CN114019648A - Lens holder driving device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a lens holder driving device capable of realizing further miniaturization. The lens holder driving device (101) is provided with a fixed-side member (FM), a first driving mechanism (DM1) for moving the first lens holder (3A), and a second driving mechanism (DM2) for moving the second lens holder (3B). The stationary-side member has a first coil block (4A) and a second coil block (4B). A first coil (42A1) is provided in the first coil block, and a second coil (42B2) is provided in the second coil block. A first drive magnet (6A) facing the first coil is fixed to the first lens holder, and a second drive magnet (6B) facing the second coil is fixed to the second lens holder. The first driving magnet and the first coil constitute a first driving mechanism, and the second driving magnet and the second coil constitute a second driving mechanism.

Description

Lens holder driving device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a lens holder driving device.

Background

Conventionally, there is known an imaging unit including a lens frame (lens holder) that is moved in a direction parallel to an optical axis by a lead screw rotationally driven by an electric motor (see patent document 1).

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2014-149336

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, since the above-described imaging unit uses an electric motor to move the lens holder, it is difficult to achieve further miniaturization.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a lens holder driving device capable of achieving further miniaturization.

Means for solving the problems

A lens holder driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stationary-side member; a movable-side member including a first lens holder capable of holding a first lens body and a second lens holder capable of holding a second lens body arranged to have the same optical axis as the first lens body; a first driving mechanism for moving the first lens holder in the optical axis direction; and a second driving mechanism that moves the second lens holder in the optical axis direction, wherein in the lens holder driving device, the fixed-side member has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being provided so as to face each other with the first lens holder and the second lens holder interposed therebetween, a first coil is provided on the first surface, a second coil is provided on the second surface, a first driving magnet facing the first coil is fixed to the first lens holder, a second driving magnet facing the second coil is fixed to the second lens holder, the first driving magnet and the first coil constitute the first driving mechanism, and the second driving magnet and the second coil constitute the second driving mechanism.

Effects of the invention

The lens holder driving device described above can achieve further miniaturization.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lens holder driving device.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a camera module.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder driving device.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a stationary member constituting the lower member.

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the coil assembly.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the movable-side member.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder.

Fig. 10 is a top view and a bottom view of the lens holder.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the lens holder driving device.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of components constituting the drive mechanism.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of components constituting the drive mechanism.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the lower member.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view and a front view of the holding mechanism.

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the stationary member.

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder assembly.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder assembly.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system for controlling the lens holder driving device.

Description of the reference numerals

1. cover part, 1 s. storage part, 1A. outer wall part, 1A 1. first side plate part, 1A 2. second side plate part, 1A 3. third side plate part, 1A 4. fourth side plate part, 1B. upper surface part, 2. bottom plate, 3. lens holder, 3A. first lens holder, 3B. second lens holder, 4. coil assembly, 4A. first coil assembly, 4B. second coil assembly, 5. coil holder, 5G. groove, 5G 1. first groove, 5G 2. second coil assembly, 6. magnet, second drive part, 6. second drive part, 7. magnet, 6. second drive part, 7. second drive part, 6. second drive part, 7. second drive part, 6. magnet, and second drive part, 8. bottom ball set, 8A. first bottom ball set, 8A 1. first ball, 8A 2. second ball, 8A 3. third ball, 8A 4. fourth ball, 8B. second bottom ball set, 8B 1. first ball, 8B 2. second ball, 8B 3. third ball, 8B 4. fourth ball, 9A. top ball set, 9A. first top ball set, 9A 1. first ball, 9A 2. second ball, 9A 3. third ball, 9A 4. second top ball set, 9A. second ball, 9A 638A 639. second ball, 9A 3. third ball, 9A. second ball, 9A. fourth ball, 9B 9. second ball, 9B 9. fourth ball, 9B 9. second ball, 9B 9. third ball, 9B. second ball, 9B. second ball, 9B. second ball, 8B, 9B, 8B, 9B, 8B, 9B, a second ball, 9B, a second ball, 9B, a second ball, 9B, a second ball, 9B, a, 9B, a second ball, 9B, 9, a second ball, a second ball, 9B, 9B, a second ball, 9, a second ball, 9, a, 9, a second ball, 9, a second ball, 9, a second ball, a second ball, a, 9, a second ball, 9, a, 9, a second ball, 9, a second ball, a third ball, a second ball, 9, a second ball, a, 9, a second ball, a second ball, 9, a second ball, 9, 12A. holding magnet, 12A. first holding magnet, 12A 1. front magnet, 12A 2. rear magnet, 12B. second holding magnet, 12B 1. front magnet, 12B 2. rear magnet, 20. upper cover, 20h, 20 k. open, 21. yoke, 22. upper holding magnet, 22A. first magnet, 22B. second magnet, 23. bobbin, 23 n. neck, 23p, 23 q. convex, 24. coil, 25. plunger, 25 e. second magnet, 25. second holding magnet, 25. main body, 28. second holding magnet, 26. spring, 26. second holding magnet, 26. second holding magnet, 26B, 26. second holding magnet, spring, 26. second holding magnet, 26. second holding magnet, and second holding magnet, second holding part, and second holding part, 30. lens support, 30A. first lens support, 30B. second lens support, 31. spring set, 31A. first spring set, 31A 1. first coil spring, 31A 2. second coil spring, 31A 3. third coil spring, 31A 4. fourth coil spring, 31B. second spring set, 31B 1. first coil spring, 31B 2. second coil spring, 31B 3. third coil spring, 31B 4. fourth coil spring, 32. second push rod set, 32A. first push rod set, 32A 5. second push rod set, 32A 38732. second push rod set, 32A 5. second push rod set, 32B. second push rod set, 32A 58. second push rod set, 32B 3. second push rod set, 32B. second push rod, 32B. second push rod set, 32B, 32A. second push rod set, 32B, 32, second push rod, 32B, 32A. second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, and second push rod, 32, second push rod, third, and second push rod, third, second push rod, 32, second push rod, 32, third, second push rod, 42A · first coil set, 42A1 · first coil, 42A2 · second coil, 42B · second coil set, 42B1 · first coil, 42B2 · second coil, 43A · magnetic sensor set, 43A · first magnetic sensor set, 43A1 · first hall-element, 43A2 · second hall-element, 43A3 · third hall-element, 43B · second magnetic sensor set, 43B1 · first hall-element, 43B2 · second hall-element, 43B3 · third hall-element, 101 · lens holder driving device, AP · AX · lift-off, a 101 · second coil lift-off, a 104 · second coil lift-off, A8 a · second hall-element, 8B 6326 · second hall-element, 8B3 · second hall-element, 101 · lens holder driving device, AP · lift-off, a × 8 · AX · lift-off, a × 8 · second lift-off, a lift-off module, a lift-off module, 8 · CM, 8 · second coil lift-off module, 8 · CM, 8 · lift-off module, lift-, CP. connecting part, CS. power supply, CT. notch, CTR. control device, CU. notch, CV. chamber, DM. drive mechanism, DM 1. first drive mechanism, DM 2. second drive mechanism, EM. electromagnetic mechanism, FM. fixed side part, HL. hole, HL 1. first hole, HL 2. second hole, HL 3. third hole, HL 4. fourth hole, HM. holding mechanism, casing, ID. input device, IS. shooting element, optical axis, LH. lens assembly, LH. holding assembly, LH. lens assembly, LH. holding mechanism, LH. lens assembly, LH. holding assembly, LH. lens assembly, LH. lift mechanism, LH lens assembly, LH holding mechanism, LH lens assembly, LH holding mechanism, LH lens assembly, LH holding part, LH lens assembly, LH holding part, LH lens assembly, 355635, LH lens assembly, half, LH lens assembly, half, LH lens assembly, half lens assembly, LH lens assembly, half, LT & light, MB & movable side member, MR & mirror, PR & convex, RS 1-RS 11 & concave, SL1, SL2 & inclined plane, SP 1-SP 3 & step, SYS & control system

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a lens holder driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lens holder driving device 101. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a camera module CM in a camera-equipped mobile device having the lens holder driving device 101 mounted thereon.

As shown in fig. 1, the lens holder driving device 101 is configured to be able to move the lens body LS along the optical axis JD of the lens body LS.

Further, X1 represents one direction of the X axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. Y1 represents one direction of the Y axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y axis. Similarly, Z1 denotes one direction of the Z axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 denotes the other direction of the Z axis. In the present embodiment, the optical axis JD extends parallel to the X axis. The same applies to other figures.

The lens body LS is an example of an optical member and is constituted by one or more lenses. Typically, the lens body LS is a cylindrical lens barrel including at least one lens, and is configured such that the central axis thereof is along the optical axis JD. In the present embodiment, the lens body LS includes a first lens body LS1 and a second lens body LS 2.

The lens holder driving device 101 is configured to be able to move the lens body LS in the optical axis direction by a driving mechanism DM (see fig. 3) housed in the housing HS. The optical axis direction includes a direction of an optical axis JD of the lens body LS and a direction parallel to the optical axis JD. Specifically, the lens holder driving device 101 can move the first lens body LS1 in the optical axis direction as indicated by a double-headed arrow AR1, and can move the second lens body LS2 in the optical axis direction as indicated by a double-headed arrow AR 2. That is, the lens holder driving device 101 can move the first lens body LS1 and the second lens body LS2 in the optical axis direction.

The housing HS is a part of the fixed-side member FM, and is composed of the cover member 1 and the base plate 2.

As shown in fig. 2, for example, the lens holder driving device 101 is used in a camera module CM such as a periscope type camera module. In the example shown in fig. 2, the camera module CM mainly includes a mirror MR, a lens body LS, a lens holder driving device 101, an imaging element IS, and the like. The mirror MR as a reflector may also be a prism. In the present embodiment, the mirror MR is configured to provide a flat reflecting surface.

Typically, as shown in fig. 2, the lens holder driving device 101 IS disposed at a position farther from the subject than the mirror MR, and IS configured to allow the light LT from the subject reflected by the mirror MR to pass through the lens body LS and reach the imaging element IS.

Next, a schematic description will be given of the lens holder driving device 101 with reference to fig. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder driving device 101, showing a state in which the cover member 1 is separated from the lower member LM. Fig. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of the lower member LM, showing a state in which the movable member MB is separated from the fixed member FM. Specifically, fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member LM viewed from the Y1 side, and fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member LM viewed from the Y2 side.

As shown in fig. 3, the lens holder driving device 101 includes a cover member 1 as a part of the fixed-side member FM and a lower-side member LM.

