixed part where the rotating part is disposed, along the axial direction of the first axis, towards the side where the rotating part is located. At least a portion of the outer periphery of the boss is formed in an arc shape. The receiving part is a through hole for receiving the boss. The through hole has an arc-shaped surface for the arc-shaped outer periphery of the boss to slide freely.

[0020] According to technical solution eight, the angle of rotation of the rotating part relative to the fixed part can be limited. Furthermore, since the boss and the receiving part constituting the limiting mechanism are structures that extend along the optical axis and fit together with each other, they do not occupy external space.

[0021] The optical module driving device of technical solution nine is characterized in that: the rotating part has a first magnetic component receiving part protruding along the axial direction of the first shaft in a direction away from the fixed part, the groove is disposed on the side of the first magnetic component receiving part near the shaft body, the first magnetic component is received in the first magnetic component receiving part, the boss is a fan-shaped boss, the fan-shaped boss has an arc-shaped edge and two side edges connected to the arc-shaped edge, and the limiting is achieved by either of the two side edges abutting against the receiving part, and the shaft body is fixed to the fan-shaped boss.

[0022] According to technical solution nine, the first magnetic component storage part can also be used as a groove that abuts against the shaft, which can improve the internal space utilization and reduce the volume.

[0023] The optical module driving device of technical solution ten is characterized in that: the boss is a fan-shaped boss, which is disposed on the fixing part; the first magnetic component is disposed on the fan-shaped boss; the groove is disposed on the side of the fan-shaped boss near the shaft; the fan-shaped boss has an arc-shaped edge and two side edges connected to the arc-shaped edge; when the rotating part rotates, the limiting is achieved by the side edge of the fan-shaped boss abutting against the receiving part; and the shaft is fixed to the rotating part.

[0024] According to technical solution ten, the boss can serve as both a storage part for the first magnetic component and a groove that abuts against the shaft, thereby improving the internal space utilization and reducing the volume.

[0025] The optical module driving device of technical solution eleven is characterized in that: the rotating part has a resin part and a conductive terminal plate partially embedded in the resin part, the conductive terminal plate includes a first terminal part and a second terminal part connected to a flexible circuit board that is externally powered, the second terminal part is connected to a third terminal part of the optical module for powering the tilting drive module, and both the first terminal part and the second terminal part are exposed in the resin part.

[0026] According to technical solution eleven, a flexible circuit board can be connected by a conductive terminal plate embedded inside the rotating part, and the power from the flexible circuit board can be transmitted to the terminal part of the optical module for powering the tilt drive module, so that there is no need to set up a separate flexible circuit board for the tilt drive module of the optical module.

[0027] The optical module driving device of technical solution 12 is characterized in that: the optical module is disposed on the side of the rotating part opposite to the fixed part, and when viewed from the first axis direction, the third terminal part of the optical module is adjacent to the second terminal part of the conductive terminal plate of the rotating part and is connected by welding.

[0028] According to technical solution 12, by making the third terminal part of the optical module and the second terminal part of the conductive terminal board adjacent and welded together, power supply to the tilt drive module of the optical module can be realized with a simple structure.

[0029] The optical module driving device of technical solution thirteen is characterized in that: the second terminal portion is disposed on the outer edge of the rotating portion, the first terminal portion is closer to the shaft than the second terminal portion, and the flexible circuit board is formed into a vortex shape in the plane.

[0030] According to technical solution thirteen, by setting the second terminal portion on the outer edge of the rotating portion, it is easy to weld it to the third terminal portion of the optical module. In addition, by forming the flexible circuit board into a vortex shape, the reaction force during rotation can be reduced.

[0031] The optical module driving device of technical solution fourteen is characterized in that: the rotary driving part is disposed on the plane opposite to the side where the fixed part is located on the rotary part, the rotary driving part includes two memory metal wires, the two memory metal wires have a fixed end and a movable end, when viewed from the first axis direction, the two memory metal wires are disposed on both sides of the virtual connecting line in a symmetrical manner with respect to the virtual connecting line, the virtual connecting line is formed by connecting the intersection of the shaft and the rotary part with the intersection of the extension lines of the two memory metal wires.

[0032] According to technical solution fourteen, the drive structure of the rotary drive unit can be simplified.

[0033] The optical module driving device of technical solution 15 is characterized in that: the fixed end is fixed to the fixed part by means of a chuck, and the movable end is fixed to the rotating part by means of a chuck.

[0034] The optical module driving device of technical solution sixteen is characterized in that: the fixed ends of the two memory metal wires are fixed on the same claw or respectively fixed on two claws symmetrical to the virtual connection line.

