Drive device, camera module, and camera-equipped apparatus

Abstract

This drive device includes a lens holder, a first substrate, a drive unit, and a second substrate including a displacement unit that can be displaced according to driving of the first substrate. The first substrate has a first portion on which an imaging element is mounted, and a second portion at least partially facing the displacement unit in an optical axis direction, the second portion being disposed at a position farther from the second substrate than the first portion in the optical axis direction.

Description

Drive device, camera module, and camera-mounted device

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device, a camera module, and a camera-mounted device.

[0002] Generally, a small camera module is mounted on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. Such a camera module has an autofocus function (hereinafter referred to as "AF function", AF: Auto Focus) that automatically performs autofocus when shooting a subject, and a shake correction function (hereinafter referred to as "OIS function", OIS: Optical Image Stabilization) that optically corrects shake (vibration) generated during shooting to reduce image blur. A lens drive device having these functions is applied.

[0003] A lens drive device having an AF function and an OIS function includes an autofocus drive unit (hereinafter referred to as "AF drive unit") for moving the lens unit in the optical axis direction, and a shake correction drive unit (hereinafter referred to as "OIS drive unit"). The OIS drive unit is a drive unit that swings the lens unit or the imaging element within the plane orthogonal to the optical axis in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called sensor shift type drive device that swings an imaging element within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. The sensor shift type drive device has, for example, a base portion, an image sensor substrate (first substrate) that holds the imaging element, and a circuit board (second substrate) that electrically connects the base portion and the image sensor substrate.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-3,0306

[0006] By the way, in the sensor shift type drive device, since the first substrate swings in the plane orthogonal to the optical axis, the second substrate connected to the first substrate is located within the swing range of the first substrate. Therefore, since the first substrate and the second substrate are likely to come into contact with each other, there is a problem that defects caused by the contact between the first substrate and the second substrate are likely to occur.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a drive device, a camera module, and a camera mounting device that can reduce the frequency of malfunctions caused by contact between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0008] The drive device according to the present invention comprises: a lens holder for holding a lens; a first substrate on which an image sensor is mounted facing the lens in the optical axis direction; a drive unit for driving the first substrate in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction; and a second substrate which includes a displacement unit that can be displaced in response to the driving of the first substrate and is electrically connected to the image sensor via the first substrate, wherein the first substrate has a first portion on which the image sensor is mounted, and a second portion which at least a part faces the displacement unit in the optical axis direction and is positioned further away from the second substrate than the first portion in the optical axis direction.

[0009] The camera module according to the present invention comprises the above-mentioned drive device, an element unit including the lens, and an imaging unit including the image sensor that captures an image of a subject formed by the element unit.

[0010] The camera-mounted device according to the present invention is a camera-mounted device which is an information device or a transport device, and comprises the above-mentioned camera module and an imaging control unit which processes image information obtained by the camera module.

[0011] According to the present invention, the frequency of malfunctions caused by contact between the first substrate and the second substrate can be reduced.

[0012] This figure shows a smartphone equipped with a camera module. This figure shows a smartphone equipped with a camera module. This is an external perspective view of the camera module. This is a perspective view showing the drive unit with the cover removed. This is an exploded perspective view showing the general configuration of the drive unit. This is an exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the AF unit. This is a view of the AF unit from the optical axis direction. This is an enlarged view of the biasing part of Figure 6. This is a perspective view of the magnet holder. This is an exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the OIS unit. This is a view of the base frame from the back. This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the ball placement part, the ball member and the installation part. This is a view of the first substrate from the optical axis direction. This is a view of the first substrate from the back. This figure shows the second substrate fixedly positioned in the first part. This is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the displacement part of the second substrate and the first and second parts of the first substrate. This is a figure of the first substrate according to a modified example. This is a figure of the first substrate according to a modified example. This is a figure of the AF magnet according to a modified example. This is a figure of the AF magnet according to a modified example. This is a figure of the biasing magnet according to a modified example. This is a figure of the biasing magnet according to a modified example. This is a figure of an automobile equipped with a camera module. This is a figure of an automobile equipped with a camera module.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figures 1A and 1B show a smartphone M (an example of a camera-equipped device) that is equipped with a camera module A according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A is a front view of the smartphone M, and Figure 1B is a rear view of the smartphone M.

[0015] In this embodiment, camera module A is applied to the rear camera OC1 of smartphone M. Camera module A is equipped with AF function and OIS function, and automatically performs autofocus when photographing a subject, and optically corrects shake (vibration) that occurs during shooting, enabling the capture of blur-free images.

[0016] Figure 2 is an external perspective view of camera module A. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment will be described using a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z). The same Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) will also be used in the figures described later. Furthermore, the intermediate directions that make a 45° angle with the X and Y directions, that is, the diagonal directions in the plan view shape of camera module A as seen from the optical axis direction, will be described as the U direction and the V direction.

[0017] Camera module A is mounted so that when actual shooting is performed by smartphone M, the X direction is the up-and-down direction (or left-and-right direction), the Y direction is the left-and-right direction (or up-and-down direction), and the Z direction is the front-and-back direction. That is, the Z direction is the optical axis direction, the upper side in the diagram is the light-receiving side along the optical axis (also called the "macro position side"), and the lower side is the image-forming side along the optical axis (also called the "infinity position side"). The X and Y directions perpendicular to the Z axis are referred to as the "orthogonal optical axis directions."

[0018] Camera module A includes a drive unit 1 that realizes AF and OIS functions, a shield cover 2 that covers the lens section (not shown) in which a lens is housed in a cylindrical lens barrel, and the like.