The cover member 1 is configured to cover the lower member LM. In the present embodiment, the cover member 1 is produced by subjecting a plate material made of a nonmagnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel to a press working (japanese: き removal working) and a drawing working (japanese: り working). Since the cover member 1 is formed of a nonmagnetic material, a drive mechanism using electromagnetic force is not magnetically adversely affected.

As shown in fig. 3, the cover member 1 has a box-like outer shape with no bottom that defines the housing portion 1 s. The cover member 1 includes a substantially rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 1A and a substantially rectangular annular flat upper surface portion 1B provided continuously to an upper end (end on the Z1 side) of the outer wall portion 1A. An opening is formed in the center of the upper surface portion 1B. The outer wall portion 1A includes first to fourth side panel portions 1A1 to 1A 4. The first side panel 1a1 and the third side panel 1A3 face each other, and the second side panel 1a2 and the fourth side panel 1a4 face each other. In addition, the second side plate portion 1a2 and the fourth side plate portion 1a4 extend perpendicularly to the first side plate portion 1a1 and the third side plate portion 1 A3. That is, the first side panel portion 1a1 and the third side panel portion 1A3 extend perpendicularly to the second side panel portion 1a2 and the fourth side panel portion 1a 4. The first side plate portion 1a1 has an opening for receiving light LT from the subject after being reflected by the mirror MR. Also, the third side panel portion 1a3 has an opening for the light LT to reach the photographing element IS. The cover member 1 is joined to the base plate 2 with an adhesive or the like to constitute a housing HS together with the base plate 2.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the lower member LM includes the lens holder 3 and the driving magnet 6 as the movable member MB, the bottom plate 2 as the fixed member FM, the coil block 4, the coil holder 5, and the plate member 7.

The bottom plate 2 is a member constituting a part (bottom) of the housing HS. In the present embodiment, the base plate 2 is formed of a nonmagnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel, as in the case of the cover member 1.

The lens holder 3 is configured to be able to hold the lens body LS. In the present embodiment, the lens holder 3 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin such as a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP). The lens holder 3 includes a first lens holder 3A configured to be able to hold the first lens body LS1 and a second lens holder 3B configured to be able to hold the second lens body LS 2.

The driving magnet 6 is a component constituting the driving mechanism DM. In the present embodiment, the driving magnet 6 includes a first driving magnet 6A (see fig. 4) attached to the first lens holder 3A and a second driving magnet 6B (see fig. 5) attached to the second lens holder 3B.

In the present embodiment, the first driving magnet 6A and the second driving magnet 6B are permanent magnets magnetized to two poles, respectively, and the inner side (the side closer to the optical axis JD) is magnetized to the N pole and the outer side is magnetized to the S pole. As shown in fig. 4, the first driving magnet 6A is attached to the first lens holder 3A so as to be exposed to the outside (S-pole). Similarly, as shown in fig. 5, the second driving magnet 6B is attached to the second lens holder 3B so as to be exposed to the outside (S-pole). However, the first and second driving magnets 6A and 6B may be magnetized so that the inner side (the side closer to the optical axis JD) is the S pole and the outer side is the N pole.

The first driving magnet 6A is disposed so as to face and be separated from the coil attached to the first coil unit 4A in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis JD. Similarly, the second driving magnet 6B is disposed so as to face and be separated from the coil attached to the second coil block 4B in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis JD.

The coil holder 5 is configured to be able to movably support the movable member MB and immovably support the coil assembly 4. In the present embodiment, the coil holder 5 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin such as a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP). The coil holder 5 and the bottom plate 2 together constitute a base member BM. The base plate 2 and the coil holder 5 may also be integrated. In this case, the base plate 2 may be formed of the same synthetic resin as the coil holder 5.

The coil unit 4 is configured to hold a coil constituting the driving mechanism DM. In the present embodiment, the coil assembly 4 includes a first coil assembly 4A disposed so as to face the first driving magnet 6A, and a second coil assembly 4B disposed so as to face the second driving magnet 6B. The substrate 41 (see fig. 7) of the coil unit 4 is formed of a flexible printed circuit board, and is attached to the coil holder 5 via the plate-like member 7 as shown in fig. 4 and 5. In the drawings, for the sake of clarity, the coil is not shown in a detailed wound state of a conductive wire material whose surface is covered with an insulating material.

The plate-like member 7 is configured to support the coil block 4. In the present embodiment, the plate-like member 7 is formed of a magnetic material and functions as a yoke. The plate-like member 7 includes a first plate-like member 7A supporting the first coil assembly 4A and a second plate-like member 7B supporting the second coil assembly 4B.

Next, the details of the fixed-side member FM constituting the lower member LM will be described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed-side member FM constituting the lower member LM. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the coil block 4.

As shown in fig. 7, the coil assembly 4 includes a substrate 41, a coil group 42, a magnetic sensor group 43, and a lens holding assembly LH.

The substrate 41 is a member formed with a conductive pattern for supplying power to the coil group 42, the magnetic sensor group 43, and the like. In the present embodiment, the substrate 41 is formed of a flexible printed substrate. Further, the substrate 41 includes a connection portion CP formed with a conductive pattern for supplying electric power to the electromagnetic mechanism EM (see fig. 17) included in the lens holding assembly LH. Specifically, the connection portion CP is configured such that its upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) is in contact with the lower surface (surface on the Z2 side) of the lens holding assembly LH. In the present embodiment, the substrate 41 includes the first substrate 41A of the first coil component 4A and the second substrate 41B of the second coil component 4B.

The coil group 42 is a component constituting the driving mechanism DM and is mounted on the substrate 41. In the present embodiment, the coil group 42 is a winding type coil, and includes a first coil group 42A attached to the first substrate 41A of the first coil block 4A and a second coil group 42B attached to the second substrate 41B of the second coil block 4B.

The first coil group 42A includes a first coil 42A1 and a second coil 42A 2. The first coil 42a1 and the second coil 42a2 are configured to be able to control the direction of current flow, respectively. Likewise, the second coil group 42B includes a first coil 42B1 and a second coil 42B 2. The first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 are configured to be able to control the direction of current flow, respectively.

The magnetic sensor group 43 is an example of a magnetic detection means. In the present embodiment, the magnetic sensor group 43 is a group of hall elements, and is configured to be able to detect magnetism generated by the driving magnet 6 attached to the lens holder 3.

Specifically, the magnetic sensor group 43 includes a first magnetic sensor group 43A attached to the first substrate 41A of the first coil assembly 4A and a second magnetic sensor group 43B attached to the second substrate 41B of the second coil assembly 4B.

The first magnetic sensor group 43A includes a first hall element 43A1, a second hall element 43A2, and a third hall element 43A 3. The first hall element 43a1 is disposed inside the first coil 42a1, the second hall element 43a2 is disposed between the first coil 42a1 and the second coil 42a2, and the third hall element 43A3 is disposed inside the second coil 42a 2. Likewise, the second magnetic sensor group 43B includes the first hall element 43B1, the second hall element 43B2, and the third hall element 43B 3. The first hall element 43B1 is disposed inside the first coil 42B1, the second hall element 43B2 is disposed between the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2, and the third hall element 43B3 is disposed inside the second coil 42B 2.

The lens holding assembly LH is a member for holding the lens holder 3 at a movement limit position, which is an example of a position on the end portion side of the movable range in the optical axis direction. The movement limit position is a position of the lens holder 3 when the lens holder 3 moves to the end of the movable range of the lens holder 3. However, the lens holding assembly LH may hold the lens holder 3 in the vicinity of the movement limit position in the optical axis direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, the lens holding assembly LH includes a first lens holding assembly LH1 for holding the first lens holder 3A at the movement limit position of the front side (X1 side), and a second lens holding assembly LH2 for holding the second lens holder 3B at the movement limit position of the rear side (X2 side). As shown in fig. 7, the first lens holding assembly LH1 is attached to the connection portion CP of the second substrate 41B of the second coil assembly 4B, and the second lens holding assembly LH2 is attached to the connection portion CP of the first substrate 41A of the first coil assembly 4A.

When the first lens holder 3A is held at the movement limit position on the X1 side, the first lens holder 3A abuts against a stopper (not shown) provided on the fixed-side member FM such as the coil holder 5. The same applies to the case where the second lens holder 3B is held at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Next, details of the movable-side member MB will be described with reference to fig. 8 to 11. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the movable-side member MB. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder 3. Fig. 10 is a top view and a bottom view of the lens holder 3. Specifically, (a) of fig. 10 shows a plan view of the lens holder 3, and (B) of fig. 10 shows a bottom view of the lens holder 3. Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the lens holder driving device 101. Specifically, (a) of fig. 11 is a sectional view of the lens holder driving device 101 on the YZ plane including a broken line CL1 in fig. 1. Fig. 11 (B) is an enlarged view of a range R1 surrounded by a broken line in fig. 11 (a).

As shown in fig. 8, the movable member MB includes a lens holder 3 that holds the lens body LS, and an engaging member 10. Specifically, the lens holder 3 includes a first lens holder 3A that holds the first lens body LS1, and a second lens holder 3B that holds the second lens body LS 2. The engaging member 10 includes a first engaging member 10A attached to the first lens holder 3A and a second engaging member 10B attached to the second lens holder 3B.

The engaging member 10 is configured to be engageable with the lens holder assembly LH when the lens holder 3 is located at the movement limit position in the optical axis direction. In the present embodiment, the engaging member 10 is formed of a metal plate. As shown in fig. 14, the first engaging member 10A is configured to be engageable with the first lens holder assembly LH1 when the first lens holder 3A is located at the movement limit position on the X1 side. Similarly, the second engaging member 10B is configured to be engageable with the second lens holder LH2 when the second lens holder 3B is located at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

As shown in fig. 11 (a), the lens holder 3 is configured to be sandwiched between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5. Specifically, the lens holder 3 is configured to contact the upper surface of the coil holder 5 via the lower ball group 8, and to contact the top surface (the upper surface portion 1B) of the cover member 1 via the upper ball group 9.

As shown in fig. 8, the lower ball group 8 includes a first lower ball group 8A that supports the first lens holder 3A, and a second lower ball group 8B that supports the second lens holder 3B. The first lower ball group 8A includes four balls (first ball 8A1 to fourth ball 8A 4). Similarly, the second lower ball group 8B includes four balls (first ball 8B1 to fourth ball 8B 4).

In the present embodiment, the 8 balls constituting the lower ball group 8 are formed of metal. However, the 8 balls constituting the lower ball group 8 may be formed of synthetic resin.

As shown in fig. 8, the upper ball group 9 includes a first upper ball group 9A that supports the first lens holder 3A, and a second upper ball group 9B that supports the second lens holder 3B. The first upper ball group 9A includes four balls (first ball 9A1 to fourth ball 9A 4). Similarly, the second upper ball group 9B includes four balls (first ball 9B1 to fourth ball 9B 4).

