CN114019648B

CN114019648B - Lens holder driving device

Info

Publication number: CN114019648B
Application number: CN202110841588.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 加藤拓也; 村山丈刚; 安藤润
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-28
Filing date: 2021-07-26
Publication date: 2024-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-26
Also published as: JP2022024931A; CN114019648A

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 (DM 1) for moving the first lens holder (3A), and a second driving mechanism (DM 2) for moving the second lens holder (3B). The fixed-side member has a first coil component (4A) and a second coil component (4B). A first coil (42A 1) is provided to the first coil assembly, and a second coil (42B 2) is provided to the second coil assembly. A first driving magnet (6A) facing the first coil is fixed to the first lens holder, and a second driving 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 lens holder driving devices.

Background

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

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2014-149413

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, the above-described photographing unit uses an electric motor for moving the lens holder, and thus it is difficult to achieve further miniaturization.

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

Means for solving the problems

The lens holder driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a fixed 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 in such a manner as to have the same optical axis as the first lens body; a first drive mechanism that moves the first lens holder in an optical axis direction; and a second drive mechanism that moves the second lens holder in the optical axis direction, wherein in the lens holder drive 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 provided on the first surface, a second coil is provided on the second surface, a first drive magnet that faces the first coil is fixed to the first lens holder, a second drive magnet that faces the second coil is fixed to the second lens holder, the first drive magnet and the first coil constitute the first drive mechanism, and the second drive magnet and the second coil constitute the second drive mechanism.

Effects of the invention

The lens holder driving device described above can be further miniaturized.

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 fixed side member constituting the lower side 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 cross-sectional view of the lens holder driving device.

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

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the 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 fixed-side member.

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

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

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

Description of the reference numerals

A1 s cover member, A1A outer wall member, A1A 1 first side panel member, A1A 2 second side panel member, A1A 3 third side panel member, A1A 4 fourth side panel member, A1B upper surface member, A2 bottom panel, A3 lens holder, A3A first lens holder, A3B second lens holder, A4A first coil assembly, A4B second coil assembly, a 5G2 coil holder, a 5G1 first groove, a 5G2 second groove, a 6A first roller magnet, a 7A second roller magnet, a 7 magnetic member, 8A1 first ball, 8A2 second ball, 8A3 third ball, 8A4 fourth ball, 8B2 second lower ball set, 8B1 first ball, 8B2 second ball, 8B3 third ball, 8B4 fourth ball, 9A4 upper ball set, 9A1 first ball, 9A2 second ball set, 9A3 & lt- & gt third ball, 9A4 & lt- & gt fourth ball, 9B & lt- & gt second upper ball set, 9B1 & lt- & gt first ball, 9B2 & lt- & gt second ball, 9B3 & lt- & gt third ball, 9B4 & lt- & gt fourth ball, 10 & lt- & gt engaging member, 10A & lt- & gt first engaging member, 10B & lt- & gt second engaging member, 12 & lt- & gt holding magnet, 12A & lt- & gt first holding magnet, 12A1 & lt- & gt front side magnet, 12A2 & lt- & gt rear side magnet, 12B1 & lt- & gt front side magnet, 12B2 & lt- & gt rear side magnet, 20 & lt- & gt upper side cover, 20h,20k & lt- & gt opening, 21 & lt- & gt yoke, 22 & lt- & gt upper side holding magnet, 22A & lt- & gt first magnet, 22B & lt- & gt second magnet, 23 & lt- & gt bobbin, 23n & lt- & gt neck portion, 23p,23q & lt- & gt protrusion, 24 & lt- & gt coil, 25 & lt- & gt plunger, 25e & lt- & gt locking portion, 25m & lt/sec & gt, 25s & lt/sec & gt shoulder, 26A & lt/sec & gt first magnet, 26B & lt/sec & gt second magnet, 27 & lt/sec & gt coil spring, 28 & lt/sec & gt lower cover, 28h & lt/sec & gt opening, 30 & lt/sec & gt lens holder, 30A & lt/sec & gt first lens holder, 30B & lt/sec & gt lens holder, 31 & lt/sec & gt spring set, 31A & lt/sec & gt first coil spring, 31A2 second coil spring, 31A3 third coil spring, 31A4 fourth coil spring, 31B1 first push rod, 32B2 second push rod, 41A first substrate, 41B second substrate, 42 coil set, 42A 4 coil set, 32A1 first push rod, 32A2 second push rod, 32B1 coil set, 42A coil set, and magnetic sensor set, 43A & LT 1 & gt first hall element, 43A & LT 2 & gt second hall element, 43A & LT 3 & gt third hall element, 43B & LT 2 & gt second hall element, 43B & LT 1 & gt first hall element, 43B & LT 2 & gt second hall element, 43B & LT 3 & gt third hall element, 101 & LT lens holder driving means, AP & LT opening, AX & LT 1 & gt protrusion, AX & LT 2 & gt second protrusion, AX & LT 3 & gt third protrusion, AX4 & LT & gt fourth protrusion, BL & LT 1 & gt protrusion, BM & base member, CM & LT 2 & gt camera module, CP & LT connection, CS & LT 3 & gt power supply, CT & LT 1 & gt cavity & LT 1 & gt gap, DM & LT 1 & gt cavity & gt gap, a DM2 & LT/EN & gt second drive mechanism, an EM & LT/EN & gt electromagnetic mechanism, an FM & LT/EN & gt fixing side member, an HL & LT/EN & gt hole, an HL & LT/EN & gt first hole, an HL2 & LT/EN & gt second hole, an HL & LT/EN & gt 3 & gt third hole, an HL & LT/EN & gt fourth hole, an HM & LT/EN & gt retaining mechanism, an HS & LT/EN & gt housing, an ID & LT/EN & gt input device, an IS & LT/EN & gt photographing element, a JD & LT/EN & gt optical axis, an LH & LT/EN & gt lens retaining assembly, an LH & LT/EN & gt first lens retaining assembly, LH2 second lens holding unit, LK locking mechanism, LM lower member, LS lens, LS1 first lens, LS2 second lens, LT light, MB movable side member, MR mirror, PR protrusion, RS 1-RS 11 recess, SL1, SL2 slope, 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 apparatus 101. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a camera module CM in a portable device with a camera, on which the lens holder driving device 101 is mounted.