[0019] The lens portion (not shown) is housed in a lens holder having a cylindrical inner surface that serves as a lens housing. The inner wall surface of the lens holder is provided with grooves to which adhesive is applied, for example, and the lens portion is held in the lens holder by screwing it into these grooves and fixing the lens portion to the lens holder.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 1 is covered on the outside of the drive unit body (reference numeral omitted) by a shield cover 2. The shield cover 2 is a rectangular tubular body with a lid, and has an opening 21 on its top surface when viewed from the optical axis direction. The lens portion faces the outside through this opening 21. The shield cover 2 is fixed to the magnet holder of the drive unit 1, for example, by adhesive. That is, the drive unit 1 has a rectangular shape that extends in the X and Y directions when viewed from the optical axis direction. In the following description, "plan view" means a plan view as seen from the optical axis direction.

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the drive unit 1. Note that the shield cover 2 is omitted in Figure 4.

[0022] Functionally speaking, the drive unit 1, as shown in Figure 4, comprises an OIS movable part M1, an OIS fixed part F1, an OIS drive unit D1, an OIS support unit S1, an AF movable part M2, an AF fixed part F2, an AF drive unit D2, and an AF support unit S2.

[0023] The OIS movable part M1 is the part that receives the driving force of the OIS drive unit D1 during shake correction and oscillates in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis (the part that drives in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis), and in this embodiment it is composed of the first substrate 123.

[0024] The OIS fixing part F1 is the part that supports the OIS movable part M1, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a base frame 121. The OIS fixing part F1 is positioned, for example, to cover the OIS movable part M1 from the light-receiving side in the optical axis direction.

[0025] The OIS support portion S1 is interposed between the OIS movable portion M1 and the OIS fixed portion F1, and supports the OIS movable portion M1 so that it can swing in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. In this embodiment, the OIS support portion S1 is composed of a ball member 121E arranged on the base frame 121.

[0026] The OIS drive unit D1 consists of an OIS coil 124 positioned in the OIS movable part M1 and an OIS magnet 122 positioned in the OIS fixed part F1. In other words, a moving coil type voice coil motor is used in the OIS drive unit D1. However, the OIS drive unit D1 may also be composed of a moving magnet type voice coil motor.

[0027] The AF movable part M2 is the part that moves in the optical axis direction when autofocus is performed by receiving the driving force of the AF drive unit D2, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a lens holder 111.

[0028] The AF fixing portion F2 is the part that supports the AF movable portion M2, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a magnet holder 113. The AF fixing portion F2 is arranged, for example, radially outward from the AF movable portion M2.

[0029] The AF support portion S2 is the part interposed between the AF movable portion M2 and the AF fixed portion F2, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a shaft member 117.

[0030] The AF drive unit D2 is the part that drives the AF movable unit M2 during autofocus. In this embodiment, it consists of an AF coil 112 located in the AF movable unit M2 and an AF magnet 114 located in the AF fixed unit F2. In other words, a moving coil type voice coil motor is used in the AF drive unit D2 of this embodiment. However, the AF drive unit D2 may also be composed of a moving magnet type voice coil motor.

[0031] In the drive unit 1, a guaranteed stroke is defined that indicates the degree to which runout correction can be performed appropriately. That is, the shape, size, and strength of the components of the OIS movable part M1, OIS fixed part F1, OIS drive part D1, and OIS support part S1 are set so as to achieve the guaranteed stroke.

[0032] Structurally, the drive unit 1 has an AF unit section 11 and an OIS unit section 12.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the AF unit section 11 is the part having the above-described configuration of the AF movable section M2, AF fixed section F2, AF drive section D2, and AF support section S2. The AF unit section 11 includes a lens holder 111, an AF coil 112, a magnet holder 113, an AF magnet 114, and a power supply member 115.

[0034] The lens holder 111 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view and has a cylindrical inner surface that serves as a lens housing. The inner wall surface of the lens holder 111 is provided with grooves to which adhesive is applied, for example. The lens portion is screwed into these grooves and fixed to the lens holder 111, thereby holding the lens portion in place.

[0035] AF coils 112 are positioned on each of the two sides of the lens holder 111 in the X direction. The AF coils 112 are air-core coils that are energized during autofocus. Both ends of the AF coils 112 are wrapped around the entanglement portion (not shown) of the lens holder 111. The current supplied to the AF coils 112 is controlled by a control IC (Integrated Circuit) (not shown). The control IC is located, for example, on the first substrate 123.

[0036] Two of the four rectangular corners of the lens holder 111 are provided with biasing portions 116 that protrude from the corners. As shown in Figure 6, these two corners are located on the diagonal that lies along the V direction, one of the two diagonals of the rectangular shape of the lens holder 111. The V direction is the direction that moves towards the Y direction + side as it moves towards the X direction - side. The U direction, which is the direction along which the diagonal different from the diagonal that lies along the V direction lies, is the direction that moves towards the Y direction + side as it moves towards the X direction + side.

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the biasing portion 116 is for biasing the lens holder 111 toward the shaft member 117, which will be described later, and is positioned to be in contact with the shaft member 117. A biasing magnet 116A is provided inside the biasing portion 116. The left side of Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the biasing portion 116 on the positive side in the V direction of Figure 6, and the right side of Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the biasing portion 116 on the negative side in the V direction of Figure 6.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the lens holder 111 is provided with a position detection magnet 111A for detecting the position of the lens holder 111 in the Z direction. The position detection magnet 111A is located on the negative side in the Y direction of the lens holder 111. The portion where the position detection magnet 111A is located is in the central part of the negative side in the Y direction of the lens holder 111.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the magnet holder 113 is a housing for the lens holder 111 and is a holding member that is approximately rectangular in shape in plan view, with four side walls 113A connected together. The magnet holder 113 has an opening 113B in which a portion corresponding to the approximately rectangular outer shape of the lens holder 111 in plan view is cut out. By positioning the lens holder 111 in this opening 113B, the magnet holder 113 is positioned to surround the lens holder 111 (see also Figure 6).