In the present embodiment, the 8 balls constituting the upper ball group 9 are formed of metal. However, the 8 balls constituting the upper ball group 9 may be formed of synthetic resin.

As shown in fig. 9, the lens holder 3 includes a lens holder 30, a spring group 31, and a push rod group 32. In the present embodiment, lens holder 30 and push rod group 32 are formed of synthetic resin, and spring group 31 is formed of metal.

The lens holder 30 is a member for holding the lens body LS. In the present embodiment, the lens holder 30 includes a first lens holder 30A for holding the first lens body LS1, and a second lens holder 30B for holding the second lens body LS 2. The first lens body LS1 is fixed to the first lens holder 30A by an adhesive, and the second lens body LS2 is fixed to the second lens holder 30B by an adhesive.

The first lens holder 30A has a recess RS6 on a side surface (side surface on the Y1 side) facing the first coil unit 4A (see fig. 4). The first driving magnet 6A is fitted into the recess RS6 and fixed by an adhesive.

Similarly, the second lens holder 30B has a recess RS7 (not visible in fig. 9) on a side surface (side surface on the Y2 side) facing the second coil assembly 4B (see fig. 4). The second driving magnet 6B is fitted into the recess RS7 and fixed by an adhesive.

As shown in fig. 8, the first lens holder 30A has a convex portion PR and a raised portion BL on the upper surface of the side portion facing the second coil unit 4B (the upper surface on the Y2 side). Similarly, as shown in fig. 8, the second lens holder 30B has a convex portion PR and a raised portion BL on the upper surface of the side portion facing the first coil unit 4A (the upper surface on the Y1 side). The convex portion PR and the raised portion BL are structures for attaching the engaging member 10 to the lens holder 30.

The projection PR is formed to penetrate through an opening AP formed in the engaging member 10. In the present embodiment, two cylindrical convex portions PR are formed in the first lens holder 30A. Further, a concave portion for receiving the adhesive is formed around each of the two convex portions PR. The same applies to the second lens holder 30B.

The raised portion BL is configured to engage with a notch CU formed in the engagement member 10. In the present embodiment, one prism-shaped raised portion BL is formed in the first lens holder 30A. The same applies to the second lens holder 30B.

The first engaging member 10A is fixed to the first lens holder 30A with an adhesive in a state where the convex portions PR are respectively accommodated in the two openings AP and in a state where the notch CU is engaged with the raised portion BL of the first lens holder 30A. Similarly, the second engaging member 10B is fixed to the second lens holder 30B with an adhesive in a state where the convex portions PR are respectively accommodated in the two openings AP and in a state where the notch CU is engaged with the raised portion BL of the second lens holder 30B.

As shown in fig. 9, spring group 31 is configured to bias push rod group 32 upward (Z1 direction).

As shown in fig. 8, the push rod group 32 is configured to hold the upper ball group 9 and press the upper ball group 9 against the top surface of the cover member 1.

Specifically, the spring group 31 includes a first spring group 31A that biases the first push rod group 32A attached to the first lens holder 30A upward, and a second spring group 31B that biases the second push rod group 32B attached to the second lens holder 30B upward.

The first spring group 31A includes four coil springs (the first coil spring 31A1 to the fourth coil spring 31A 4). Similarly, the second spring group 31B includes four coil springs (the first coil spring 31B1 to the fourth coil spring 31B 4).

The first pusher group 32A includes two pushers (a first pusher 32A1 and a second pusher 32A 2). Likewise, the second push rod group 32B includes two push rods (a first push rod 32B1 and a second push rod 32B 2).

In the present embodiment, the coil spring is configured to fit into a hole HL (see fig. 9 and 10 a) formed in the lens holder 30 and to accommodate a columnar protrusion AX (see fig. 9) formed on the lower side (Z2 side) of the push rod group 32.

The holes HL formed in the first lens holder 30A include first to fourth holes HL1 to HL 4. The first hole HL1 receives the first coil spring 31a1, the second hole HL2 receives the second coil spring 31a2, the third hole HL3 receives the third coil spring 31A3, and the fourth hole HL4 receives the fourth coil spring 31a 4.

Similarly, the holes HL formed in the second lens holder 30B include first to fourth holes HL1 to HL 4. The first hole HL1 receives the first coil spring 31B1, the second hole HL2 receives the second coil spring 31B2, the third hole HL3 receives the third coil spring 31B3, and the fourth hole HL4 receives the fourth coil spring 31B 4.

As shown in fig. 8, the first push rod 32a1 attached to the first lens holder 30A has a first recess RS1 for rotatably accommodating the first ball 9a1 and a second recess RS2 for rotatably accommodating the second ball 9a2, and the second push rod 32a2 has a third recess RS3 for rotatably accommodating the third ball 9A3 and a fourth recess RS4 for rotatably accommodating the fourth ball 9a 4.

Similarly, the first push rod 32B1 attached to the second lens holder 30B has a first recess RS1 accommodating the first ball 9B1 so as to be rotatable and a second recess RS2 accommodating the second ball 9B2 so as to be rotatable, and the second push rod 32B2 has a third recess RS3 accommodating the third ball 9B3 so as to be rotatable and a fourth recess RS4 accommodating the fourth ball 9B4 so as to be rotatable.

As shown in fig. 9, the protrusion AX formed on the first pushrod 32a1 attached to the first lens holder 30A has a first protrusion AX1 and a second protrusion AX 2. The first protrusion AX1 is fitted inside the first coil spring 31a1, and the second protrusion AX2 is fitted inside the second coil spring 31a 2. In addition, the protrusion AX formed on the second pushrod 32a2 attached to the first lens holder 30A has a third protrusion AX3 and a fourth protrusion AX 4. The third protrusion AX3 is fitted inside the third coil spring 31A3, and the fourth protrusion AX4 is fitted inside the fourth coil spring 31a 4.

Similarly, the protrusion AX formed on the first pushrod 32B1 attached to the second lens holder 30B has a first protrusion AX1 and a second protrusion AX 2. The first protrusion AX1 is fitted inside the first coil spring 31B1, and the second protrusion AX2 is fitted inside the second coil spring 31B 2. In addition, the protrusion AX formed on the second pushrod 32B2 attached to the second lens holder 30B has a third protrusion AX3 and a fourth protrusion AX 4. The third protrusion AX3 is fitted inside the third coil spring 31B3, and the fourth protrusion AX4 is fitted inside the fourth coil spring 31B 4.

As shown in fig. 10B, first to fourth recesses RS1 to RS4 are formed in the lower surface (surface on the Z2 side) of the first lens holder 30A to accommodate the first to fourth balls 8A1 to 8A4 constituting the first lower ball group 8A. Similarly, a first concave portion RS1 to a fourth concave portion RS4 that accommodate the first ball 8B1 to the fourth ball 8B4 constituting the second lower ball group 8B, respectively, are formed on the lower surface (surface on the Z2 side) of the second lens holder 30B.

The lens holder 3 is supported by the coil holder 5 so as to be slidable in the optical axis direction via a lower ball group 8, and the lower ball group 8 is disposed in a groove 5G (see fig. 4 and 5) formed in the upper surface of the coil holder 5.

The slots 5G include a first slot 5G1 (see fig. 4) disposed on the side closer to the second coil block 4B (Y2 side) and a second slot 5G2 disposed on the side closer to the first coil block 4A (Y1 side).

The first groove 5G1 is configured to accommodate the first ball 8A1 and the second ball 8A2 constituting the first lower ball group 8A, and the first ball 8B1 and the second ball 8B2 constituting the second lower ball group 8B.

The second groove 5G2 is configured to accommodate the third ball 8A3 and the fourth ball 8A4 constituting the first lower ball group 8A, and the third ball 8B3 and the fourth ball 8B4 constituting the second lower ball group 8B.

According to the above configuration, the lens holder 3 is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction while being sandwiched between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5. Specifically, as shown in fig. 11, the first lens holder 3A is supported slidably in the optical axis direction by the first balls 8A1 (not visible in fig. 11) and the second balls 8A2 constituting the first lower ball group 8A accommodated in the first groove 5G1 of the coil holder 5, and the third balls 8A3 (not visible in fig. 11) and the fourth balls 8A4 constituting the first lower ball group 8A accommodated in the second groove 5G2 of the coil holder 5.

The first lens holder 3A is configured to bias the first plunger 32a1 upward by the first coil spring 31A1 (not visible in fig. 11) and the second coil spring 31A2 constituting the first spring group 31A, and to bias the second plunger 32a2 upward by the third coil spring 31A3 (not visible in fig. 11) and the fourth coil spring 31A4 constituting the first spring group 31A. The first lens holder 3A is configured to press the first balls 9A1 (not visible in fig. 11) and the second balls 9A2 constituting the first upper ball group 9A supported by the first push rod 32a1 against the top surface of the cover member 1, and to press the third balls 9A3 (not visible in fig. 11) and the fourth balls 9A4 constituting the first upper ball group 9A supported by the second push rod 32a2 against the top surface of the cover member 1. In the present embodiment, the movement groove 5G for guiding the upper ball group 9 is not formed in the top surface of the cover member 1. However, a structure in which the groove 5G is formed on the top surface of the cover member 1 is also possible.

According to this configuration, the first lens holder 3A is held so as to be smoothly movable in the optical axis direction without rattling between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5.

As shown in fig. 11B, the first groove 5G1 is configured such that the inclination of the inclined surface SL2 on the outer side (the side away from the optical axis JD) with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than the inclination of the inclined surface SL1 on the center side (the side closer to the optical axis JD) with respect to the horizontal plane. The shape of the first groove G1 and the shape of the second groove G2 are plane-symmetric with respect to an XZ plane including the optical axis JD.

This configuration enables centering of the first lens holder 3A. That is, according to this configuration, the balls constituting the lower ball group 8 disposed in the groove 5G formed in the upper surface of the coil holder 5 can slightly move not only in the optical axis direction (direction parallel to the X axis) but also in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (direction parallel to the Y axis). Therefore, when the first lens holder 3A is clamped between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5, the XZ plane including the midpoint between the second ball 8a2 and the fourth ball 8a4 is automatically adjusted to coincide with the XZ plane including the midpoint between the first groove 5G1 and the second groove 5G2, and the centering of the first lens holder 3A is appropriately achieved. The same applies to the second lens holder 3B.