[0035] According to technical solutions fifteen and sixteen, the drive structure of the rotary drive unit can also be simplified.

[0036] The optical module driving device of technical solution seventeen is characterized in that: when current flows through the two memory metal wires, the direction of the wire pulling is the same as the direction in which the shaft is attracted.

[0037] According to technical solution seventeen, the shaft will not loosen during rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of the optical unit.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the optical module and the optical module driving device in the optical unit.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the main components of the optical module.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the optical module driving device.

[0042] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the rotating part, and Figure 5B shows an exploded perspective view of the rotating part.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the assembled state with the housing of the optical module and the housing of the optical module drive device omitted.

[0044] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the rotating part when viewed from below.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the rotating part and the second flexible circuit board in the shape of a vortex.

[0046] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the relative positional relationship between the rotating part and the shaft in the assembled state.

[0047] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of the fixing part, and Figure 10B shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing part.

[0048] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the rotating part, shaft and fixed part in their assembled state.

[0049] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the rotating part, shaft, fixed part and rotating drive part.

[0050] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the optical module driving device of the modified example.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Optical unit; 0. Optical axis; 10. Optical module; 11. Housing; AF autofocus unit; 12. Base plate; 13. Tilting drive module; 13A. First tilting part; 13B. Second tilting part; 13C. Memory metal wire (tilting drive part); 14. Stage; 15. Flexible circuit board for imaging (first flexible circuit board); 20. Optical module drive device; 21. Housing; 22. Flexible circuit board for tilting and rotation drive (second flexible circuit board); 23. Memory metal wire (rotation drive part). 23A Fixed end 23B Movable end 24 Rotating part 25 Shaft 26 Rotating part reinforcing plate M1 First magnetic component M2 Second magnetic component BA Ball bearing 27 Fixed part 24A Conductive terminal plate 24B Resin part T1 First terminal part T2 Second terminal part T3 Third terminal part 241 First magnetic component storage part 242 Through hole 243 Second magnetic component storage part 244 Groove part 245 Mounting area 271 Opening part 272 Groove 273 Boss 27A Base 27B Suction plate SD side BL blocking edge C Claw Detailed Implementation

[0052] Hereinafter, the optical module driving device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of optical unit 1. For ease of explanation, the Z-axis direction shown in Figure 1 will be considered the same as the direction of the optical axis (corresponding to the first axis in the claim) O, and will be referred to as the up-down direction. The direction pointed to by the arrow on the Z-axis will be called "up" or "above," and the opposite direction will be called "down" or "below." The Y-axis direction shown in Figure 1 will be referred to as the front-back direction, the direction pointed to by the arrow on the Y-axis will be called "back" or "rear," and the opposite direction will be called "front" or "forward." The X-axis direction shown in Figure 1 will be referred to as the left-right direction. The up-down, front-back, and left-right directions mentioned here may not necessarily be the same as the actual directions used.

[0054] Furthermore, when an imaging sensor and a lens are installed in the optical unit 1, the horizontal plane formed by the X-axis and Y-axis is the plane where the imaging sensor is located, the Z-axis is the direction perpendicular to the plane where the imaging sensor is located, and the side above the Z-axis is closer to the lens than the imaging sensor.

[0055] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the optical module and optical module driving device in the optical unit. The optical unit 1 includes an optical module 10 and an optical module driving device 20. When viewed from above, the optical module driving device 20 is roughly quadrilateral in shape and has a size slightly larger than that of the optical module 10. The optical module driving device 20 is disposed below the optical module 10 and supports the optical module 10 in a manner that allows the optical module 10 to rotate about the optical axis.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the main components of the optical module. As shown in Figure 3, the optical module 10 of this embodiment includes, from top to bottom, a housing 11, an autofocus unit AF, a base plate 12 for mounting the imaging sensor, a tilt drive module 13, a stand 14, and a flexible circuit board 15 for imaging. The imaging sensor and lens are not shown in Figure 3.

[0057] The housing 11 has a top with an opening, a sidewall that bends downward from the top, and a bend that continues downward from a portion of the lower edge of the sidewall. As shown in FIG1, in the assembled state of the optical unit, the housing 11 covers the outside of the autofocus unit AF, the tilt drive module 13, and the base 14, with the opening at the top exposing the base plate 12. The housing 11 is generally square in top view.