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, a magnet holding portion 113C is provided on the side wall 113A of the magnet holder 113. The magnet holding portion 113C is provided on each of the four side wall 113A, on both sides in the X direction. An AF magnet 114 is fixed inside the magnet holding portion 113C (see also Figure 6). The magnet holding portion 113C is provided with, for example, an opening (not shown in the reference numerals) that communicates with the outside, so that adhesive can be injected into the contact surface between the magnet holding portion 113C and the AF magnet 114.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the magnet holder 113 has a fixed portion 113D on the positive side in the Z direction of the negative side wall 113A in the Y direction, of the four side walls 113A, to which the power supply member 115 is fixed.

[0042] An arrangement portion 113E is provided at a position diagonally opposite the opening 113B of the magnet holder 113 in the V direction (a position corresponding to the biasing portion 116 of the lens holder 111). Two arrangement portions 113E are provided near the magnet holding portion 113C, sandwiching the opening 113B from both sides in the V direction.

[0043] More specifically, the placement portion 113E is adjacent to the magnet holding portion 113C via one wall 113F. Specifically, the placement portion 113E on the - side in the V direction from the opening 113B is located on the - side in the Y direction of the magnet holding portion 113C on the + side in the X direction. Among the walls constituting the magnet holding portion 113C on the + side in the X direction, the wall on the - side in the Y direction corresponds to the above one wall 113F. Also, the placement portion 113E on the + side in the V direction from the opening 113B is located on the + side in the Y direction of the magnet holding portion 113C on the - side in the X direction. Among the walls constituting the magnet holding portion 113C on the - side in the X direction, the wall on the + side in the Y direction corresponds to the above one wall 113F.

[0044] A shaft member 117 is disposed in the placement portion 113E. The shaft member 117 is, for example, made of a magnetic material and is disposed along the Z direction. Since the AF magnet 114 of the magnet holding portion 113C is disposed in the adjacent space via the wall 113F of the placement portion 113E, the shaft member 117 is disposed along the wall 113F by the magnetic attraction force of the AF magnet 114.

[0045] Thus, since the shaft member 117 is more likely to stand on its own due to the magnetic force of the AF magnet 114, the assembly process of the lens holder 111 and the magnet holder 113 can be facilitated.

[0046] Also, the shaft member 117 is provided at a position where it can contact the biasing portion 116 of the lens holder 111. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the shaft member 117 disposed in the placement portion 113E on the + side in the V direction from the opening 113B contacts the end face on the - side in the X direction of the biasing portion 116 at the + side corner in the V direction of the lens holder 111. The shaft member 117 disposed in the placement portion 113E on the - side in the V direction from the opening 113B contacts the end face on the + side in the X direction of the biasing portion 116 at the - side corner in the V direction of the lens holder 111.

[0047] Thereby, the shaft member 117 is magnetically attracted to the biasing magnet 116A inside the biasing portion 116. That is, the lens holder 111 is biased to the magnet holder 113 by the biasing portion 116 and the shaft member 117.

[0048] In this way, by providing the shaft member 117, when the lens holder 111 is driven in the Z direction, it can move along the shaft member 117 while maintaining the contact state between the shaft member 117 and the biasing portion 116. That is, the driving of the lens holder 111 can be stabilized by the shaft member 117.

[0049] Also, two shaft members 117 are arranged so as to sandwich the opening 113B. Among the two biasing portions 116, the biasing portion 116 on the + side in the X direction contacts the shaft member 117 from the - side in the Y direction, and the biasing portion 116 on the - side in the X direction contacts the shaft member 117 from the + side in the Y direction. Therefore, the two biasing portions 116 are biased toward the respective shaft members 117 so that the lens holder 111 rotates in a predetermined direction (for example, counterclockwise) with the center of the opening 113B as the rotation center.

[0050] For example, in a configuration where the lens holder 111 is biased only in one direction (for example, the + side in the U direction, etc.), the position of the lens holder 111 tends to shift to one direction side. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the biasing portion 116 is biased toward the shaft member 117 so as to rotate in a predetermined direction, the lens holder 111 can be biased in a balanced manner without the position of the lens holder 111 shifting to one direction side.

[0051] Further, since the shaft member 117 is arranged in the vicinity of the magnet holding portion 113C, the contact portion between the biasing portion 116 and the shaft member 117 can be arranged at a position relatively far from the centers of the lens holder 111 and the magnet holder 113. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the contact portion is located at a position relatively close to the center, the holding force between the lens holder 111 and the magnet holder 113 can be increased.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the magnet holder 113 is provided with an inner substrate 118 and an outer substrate 119. The inner substrate 118 and the outer substrate 119 are, for example, flexible printed circuit boards. The inner substrate 118 is positioned on the portion of the magnet holder 113 facing the position detection magnet 111A mentioned above. The outer substrate 119 is positioned on the portion of the side wall 113A on which the inner substrate 118 is located, on the side opposite to the inner substrate 118. The outer substrate 119 is connected to a substrate (not shown) connected to the control IC mentioned above, and is connected to the inner substrate 118 via a connecting member (not shown) or the like.

[0053] Furthermore, a magnetic sensor 118A is provided on the inner substrate 118. The magnetic sensor 118A is composed of a Hall element or a TMR (Tunnel Magneto Resistance) sensor, etc. By detecting the magnetic field of the position detection magnet 111A using the magnetic sensor 118A, the position of the lens holder 111 in the Z direction can be detected.