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

In addition, X1 represents one direction of an X axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. In addition, 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. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents 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 the other figures.

The lens body LS is an example of an optical component, and is constituted by one or a plurality of lenses. Typically, the lens body LS is a cylindrical lens barrel including at least one lens, and is configured such that its central axis 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 LS2.

The lens holder driving device 101 is configured 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, respectively.

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

For example, as shown in fig. 2, 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 reflecting mirror MR as a reflector may be a prism. In the present embodiment, the mirror MR is configured to have a flat reflection 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 reach the imaging element IS through the lens LS.

Next, a schematic description of the lens holder driving device 101 will be given 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 seen from the Y1 side, and fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member LM seen from the Y2 side.

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

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

As shown in fig. 3, the cover member 1 has a box-like outer shape defining a bottomless storage portion 1 s. The cover member 1 includes a substantially rectangular tubular outer wall portion 1A and a substantially rectangular annular flat upper surface portion 1B provided continuously with 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 plate portions 1A1 to 1A4. The first side plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 are opposed to each other, and the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4 are opposed to each other. 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 plate portion 1A1 and the third side plate portion 1A3 extend perpendicularly to the second side plate portion 1A2 and the fourth side plate portion 1A4. The first side plate portion 1A1 has an opening for receiving the light LT from the subject reflected by the mirror MR. Similarly, the third side plate portion 1A3 has an opening for allowing the light LT to reach the imaging element IS. The cover member 1 is joined to the base plate 2 by an adhesive or the like, and constitutes a housing HS together with the base plate 2.

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

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

The lens holder 3 is configured to be capable of holding 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 hold the first lens body LS1 and a second lens holder 3B configured to hold the second lens body LS 2.

The driving magnet 6 is a member 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 inner side (side closer to the optical axis JD) of each of the first driving magnet 6A and the second driving magnet 6B may be magnetized as an S pole, and the outer side may be magnetized as an N pole.

The first driving magnet 6A is disposed so as to face and be separated from a coil attached to the first coil block 4A in a 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 support the movable side member MB so as to be movable, and to support the coil block 4 so as to be immovable. In the present embodiment, the coil holder 5 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin such as a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP). Further, the coil holder 5 constitutes the base member BM together with the bottom plate 2. The base plate 2 and the coil holder 5 may be integrated. In this case, the bottom plate 2 may be formed of the same synthetic resin as the coil holder 5.

The coil block 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 assembly 4 is formed of a flexible printed 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 clarity, the coil is not shown in detail of a wound state of a conductive wire material having a surface 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, with reference to fig. 6 and 7, the details of the fixed-side member FM constituting the lower member LM will be described. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed side member FM constituting the lower side 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 electric 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. The substrate 41 includes a connection portion CP formed with a conductive pattern for supplying power to an electromagnetic mechanism EM (see fig. 17) included in the lens holding unit LH. Specifically, the connecting 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 unit LH. In the present embodiment, the substrate 41 includes a first substrate 41A of the first coil block 4A and a second substrate 41B of the second coil block 4B.

The coil assembly 42 is a member 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 including a first coil group 42A mounted on a first substrate 41A of the first coil block 4A, and a second coil group 42B mounted on a second substrate 41B of the second coil block 4B.