[0058] The autofocus unit (AF) moves a lens (not shown) along the optical axis and focuses the captured image onto the lens on the imaging sensor. The cylindrical portion of the AF unit is used to house the lens, and the periphery of the AF unit is used to fix it to the tilt drive module 13. The base plate 12 of the imaging sensor (not shown) is fixed to the bottom of the AF unit. The AF unit, the imaging sensor, and the base plate 12 together constitute the AF optical module in this embodiment.

[0059] The base plate 12 is formed into a square plate with approximately the same dimensions as the autofocus unit AF. A recess for mounting the imaging sensor is formed in the central portion of the upper surface of the base plate 12. This recess coincides with the cylindrical portion of the autofocus unit AF in the optical axis direction. In the assembled state, the base plate 12 is located between the autofocus unit AF and the flexible circuit board 15 for imaging.

[0060] The tilt drive module 13 is configured to surround the AF optical module. The tilt drive module 13 includes a first tilting portion 13A, a second tilting portion 13B, and a tilt drive portion 13C made of shape memory metal wire. The base plate 12 for supporting the imaging sensor is fixed on the first tilting portion 13A, which can drive the AF optical module to swing around the X-axis. The second tilting portion 13B is supported on the lower platform in a swing-free manner. The second tilting portion 13B can drive the AF optical module and the first tilting portion 13A to swing together around the Y-axis. Thus, under the combined action of the first tilting portion 13A and the second tilting portion 13B, the AF optical module can be driven to swing around the X-axis and Y-axis directions perpendicular to the Z-axis, respectively.

[0061] The memory metal wires 13C that provide driving force to the tilting drive module 13 consist of two sets. One set is connected between the second tilting part 13B and the base 14, and the other set is connected between the second tilting part 13B and the first tilting part 13A. Power is supplied to the two sets of memory metal wires through conductive terminals (not shown). When current flows through the two sets of memory metal wires, the first set of memory metal wires contracts and pulls the first tilting part 13A to swing around the X-axis, and the other set of memory metal wires contracts and pulls the second tilting part 13B to swing around the Y-axis.

[0062] The above is an example of the tilt drive module 13. It is not limited to this example. Other drive methods can also be used, as long as they can enable the optical module to swing around the X-axis and Y-axis (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis (optical axis O)).

[0063] The mount 14 is frame-shaped when viewed from above and is positioned below the tilt drive module 13. It supports the second tilting portion 13B and allows the second tilting portion 13B to swing freely about the Y-axis relative to the mount 14. Furthermore, during assembly, the housing 11 is fixed to the mount 14 such that it covers the outside of the autofocus unit AF, the tilt drive module 13, and the mount 14. In this assembled state, a portion of the lower outer side of the mount 14 is surrounded by the housing 11, while another portion protrudes from the housing 11. Additionally, the flexible imaging circuit board 15 and the optical module drive device 20 are fixed at different positions on the lower surface of the mount 14, respectively.

[0064] The flexible circuit board 15 for imaging (hereinafter also referred to as the first flexible circuit board 15) is disposed between the base 14 and the optical module driving device 20. It has a planar portion and a bent outer peripheral portion perpendicular to the planar portion. The outer peripheral portion forms a roughly quadrilateral frame shape when viewed from above, while the planar portion forms a serpentine shape when viewed from above. In the assembled state, the outer peripheral portion is wrapped around the outside of the base 14, and a gap exists between it and the outer peripheral surface of the base. The first flexible circuit board 15 is a circuit board used to supply power to the imaging sensor. One end of it is connected to an external power supply, and the other end is connected to the imaging sensor, providing the imaging sensor with the power required for imaging processing.

[0065] Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the optical module driving device. As shown in Figure 4, the optical module driving device 20 comprises, from top to bottom, a housing 21, a flexible circuit board 22 for tilting and rotating driving (hereinafter also referred to as the second flexible circuit board 22, which corresponds to the flexible circuit board described in the claims), a rotating driving part 23, a rotating part 24, a first magnetic component M1, a shaft 25, a second magnetic component M2, a rotating part reinforcing plate 26, a ball bearing BA, and a fixing part 27.

[0066] The housing 21 has a top with an opening and sidewalls that bend downwards from the top. The lower surface of the sidewalls of the housing 21 is fixed to the fixing part 27. The top of the housing 21 has five openings at the center and near the four corners. The central opening exposes the shaft 25 and the first magnetic component housing 241 (described later), while the corner openings expose a portion of the rotating part 24, thus enabling a fixed connection with the base 14. Furthermore, the five openings are separated from each other by plate-shaped islands. By providing these islands, mutual interference or collision between the first flexible circuit board 15 and the second flexible circuit board 22 can be avoided during tilting or rotation.