[0054] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the AF magnet 114 is fixed to the magnet holding portion 113C of each of the four side walls 113A of the magnet holder 113. In this embodiment, the AF magnet 114 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

[0055] Furthermore, the AF magnet 114 is an AF drive magnet for driving the lens holder 111 in the optical axis direction (Z direction), and is fixed to the magnet holding part 113C, positioned opposite and separated from the AF coil 112. The AF magnet 114 is provided in each of the two magnet holding parts 113C provided on each of the side walls 113A on both sides in the X direction of the four side walls 113A.

[0056] The AF magnet 114, together with the AF coil 112, constitutes a voice coil motor that functions as the AF drive unit D2. The AF magnet 114 is magnetized such that a magnetic field is formed that crosses the AF coil 112 in the X direction. Specifically, the AF magnet 114 is composed of a magnet magnetized such that the north pole is located on the side facing the AF coil 112 and the south pole is on the opposite side, and a magnet magnetized such that the south pole is located on the side facing the AF coil 112 and the north pole is on the opposite side.

[0057] For example, suppose there is a configuration in which four AF magnets are arranged to surround the lens holder from all four sides. In this configuration, since the four AF magnets generate magnetic force, there is a possibility that magnetic field lines from these four AF magnets may leak outside the camera module.

[0058] In contrast, in this embodiment, there are a total of two AF magnets 114, so compared to a configuration with four AF magnets, the amount of magnetic field lines leaking out to the outside of the camera module can be reduced.

[0059] The power supply member 115 electrically connects the magnet holder 113, which is the AF fixed part F2, and the lens holder 111, which is the AF movable part M2. The power supply member 115 is composed of two leaf springs made of, for example, titanium copper, nickel copper, stainless steel, etc.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the power supply member 115 has a first fixing portion 115A, a second fixing portion 115B, and an arm portion 115C that connects the first fixing portion 115A and the second fixing portion 115B.

[0061] The first fixing part 115A is adhesively fixed to the fixed part 113D of the magnet holder 113 and is electrically connected to the outer substrate 119. The second fixing part 115B is adhesively fixed to the lens holder 111 and is electrically connected to the entanglement part to which the AF coil 112 is connected. As a result, the power supply member 115 constitutes a power supply path from the control IC to the AF coil 112 via the outer substrate 119, etc.

[0062] When autofocus is performed in camera module A, power is supplied to the AF coil 112 of the AF unit 11. The current supplied to the AF coil 112 is controlled by a control IC (not shown). This control is performed based on a control signal supplied from outside camera module A and the detection result from a magnetic sensor built into or connected to the control IC.

[0063] In the AF unit 11, when the AF coil 112 is energized, a Lorentz force is generated in the AF coil 112 due to the interaction between the magnetic field of the AF magnet 114 and the current flowing through the AF coil 112 (Fleming's left-hand rule). The direction of the Lorentz force is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field (X or Y direction) and the direction of the current flowing through the AF coil 112 (Y or X direction) (Z direction).

[0064] The direction of the magnetic field is preset so that the direction of the Lorentz force is in the desired direction. Since the AF magnet 114 is fixed, a reaction force acts on the AF coil 112. This reaction force becomes the driving force of the voice coil motor, which is the AF drive unit D2, causing the lens holder 111 having the AF coil 112, and the lens part housed in the lens holder 111, to move in the optical axis direction, thereby performing autofocus.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, the OIS unit 12 is a part that has the configuration of the OIS movable part M1, the OIS fixed part F1, a part of the OIS drive part D1, and the OIS support part S1 described above. As shown in Figure 9, the OIS unit 12 has a base frame 121, an OIS magnet 122, a first substrate 123, an OIS coil 124, and a second substrate 125.

[0066] The base frame 121 is a frame member positioned to cover the first substrate 123, the OIS coil 124, and the second substrate 125, and is configured as a box shape with an opening on the negative side in the Z direction. A cover 121A is provided on the negative side in the Z direction of the base frame 121 to cover the base frame 121 from the negative side in the Z direction. A rectangular opening 121B is formed on the positive side in the Z direction of the base frame 121 for light passing through the lens portion of the AF unit portion 11.

[0067] Furthermore, the base frame 121 is fixed to the negative side in the Z direction of the magnet holder 113. The base frame 121 corresponds to the "portion on the lens holder side relative to the first substrate in the drive device of the present invention."

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, a magnet placement section 121C and a ball placement section 121D are provided on the back side (the negative side in the Z direction) of the positive side surface in the Z direction of the base frame 121. The magnet placement section 121C and the ball placement section 121D are provided so as to surround the opening 121B.

[0069] The magnet placement section 121C is the part where the OIS magnet 122 is fixedly positioned. Two magnet placement sections 121C are provided on each side of the opening 121B in the base frame 121 in the Y direction, and one is provided on each side of the opening 121B in the base frame 121 in the X direction. In other words, a total of six magnet placement sections 121C are provided.

[0070] The ball placement section 121D is the part where the ball member 121E is placed, and is configured in a rectangular shape larger than the ball member 121E so that the ball member 121E can roll around inside. One ball placement section 121D is provided on the + side in the Y direction of the opening 121B in the base frame 121, and one is provided on each side in the X direction of the opening 121B in the base frame 121. In other words, a total of three ball placement sections 121D are provided.

[0071] The ball member 121E is a spherical member positioned in the ball placement section 121D and supports the first substrate 123 by being interposed between the base frame 121 and the first substrate 123 (see also Figure 11). When the first substrate 123 oscillates in the XY plane, the ball member 121E slides and rolls within each ball placement section 121D. This allows for smooth driving of the first substrate 123.