Next, the driving mechanism DM will be described with reference to fig. 12 and 13. Fig. 12 and 13 are plan views of components constituting the drive mechanism DM. The drive mechanism DM is composed of a drive magnet 6 and a coil group 42. In fig. 12 and 13, for the sake of clarity, components other than those constituting the driving mechanism DM are not shown except for the lens body LS, the holding magnet 12, the substrate 41 of the coil block 4, and the magnetic sensor group 43. In addition, the coil group 42 is made transparent in order to know the position of the magnetic sensor group 43. The N-poles of the driving magnet 6 and the holding magnet 12 are hatched with diagonal lines.

Specifically, (a) of fig. 12 shows a state in which the first lens holder 3A (the first lens body LS1) and the second lens holder 3B (the second lens body LS2) are both separated from the movement limit position and are separated from each other. Fig. 12 (B) shows a state where the first lens holder 3A (first lens body LS1) and the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2) are both located at the movement limit positions. Fig. 13A shows a case where the first lens holder 3A (the first lens body LS1) is separated from the movement limit position, the second lens holder 3B (the second lens body LS2) is located at the movement limit position, and the two are in contact with each other. Fig. 13 (B) shows a case where the first lens holder 3A (the first lens body LS1) is located at the movement limit position, and the second lens holder 3B (the second lens body LS2) is separated from the movement limit position and brought into contact with each other.

The driving mechanism DM is configured to be able to move the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction. In the present embodiment, the driving mechanism DM is configured to be able to generate a driving force by a current flowing through the coil group 42 and a magnetic field generated by the driving magnet 6, and to move the lens holder 3 along the optical axis JD.

Specifically, the driving mechanism DM includes a first driving mechanism DM1 that moves the first lens holder 3A in the optical axis direction, and a second driving mechanism DM2 that moves the second lens holder 3B in the optical axis direction.

The first driving mechanism DM1 includes a first coil group 42A attached to the first substrate 41A of the first coil block 4A, and a first driving magnet 6A attached to the first lens holder 30A.

The second driving mechanism DM2 includes a second coil group 42B attached to the second substrate 41B of the second coil assembly 4B, and a second driving magnet 6B attached to the second lens holder 30B.

The holding magnet 12 is configured to be able to hold the lens holder 3 located at the movement limit position by magnetic force. In the present embodiment, the holding magnets 12 include a first holding magnet 12A that magnetically holds the first lens holder 3A located at the movement limit position, and a second holding magnet 12B that magnetically holds the second lens holder 3B located at the movement limit position.

In the present embodiment, the first holding magnet 12A and the second holding magnet 12B are permanent magnets magnetized to two poles, respectively, and the inner side (the side closer to the optical axis JD) is magnetized to the N pole and the outer side is magnetized to the S pole. As shown in fig. 6, the holding magnet 12 is attached to the coil holder 5 so as not to directly face the lens holder 3 (driving magnet 6), that is, so as to indirectly face the driving magnet 6 with a part of the coil holder 5 interposed therebetween. However, the first holding magnet 12A and the second holding magnet 12B may be magnetized so that the inner sides (sides closer to the optical axis JD) thereof are S-pole and the outer sides thereof are N-pole, respectively, in accordance with the magnetic poles of the driving magnet 6.

The first holding magnet 12A includes a front side magnet 12A1 that holds the first lens holder 3A located at the movement limit position on the X1 side, and a rear side magnet 12A2 that holds the first lens holder 3A located at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Similarly, the second holding magnet 12B includes a front side magnet 12B1 that holds the second lens holder 3B at the movement limit position on the X1 side, and a rear side magnet 12B2 that holds the second lens holder 3B at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

As shown in fig. 6, the first holding magnet 12A is fitted into the recess RS5 of the coil holder 5 and fixed with an adhesive. The same applies to the second holding magnet 12B.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 12 (B), the front magnet 12A1 of the first holding magnet 12A is arranged to attract the first driving magnet 6A by an attractive force acting between the first driving magnets 6A attached to the first lens holder 3A located at the movement limit position on the X1 side.

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the rear magnet 12A2 of the first holding magnet 12A is arranged to attract the first driving magnet 6A by an attractive force acting between the first driving magnets 6A attached to the first lens holder 3A located at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Similarly, as shown in fig. 13 (B), the front side magnet 12B1 of the second holding magnet 12B is arranged to attract the second driving magnet 6B by an attractive force acting between the second driving magnets 6B attached to the second lens holder 3B located at the movement limit position on the X1 side.

As shown in fig. 12 (B), the rear magnet 12B2 of the second holding magnet 12B is arranged to attract the second driving magnet 6B by an attractive force acting between the second driving magnets 6B attached to the second lens holder 3B located at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Next, a relationship between the magnetic poles of the first driving magnet 6A and the magnetic poles of the first coil group 42A when the first lens holder 3A located at the movement limit position on the X1 side is moved to the movement limit position on the X2 side will be described.

When the first lens holder 3A is located at the movement limit position on the X1 side, the first driving magnet 6A is located at a position facing the first coil 42A1 of the first coil group 42A, as shown in fig. 13 (B). However, the central axis M1 located at the center position in the optical axis direction of the first driving magnet 6A does not coincide with the central axis L1 located at the center position in the optical axis direction of the first coil 42a 1. This is because, if the center axis M1 coincides with the center axis L1, there is a possibility that the first driving magnet 6A cannot be moved away by a repulsive force (repulsive force) when the first coil 42a1 is excited. The central axis M1 is a straight line parallel to the Y axis passing through the center point of the first driving magnet 6A, and the central axis L1 is a straight line parallel to the Y axis passing through the center point of the first coil 42a 1. The same applies to central axes L2, L3, L4, and M2 described later.

In the case where the first coil 42A1 is not excited, the S pole of the first driving magnet 6A is attracted by the N pole of the front side magnet 12A1 of the first holding magnet 12A, and the first driving magnet 6A (first lens holder 3A) is held at the movement limit position on the X1 side.

When the first coil 42a1 is excited so that the side (Y2 side) of the first coil 42a1 facing the first driving magnet 6A becomes S-pole, that is, so that the first driving magnet 6A and the first coil 42a1 repel each other, the first driving magnet 6A moves toward the X2 side along the optical axis direction as shown in fig. 12 a.

When the second coil 42A2 is excited so that the side (Y2 side) of the second coil 42A2 of the first coil group 42A facing the first driving magnet 6A becomes the N pole, that is, so that the first driving magnet 6A and the second coil 42A2 attract each other, the first driving magnet 6A further moves to the X2 side in the optical axis direction as shown in fig. 13 a.

When the first lens holder 3A is located at the movement limit position on the X2 side, the first driving magnet 6A is located at a position facing the second coil 42a2 as shown in fig. 13 (a). However, for the above reason, the central axis M1 of the first driving magnet 6A does not coincide with the central axis L2 located at the central position in the optical axis direction of the second coil 42a 2.

In the case where the first lens holder 3A is located at the movement limit position on the X2 side, in the case where the second coil 42A2 is not excited, the S pole of the first driving magnet 6A is attracted by the N pole of the rear side magnet 12A2 of the first holding magnet 12A, and the first driving magnet 6A (first lens holder 3A) is held at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Similarly, when the second lens holder 3B is at the movement limit position on the X1 side, the second driving magnet 6B is positioned to face the first coil 42B1 of the second coil group 42B, as shown in fig. 13 (B). However, for the above reason, the central axis M2 located at the center position in the optical axis direction of the second driving magnet 6B does not coincide with the central axis L3 located at the center position in the optical axis direction of the first coil 42B 1.

When the first coil 42B1 is not excited, the S pole of the second driving magnet 6B is attracted by the N pole of the front magnet 12B1 of the second holding magnet 12B, and the second driving magnet 6B (second lens holder 3B) is held at the movement limit position on the X1 side.

When the first coil 42B1 is excited so that the side of the first coil 42B1 facing the second driving magnet 6B (Y1 side) becomes S-pole, that is, so that the second driving magnet 6B and the first coil 42B1 repel each other, the second driving magnet 6B moves toward the X2 side along the optical axis direction as shown in fig. 12 a.

When the second coil 42B2 is excited so that the side (Y1 side) of the second coil 42B2 of the second coil group 42B facing the second driving magnet 6B becomes the N pole, that is, so that the second driving magnet 6B and the second coil 42B2 attract each other, the second driving magnet 6B further moves to the X2 side in the optical axis direction as shown in fig. 13 a.

When the second lens holder 3B is located at the movement limit position on the X2 side, the second driving magnet 6B is located at a position facing the second coil 42B2 as shown in fig. 13 (a). However, for the above reason, the central axis M2 of the second driving magnet 6B does not coincide with the central axis L4 located at the central position in the optical axis direction of the second coil 42B 2.

In the case where the second lens holder 3B is located at the movement limit position on the X2 side, in the case where the second coil 42B2 is not excited, the S pole of the second driving magnet 6B is attracted by the N pole of the rear side magnet 12B2 of the second holding magnet 12B, and the second driving magnet 6B (the second lens holder 3B) is held at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Next, the dimensions of the lens body LS, the driving magnet 6, and the coil group 42 will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 13 (B), a width W1, which is a dimension in the optical axis direction of the first lens body LS1, is larger than a width W2, which is a dimension in the optical axis direction of the second lens body LS 2. Therefore, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the width W3 of the first lens holder 3A holding the first lens body LS1 is larger than the width W4 of the second lens holder 3B holding the second lens body LS 2.

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the width W5 of the first driving magnet 6A is larger than the width W6 of the second driving magnet 6B. In the present embodiment, the height of the first driving magnet 6A is the same as the height of the second driving magnet 6B.

The width W7 of each of the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A is larger than the width W8 of the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the height H1 of each of the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A is the same as the height H2 of the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B.

As shown in fig. 13 (B), the width W9 of the arrangement region of the first coil group 42A partially overlaps the width W10 of the arrangement region of the second coil group 42B in the optical axis direction. The overlapping portion has a width W11.

The arrangement region of the first coil group 42A is a region in the first substrate 41A of the first coil unit 4A where the coil can be arranged. In the present embodiment, the first coil 42a1 is disposed at the right end (one end on the X1 side) of the disposition region, and the second coil 42a2 is disposed at the left end (one end on the X2 side) of the disposition region. Therefore, the width between the right end of the first coil 42a1 and the left end of the second coil 42a2 becomes the width W9 of the arrangement region. The same applies to the arrangement region of the second coil group 42B.

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the width W12, which is the interval between the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A, is larger than the width W13, which is the interval between the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B. This is because the width W5 of the first driving magnet 6A is larger than the width W6 of the second driving magnet 6B.