[0067] The second flexible circuit board 22 is disposed between the housing 21 and the rotating part 24, and is formed into a vortex shape in the plane. By forming the flexible circuit board into a vortex shape, the reaction force during rotation can be reduced. The second flexible circuit board 22 is a circuit board used to provide power to the tilting drive part (memory metal line 13C) and the rotation drive part (memory metal line 23) respectively.

[0068] In the assembled state, one end is connected to an external power supply (not shown), and the other end is connected to the conductive terminal plate of the rotating part 24 of the optical module driving device 20. Through the electrical connection between the conductive terminal plate and the memory metal wire 23, power is supplied to the rotating drive part (memory metal wire 23). Furthermore, through the electrical connection between the conductive terminal plate and the optical module, power is further supplied to the tilting drive part (memory metal wire 13C). Thus, a flexible circuit board can be used to supply power to both the tilting drive part and the rotating drive part simultaneously.

[0069] The rotary drive unit (memory metal wire) 23 is used to provide driving force to the rotary unit 24. The memory metal wire 23 consists of two wires, each having a fixed end 23A and a movable end 23B. The fixed end 23A of each of the two memory metal wires 23 can be fixed to the fixed part 27 by means of a claw, and the movable end 23B can be fixed to the rotary unit 24 by means of a claw. Depending on the direction of current flow, one of the two memory metal wires can contract and pull the rotary unit to rotate.

[0070] The rotating part 24 is disposed between the housing 21 and the fixed part 27 and is supported by the fixed part 27 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the fixed part 27. Furthermore, the rotating part 24 has a resin part and a conductive terminal plate partially embedded in the resin part, which is electrically connected to the shape memory metal 23 and provides power to the shape memory metal wire 23.

[0071] A first magnetic component M1 is disposed between the rotating portion 24 and the fixing portion 27 along the optical axis. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the rotating portion 24 has a first magnetic component receiving portion protruding in a direction away from the fixing portion 27 along the optical axis. The first magnetic component receiving portion has an opening on the lower surface of the rotating portion 24, through which the first magnetic component M1 can be inserted into the first magnetic component receiving portion from below. The above describes an example of the first magnetic component M1 being disposed on the rotating portion 24, but it is not limited to this. The first magnetic component M1 can also be disposed on the fixing portion 27, that is, the first magnetic component M1 can be disposed on either the rotating portion 24 or the fixing portion 27. Furthermore, the first magnetic component M1 is disposed adjacent to the shaft 25 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the first magnetic component M1 is made of a material capable of generating a magnetic field, such as a magnet.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 25 is cylindrical, but its shape is not limited to cylindrical; any shape that does not affect the rotation of the rotating part 24 is acceptable. In the assembled state, the shaft 25 is clamped between the fixed part 27 and the rotating part 24 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The rotating part 24 and the fixed part 27 are rotatably connected via the shaft 25. Furthermore, the shaft 25 coincides with the optical axis in the vertical direction, causing the rotating part 24 to rotate around the optical axis under the action of the rotation drive unit. The shaft 25 is made of a material that can be attracted by a magnetic field, including metallic materials (iron-cobalt-nickel and magnetized alloy materials) and magnets. When the shaft 25 and the first magnetic component M1 are arranged adjacent to each other, the shaft 25 will be attracted by the first magnetic component M1 and come into contact with the first magnetic component receiving part. Furthermore, the shaft 25 can be disposed on either the rotating part 24 or the fixed part 27, but cannot be disposed on the same side as the first magnetic component M1.

[0073] The second magnetic component M2 is identical to the first magnetic component M1, and is made of a material capable of generating a magnetic field, such as a magnet. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the second magnetic component M2 is disposed in a recess on the lower surface of the rotating part, but it is not limited thereto. The second magnetic component M2 can also be disposed on the fixed part, that is, the second magnetic component M2 can be disposed on either the rotating part or the fixed part. In this case, an attraction plate opposite to the second magnetic component can be provided on the other part of the rotating part or the fixed part. The attraction plate is made of a material that can be attracted by a magnetic field, and the attraction plate is attracted by the second magnetic component in the direction along the optical axis.

[0074] A reinforcing plate 26 is provided on the surface of the rotating part 24 along the optical axis, on the side closest to the fixing part. The reinforcing plate 26 strengthens the entire rotating part, preventing deformation caused by impacts from falls. Additionally, the reinforcing plate has openings through which the shaft and the boss of the fixing part pass. Depending on the needs, the reinforcing plate 26 may be omitted, or a portion of the rotating part 24 may be reinforced, making the reinforcing plate 26 an integral part of the rotating part 24.