[0072] The OIS magnets 122 are used to drive the OIS unit 12 in a direction along the XY plane, and are provided in each of the six magnet arrangement sections 121C. The OIS magnets 122, together with the OIS coils 124 (described later), constitute a voice coil motor that functions as the OIS drive unit D1. The OIS magnets 122 are magnetized such that a magnetic field is formed that crosses the OIS coil 124 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0073] As shown in Figures 9 and 12, the first substrate 123 is a substrate for holding an image sensor S, and has a first portion 123A and a second portion 123B.

[0074] The image sensor S is composed of, for example, a CCD (charge-coupled device) type image sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type image sensor, etc. The image sensor S captures an image of the subject formed by the lens. The image information obtained by the image sensor S is processed by an image processing unit (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit) built into the smartphone M.

[0075] The first part 123A is the part on which the image sensor S is mounted. The first part 123A is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board and is configured in a rectangular shape (see also Figure 13). The first part 123A is electrically connected to the second board 125, and the OIS coil 124 can be energized via the second board 125.

[0076] The first part 123A is provided with an installation section 123C for installing the ball member 121E described above. The installation sections 123C are provided at positions corresponding to the ball placement section 121D of the base frame 121 described above, and are positioned to sandwich the ball member 121E between them and the ball placement section 121D (see also Figure 11).

[0077] With the mounting section 123C positioned in this manner, the first section 123A is arranged to be pivotable in the X, Y, or θ directions within the XY plane. The θ direction is the direction around the axis centered on the optical axis. An image sensor S is mounted in the center of the first section 123A. As a result, the image sensor S is positioned in a location corresponding to the aperture 121B of the base frame 121, and is able to receive light that has passed through the lens section of the AF unit section 11 through the aperture 121B.

[0078] The second part 123B is the part facing the displacement portion of the second substrate 125, which will be described later, and is made of, for example, resin. The second part 123B is constructed separately from the first part 123A and is arranged to surround the mounting portion of the image sensor S of the first part 123A.

[0079] Specifically, the second portion 123B is configured as a rectangle with longer sides than the first portion 123A (see also Figure 13), and has a rectangular opening 123D. The opening 123D is located in the second portion 123B at a position corresponding to the mounting portion of the image sensor S in the first portion 123A. The second portion 123B is adhesively fixed to the positive Z-side surface of the first portion 123A at each edge of the opening 123D.

[0080] In other words, the second portion 123B is positioned to protrude beyond the four end faces of the first portion 123A (see also Figure 15). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the amount of protrusion of the second portion 123B from the first portion 123A at the positive end face in the Y direction and the positive end face in the X direction is greater than the amount of protrusion of the negative end face in the Y direction and the negative end face in the X direction. At the portions of the second portion 123B that protrude beyond the first portion 123A at the positive end face in the Y direction and the positive end face in the X direction, the displacement portion 125C of the second substrate 125, which will be described later, faces in the Z direction.

[0081] Furthermore, a yoke 123E is provided on the negative side of the second portion 123B in the Z direction to magnetically attract the OIS magnet 122. The yoke 123E is provided in a position corresponding to the OIS magnet 122 and the mounting portion 123C. In this embodiment, a total of four yokes 123E are provided: two on the positive end portion in the Y direction of the second portion 123B, and one on each side of the second portion in the X direction. By magnetically attracting the yokes 123E and the OIS magnet 122, the orientation of the first substrate 123 can be stabilized even if the first substrate 123 oscillates in the XY plane.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, an OIS coil 124 is provided in the second section 123B. The OIS coil 124 is positioned in the Z direction opposite to each of the six OIS magnets 122 described above. The OIS coil 124 is an air-core coil that is energized during vibration correction.

[0083] The OIS coil 124 includes a first coil 124A, a second coil 124B, a third coil 124C, a fourth coil 124D, a fifth coil 124E, and a sixth coil 124F. The OIS coil 124 is energized by connecting its end to the first section 123A.

[0084] The first coil 124A is positioned along the edge parallel to the Y direction at the negative end in the X direction of the second portion 123B. The second coil 124B is positioned along the edge parallel to the Y direction at the positive end in the X direction of the second portion 123B. In other words, the first coil 124A and the second coil 124B are provided at both ends of the second portion 123B in the X direction and are positioned opposite each other in the X direction with the opening 123D in between.

[0085] The third coil 124C and the fourth coil 124D are arranged along the side parallel to the X direction at the positive Y-side end of the second portion 123B. The fourth coil 124D is positioned further to the positive X-side than the third coil 124C.

[0086] The fifth coil 124E and the sixth coil 124F are arranged along the side parallel to the X direction at the Y-side end of the second portion 123B. The sixth coil 124F is positioned on the X-side of the fifth coil 124E.

[0087] The third coil 124C and the fifth coil 124E are provided at each of the Y-direction ends of the second portion 123B and are arranged opposite each other in the Y-direction with the opening 123D in between. The fourth coil 124D and the sixth coil 124F are provided at each of the Y-direction ends of the second portion 123B and are arranged opposite each other in the Y-direction with the opening 123D in between.

[0088] Furthermore, a magnetic sensor 126 is mounted on the second part 123B. The magnetic sensor 126 is composed of, for example, a Hall element or a TMR sensor, and one is provided at each of the positions corresponding to the first coil 124A, the fifth coil 124E, and the sixth coil 124F.

[0089] The magnetic sensor 126 can determine the position of the OIS movable part M1 in the XY plane by detecting the magnetic field formed by the OIS magnet 122 facing the corresponding coil.

[0090] When shake correction is performed in camera module A, power is supplied to the OIS coil 124. Specifically, the current supplied to the OIS coil 124 is controlled based on a detection signal from a shake detection unit (not shown, e.g., a gyro sensor) so that the shake of camera module A is canceled out. At this time, the oscillation of the OIS movable part M1 can be accurately controlled by feeding back the detection result of the magnetic sensor 126.