Next, the holding mechanism HM that mechanically holds the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position will be described with reference to fig. 14 to 18. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the lower member LM, showing a state in which the lens holder 3 is mechanically held at the movement limit position by the holding mechanism HM. Fig. 15 is a perspective view and a front view (a side view from the X1 side) of the holding mechanism HM. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed-side member FM (excluding the cover member 1). Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the lens holder assembly LH. Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the lens holder assembly LH. Specifically, fig. 18 is a sectional view of the first lens-holding assembly LH1 on the YZ plane including the broken line CL2 in fig. 16. In fig. 18, the N-poles of the upper holding magnet 22, the plunger 25, and the lower holding magnet 26 are hatched, and therefore the hatching showing the cross section is omitted.

The holding mechanism HM includes a lens holding assembly LH and an engaging member 10. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, the holding mechanism HM includes a first holding mechanism HM1 that mechanically holds the first lens holder 3A at the movement limit position on the front side (X1 side), and a second holding mechanism HM2 that mechanically holds the second lens holder 3B at the movement limit position on the rear side (X2 side).

The first holding mechanism HM1 includes a first lens holding assembly LH1 and a first engaging member 10A. The second holding mechanism HM2 includes a second lens holding unit LH2 and a second engaging member 10B.

As shown in fig. 15, the first lens holding unit LH1 is configured to be able to advance and retreat (move up and down) the locking portion 25e in a direction parallel to the Z axis. Fig. 15 shows a relationship between the first lens holding unit LH1 fixed to the second substrate 41B of the second coil unit 4B and the first engaging member 10A fixed to the first lens holder 30A of the first lens holder 3A. Specifically, (a1) in fig. 15 and (a2) in fig. 15 show the state when the locking portion 25e is pushed upward, and (B1) in fig. 15 and (B2) in fig. 15 show the state when the locking portion 25e is pulled downward.

In the present embodiment, the first lens holding unit LH1 is configured to be able to move the locking portion 25e up and down by an electromagnetic mechanism EM (see fig. 17) located inside thereof. The same is true with respect to the second lens holding assembly LH 2.

In addition, the electromagnetic mechanism EM located in the first lens holder assembly LH1 is disposed so as to face the side portion SB2 in the first lens holder 3A, and the side portion SB2 is located on the side (Y2 side) opposite to the side portion SB1 on the side (Y1 side) where the first driving magnet 6A is provided. That is, the electromagnetic mechanism EM located in the first lens holding assembly LH1 is disposed separately from the first driving magnet 6A. This is to prevent interference between the magnetism generated by the first driving magnet 6A and the magnetism generated by the electromagnetic mechanism EM. The same applies to the positional relationship between the electromagnetic mechanism EM located in the second lens holding assembly LH2 and the second driving magnet 6B.

As shown in fig. 15 (a2), the locking portion 25e is configured such that when pushed upward, its end surface is positioned above the upper surface of the engaging member 10. That is, the locking portion 25e is configured to engage with a notch CT (see fig. 8) formed in the engaging member 10 when pushed upward. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as an "engaged state". As shown in fig. 15 (B2), the locking portion 25e is configured such that its end surface is positioned below the lower surface of the engaging member 10 when it is pulled downward. That is, the locking portion 25e is configured not to engage with the notch CT (see fig. 8) formed in the engaging member 10 when pulled downward. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a "non-engagement state". The notch CT is an example of an engagement portion, and may be formed as a through portion (opening (through hole)) adapted to the shape of the engagement portion 25 e. The engagement portion and the engagement portion 25e may have any structure as long as they can be engaged with each other, that is, as long as the engagement state and the non-engagement state can be selectively achieved.

As shown in fig. 16, the first lens holding assembly LH1 is fitted into and fixed to the recess RS8 formed in the coil holder 5 in a state of being mounted on the second substrate 41B of the second coil assembly 4B. Similarly, the second lens holding assembly LH2 is fitted into and fixed to the recess RS9 formed in the coil holder 5 in a state of being mounted on the first substrate 41A of the first coil assembly 4A.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 17, the first lens holding unit LH1 includes an upper cover 20, a yoke 21, an upper holding magnet 22, a bobbin 23, a coil 24, a plunger 25, a lower holding magnet 26, a coil spring 27, a lower cover 28, and the like.

The upper holding magnet 22, the bobbin 23, the plunger 25, the lower holding magnet 26, and the coil spring 27 constitute a lock mechanism LK, and the yoke 21, the upper holding magnet 22, the bobbin 23, the coil 24, the plunger 25, and the lower holding magnet 26 constitute an electromagnetic mechanism EM. The same is true with respect to the second lens holding assembly LH 2.

The upper cover 20 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member that forms the upper surface of the first lens holding assembly LH 1. In the present embodiment, the upper cover 20 is formed of a magnetic material and configured to function as a yoke. The upper cover 20 has an opening 20k in the center through which an engagement portion 25e formed at the upper end of the plunger 25 passes. The upper cover 20 has six openings 20h through which six protrusions 23p formed at the upper end of the bobbin 23 penetrate. In addition, in fig. 17, only one of the six protrusions 23p is shown with a reference numeral, and only one of the six openings 20h is shown with a reference numeral. In addition, one of the six openings 20h is formed as a notch opened toward the outside.

The yoke 21 is a member for efficiently acting the magnetic fields generated by the upper holding magnet 22, the coil 24, and the lower holding magnet 26. In the present embodiment, the yoke 21 is formed of a magnetic material, and is configured to surround the upper holding magnet 22, the bobbin 23, the coil 24, the plunger 25, the lower holding magnet 26, and the coil spring 27 in cooperation with the upper cover 20 and the lower cover 28.

The upper holding magnet 22 is a member for magnetically maintaining the engagement state between the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 and the engagement member 10. Specifically, the upper holding magnet 22 is disposed so as to be able to pull the plunger 25 made of a magnetic material upward (Z1 direction). In the present embodiment, the upper holding magnet 22 includes a first magnet 22A and a second magnet 22B. Each of the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B is a permanent magnet magnetized to two poles, and as shown in fig. 18, the lower side (Z2 side) is magnetized to the N pole, and the upper side (Z1 side) is magnetized to the S pole. The first magnet 22A is fitted into the recess RS10 formed in the bobbin 23 and fixed with an adhesive. Similarly, the second magnet 22B is fitted into the recess RS11 formed in the bobbin 23 and fixed by an adhesive.

Fig. 18 (a) shows a state where the locking portion 25e is pulled in downward direction, and fig. 18 (B) shows a state where the locking portion 25e is pushed out upward. Fig. 18 shows that the stroke amount, which is the distance between the end surface of the locking portion 25e when the locking portion 25e is pushed upward and the end surface of the locking portion 25e when the locking portion 25e is pulled downward, is the value SK.

As shown in fig. 18, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are attached to the bobbin 23 such that the S-poles thereof face upward (in the Z1 direction). However, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B may be attached to the bobbin 23 such that the N-poles thereof face upward (in the Z1 direction).

The bobbin 23 is configured to support the upper cover 20, the yoke 21, the upper holding magnet 22, the coil 24, the plunger 25, the lower holding magnet 26, the coil spring 27, and the lower cover 28. In the present embodiment, the bobbin 23 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin such as a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP).

Specifically, as shown in fig. 17, the bobbin 23 is configured such that the coil 24 is disposed around the constricted portion 23 n.

As shown in fig. 18, the bobbin 23 is configured to accommodate a plunger 25, a lower holding magnet 26, and a coil spring 27 in a chamber CV formed therein. The plunger 25 is disposed in the chamber CV so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the chamber CV. The coil spring 27 is disposed in a compressed state between the plunger 25 and the lower cover 28 so as to be able to bias the plunger 25 upward (Z1 direction).

The coil 24 is configured to be able to excite the plunger 25 formed of a magnetic material. In the present embodiment, the coil 24 is wound around the constricted portion 23n of the plunger 25. Specifically, when a current flows in the first direction of the wire rod constituting the coil 24, as shown in fig. 18 a, the coil 24 excites an upper side (Z1 side) portion of the plunger 25 to an N pole and excites a lower side (Z2 side) portion of the plunger 25 to an S pole. In contrast, when a current flows in the second direction (the opposite direction of the first direction) of the wire rod constituting the coil 24, as shown in fig. 18 (B), the coil 24 excites a portion on the upper side (Z1 side) of the plunger 25 to the S pole and excites a portion on the lower side (Z2 side) of the plunger 25 to the N pole.

The plunger 25 is configured to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the chamber CV of the bobbin 23, and to be partially engageable with the engaging member 10. In the present embodiment, the plunger 25 is disposed in the chamber CV in a state of being biased upward (Z1 direction) by the coil spring 27. In addition, the plunger 25 is formed of a magnetic material so as to be excited by the coil 24. Specifically, the plunger 25 includes a substantially cubic body portion 25m and a rectangular prism-shaped locking portion 25e protruding upward from the body portion 25 m.

The lower holding magnet 26 is a member for magnetically maintaining the non-engagement state between the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 and the engagement member 10. Specifically, the lower holding magnet 26 is disposed so as to be able to pull the plunger 25 made of a magnetic material downward (Z2 direction). In the present embodiment, the lower holding magnet 26 includes a first magnet 26A and a second magnet 26B. Each of the first magnet 26A and the second magnet 26B is a permanent magnet magnetized to two poles, and as shown in fig. 18, the upper side (Z1 side) is magnetized to the N pole, and the lower side (Z2 side) is magnetized to the S pole. That is, when the lower sides (Z2 sides) of the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B constituting the upper holding magnet 22 are magnetized to N-poles, the first magnet 26A and the second magnet 26B constituting the lower holding magnet 26 are arranged so that the upper sides (Z1 sides) become N-poles, respectively.

The first magnet 26A is fixed by an adhesive in a state of being in contact with a step SP1 formed in the cavity CV of the bobbin 23. Similarly, the second magnet 26B is fixed by an adhesive in a state of being in contact with the step SP2 formed in the cavity CV of the bobbin 23.

The coil spring 27 is an example of an urging member, and is configured to be able to urge the plunger 25 upward (in the Z1 direction) in the chamber CV of the bobbin 23. In the present embodiment, the coil spring 27 is disposed in the chamber CV together with the plunger 25. Specifically, the coil spring 27 is disposed in the chamber CV in a compressed state such that one end thereof is in contact with an end surface of the plunger 25 on the lower side (Z2 side) of the body portion 25m and the other end thereof is in contact with an upper surface (Z1 side) of the lower cover 28 attached to the bobbin 23.