The first coil group 42A includes a first coil 42A1 and a second coil 42A2. The first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 are configured to be able to control the direction of the current flow, respectively. Likewise, the second coil group 42B includes a first coil 42B1 and a second coil 42B2. The first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 are configured to be able to control the direction of the 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 the 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 mounted on the first substrate 41A of the first coil block 4A and a second magnetic sensor group 43B mounted on the second substrate 41B of the second coil block 4B.

The first magnetic sensor group 43A includes a first hall element 43A1, a second hall element 43A2, and a third hall element 43A3. 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 42 A2. Similarly, the second magnetic sensor group 43B includes a first hall element 43B1, a second hall element 43B2, and a third hall element 43B3. 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 side of the movable range in the optical axis direction. The movement limit position refers to the 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 holder 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 a movement limit position on the front side (X1 side), and a second lens holding assembly LH2 for holding the second lens holder 3B at a movement limit position on the rear side (X2 side). As shown in fig. 7, the first lens holding member LH1 is attached to the connection portion CP of the second substrate 41B of the second coil block 4B, and the second lens holding member LH2 is attached to the connection portion CP of the first substrate 41A of the first coil block 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 when the second lens holder 3B is held at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Next, with reference to fig. 8 to 11, the details of the movable-side member MB will be described. 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, fig. 10 (a) shows a top view of the lens holder 3, and fig. 10 (B) shows a bottom view of the lens holder 3. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder driving apparatus 101. Specifically, fig. 11 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder driving device 101 on the YZ plane including the 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-side 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 engagement member 10 is configured to be engageable with the lens holder LH when the lens holder 3 is positioned at a 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 engagement member 10A is configured to be engageable with the first lens holder assembly LH1 when the first lens holder 3A is positioned 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 positioned at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

As shown in fig. 11 (a), the lens holder 3 is sandwiched between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5. Specifically, the lens holder 3 is configured to be in contact with the upper surface of the coil holder 5 via the lower ball group 8, and in contact with the top surface (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 supporting the first lens holder 3A, and a second lower ball group 8B supporting 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, 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 bead group 9 includes a first upper bead group 9A supporting the first lens holder 3A, and a second upper bead group 9B supporting 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, 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, the lens holder 30 and the push rod group 32 are formed of synthetic resin, and the 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 concave portion RS6 on a side surface (Y1 side surface) on the opposite side to the first coil block 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 (Y2 side surface) on the side opposite to the second coil block 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 ridge portion BL on an upper surface (upper surface on the Y2 side) of a side portion facing the second coil block 4B. Similarly, as shown in fig. 8, the second lens holder 30B has a convex portion PR and a ridge portion BL on an upper surface (upper surface on the Y1 side) of a side portion on the side opposite to the first coil block 4A. The protrusion PR and the ridge BL are structures for attaching the engaging member 10 to the lens holder 30.

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

The ridge BL is configured to engage with a notch CU formed in the engaging member 10. In the present embodiment, one prism-shaped ridge BL is formed on 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 by an adhesive in a state where the convex portions PR are respectively received in the two openings AP and the notch CU is engaged with the ridge portion BL of the first lens holder 30A. Similarly, the second engaging member 10B is fixed to the second lens holder 30B by an adhesive in a state where the convex portions PR are respectively received in the two openings AP and the notch CU is engaged with the ridge portion BL of the second lens holder 30B.

As shown in fig. 9, the spring group 31 is configured to urge the 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 (first coil spring 31A1 to fourth coil spring 31A 4). Similarly, the second spring group 31B includes four coil springs (first coil spring 31B1 to fourth coil spring 31B 4).

The first push rod group 32A includes two push rods (a first push rod 32A1 and a second push rod 32A 2). Similarly, 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 the hole HL formed in the lens holder 30 (see fig. 9 and 10 a), and to accommodate a cylindrical projection AX formed on the lower side (Z2 side) of the push rod group 32 (see fig. 9).

The holes HL formed in the first lens holder 30A include first through fourth holes HL1 through HL4. The first hole HL1 accommodates the first coil spring 31A1, the second hole HL2 accommodates the second coil spring 31A2, the third hole HL3 accommodates the third coil spring 31A3, and the fourth hole HL4 accommodates the fourth coil spring 31A4.

Also, the holes HL formed in the second lens holder 30B include first to fourth holes HL1 to HL4. The first hole HL1 accommodates the first coil spring 31B1, the second hole HL2 accommodates the second coil spring 31B2, the third hole HL3 accommodates the third coil spring 31B3, and the fourth hole HL4 accommodates the fourth coil spring 31B4.