[0075] The ball bearing BA is disposed between the rotating part 24 (e.g., the rotating part reinforcing plate 26) and the fixed part 27. The ball bearing BA and the groove for the ball bearing together constitute the transmission mechanism between the rotating part 24 and the fixed part 27. Through the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic component and the attraction plate, the fixed part and the rotating part can be tightly attached in the vertical direction. On the other hand, by allowing the ball bearing to roll freely in the groove for transmission, the friction during rotation can be reduced.

[0076] The fixing part 27 is disposed below the rotating part 24 and supports the rotating part 24 from below.

[0077] An attraction plate attracted by the second magnetic component M2 is embedded in the fixing part 27. In addition, a groove for placing the ball BA is formed on the upper surface of the fixing part 27. The housing 21 covers the fixing part 27 and is fixedly connected to the fixing part 27, thereby covering the second flexible circuit board 22, the memory metal wire 23, the rotating part 24, the first magnetic component M1, the shaft 25, the second magnetic component M2, the rotating part reinforcing plate 26, and the ball BA.

[0078] The following describes in detail an example of the assembly method of the rotating part 24, the fixing part 27, and each of them with other components, with reference to Figures 5 to 12.

[0079] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the rotating part 24, and Figure 5B shows an exploded perspective view of the rotating part 24. The rotating part 24 includes a resin part 24B and a conductive terminal plate 24A partially embedded in the resin part 24B. The conductive terminal plate 24A includes a first terminal part T1 and a second terminal part T2 connected to a second flexible circuit board 22 that is externally powered. As shown in Figure 5A, when the conductive terminal plate 24A is inserted into the resin part 24B, the second terminal part T2 is located at the outer edge of the rotating part, and the first terminal part T1 is closer to the shaft 25 shown in Figure 2 than the second terminal part T2. The first terminal part T1 protrudes from the upper surface of the resin part 24B of the rotating part 24 and is the terminal part electrically connected to the second flexible circuit board 22. The second terminal part T2 protrudes from the side of the resin part 24B of the rotating part 24 and is the terminal part connected to the third terminal part T3 of the optical module 10 shown in Figure 2 (for powering the tilt drive module 13). An external power source can transmit power to the tilt drive module 13 of the optical module 10 via the second flexible circuit board 22, the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the third terminal T3, thereby driving the tilt drive module 13 to perform tilting actions.

[0080] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the assembled state with the outer shell of the optical module and the housing of the optical module drive device omitted. Figure 6 is also a bottom-view perspective view of the optical unit from the bottom. As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from below, the third terminal portion T3 of the optical module is adjacent to the second terminal portion T2 of the rotating part and is connected by welding, thereby enabling electrical connections between the components with a simple circuit structure. That is, the second flexible circuit board can simultaneously power both the rotating drive unit and the tilting drive unit, eliminating the need for a separate flexible circuit board for the tilting drive unit.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5B and 7, the resin portion 24B of the rotating part 24 is formed in a generally quadrilateral shape. A first magnetic component receiving portion 241, a through hole 242, and a second magnetic component receiving portion 243 are also formed on the resin portion 24B. Figure 7 is a bottom view showing the rotating part 24 viewed from below. As shown in Figure 7, multiple grooves protruding away from the fixing portion 27 are formed on the lower surface of the rotating part 24. The groove located approximately at the center of the resin portion 24B corresponds to the first magnetic component receiving portion 241, and the grooves located at the four sides of the resin portion 24B correspond to the second magnetic component receiving portion 243.

[0082] The first magnetic component M1 is housed in the first magnetic component receiving portion 241, adjacent to the groove portion of the first magnetic component receiving portion 241. The second magnetic component M2 is housed in the second magnetic component receiving portion 243. A through hole 242 is provided at a position corresponding to the boss 273 of the shaft body 25 and the fixing portion 27, and can accommodate the boss 273 and the shaft body 25. In addition, the through hole 242 has an arc-shaped surface that allows the arc-shaped outer periphery of the boss to slide freely.

[0083] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the rotating part 24 and the vortex-shaped second flexible circuit board 22. The second flexible circuit board 22 has a connecting part 221, a vortex-shaped main body part 222, a component assembly part 223, and an external terminal 224. The connecting part 221 is used for electrical connection with the first terminal part T1 of the conductive terminal board 24A. The vortex-shaped main body part 222 is attached to the surface of the rotating part 24 in a manner that surrounds and encloses the first magnetic component housing part 241 and the through hole 242. The component assembly part 223 is used for mounting control chips, capacitors, etc. The external terminal 224 is connected to an external power supply to provide power from the external power supply to the conductive terminal board.