[0091] When the OIS coil 124 is energized, a Lorentz force is generated in the OIS coil 124 due to the interaction between the magnetic field of the OIS magnet 122 and the current flowing through the OIS coil 124 (Fleming's left-hand rule). The direction of the Lorentz force is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field (Z direction) and the direction of the current flowing through the OIS coil 124 (X direction or Y direction) (Y direction, X direction, or θ direction).

[0092] For example, when using current flowing in the Y direction through the first coil 124A and the second coil 124B, the Lorentz force will be in the X direction because the direction of the current is in the Y direction. Also, when using current flowing in the X direction through the third coil 124C and the fifth coil 124E, and the fourth coil 124D and the sixth coil 124F, the Lorentz force will be in the Y direction. More specifically, when current is passed through the third coil 124C and the fourth coil 124D, and the fifth coil 124E and the sixth coil 124F, in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), the first substrate 123 will oscillate in the Y direction. Also, when current is passed through the third coil 124C and the fourth coil 124D, and the fifth coil 124E and the sixth coil 124F, in opposite directions, the first substrate 123 will oscillate in the θ direction.

[0093] Since the magnet holder 113 is fixed, a reaction force acts on the OIS coil 124. This reaction force becomes the driving force for the voice coil motor, which is the OIS drive unit D1. Due to this driving force, the first substrate 123 having the OIS coil 124, and the image sensor held on the first substrate 123, oscillate in the X, Y, or θ direction in the XY plane, thereby performing shake correction.

[0094] As shown in Figures 9 and 14, the second substrate 125 is a flexible printed circuit board that constitutes wiring for electrically connecting the external power supply unit of the camera module A and the image sensor via the first substrate 123 (first portion 123A). The second substrate 125 is positioned on the negative side in the Z direction of the first substrate 123. The second substrate 125 has a first connection portion 125A, a second connection portion 125B, and a displacement portion 125C.

[0095] The first connection portion 125A is the part that connects to an external power supply unit. The first connection portion 125A is fixedly positioned on the part corresponding to the power supply unit at a location on the negative side in the Y direction, further than the negative end in the Y direction of the base frame 121.

[0096] The second connection portion 125B is the portion that connects to the first portion 123A of the first substrate 123. The second connection portion 125B is fixedly positioned along the positive side in the X direction of the first portion 123A, the negative side in the Y direction of the first portion 123A, and the negative side in the X direction of the first portion 123A, and surrounds the portion of the first portion 123A where the image sensor is mounted.

[0097] The displacement portion 125C is the part that connects the first connection portion 125A and the second connection portion 125B. The displacement portion 125C is connected to the positive end in the Y direction of the portion of the second connection portion 125B that is along the negative side in the X direction of the first portion 123A, extends from that end to the positive side in the X direction, then extends to the negative side in the Y direction, and connects to the first connection portion 125A. Therefore, the displacement portion 125C is displaceable between the fixedly positioned first connection portion 125A and the second connection portion 125B in accordance with the drive of the first substrate 123.

[0098] The displacement portion 125C is located at a position corresponding to the portion of the second portion 123B that protrudes more than the first portion 123A on the positive end face in the Y direction and the positive end face in the X direction, and is facing the second portion 123B in the Z direction. As shown in Figure 15, the second portion 123B of the first substrate 123 is located on the positive side in the Z direction than the first portion 123A, so the displacement portion 125C is located further away from the second substrate 125 than the first portion 123A in the Z direction.

[0099] Incidentally, in a configuration where the image sensor and OIS coil are mounted on a flat circuit board (first board), the displacement part of the second board faces the first board. Because the first board is flat, it becomes difficult to increase the distance between the first board and the displacement part, and when the first board is driven, the displacement part is more likely to come into contact with the first board. As a result, the displacement part of the second board hinders the smooth operation of the first board. Furthermore, the increased contact between the displacement part and the first board causes friction between the displacement part and the first board, leading to the generation of abnormal noise and dust.

[0100] In contrast, in this embodiment, the second portion 123B facing the displacement portion 125C is positioned further away from the displacement portion 125C than the first portion 123A, so that when the first substrate 123 is driven, the displacement portion 125C and the first substrate 123 are less likely to come into contact. As a result, it is possible to suppress the displacement portion 125C from hindering the operation of the first substrate 123, and consequently, to make the operation of the first substrate 123 smoother. Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress friction between the displacement portion 125C and the first substrate 123, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise and dust caused by friction between the displacement portion 125C and the first substrate 123.

[0101] Furthermore, since the second part 123B is constructed separately from the first part 123A, the distance between the second part 123B and the second substrate 125 can be increased with a simpler configuration compared to a configuration in which the first and second parts are integrated.

[0102] Furthermore, since the second portion 123B of the first substrate 123 is made of resin, costs can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the second portion is a flexible circuit board.

[0103] In the above embodiment, all of the displacement portion 125C of the second substrate 125 faced the second portion 123B of the first substrate 123. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is not necessary for all of the displacement portion of the second substrate to face the second portion of the first substrate. For example, as long as a part of the displacement portion of the second substrate faces the second portion of the first substrate, the displacement portion may be located in a position that protrudes outward from the first substrate (a position that does not face the first substrate).