As shown in fig. 8, the first push rod 32A1 attached to the first lens holder 30A has a first recess RS1 in which the first ball 9A1 is rotatably housed and a second recess RS2 in which the second ball 9A2 is rotatably housed, and the second push rod 32A2 has a third recess RS3 in which the third ball 9A3 is rotatably housed and a fourth recess RS4 in which the fourth ball 9A4 is rotatably housed.

Similarly, the first push rod 32B1 attached to the second lens holder 30B has a first recess RS1 in which the first ball 9B1 is rotatably housed and a second recess RS2 in which the second ball 9B2 is rotatably housed, and the second push rod 32B2 has a third recess RS3 in which the third ball 9B3 is rotatably housed and a fourth recess RS4 in which the fourth ball 9B4 is rotatably housed.

As shown in fig. 9, the protruding portion AX formed on the first push rod 32A1 attached to the first lens holder 30A has a first protruding portion AX1 and a second protruding portion AX2. The first protruding portion AX1 is fitted inside the first coil spring 31A1, and the second protruding portion AX2 is fitted inside the second coil spring 31 A2. The protruding portion AX formed on the second push rod 32A2 attached to the first lens holder 30A has a third protruding portion AX3 and a fourth protruding portion AX4. The third protruding portion AX3 is fitted inside the third coil spring 31A3, and the fourth protruding portion AX4 is fitted inside the fourth coil spring 31 A4.

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

As shown in fig. 10B, first to fourth recesses RS1 to RS4 for accommodating the first to fourth balls 8A1 to 8A4 constituting the first lower ball group 8A are formed in the lower surface (surface on the Z2 side) of the first lens holder 30A. Similarly, first to fourth concave portions RS1 to RS4 for accommodating the first to fourth balls 8B1 to 8B4 constituting the second lower ball group 8B are formed in 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 grooves 5G include a first groove 5G1 (see fig. 4) disposed on a side (Y2 side) close to the second coil block 4B, and a second groove 5G2 disposed on a side (Y1 side) close to the first coil block 4A.

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-described configuration, the lens holder 3 is held between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5 and is movable in the optical axis direction. Specifically, as shown in fig. 11, the first lens holder 3A is supported slidably in the optical axis direction by first balls 8A1 (not visible in fig. 11) and second balls 8A2 constituting the first lower ball group 8A received in the first groove 5G1 of the coil holder 5, and third balls 8A3 (not visible in fig. 11) and fourth balls 8A4 constituting the first lower ball group 8A received in the second groove 5G2 of the coil holder 5.

The first lens holder 3A is configured to bias the first push rod 32A1 upward by the first coil spring 31A1 (not visible in fig. 11) and the second coil spring 31A2 that constitute the first spring group 31A, and to bias the second push rod 32A2 upward by the third coil spring 31A3 (not visible in fig. 11) and the fourth coil spring 31A4 that constitute the first spring group 31A. The first lens holder 3A is configured such that the first ball 9A1 (not visible in fig. 11) and the second ball 9A2 constituting the first upper ball group 9A supported by the first push rod 32A1 are pressed against the top surface of the cover member 1, and the third ball 9A3 (not visible in fig. 11) and the fourth ball 9A4 constituting the first upper ball group 9A supported by the second push rod 32A2 are pressed against the top surface of the cover member 1. In the present embodiment, the top surface of the cover member 1 is not formed with a structure such as to guide the movement groove 5G of the upper ball group 9. However, the cover member 1 may have a structure in which the groove 5G is formed in the top surface.

According to this configuration, the first lens holder 3A is held so as not to shake between the cover member 1 and the coil holder 5 and is smoothly movable in the optical axis direction.

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-symmetrical with respect to the 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 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 driving mechanism DM. The driving mechanism DM is constituted by the driving magnet 6 and the coil assembly 42. In fig. 12 and 13, for clarity, the illustration of components other than those constituting the driving mechanism DM is omitted 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. Further, the N poles of the driving magnet 6 and the holding magnet 12 are hatched with diagonal lines.

Specifically, fig. 12 (a) shows a case where the first lens holder 3A (first lens body LS 1) and the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS 2) are both separated from each other and separated from each other from the movement limit position. Fig. 12 (B) shows a case where the first lens holder 3A (first lens body LS 1) and the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS 2) are both positioned at the movement limit position. Fig. 13 (a) shows a case where the first lens holder 3A (first lens body LS 1) is separated from the movement limit position, the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS 2) is positioned at the movement limit position, and both are in contact with each other. Fig. 13 (B) shows a case where the first lens holder 3A (first lens body LS 1) is located at the movement limit position, the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS 2) is separated from the movement limit position, and both are in 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 generate a driving force by a current flowing through the coil assembly 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 mounted on the first substrate 41A of the first coil block 4A, and a first driving magnet 6A mounted on the first lens holder 30A.

The second driving mechanism DM2 includes a second coil block 42B mounted on the second substrate 41B of the second coil block 4B, and a second driving magnet 6B mounted on the second lens holder 30B.