The lower cover 28 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member that forms the lower surface of the first lens holding assembly LH 1. In the present embodiment, lower cover 28 is formed of a magnetic material and configured to function as a yoke. The lower cover 28 has six openings 28h through which six protrusions 23q formed at the lower end of the bobbin 23 penetrate. In addition, in fig. 17, only one of the six protrusions 23q is shown with a reference numeral, and only one of the six openings 28h is shown with a reference numeral. In addition, one of the six openings 28h is formed as a notch opened toward the outside.

In the present embodiment, the upper cover 20 and the lower cover 28 are configured to have the same shape. This is to reduce the number of parts.

The electromagnetic mechanism EM is a mechanism for moving the plunger 25 up and down within the chamber CV of the bobbin 23 by electromagnetic force. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic mechanism EM is mainly composed of an upper holding magnet 22, a bobbin 23, a coil 24, a plunger 25, and a lower holding magnet 26.

When a current flows in a first direction of the wire rod constituting the coil 24, as shown in fig. 18 (a), the upper side portion of the plunger 25 is excited as the N-pole, and the lower side portion is excited as the S-pole. Therefore, the plunger 25 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow AR3 by the repulsive force (repulsive force) between the N-pole of the upper holding magnet 22 and the N-pole of the upper portion of the plunger 25 and the attractive force between the N-pole of the lower holding magnet 26 and the S-pole of the lower portion of the plunger 25. At this time, the plunger 25 moves downward while compressing the coil spring 27 until the distance between the plunger 25 and the lower holding magnet 26 reaches the value GP 1. Then, even when the current supply to the coil 24 is stopped in a state where the distance between the plunger 25 and the lower holding magnet 26 is equal to the value GP1, that is, in a state shown in fig. 18 (a), the distance is maintained by the attractive force between the N-pole of the lower holding magnet 26 and the plunger 25 that is not excited. In the present embodiment, the plunger 25 and the lower holding magnet 26 are configured not to contact each other. This is because, if the plunger 25 contacts the lower holding magnet 26, a relatively large force is required to separate the two.

When current flows in the second direction of the wire rod constituting the coil 24, as shown in fig. 18 (B), the upper side portion of the plunger 25 is excited as the S pole, and the lower side portion is excited as the N pole. Therefore, the plunger 25 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow AR4 by the attractive force between the N-pole of the upper holding magnet 22 and the S-pole of the upper portion of the plunger 25, the repulsive force (repulsive force) between the N-pole of the lower holding magnet 26 and the N-pole of the lower portion of the plunger 25, and the restoring force of the coil spring 27. At this time, the plunger 25 moves upward until the distance between the plunger 25 and the upper holding magnet 22 reaches the value GP2, that is, until the shoulder 25s (see fig. 18 a) of the plunger 25 comes into contact with the step SP3 (see fig. 18 a) serving as a stopper formed in the cavity CV of the bobbin 23. In the present embodiment, the plunger 25 is configured not to contact the upper holding magnet 22. This is because, when the plunger 25 contacts the upper holding magnet 22, a relatively large force is required to separate the two.

According to this configuration, the electromagnetic mechanism EM can move the plunger 25 up and down within the chamber CV of the bobbin 23 by a predetermined stroke amount (value SK).

The lock mechanism LK is a mechanism for mechanically fixing the operation of the plunger 25 in a state where the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 is engaged with the notch CT (see fig. 8) of the engaging member 10. In the present embodiment, the lock mechanism LK is mainly configured by the upper holding magnet 22, the bobbin 23, the plunger 25, and the coil spring 27.

A state in which the shoulder 25s of the plunger 25 is in contact with the step SP3 formed in the cavity CV of the bobbin 23, that is, a state shown in fig. 18 (B), is maintained by an attractive force between the N-pole of the upper holding magnet 22 and the upper portion of the plunger 25 even when the supply of current to the coil 24 is stopped.

With this configuration, even when the current supply to the coil 24 is stopped, the lock mechanism LK can bring the state shown in fig. 15 (a1) and 15 (a2), that is, the state in which the lens holder 30 is held at the movement limit position by the engagement of the click portion 25e with the notch CT.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, the holding mechanism HM includes a first holding mechanism HM1 configured to hold the first lens holder 3A located at the movement limit position on the front side (the X1 side) and a second holding mechanism HM2 configured to hold the second lens holder 3B located at the movement limit position on the rear side (the X2 side). That is, the holding mechanism HM is configured to hold the first lens holder 3A at the movement limit position on the front side and hold the second lens holder 3B at the movement limit position on the rear side. However, the holding mechanism HM may be configured to hold the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B together at the movement limit position of either the front side or the rear side.

For example, as shown in fig. 13A, when the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B are located at the movement limit positions on the rear side (X2 side), the holding mechanism HM may be configured to hold both the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B together by engaging the notch CT of the engaging member attached to the end portion on the Y1 side of the first lens holder 3A located on the front side (X1 side) of the second lens holder 3B with the engaging portion 25e of the plunger 25 of the second lens holding unit LH2 attached to the rear end of the first substrate 41A. In this case, the first engaging member 10A, the second engaging member 10B, and the first lens holding unit LH1 may be omitted.

Alternatively, for example, as shown in fig. 13B, when the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B are located at the movement limit positions on the front side (X1 side), the holding mechanism HM may be configured to engage the notch CT of the engaging member attached to the end portion on the Y2 side of the second lens holder 3B located on the rear side (X2 side) of the first lens holder 3A with the engaging portion 25e of the plunger 25 of the first lens holding module LH1 attached to the front end of the second substrate 41B, thereby holding both the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B together. In this case, the first engaging member 10A, the second engaging member 10B, and the second lens holding unit LH2 may be omitted.

In this way, the holding mechanism HM may be configured to hold both the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B together by one engaging member and one lens holding unit.

Next, control of the lens holder driving device 101 mounted on the portable device with a camera will be described with reference to fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system SYS that controls the lens holder driving device 101.

The control system SYS mainly includes, as constituent elements, the first hall element 43A1, the second hall element 43A2, and the third hall element 43A3 in the first magnetic sensor group 43A, the first hall element 43B1, the second hall element 43B2, and the third hall element 43B3 in the second magnetic sensor group 43B, the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 in the first coil group 42A, the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 in the second coil group 42B, the coil 24 in the first lens holding unit LH1, and the coil 24 in the second lens holding unit LH2, which are arranged in the lens holder drive device 101.

The control system SYS includes, as components, an input device ID, a control device CTR, and a power source CS, which are disposed outside the lens holder driving device 101.

The input device ID is a device for receiving an input to the control device CTR. In the example shown in fig. 19, the input device ID is a touch panel provided in a portable device with a camera.

The control device CTR is configured to be able to control a power source CS that can supply a current to the lens holder driving device 101. In the example shown in fig. 19, the control device CTR is configured to control the power source CS based on information from the input device ID, the first hall element 43A1, the second hall element 43A2, and the third hall element 43A3 in the first magnetic sensor group 43A, and the first hall element 43B1, the second hall element 43B2, and the third hall element 43B3 in the second magnetic sensor group 43B.

The power source CS is configured to be able to supply current to the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 in the first coil group 42A, the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 in the second coil group 42B, the coil 24 in the first lens holding assembly LH1, and the coil 24 in the second lens holding assembly LH2 individually.

In the example shown in fig. 19, the control device CTR can supply an appropriate amount of current to each component at an appropriate timing by controlling the power source CS by the PWM control method.

Specifically, upon receiving the camera activation signal from the input device ID, the control device CTR PWM-controls the power supply CS to supply current to the coil 24 in the first lens holding assembly LH1 and the coil 24 in the second lens holding assembly LH2, respectively.

The camera activation signal is a signal for activating a camera mounted on the portable device with a camera. In the example shown in fig. 19, when a camera start signal is touched on a camera icon displayed on a touch panel display mounted on a portable device with a camera, the camera start signal is output through a touch panel as an input device ID.

When the coil 24 in the first lens holding unit LH1 receives the supply of current from the power source CS, the plunger 25 moves downward (in the Z2 direction) as shown in fig. 18 a. That is, as shown in fig. 15 (a2), the coil 24 pulls the end surface of the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25, which is located higher than the upper surface of the first engaging member 10A, into a position lower than the lower surface of the first engaging member 10A as shown in fig. 15 (B2). This is to release the engagement between the first engaging member 10A and the locking portion 25 e. By this release, the first lens holder 3A can be freely moved in the optical axis direction. The same applies to the release of the engagement between the second engagement member 10B and the locking portion 25e by the coil 24 in the second lens holding assembly LH 2.

Thereafter, the control device CTR supplies current to the first coil 42A1 in the first coil group 42A and the second coil 42B2 in the second coil group 42B by PWM-controlling the power source CS.

When the first coil 42a1 receives the supply of current from the power source CS, the first driving magnet 6A is separated by the magnetic force generated by the first coil 42a1, and the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) located at the movement limit position on the X1 side shown in fig. 13B can be moved to the position shown in fig. 12 a.

When the second coil 42a2 receives the supply of current from the power source CS, the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42a2 pulls the first driving magnet 6A, and the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) located at the position shown in fig. 12a can be moved to the movement limit position on the X2 side shown in fig. 13A.

When the second coil 42a2 receives a reverse current from the power source CS, the first driving magnet 6A is separated by the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42a2, and the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) located at the movement limit position on the X2 side shown in fig. 13A can be moved to the position shown in fig. 12 a.

When the first coil 42a1 receives a reverse current from the power source CS, the magnetic force generated by the first coil 42a1 pulls the first driving magnet 6A, and the first lens LS1 (first lens holder 3A) located at the position shown in fig. 12a can be moved to the movement limit position on the X1 side shown in fig. 13B.

Similarly, when the second coil 42B2 receives the supply of the current from the power source CS, the second driving magnet 6B is separated by the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42B2, and the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) located at the movement limit position on the X2 side shown in fig. 12 (B) can be moved to the position shown in fig. 12 (a).

When the first coil 42B1 receives the supply of current from the power source CS, the magnetic force generated by the first coil 42B1 pulls the second driving magnet 6B, and the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) located at the position shown in fig. 12 (a) can be moved to the movement limit position on the X1 side shown in fig. 13 (B).

When the first coil 42B1 receives a reverse current from the power source CS, the second driving magnet 6B is separated by the magnetic force generated by the first coil 42B1, and the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) located at the movement limit position on the X1 side shown in fig. 13B can be moved to the position shown in fig. 12 a.

When the second coil 42B2 receives a reverse current from the power supply CS, the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42B2 pulls the second driving magnet 6B, and the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) located at the position shown in fig. 12 (a) can be moved to the movement limit position on the X2 side shown in fig. 12 (B).