[0084] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the relative positional relationship between the rotating part and the shaft in the assembled state. The viewing angle of Figure 9 is different from that of Figure 8. In addition, in this embodiment, the shaft is not fixed to the rotating part. The purpose of showing the shaft and the rotating part together is only to illustrate the relative positional relationship between the two in the assembled state.

[0085] As shown in Figure 9, in the resin portion 24B, the thickness of the first magnetic component receiving portion 241 in the vertical direction exceeds the thickness of other nearby portions. This causes the first magnetic component receiving portion 241 to protrude upwards (i.e., away from the fixing portion 27) relative to other portions along the optical axis. Furthermore, an axially extending groove 244 is formed on the side of the first magnetic component receiving portion 241 near the shaft 25. In this embodiment, the groove 244 is represented as a V-shaped groove with its opening direction facing the shaft 25. However, it could also be a trapezoidal groove or other shapes with its opening direction facing the shaft 25, as long as the shaft 25 contacts the groove 244 at least at two points when viewed along the optical axis. In this embodiment, the groove 244 is formed as a part of the outer shape of the first magnetic component receiving portion 241. That is, the first magnetic component receiving portion 241 serves not only to house the first magnetic component but also as a groove 244 that abuts against the shaft 25, thereby improving internal space utilization and reducing volume.

[0086] In addition, as shown in FIG9, the resin part 24B is also provided with a mounting area 245 for mounting the memory metal wire (rotation drive part) 23. The mounting area 245 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the resin part 24B, so that when the memory metal wire is arranged between the fixed part and the rotating part, it can remain straight and not interfere with or collide with other components.

[0087] In this embodiment, the shaft 25 is represented as a cylinder, but its shape is not limited to this. The shaft 25 only needs to have at least two points of contact with the groove 244 when viewed along the optical axis, i.e., at least one side opposite the groove 244 needs to have an arcuate surface. The other side of the shaft 25 is its fixing end with the fixing part 27; its shape is not limited as long as fixing is possible. Furthermore, the shaft 25 can be a solid magnetic body formed integrally, constructed entirely of a magnetic material that can be attracted by a magnetic field. Alternatively, the shaft 25 can be assembled by combining a magnetic core with a non-magnetic hollow shaft shell, the magnetic core being constructed of a magnetic material that can be attracted by a magnetic field. Thus, when the shaft 25 is arranged adjacent to the first magnetic component M1, the shaft 25 is attracted by the first magnetic component M1 and abuts against the groove surface of the groove of the first magnetic component receiving part, with at least a portion of the shaft 25 tightly fitting against the groove surface, thereby preventing the shaft from loosening.

[0088] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of the fixing part 27, and Figure 10B shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing part 27. The fixing part 27 includes a base 27A and an attraction plate 27B partially embedded in the base 27A. The attraction plate 27B is inserted into the base 27A. The attraction plate 27B is made of a material that can be attracted by a magnetic field. It is attracted by a second magnetic component in the optical axis direction, causing the rotating part and the fixing part to be pressed together in the optical axis direction. In the base 27, there is an opening 271 at a position opposite to the shaft and a groove 272 at a position opposite to the ball bearing BA. The ball bearing BA is disposed in the groove 272. The groove 272 and the ball bearing BA together constitute the transmission mechanism of the optical module drive device, which can reduce the frictional force when the rotating part rotates. In addition, by providing the opening 271 in the base 27, the attraction plate 27B can be exposed at the opening 271, thereby fixing the shaft to the attraction plate 27B.

[0089] In addition, the fixing part 27 also has a boss 273 near the opening 271. The boss 273 protrudes from the surface of the fixing part 27 where the rotating part 24 is provided, along the optical axis direction toward the side where the rotating part 24 is located. Furthermore, the boss 273 is opposite to the through hole 242 of the rotating part 24 in the optical axis direction. In the assembled state, the boss 273 is received by the through hole 242, thereby the through hole 242 functions as a receiving part of the boss 273.