The holding magnet 12 is configured to magnetically hold the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position. In the present embodiment, the holding magnet 12 includes a first holding magnet 12A that magnetically holds the first lens holder 3A at the movement limit position, and a second holding magnet 12B that magnetically holds the second lens holder 3B 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 through a part of the coil holder 5. However, the inner sides (the side closer to the optical axis JD) of the first holding magnet 12A and the second holding magnet 12B may be magnetized as the S-pole and the outer sides may be magnetized as the N-pole, respectively, in correspondence 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 at the movement limit position on the X1 side, and a rear side magnet 12A2 that holds the first lens holder 3A 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 side 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 of the first lens holder 3A attached at the movement limit position on the X1 side.

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the rear side 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 of the first lens holder 3A attached to 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 of the second lens holder 3B attached at the movement limit position on the X1 side.

As shown in fig. 12 (B), the rear side 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 of the second lens holder 3B attached at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Next, a relationship between the magnetic pole of the first driving magnet 6A and the magnetic pole 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 central position in the optical axis direction of the first driving magnet 6A does not coincide with the central axis L1 located at the central position in the optical axis direction of the first coil 42 A1. This is because if the central axis M1 coincides with the central axis L1, there is a risk that the first driving magnet 6A cannot be separated by 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 42 A1. The same applies to central axes L2, L3, L4, and M2 described below.

When the first coil 42A1 is not excited, the S pole of the first driving magnet 6A is attracted to 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 an 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 is N-pole, that is, so that the first driving magnet 6A and the second coil 42A2 attract each other, the first driving magnet 6A is further moved 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-described reasons, 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 42 A2.

When the first lens holder 3A is positioned at the movement limit position on the X2 side, the S-pole of the first driving magnet 6A is attracted to the N-pole of the rear side magnet 12A2 of the first holding magnet 12A when the second coil 42A2 is not excited, 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 located at a position facing the first coil 42B1 of the second coil group 42B, as shown in fig. 13 (B). However, for the above-described reasons, the central axis M2 located at the central position in the optical axis direction of the second driving magnet 6B does not coincide with the central axis L3 located at the central 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 to the N pole of the front side 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 (Y1 side) of the first coil 42B1 facing the second driving magnet 6B becomes an 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 N-pole, that is, so that the second driving magnet 6B and the second coil 42B2 attract each other, the second driving magnet 6B is further moved toward 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-described reasons, 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.

When the second lens holder 3B is positioned at the movement limit position on the X2 side, the S-pole of the second driving magnet 6B is attracted to the N-pole of the rear side magnet 12B2 of the second holding magnet 12B when the second coil 42B2 is not excited, and the second driving magnet 6B (second lens holder 3B) is held at the movement limit position on the X2 side.

Next, 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), the width W1, which is the dimension of the first lens body LS1 in the optical axis direction, is larger than the width W2, which is the dimension of the second lens body LS2 in the optical axis direction. 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 each 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 assembly 4A where coils 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 for mechanically holding 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 (side view seen 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 holding assembly LH. Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the lens holding 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 upper holding magnet 22, the plunger 25, and the lower holding magnet 26 are hatched in the N-pole, and therefore 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 assembly LH2 and a second engaging member 10B.

As shown in fig. 15, the first lens holding unit LH1 is configured to be capable of advancing and retreating (moving 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 of the first lens holder 30A fixed to the first lens holder 3A. Specifically, (A1) of fig. 15 and (A2) of fig. 15 show the case where the locking portion 25e is pushed out upward, and (B1) of fig. 15 and (B2) of fig. 15 show the case where the locking portion 25e is pulled in downward.

In the present embodiment, the first lens holding unit LH1 is configured such that the locking portion 25e can be moved up and down by an electromagnetic mechanism EM (see fig. 17) located inside the first lens holding unit LH. The same applies to the second lens holding assembly LH 2.

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

As shown in fig. 15 (A2), the locking portion 25e is configured such that, when pushed upward, the end surface thereof is located 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 will be referred to as "engagement state". As shown in fig. 15 (B2), the locking portion 25e is configured such that, when pulled downward, the end surface thereof is positioned below the lower surface of the locking member 10. That is, the locking portion 25e is configured not to engage with a notch CT (see fig. 8) formed in the engaging member 10 when being pulled downward. Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as "non-engagement state". The notch CT is an example of the engagement portion, and may be formed as a through portion (opening (through hole)) having a shape suitable for the engagement portion 25 e. The engaging portions and the locking portions 25e may have any structure as long as they can be engaged with each other, that is, as long as the engaged state and the disengaged state can be selectively achieved.

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

Specifically, as shown in fig. 17, the first lens holding assembly LH1 is configured by 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 applies to the second lens holding assembly LH 2.