The control device CTR can determine the position of the first driving magnet 6A (first lens holder 3A) based on the outputs of the first to third hall elements 43A1 to 43A3 constituting the first magnetic sensor group 43A. Therefore, when the first lens body LS1 (the first lens holder 3A) is moved in the optical axis direction, the control device CTR can feedback-control the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A, respectively, based on the outputs of the first hall element 43A1 to the third hall element 43A3, respectively.

Similarly, the control device CTR can determine the position of the second driving magnet 6B (second lens holder 3B) based on the outputs of the first to third hall elements 43B1 to 43B3 constituting the second magnetic sensor group 43B. Therefore, when moving the second lens body LS2 (the second lens holder 3B) in the optical axis direction, the control device CTR can perform feedback control of the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B, respectively, based on the outputs of the first hall element 43B1 to the third hall element 43B3, respectively.

After that, upon receiving the camera stop signal from the input device ID, the control device CTR moves the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) to the movement limit position on the X1 side and moves the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) to the movement limit position on the X2 side by PWM controlling the power source CS.

The camera stop signal is a signal for stopping a function of a camera mounted on the portable device with a camera. In the example shown in fig. 19, when a software button for stopping the function of the camera, which is displayed on a touch panel display mounted on a portable device with a camera, is touched, a camera stop signal is output through a touch panel as an input device ID.

After moving the first lens holder 3A to the movement limit position on the X1 side and the second lens holder 3B to the movement limit position on the X2 side, the control device CTR supplies currents in the opposite directions to the directions when the camera start signal is received to the coil 24 in the first lens holding assembly LH1 and the coil 24 in the second lens holding assembly LH2, respectively.

Further, the control device CTR can determine whether or not the first lens holder 3A (first driving magnet 6A) has reached the movement limit position on the X1 side based on the output of the first hall element 43A1, and can determine whether or not the second lens holder 3B (second driving magnet 6B) has reached the movement limit position on the X2 side based on the output of the third hall element 43B 3.

When receiving a reverse current from the power source CS, the coil 24 in the first lens holding unit LH1 moves the plunger 25 upward (in the Z1 direction) as shown in fig. 18B. That is, as shown in fig. 15 (B2), the coil 24 pushes out the end surface of the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25, which is at a position lower than the lower surface of the first engaging member 10A, to a position higher than the upper surface of the first engaging member 10A as shown in fig. 15 (a 2). This is for engaging the first engaging member 10A with the locking portion 25 e. By this engagement, the movement of the first lens holder 3A in the optical axis direction is inhibited. The same applies to the engagement of the second engagement member 10B and the locking portion 25e by the coil 24 of the second lens holding assembly LH 2.

As described above, the lens holder driving device 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a fixed-side member FM; a lens holder 3 capable of holding the lens body LS; a drive mechanism DM for moving the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction; and a holding mechanism HM that holds the lens holder 3 at a movement limit position that is a position on the end side of the movable range in the optical axis direction. The holding means HM includes: a plunger 25 as a moving body provided on the fixed-side member FM and including a locking portion 25e that advances and retracts in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, and an electromagnetic mechanism EM that advances and retracts the plunger 25; an engaging member 10 having a notch CT provided on the movable-side member MB including the lens holder 3 as an engaging portion with which the engaging portion 25e can be engaged; and a lock mechanism LK for holding the plunger 25 in a state where the locking portion 25e is engaged with the notch CT at a movement limit position which is a position of the moving end of the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction.

In this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 can hold the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position by engaging the engagement portion 25e of the plunger 25 with the notch CT of the engagement member 10, and can move the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction by releasing the engagement. Therefore, the lens holder driving device 101 can reliably hold the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position. Further, the lens holder driving device 101 can hold the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position without using a frictional force generated when a part of the fixed-side member and a part of the movable-side member are brought into frictional contact with each other. Therefore, this configuration does not adversely affect the operation of the lens holder 3 when the engagement is released, and the force holding the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position does not change with time.

The plunger 25 may be configured to include a magnetic member. In the present embodiment, the plunger 25 is formed of a magnetic material. As shown in fig. 18 (B), the lock mechanism LK may include an upper holding magnet 22 as a first holding magnet for holding the plunger 25 at the lock position by attracting the magnetic member or the plunger 25 itself. The lock position is a position of the plunger 25 when the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 engages with the notch CT of the engaging member 10. The state in which the plunger 25 is located at the lock position is referred to as a "lock state".

According to this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 does not need to continuously drive the electromagnetic mechanism EM in order to hold the plunger 25 at the lock position. That is, the lens holder driving device 101 can continue to hold the plunger 25 at the lock position even when the supply of the current to the coil 24 in the lens holding assembly LH is stopped. Therefore, this configuration can suppress power consumption of the lens holder driving device 101. However, the lens holder driving device 101 may maintain the locked state by continuously supplying the current to the coil 24 in the lens holding assembly LH.

As shown in fig. 18 (a), the lock mechanism LK may include a lower holding magnet 26 as a second holding magnet for holding the plunger 25 at the unlock position by attracting the magnetic member. The unlocked position is the position of the plunger 25 when the engagement between the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 and the notch CT of the engaging member 10 is released. A state other than the locked state including a state in which the plunger 25 is located at the unlocked position is referred to as an "unlocked state".

According to this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 does not need to continuously drive the electromagnetic mechanism EM in order to hold the plunger 25 in the unlocked position. That is, the lens holder driving device 101 can continue to hold the plunger 25 at the unlocked position even when the supply of current to the coil 24 in the lens holding assembly LH is stopped. Therefore, this configuration can suppress power consumption of the lens holder driving device 101. However, the lens holder driving device 101 may maintain the unlocked state by continuously supplying the current to the coil 24 in the lens holder assembly LH.

As shown in fig. 18, the upper holding magnet 22 and the lower holding magnet 26 may be disposed to face each other with the plunger 25 as a magnetic member interposed therebetween. This configuration can suppress an increase in size of the lens holding assembly LH.

The plunger 25 as the moving body may be an iron core. In this case, as shown in fig. 18, the electromagnetic mechanism EM may be configured to include: a plunger 25 as an iron core; a bobbin 23 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the plunger 25; and a coil 24 held on the outer periphery of the bobbin 23. This configuration can reduce the cost of the lens holding assembly LH.

The lock mechanism LK has a coil spring 27 for biasing the plunger 25 as the moving body toward the lock position, and as shown in fig. 18 (a), the plunger 25 may be configured to compress the coil spring 27 at the unlock position. This configuration can reliably prevent the plunger 25 from coming into contact with the lower holding magnet 26. In addition, this configuration can facilitate the movement of the plunger 25 from the unlocked position to the locked position. This is because the plunger 25 is always biased upward by the coil spring 27 in the unlocked position. In addition, with this configuration, when the portable device with a camera, on which the lens holder driving device 101 is mounted, receives an impact due to a fall or the like, it is possible to suppress the locked state from being erroneously released and becoming the unlocked position. This is because, in the example shown in fig. 18 (B), the plunger 25 is always biased upward by the coil spring 27 even in the lock position. Specifically, this is because, in the state shown in fig. 18 (B), the coil spring 27 biases the plunger 25 upward with a restoring force larger than the attraction force with which the lower holding magnet 26 attracts the plunger 25 downward.

The bobbin 23 may have a stopper portion (step SP3) that contacts the plunger 25 serving as the iron core in the locked position. This configuration can reliably prevent the plunger 25 from coming into contact with the upper holding magnet 22.

The yoke 21 constituting the electromagnetic mechanism EM may be disposed outside the coil 24. This configuration can suppress leakage of the magnetic field (magnetic flux) generated by the electromagnetic mechanism EM.

The driving mechanism DM may be composed of a driving magnet 6 provided on one side portion of the lens holder 3 and a driving coil (coil constituting the coil group 42) opposed to the driving magnet 6. The electromagnetic mechanism EM may be disposed to face the other side portion of the lens holder 3. That is, the electromagnetic mechanism EM may be disposed separately from the driving magnet 6.

For example, as shown in fig. 12a, the first driving mechanism DM1 may be configured by a first driving magnet 6A provided on a side portion SB1 (see fig. 15 a1) on the Y1 side of the first lens holder 3A capable of holding the first lens body LS1, and a first coil 42a1 and a second coil 42a2 facing the first driving magnet 6A. In this case, as shown in (a1) of fig. 15, the electromagnetic mechanism EM in the first lens holder assembly LH1 may be disposed so as to face the side portion SB2 on the Y2 side of the first lens holder 3A.

As shown in fig. 12a, the second driving mechanism DM2 may be configured by a second driving magnet 6B (see fig. 5) provided on the side of the second lens holder 3B on the Y2 side capable of holding the second lens body LS2, and a first coil 42B1 and a second coil 42B2 facing the second driving magnet 6B. In this case, the electromagnetic mechanism EM in the second lens holder assembly LH2 may be disposed so as to face the side portion of the second lens holder 3B on the Y1 side.

This configuration can prevent interference between the magnetism generated by the driving magnet 6 and the magnetism generated by the electromagnetic mechanism EM. This is because the driving magnet 6 and the electromagnetic mechanism EM are configured not to be excessively close to each other.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, for example, a lens holder driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a fixed-side member FM; a movable-side member MB including a first lens holder 3A capable of holding the first lens body LS1, and a second lens holder 3B capable of holding the second lens body LS2 arranged to have the same optical axis JD as the first lens body LS 1; a first driving mechanism DM1 for moving the first lens holder 3A in the optical axis direction; and a second driving mechanism DM2 for moving the second lens holder 3B in the optical axis direction.

The fixed-side member FM includes a first coil block 4A (first board 41A) as a first surface and a second coil block 4B (second board 41B) as a second surface, which are provided so as to face each other with the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B interposed therebetween. As shown in fig. 7, the first coil unit 4A is provided with a first coil group 42A, and the second coil unit 4B is provided with a second coil group 42B. As shown in fig. 4, the first driving magnet 6A facing the first coil unit 4A (first coil group 42A) is fixed to the first lens holder 3A. As shown in fig. 5, the second driving magnet 6B facing the second coil assembly 4B (second coil assembly 42B) is fixed to the second lens holder 3B. The first driving magnet 6A and the first coil group 42A constitute a first driving mechanism DM1, and the second driving magnet 6B and the second coil group 42B constitute a second driving mechanism DM 2.

This configuration, in which the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B can be moved separately, can promote downsizing of the lens holder driving device 101, as compared with a configuration including two rotary electric motors. In addition, this configuration can suppress mutual magnetic interference between the first driving mechanism DM1 and the second driving mechanism DM 2. This is because the first drive mechanism DM1 and the second drive mechanism DM2 are arranged so as to sandwich the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B. That is, this is because the first drive mechanism DM1 and the second drive mechanism DM2 are arranged at a sufficient interval from each other.