[0090] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the rotating part, shaft, and fixing part in their assembled state. As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the boss is a fan-shaped boss, and at least a portion of the outer periphery of the boss 273 is formed in an arc shape. In addition, the boss 273 also has two side edges SD connected to the arc-shaped edge. The through hole 242 has an arc-shaped surface that allows the arc-shaped edge of the boss 273 to slide freely, and two blocking edges BL connected to the arc-shaped surface. The two blocking edges BL are respectively connected to the groove surface of the groove 244 (in this embodiment, a V-shaped groove surface extending along the optical axis direction), so that the through hole 242 is defined by the arc-shaped surface, the two blocking edges, and the groove surface. The through hole 242 of the rotating part 24 is slightly larger than the boss 273 of the fixed part 27. In the assembled state, the arc-shaped edge of the boss 273 fits against the arc-shaped surface of the through hole 242 and can slide relative to it. The two side edges SD of the boss 273 are spaced apart from the two blocking edges BL of the through hole 242. The boss 273 and the through hole 242 together constitute a limiting mechanism for limiting the angle of rotation of the rotating part relative to the fixed part. When the rotating part rotates, it is limited by either side edge BL of the boss 273 abutting against the corresponding blocking edge BL of the through hole (receiving part) 242.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first magnetic component M1 is fixed on the rotating part, and the shaft 25 is fixed on the fixed part.

[0092] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the rotating part, shaft, fixed part, and rotating drive part. As shown in Figure 12, two shape memory metal wires 23 are provided on the plane opposite to the fixed part 27 on the rotating part 24. These two shape memory metal wires 23 function as the rotating drive part to rotate the rotating part 24. The two shape memory metal wires 23 have a fixed end 23A and a movable end 23B. The fixed end 23A is fixed to the fixed part 27 by a claw C, and the movable end 23B is fixed to the rotating part 24 by a claw C. When viewed from above, the two shape memory metal wires 23 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the virtual connecting line L, which is formed by connecting the center of the shaft 25 and the intersection of the extension lines of the two shape memory metal wires 23 when viewed from above. The fixed ends 23A of the two memory metal wires 23 can be fixed to two points symmetrical to the virtual connecting line L on the fixing part 27 via the claw C, as shown in Figure 12. In this case, the intersection of the extensions of the two memory metal wires 23 is located outside the optical module driving device. Alternatively, the fixed ends 23A of the two memory metal wires 23 can be fixed to the same point on the fixing part via the claw C. In this case, the two memory metal wires 23 intersect at this point, which is considered the intersection of the extensions of the two memory metal wires 23. Regardless of whether the fixed ends of the two memory metal wires 23 are at one point or two points, it is sufficient that the two memory metal wires 23 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the virtual connecting line L. In addition, in order to prevent the shaft from loosening during rotation, the direction of the pull of the two memory metal wires when current flows through them should be the same as the direction in which the shaft is attracted.

[0093] (Modified Example)

[0094] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the optical module driving device of the modified example.

[0095] Figures 4 to 12 illustrate an example where the shaft is fixed to the fixed part and the first magnetic component M1 is fixed to the rotating part. However, as shown in Figure 13, the shaft 25 can also be fixed to the rotating part 24 and the first magnetic component M1 can be fixed to the fixed part 27.

[0096] In this case, for example, the boss 273 of the fixing part can also be used as the first magnetic component storage part 241, and the first magnetic component M1 can be stored in the boss 273 of the fixing part. In addition, a groove 244 for abutting against the shaft 25 is also formed on the side of the first magnetic component storage part 241 facing the shaft 25. Thus, in the modified example, the boss 273 of the fixing part 27 can be used as both the first magnetic component storage part 241 and the groove 244, which can improve the internal space utilization and reduce the volume.

[0097] In addition, in the rotating part 24, a through hole 242 for receiving the boss 273 is formed at a position opposite to the boss 273. Similar to the configuration shown in Figures 4 to 12, when the rotating part rotates, it can also be limited by either of the two sides of the boss abutting against a blocking edge of the through hole (receiving part).

[0098] The above only describes the main structures that differ from the aforementioned embodiments in the modified examples. Descriptions of the same structures and other structures with high design freedom are omitted.

[0099] The foregoing has described several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical module driving device, comprising: The system comprises a fixed part, a rotating part disposed on the fixed part, and a rotation drive part for driving the rotating part to rotate about a first axis, wherein the fixed part and the rotating part are opposed to each other along the axial direction of the first axis, characterized in that: The fixed part and the rotating part are also opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and a shaft is sandwiched in between. The shaft is fixed to either the rotating part or the fixed part, and the rotating part and the fixed part are rotatably connected via the shaft. The optical module driving device also has a groove with its opening facing the shaft and a first magnetic component adjacent to the groove. The groove and the first magnetic component are disposed on the other side of the rotating part and the fixed part. The shaft can be attracted by a magnetic field, and the first magnetic component attracts the shaft so that the circumferential surface of the shaft partially abuts against the surface of the groove facing the shaft.