The upper cover 20 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member forming 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 is configured to function as a yoke. The upper cover 20 has an opening 20k at the center through which a locking 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 pass. In addition, in fig. 17, only one of the six convex portions 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 that opens 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 engagement 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. The first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B are both permanent magnets magnetized to two poles, and as shown in fig. 18, the lower side (Z2 side) is magnetized to N pole, and the upper side (Z1 side) is magnetized to S pole. The first magnet 22A is fitted into the recess RS10 formed in the bobbin 23 and fixed by an adhesive. Similarly, the second magnet 22B is fitted into a recess RS11 formed in the bobbin 23 and fixed by an adhesive.

Fig. 18 (a) shows a case where the locking portion 25e is pulled in downward, and fig. 18 (B) shows a case where the locking portion 25e is pushed out upward. Fig. 18 shows that the distance between the end face of the locking portion 25e when the locking portion 25e is pushed upward and the end face of the locking portion 25e when the locking portion 25e is pulled downward, that is, the stroke amount, 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-pole faces upward (Z1 direction). However, the first magnet 22A and the second magnet 22B may be attached to the bobbin 23 such that the N pole faces upward (Z1 direction).

The bobbin 23 is configured to be able 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 a coil 24 is disposed around the constricted portion 23 n.

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

The coil 24 is configured to be capable of exciting a 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 a portion of the upper side (Z1 side) of the plunger 25 to the N pole, and excites a portion of the lower side (Z2 side) of the plunger 25 to the S pole. In contrast, when the current flows in the second direction (the opposite direction to the first direction) of the wire rod constituting the coil 24, as shown in fig. 18 (B), the coil 24 excites the portion of the upper side (Z1 side) of the plunger 25 to the S pole, and excites the portion of the lower side (Z2 side) of the plunger 25 to the N pole.

The plunger 25 is configured to be slidable in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) within the chamber CV of the bobbin 23, and to be capable of partially engaging 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 prismatic 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 engagement 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. The first magnet 26A and the second magnet 26B are both permanent magnets 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 the N-pole, the first magnet 26A and the second magnet 26B constituting the lower holding magnet 26 are disposed so that the upper sides (Z1 sides) are N-pole.

The first magnet 26A is fixed by an adhesive in a state of being in contact with the stepped portion 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 stepped portion SP2 formed in the cavity CV of the bobbin 23.

The coil spring 27 is an example of a biasing member, and is configured to bias 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 contacts an end surface of the lower side (Z2 side) of the main body portion 25m of the plunger 25 and the other end thereof contacts an upper surface (Z1 side surface) of the lower cover 28 attached to the bobbin 23.

The lower cover 28 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member forming the lower surface of the first lens holding assembly LH 1. In the present embodiment, the lower cover 28 is formed of a magnetic material and is configured to function as a yoke. The lower cover 28 has six openings 28h through which the six protruding portions 23q formed at the lower end of the bobbin 23 pass. In addition, in fig. 17, only one of the six convex portions 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 that opens 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 in the chamber CV of the bobbin 23 by electromagnetic force. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic mechanism EM is mainly composed of the upper holding magnet 22, the bobbin 23, the coil 24, the plunger 25, and the lower holding magnet 26.

When current flows in the first direction of the wire constituting the coil 24, as shown in fig. 18 (a), the upper portion of the plunger 25 is excited to the N-pole, and the lower portion is excited to 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 interval between the plunger 25 and the lower holding magnet 26 reaches the value GP 1. The interval between the plunger 25 and the lower holding magnet 26 is maintained by the attractive force between the N pole of the lower holding magnet 26 and the plunger 25 that is not excited even when the current supply to the coil 24 is stopped, in other words, in the state shown in fig. 18 (a). In the present embodiment, the plunger 25 and the lower holding magnet 26 are not in contact with each other. This is because, when the plunger 25 contacts the lower holding magnet 26, a relatively large force is required to separate the two.

When the current flows in the second direction of the wire rod constituting the coil 24, as shown in (B) of fig. 18, the upper side portion of the plunger 25 is excited to the S-pole, and the lower side portion is excited to 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 interval between the plunger 25 and the upper holding magnet 22 reaches the value GP2, that is, until the shoulder 25s of the plunger 25 (see fig. 18 a) comes into contact with the stepped portion SP3 (see fig. 18 a) as a stopper formed in the chamber CV of the bobbin 23. In the present embodiment, the plunger 25 and the upper holding magnet 22 are not in contact with each other. This is because, when the plunger 25 contacts the upper holding magnet 22, a relatively large force is required to separate the two.

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

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 composed of the upper holding magnet 22, the bobbin 23, the plunger 25, and the coil spring 27.