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second portion 123B of the first substrate 123 was made of resin, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the second portion may be made of a material other than resin, such as a flexible circuit board. Also, if the second portion is a flexible circuit board, the ends of the OIS coils arranged in the second portion may be electrically connected to the second portion.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second portion 123B of the first substrate 123 was constructed separately from the first portion 123A, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first portion and the second portion of the first substrate may be constructed integrally. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 16A, the first portion 123A and the second portion 123B may be configured to have a step difference, or as shown in Figure 16B, the second portion 123B may be inclined to be located on the positive side of the Z direction as it moves in the opposite direction from the first portion 123A.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the OIS coil (part of the drive unit) was arranged in the second part, but the present invention is not limited to this, and part of the drive unit may be arranged in the first part.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the base frame 121 was exemplified as the part on the lens holder side relative to the first substrate in the drive device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the part on the lens holder side relative to the first substrate in the drive device may be something other than the base frame, such as a magnet holder.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lens holder 111 was biased to the magnet holder 113 by the biasing portion 116 and the shaft member 117, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the lens holder may be biased to the magnet holder with a different configuration.

[0109] Furthermore, although the details of the AF magnet 114 were not mentioned in the above embodiment, the AF magnet 114 may consist of a single magnet. Alternatively, the AF magnet 114 may consist of multiple magnets.

[0110] For example, the AF magnet 114 shown in Figure 17A is composed of three unipolar magnets. Specifically, the AF magnet 114 has a first magnet 114A and two second magnets 114B and 114C.

[0111] The first magnet 114A is positioned so that its magnetic poles are aligned in the Z direction. Specifically, the first magnet 114A is magnetized such that the positive side in the Z direction is the north pole and the negative side in the Z direction is the south pole.

[0112] The two second magnets 114B and 114C are positioned so as to sandwich each magnetic pole of the first magnet 1114A in the Z direction. In the explanation of Figure 17A and other figures, the AF magnet 114 will be described, specifically the AF magnet 114 located on the negative side wall 113A in the X direction of the magnet holder 113 (see Figure 6, etc.).

[0113] Of the two second magnets 114B and 114C, the second magnet 114B, which is located on the positive side in the Z direction compared to the first magnet 114A, is magnetized so that the north pole and south pole are arranged from the positive side in the X direction. Of the two second magnets 114B and 114C, the second magnet 114C, which is located on the negative side in the Z direction compared to the first magnet 114A, is magnetized so that the south pole and north pole are arranged from the positive side in the X direction.

[0114] In other words, the two second magnets 114B and 114C are arranged so that their magnetic poles are aligned in the X direction, and their magnetic pole directions are opposite to each other.

[0115] Thus, the first magnet 114A and the two second magnets 114B and 114C are arranged such that the orientation of their magnetic poles differs by 90 degrees from adjacent magnets in the Z direction, thereby magnetizing the AF magnet 114 in a Halbach arrangement. In other words, the first magnet 114A and the two second magnets 114B and 114C are arranged according to the Halbach arrangement such that the side facing the AF coil 112 (the positive side in the X direction) has a stronger magnetic force than the opposite side (the negative side in the X direction).

[0116] As a result, as shown in Figure 17B, the amount of magnetic flux flowing through the AF coil 112 can be further increased. Figure 17B shows an example where a sufficient amount of magnetic flux is generated from the north pole of the second magnet 114B on the positive side in the Z direction to the south pole of the second magnet 114C on the negative side in the Z direction, as indicated by arrow B1. As a result, the thrust provided by the AF drive can be further improved.

[0117] Furthermore, by configuring the AF magnet 114 with multiple magnets, the magnetic force can be strengthened compared to a single magnet configuration. Additionally, by adding the first magnet 114A to the AF magnet 114 in addition to the second magnets 114B and 114C, the magnetic force on the AF coil 112 side can be further increased. As a result, the thrust provided by the AF drive can be significantly improved.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, details of the biasing magnet 116A, which magnetically biases the shaft member 117 interposed between the lens holder 111 and the magnet holder 113, were not mentioned, similar to the AF magnet 114. This biasing magnet 116A may consist of a single magnet. Alternatively, the biasing magnet 116A may consist of multiple unipolar magnets.

[0119] For example, the biasing magnet 116A shown in Figure 18A is composed of two unipolar magnets. Specifically, the biasing magnet 116A has a first biasing magnet 116B and a second biasing magnet 116C.

[0120] In the explanation of Figure 18A and other figures, we will be describing the biasing magnet 116A, which is located on the positive side in the V direction of the biasing portion 116 on both sides of the V direction of the magnet holder 113. Also, in Figure 18A and other figures, the illustration of components other than the magnet holder 113, the biasing magnet 116A, and the shaft member 117 has been omitted.

[0121] The first biasing magnet 116B and the second biasing magnet 116C are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The first biasing magnet 116B is positioned on the positive side of the Z direction than the second biasing magnet 116C.

[0122] The first biasing magnet 116B is magnetized so that the S pole and N pole are arranged in that order from the negative side in the U direction. The second biasing magnet 116C is magnetized so that the N pole and S pole are arranged in that order from the negative side in the U direction. Note that the first biasing magnet 116B and the second biasing magnet 116C may be magnetized in the opposite direction to the magnetic pole orientation shown in Figure 18A, etc.

[0123] In this way, by having the biasing magnet 116A composed of two magnets, the biasing force on the shaft member 117 can be increased. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 18B, a magnetic flux loop (see arrow B2, for example) can be generated such that the magnetic field lines generated from the north pole of the second biasing magnet 116C pass through the shaft member 117 and enter the south pole of the first biasing magnet 116B. As a result, the biasing force on the shaft member 117 by the biasing unit 116 can be improved.

[0124] Incidentally, since AF magnets 114 with relatively strong magnetic force are arranged around the shaft member 117, the shaft member 117 may become magnetized due to the AF magnets 114. For example, suppose that two second magnets 114B and 114C are aligned in the Z direction, as shown in Figure 17A for the AF magnet 114. In this case, the magnetic force from the two second magnets 114B and 114C causes the shaft member 117 to become magnetized with a distribution of north and south poles inside.