2. The optical module driving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The groove extends axially along the first axis and, when viewed from the direction of the first axis, the groove contacts the shaft at at least at two points.

3. The optical module driving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The shaft has an arcuate surface on at least one side opposite to the groove.

4. The optical module driving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The shaft is a solid magnetic body formed in one piece, and the entire shaft is made of magnetic material that can be attracted by a magnetic field.

5. The optical module driving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The shaft is assembled by assembling a magnetic core with a non-magnetic hollow shaft shell, the magnetic core being made of a magnetic material that can be attracted by a magnetic field.

6. The optical module driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A transmission mechanism is provided between the rotating part and the fixed part. One of the rotating part and the fixed part is provided with a second magnetic component, and the other of the rotating part and the fixed part is provided with an attraction plate opposite to the second magnetic component. The attraction plate is made of a material that can be attracted by a magnetic field, and the attraction plate is attracted by the second magnetic component in the axial direction along the first axis.

7. The optical module driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism consists of a plurality of grooves recessed in one of the rotating part and the fixed part and facing away from the other, and balls respectively disposed in the plurality of grooves.

8. The optical module driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also has a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is used to limit the angle of rotation of the rotating part relative to the fixed part. The limiting mechanism comprises a boss disposed on one of the fixed part and the rotating part and protruding toward the other, and a receiving part disposed on the other of the fixed part and the rotating part. The boss protrudes from the surface of the fixed part where the rotating part is disposed, along the axial direction of the first axis, toward the side where the rotating part is located. At least a portion of the outer periphery of the boss is formed in an arc shape. The receiving part is a through hole for receiving the boss. The through hole has an arc-shaped surface that allows the arc-shaped outer periphery of the boss to slide freely.

9. The optical module driving device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rotating part has a first magnetic component receiving part that protrudes along the axial direction of the first axis in a direction away from the fixed part. The groove is located on the side of the first magnetic component receiving portion near the shaft, and the first magnetic component is housed in the first magnetic component receiving portion. The boss is a fan-shaped boss, which has an arc-shaped edge and two side edges connected to the arc-shaped edge. The boss is limited by abutting against the receiving part by either of the two side edges. The shaft is fixed to the sector-shaped boss.

10. The optical module driving device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The boss is a fan-shaped boss, disposed on the fixing part. The first magnetic component is disposed on the fan-shaped boss. The groove is disposed on the side of the fan-shaped boss near the shaft. The fan-shaped boss has an arc-shaped edge and two side edges connected to the arc-shaped edge. When the rotating part rotates, the fan-shaped boss is limited by abutting against the receiving part by either of its side edges. The shaft is fixed to the rotating part.

11. The optical module driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating part has a resin part and a conductive terminal plate partially embedded in the resin part. The conductive terminal board includes a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion connected to a flexible circuit board that is externally powered. The second terminal portion is connected to a third terminal portion of the optical module for supplying power to the tilt drive module. Both the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are exposed in the resin portion.

12. The optical module driving device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The optical module is disposed on the side of the rotating part opposite to the fixed part. When viewed from the first axial direction, the third terminal portion of the optical module is adjacent to the second terminal portion of the conductive terminal plate of the rotating part and is connected by welding.

13. The optical module driving device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second terminal portion is disposed on the outer edge of the rotating part, and the first terminal portion is closer to the shaft than the second terminal portion. The flexible circuit board is formed into a vortex shape in the plane.

14. The optical module driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotary drive unit is disposed on a plane on the side opposite to the side where the fixed part is located. The rotary drive unit includes two memory metal wires, each having a fixed end and a movable end. When viewed from the first axis direction, the two memory metal wires are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the virtual connecting line, which is formed by connecting the center of the shaft body when viewed along the axial direction of the first axis with the intersection of the extension lines of the two memory metal wires.

15. The optical module driving device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The fixed end is fixed to the fixed part by a chuck, and the movable end is fixed to the rotating part by a chuck.

16. The optical module driving device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The fixed ends of the two memory metal wires are fixed on the same claw or on two claws that are symmetrical with respect to the virtual connection line.

17. The optical module driving device according to claim 14, characterized in that: When current flows through the two shape memory metal wires, the direction of the wires is the same as the direction in which the shaft is attracted.

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