The state in which the shoulder 25s of the plunger 25 is in contact with the stepped portion SP3 formed in the chamber CV of the bobbin 23, that is, the state shown in fig. 18 (B), is maintained by the 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.

According to this configuration, even when the supply of current to the coil 24 is stopped, the lock mechanism LK can bring about the state shown in fig. 15 (A1) and 15 (A2), that is, the state in which the locking portion 25e engages with the notch CT to hold the lens holder 30 at the movement limit position.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, the holding mechanism HM is configured to include a first holding mechanism HM1 for holding the first lens holder 3A at the movement limit position on the front side (X1 side) and a second holding mechanism HM2 for holding the second lens holder 3B at the movement limit position on the rear side (X2 side). That is, the holding mechanism HM is configured to hold the first lens holder 3A at the front movement limit position and hold the second lens holder 3B at the rear movement limit position. However, the holding mechanism HM may be configured to hold the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B together at a 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 positioned 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 by engaging the notch CT of the engagement member attached to the end portion on the Y1 side of the first lens holder 3A positioned on the front side (X1 side) of the second lens holder 3B with the engagement portion 25e of the plunger 25 constituting the second lens holder assembly 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 positioned at the movement limit positions on the front side (X1 side), the holding mechanism HM may be configured to hold both the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B by engaging the notch CT of the engagement member attached to the end portion on the Y2 side of the second lens holder 3B positioned on the rear side (X2 side) of the first lens holder 3A with the engagement portion 25e of the plunger 25 constituting the first lens holder assembly LH1 attached to the front end of the second substrate 41B. 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 with one lens holding unit by one engaging member.

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 a configuration example of a control system SYS for controlling 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 driving device 101.

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

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 the power supply CS that can supply 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 supply CS based on information from the input device ID, the first hall element 43A1, the second hall element 43A2, the third hall element 43A3, the second hall element 43B1, the second hall element 43B2, the third hall element 43B3, and the like in the first magnetic sensor group 43A, and the second magnetic sensor group 43B.

The power supply CS is configured to be capable of supplying current individually 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 unit LH1, and the coil 24 in the second lens holding unit LH2, respectively.

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 supply CS by the PWM control method.

Specifically, upon receiving the camera start signal from the input device ID, the control device CTR supplies current to the coil 24 in the first lens holding unit LH1 and the coil 24 in the second lens holding unit LH2 by PWM-controlling the power supply CS.

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

When the coil 24 in the first lens holding unit LH1 receives a supply of current from the power supply CS, the plunger 25 is moved downward (Z2 direction) as shown in fig. 18 (a). That is, the coil 24 pulls the end surface of the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 located at a position higher than the upper surface of the first engaging member 10A as shown in fig. 15 (A2) 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 engaging portion 25 e. By this release, the first lens holder 3A can freely move in the optical axis direction. The same applies to the release of the engagement between the second engaging member 10B and the engaging portion 25e by the coil 24 in the second lens holding unit LH 2.

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

When the first coil 42A1 receives current from the power supply CS, the first driving magnet 6A is moved away 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. 13 (B) can be moved to the position shown in fig. 12 (a).

When the second coil 42A2 receives current from the power supply CS, the first driving magnet 6A is pulled up by the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42A2, and the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) located at the position shown in fig. 12 (a) can be moved to the movement limit position on the X2 side shown in fig. 13 (a).

When the second coil 42A2 receives a reverse current from the power supply CS, the first driving magnet 6A is moved away by the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42A2, and the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) positioned at the movement limit position on the X2 side shown in fig. 13 (a) can be moved to the position shown in fig. 12 (a).

When the first coil 42A1 receives a reverse current from the power supply CS, the first driving magnet 6A is pulled up by the magnetic force generated by the first coil 42A1, and the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) 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).

Similarly, when the second coil 42B2 receives current supply from the power supply CS, the second driving magnet 6B is moved away by the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42B2, and the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) positioned 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 current from the power supply CS, the second driving magnet 6B is pulled up by the magnetic force generated by the first coil 42B1, 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 supply CS, the second driving magnet 6B is moved away by the magnetic force generated by the first coil 42B1, and the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) positioned at the movement limit position on the X1 side shown in fig. 13 (B) 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 second driving magnet 6B is pulled up by the magnetic force generated by the second coil 42B2, 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 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 the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) 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 42B1 and the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B based on the outputs of the first hall element 43B1 to the third hall element 43B3, respectively.

Then, when receiving the camera stop signal from the input device ID, the control device CTR performs PWM control on the power supply CS to move the first lens body LS1 (first lens holder 3A) to the movement limit position on the X1 side and to move the second lens body LS2 (second lens holder 3B) to the movement limit position on the X2 side.

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

After the first lens holder 3A is moved to the movement limit position on the X1 side and the second lens holder 3B is moved to the movement limit position on the X2 side, the control device CTR supplies a current in the opposite direction to that 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.