[0125] In such a case, for example, if the biasing magnet 116A is composed of a single magnet, one of its magnetic poles, the north pole or the south pole, will face the shaft member 117, making it more susceptible to magnetic attraction to the other magnetic pole distributed inside the shaft member 117. This could potentially affect the AF drive.

[0126] In contrast, when the biasing magnet 116A is composed of two magnets, both the north and south poles face the shaft member 117, thus suppressing the tendency to be attracted to the magnetic poles distributed inside the shaft member 117. As a result, the thrust of the AF drive can be increased while further stabilizing the AF drive.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an AF coil 112 was provided on the lens holder 111, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and an AF magnet 114 may also be provided on the lens holder 111. In this case, the AF coil 112 is provided on a holder surrounding the lens holder 111 (a member corresponding to the magnet holder 113 in the above embodiment).

[0128] Furthermore, although the biasing magnet 116A in Figure 18A, etc., was composed of two unipolar magnets, any configuration is acceptable, such as being composed of a single magnet with multiple magnetic pole surfaces, as long as the surface on the shaft member 117 side is configured to include two different magnetic poles.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, a smartphone, which is a mobile terminal with a camera, was described as an example of a camera-mounted device equipped with a camera module A. However, the present invention can be applied to a camera-mounted device having a camera module and an image processing unit that processes image information obtained by the camera module. Camera-mounted devices include information equipment and transportation equipment. Information equipment includes, for example, mobile phones with cameras, notebook computers, tablet terminals, portable game consoles, webcams, drones, and in-vehicle devices with cameras (e.g., rearview monitors, drive recorders). Transportation equipment includes, for example, automobiles and drones.

[0130] Figures 19A and 19B show a vehicle V as a camera-mounted device equipped with an in-vehicle camera module VC (Vehicle Camera). Figure 19A is a front view of the vehicle V, and Figure 19B is a rear perspective view of the vehicle V. The vehicle V is equipped with the camera module described in the embodiment as the in-vehicle camera module VC. As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the in-vehicle camera module VC can be mounted, for example, on the windshield facing forward or on the rear gate facing backward. This in-vehicle camera module VC is used for purposes such as a backup monitor, a drive recorder, collision avoidance control, and autonomous driving control.

[0131] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention may be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features. For example, the shape, size, number, and material of each part described in the above embodiments are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate.

[0132] The disclosures in the specifications, drawings, and abstracts contained in the Japanese applications 2025-009034 filed on 22 January 2025 and 2025-101200 filed on 17 June 2025 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0133] The drive device according to the present invention is useful as a drive device, camera module, and camera mounting device that can reduce the frequency of malfunctions caused by contact between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0134] 1 Drive unit, 2 Shield cover, 11 AF unit, 12 OIS unit, 111 Lens holder, 111A Position detection magnet, 112 AF coil, 113 Magnet holder, 113A Side wall, 113B Opening, 113C Magnet holding part, 113D Fixed part, 113E Arrangement part, 113F Wall, 114 AF magnet, 114A First magnet, 114B Second magnet, 114C Second magnet, 115 Power supply member, 115A First fixing part, 115B Second fixing part, 115C Arm part, 116 Biasing part, 116A Biasing magnet, 116B First biasing magnet, 116C Second biasing magnet, 117 Axis member, 118 Inner substrate, 118A Magnetic sensor, 119 Outer substrate, 121 Base frame, 121A Cover, 121B Opening, 121C Magnet placement section, 121D Ball placement section, 121E Ball member, 122 Magnet for OIS, 123 First substrate, 123A First part, 123B Second part, 123C Installation section, 123D Opening, 123E Yoke, 124 Coil for OIS, 124A First coil, 124B Second coil, 124C Third coil, 124D Fourth coil, 124E Fifth coil, 124F Sixth coil, 125 Second substrate, 125A First connection section, 125B Second connection section, 125C Displacement section, 126 Magnetic sensor, M Smartphone, A Camera module, S Image sensor

Claims

1. A drive device comprising: a lens holder for holding a lens; a first substrate on which an image sensor is mounted facing the lens in the optical axis direction; a drive unit for driving the first substrate in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction; and a second substrate including a displacement unit that is displaceable in response to the driving of the first substrate and is electrically connected to the image sensor via the first substrate, wherein the first substrate has a first portion on which the image sensor is mounted, and a second portion which at least a part faces the displacement unit in the optical axis direction and is positioned further away from the second substrate than the first portion in the optical axis direction.

2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the second part is configured separately from the first part.

3. The drive device according to claim 2, wherein the second part is made of resin.

4. The drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit includes a magnet portion disposed on the lens holder side relative to the first substrate in the drive device, and a coil portion disposed on the second portion.

5. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the second part is located outside the first part.

6. The drive device according to claim 1, further comprising: a holder enclosing at least a portion of the lens holder and housing either an autofocus magnet or an autofocus coil for driving the lens holder in the optical axis direction; an autofocus drive unit having the autofocus magnet and the autofocus coil; an axis member interposed between the lens holder and the portion facing the holder; and a biasing magnet for magnetically biasing the lens holder toward the axis member, wherein the biasing magnet is configured to include two different magnetic poles on the side facing the axis member.

7. The drive device according to claim 6, wherein the autofocus magnet is composed of a plurality of unipolar magnets.

8. A camera module comprising: a drive device according to claim 1; an element unit including the lens; and an imaging unit including the image sensor for capturing an image of a subject formed by the element unit.

9. A camera-mounted device which is an information device or a transport device, comprising: a camera module as described in claim 8; and an imaging control unit for processing image information obtained by the camera module.

Images