The first coil group 42A is constituted by one or more coils, and the second coil group 42B is constituted by one or more coils.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the first coil group 42A includes a first coil 42A1 and a second coil 42A2, and the second coil group 42B includes a first coil 42B1 and a second coil 42B 2. As shown in fig. 13 (a), the width W5, which is the size of the first driving magnet 6A in the optical axis direction, is different from the width W7, which is the size of the first coil 42A1 constituting the first coil group 42A in the optical axis direction. The width W7 of the first coil 42a1 is the same as the width of the second coil 42a 2.

As shown in fig. 13B, when the first lens holder 3A (the first lens body LS1) is positioned at one end of the movable range of the movable-side member MB, i.e., at the end on the X1 side, the center axis M1 is positioned away from the center axis L1, the center axis M1 is the center position of the first driving magnet 6A in the optical axis direction, and the center axis L1 is the center position of the first coil 42A1 constituting the first coil group 42A in the optical axis direction. That is, the central axis M1 of the first driving magnet 6A does not coincide with the central axis L1 of the first coil 42a 1.

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the width W6, which is the dimension of the second driving magnet 6B in the optical axis direction, is different from the width W8, which is the dimension of the first coil 42B1 constituting the second coil group 42B in the optical axis direction. The width W8 of the first coil 42B1 is the same as the width of the second coil 42B 2.

As shown in fig. 13 a, when the second lens holder 3B (the second lens body LS2) is positioned at the other end of the movable range of the movable-side member MB, i.e., at the one end on the X2 side, the center axis M2 is positioned away from the center axis L4, the center axis M2 is the center position in the optical axis direction of the second driving magnet 6B, and the center axis L4 is the center position in the optical axis direction of the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B. That is, the central axis M2 of the second driving magnet 6B does not coincide with the central axis L4 of the second coil 42B 2.

With this configuration, even when the first lens holder 3A is located at the front end of the movable range (one end on the X1 side) as shown in fig. 13B, for example, when a current is supplied to the first coil 42a1, the lens holder driving device 101 can reliably move the first lens holder 3A rearward (in the X2 direction). When the central axis L1 of the first driving magnet 6A coincides with the central axis M1 of the first coil 42a1, there is a possibility that the repulsive force that attempts to move the first driving magnet 6A forward (X1 direction) and the repulsive force that attempts to move the first driving magnet 6A backward (X2 direction) may be balanced with each other, but this configuration is configured such that the central axis L1 does not coincide with the central axis M1, specifically, such that the central axis L1 is located on the front side of the central axis M1, and therefore, the force that attempts to move the first driving magnet 6A forward and the force that attempts to move the first driving magnet 6A backward can be prevented from being balanced.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the width W3, which is the dimension of the first lens holder 3A in the optical axis direction, is larger than the width W4, which is the dimension of the second lens holder 3B in the optical axis direction. As shown in fig. 13 (a), the width W5, which is the size of the first driving magnet 6A in the optical axis direction, is larger than the width W6, which is the size of the second driving magnet 6B in the optical axis direction. In the example shown in fig. 13, the height of the first driving magnet 6A is the same as the height of the second driving magnet 6B.

According to this configuration, even if the first lens holder 3A is larger than the second lens holder 3B, since the first driving magnet 6A is larger than the second driving magnet 6B, the first driving mechanism DM1 can generate a sufficient thrust force to move the first lens holder 3A.

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the width W7, which is the size of each of the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A, is larger than the width W8, which is the size of each of the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B, in the optical axis direction. In the example shown in fig. 13, the height H1 of each of the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A is the same as the height H2 of the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B.

According to this configuration, even if the first lens holder 3A is larger than the second lens holder 3B, since the first coil 42a1 and the second coil 42a2 are each larger than the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2, the first driving mechanism DM1 can generate a sufficient thrust force to move the first lens holder 3A.

Basically, the larger the width of the driving magnet 6 is, the larger the interval between two coils adjacent in the optical axis direction can be made, and the number of coils required to achieve a desired amount of movement of the lens holder 3 can be reduced. Further, reducing the number of coils leads to a reduction in power consumption of the lens holder driving device 101.

On the other hand, when the number of coils required to achieve a desired movement amount of the lens holder 3 increases, the power consumption of each coil can be reduced by reducing the number of coils, thereby reducing the power consumption of the lens holder driving device 101.

As shown in fig. 13 (B), the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A partially overlaps the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Specifically, in the example shown in fig. 13 (B), the arrangement region of the first coil group 42A has a width W9, and the arrangement region of the second coil group 42B has a width W10. In addition, in the Y-axis direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the arrangement region of the first coil group 42A partially overlaps the arrangement region of the second coil group 42B. The width of the overlap is indicated by width W11.

With this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 can partially overlap the movable range of the first lens holder 3A and the movable range of the second lens holder 3B.

Preferably, as shown in fig. 7, a plurality of coils (the first coil 42a1 and the second coil 42a2) are provided in the first coil module 4A as the first surface, and a plurality of coils (the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2) are also provided in the second coil module 4B as the second surface.

According to this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 can increase the amount of movement of the first lens holder 3A as compared with the case where one coil is provided in the first coil unit 4A. Also, the lens holder driving device 101 can increase the amount of movement of the second lens holder 3B as compared with the case where one coil is provided in the second coil assembly 4B.

As shown in fig. 13B, the first holding magnet 12A (front magnet 12A1) that attracts the first driving magnet 6A when the first lens holder 3A (first lens body LS1) is positioned at one end of the movable range of the movable-side member MB, i.e., at the end on the X1 side, may be provided in the coil holder 5 (see fig. 6) as the fixed-side member FM.

As shown in fig. 13 a, the second holding magnet 12B (rear magnet 12B2) that attracts the second driving magnet 6B when the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS2) is positioned at the other end of the movable range of the movable-side member MB, i.e., the one end on the X2 side, may be provided in the coil holder 5 (see fig. 6) as the fixed-side member FM.

According to this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 can attract the lens holder 3 to the end of the movable range by magnetic force, and can hold the lens holder 3 at the end of the movable range.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the lens holder driving device 101 may include two grooves 5G (a first groove 5G1 and a second groove 5G2) for guiding the movement of the movable member MB in the optical axis direction. The lens holder driving device 101 may include one or three or more grooves instead of the two grooves 5G, one or more guide rails, and one or more guide shafts.

With this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 can smoothly move the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction.

The fixed-side member FM may include a coil holder 5 serving as the base member BM having the groove 5G and the cover member 1 fixed to the base member BM. The movable member MB may hold balls on the upper and lower sides, and the balls held on the upper side of the movable member MB may be biased against the top surface of the cover member 1.

For example, as shown in fig. 11 (a), the first lens holder 30A of the first lens holder 3A of the movable member MB may be configured to hold the lower ball group 8 on the lower side and the upper ball group 9 on the upper side. The upper ball group 9 may be pressed against the top surface of the cover member 1 by the first spring group 31A.

With this configuration, the lens holder driving device 101 can suppress frictional resistance when the lens holder 3 moves.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above-described embodiment can be applied to various modifications, replacements, and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. The features described with reference to the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not technically contradictory.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in fig. 18, the first lens holding unit LH1 is configured such that the locking portion 25e is moved back and forth in a direction parallel to the Z axis, which is one of the directions orthogonal to the optical axis direction. However, the first lens holding unit LH1 may be configured such that the locking portion 25e advances and retreats in a direction parallel to the Y axis. In this case, the central axis of the coil 24 in the first lens holding assembly LH1 may be arranged parallel to the Y axis. Alternatively, the first lens holding unit LH1 may be configured to move the locking portion 25e forward and backward in a direction not orthogonal to the optical axis direction, for example, in a direction inclined with respect to the optical axis direction or in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction. In this case, the engaging portion of the first engaging member 10A is formed to appropriately engage with the locking portion 25 e. The same is true with respect to the second lens holding assembly LH 2.

In the above-described embodiment, the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 constituting the first coil group 42A are coils whose coil axes, which are the winding centers of the coils, are parallel to the Y axis, but may be coils having coil axes parallel to the optical axis JD. The same applies to the second coil group 42B.

Claims (9)

1. A lens holder driving device includes:

a stationary-side member;

a movable-side member including a first lens holder capable of holding a first lens body and a second lens holder capable of holding a second lens body arranged to have the same optical axis as the first lens body;

a first driving mechanism for moving the first lens holder in the optical axis direction; and

a second driving mechanism for moving the second lens holder in the optical axis direction,

characterized in that, in the lens holder driving device,

the fixed-side member has a first surface and a second surface that are provided so as to face each other with the first lens holder and the second lens holder interposed therebetween,

a first coil is arranged on the first surface,

a second coil is arranged on the second surface,

a first drive magnet facing the first coil is fixed to the first lens holder,

a second driving magnet facing the second coil is fixed to the second lens holder,

the first driving magnet and the first coil constitute the first driving mechanism,

the second driving magnet and the second coil constitute the second driving mechanism.

2. The lens holder driving device according to claim 1,

the first driving magnet has a dimension in the optical axis direction different from a dimension of the first coil in the optical axis direction,

a center position of the first driving magnet in the optical axis direction is located at a position apart from a center position of the first coil in the optical axis direction when the first lens holder is located at one end of the movable range of the movable-side member,

a dimension of the second driving magnet in the optical axis direction is different from a dimension of the second coil in the optical axis direction,

when the second lens holder is positioned at the other end of the movable range of the movable-side member, the center position of the second driving magnet in the optical axis direction is positioned away from the center position of the second coil in the optical axis direction.

3. The lens holder driving device according to claim 1 or 2,

the first lens holder is larger in size in the optical axis direction than the second lens holder,

the first driving magnet has a larger size in the optical axis direction than the second driving magnet.

4. The lens holder driving device according to claim 3,

the size of the first coil in the optical axis direction is larger than the size of the second coil in the optical axis direction.

5. The lens holder driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the first coil and the second coil partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis.

6. The lens holder driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

a plurality of first coils are provided on the first face,

and a plurality of second coils are arranged on the second surface.

7. The lens holder driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

when the first lens holder is positioned at one end of the movable range of the movable-side member, a first holding magnet that attracts the first driving magnet is provided on the fixed-side member.

8. The lens holder driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the fixed-side member includes two grooves that guide movement of the movable-side member in the optical axis direction.

9. The lens holder driving device according to claim 8,

the fixed-side member has a base member having the groove and a cover member fixed to the base member,

the movable-side member holds balls on upper and lower sides,

the balls held on the upper side of the movable-side member are biased against the top surface of the cover member.

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