The control device CTR can determine whether the first lens holder 3A (the 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 the second lens holder 3B (the 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 the coil 24 in the first lens holding unit LH1 receives a supply of a reverse current from the power supply CS, the plunger 25 is moved upward (Z1 direction) as shown in fig. 18 (B). That is, the coil 24 pushes out the end surface of the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 located at a position lower than the lower surface of the first engaging member 10A as shown in fig. 15 (B2) to a position higher than the upper surface of the first engaging member 10A as shown in fig. 15 (A2). This is to engage the first engaging member 10A with the engaging portion 25 e. By this engagement, the movement of the first lens holder 3A in the optical axis direction is inhibited. The engagement of the second engaging member 10B and the engaging portion 25e with respect to the coil 24 using the second lens holding assembly LH2 is also the same.

As described above, the lens holder driving device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a fixed side member FM; a lens holder 3 capable of holding the lens body LS; a driving mechanism DM for moving the lens holder 3 in the optical axis direction; and a holding mechanism HM for holding the lens holder 3 at a movement limit position which is a position on the end side of the movable range in the optical axis direction. The holding mechanism HM further includes: a plunger 25 as a moving body provided on the fixed side member FM and including a locking portion 25e that advances and retreats in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, and an electromagnetic mechanism EM that advances and retreats the plunger 25; an engaging member 10 having a notch CT provided as an engaging portion that can be engaged by the engaging portion 25e, the engaging member being provided on the movable side member MB including the lens holder 3; and a lock mechanism LK for holding the plunger 25 in a state where the engagement portion 25e engages with the notch CT at a movement limit position which is a position of a movement end portion 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. The lens holder driving device 101 can hold the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position without using a friction force generated when a part of the fixed side member is brought into frictional contact with a part of the movable side member. Therefore, this configuration does not adversely affect the operation of the lens holder 3 when the engagement is released, and the force for holding the lens holder 3 at the movement limit position does not change with time.

The plunger 25 may also 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 have an upper holding magnet 22 as a first holding magnet that attracts the magnetic member or the plunger 25 itself to hold the plunger 25 in the lock position. The lock position is a position of the plunger 25 when the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 is engaged 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 "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 in 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 current to the coil 24 in the lens holder assembly LH is stopped. Therefore, this configuration can suppress the power consumption of the lens holder driving device 101. However, the lens holder driving device 101 may maintain the locked state by continuously supplying current to the coil 24 in the lens holder assembly LH.

As shown in fig. 18 (a), the lock mechanism LK may have a lower holding magnet 26 as a second holding magnet that attracts a magnetic member to hold the plunger 25 in the unlock position. The unlocked position is a position of the plunger 25 when the engagement between the locking portion 25e of the plunger 25 and the notch CT of the engagement member 10 is released. The state other than the locked state including the 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 holder assembly LH is stopped. Therefore, this configuration can suppress the power consumption of the lens holder driving device 101. However, the lens holder driving device 101 may maintain the unlocked state by continuously supplying 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 so as to face each other with a plunger 25 as a magnetic member interposed therebetween. This configuration can suppress an increase in size of the lens holding unit LH.

The plunger 25 as a 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 unit LH.

The lock mechanism LK includes a coil spring 27 that biases the plunger 25 as a moving body toward the lock position side, and as shown in fig. 18 (a), the plunger 25 may be configured to compress the coil spring 27 at the unlock position. This structure can reliably prevent the plunger 25 from coming into contact with the lower holding magnet 26. In addition, this structure can promote movement of the plunger 25 from the unlocked position to the locked position. This is because, in the unlocked position, the plunger 25 is always biased upward by the coil spring 27. In addition, in the case where the camera-equipped portable device having the lens holder driving device 101 mounted thereon receives an impact due to a drop or the like, this configuration can 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 that is greater than the attractive force with which the lower holding magnet 26 attracts the plunger 25 downward.

The bobbin 23 may have a stopper portion (step SP 3) that contacts the plunger 25 as the iron core in the lock position. This structure 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 arranged outside the coil 24. This structure can suppress leakage of the magnetic field (magnetic flux) generated by the electromagnetic mechanism EM.

The driving mechanism DM may be configured by a driving magnet 6 provided on one side of the lens holder 3 and a driving coil (a coil constituting the coil group 42) opposing the driving magnet 6. The electromagnetic mechanism EM may be disposed so as 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. 12 a, the first driving mechanism DM1 may be configured by a first driving magnet 6A provided on a side 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 fig. 15 (A1), the electromagnetic mechanism EM in the first lens holder assembly LH1 may be disposed so as to face the side SB2 on the Y2 side of the first lens holder 3A.

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

This structure can prevent interference between the magnetic field generated by the driving magnet 6 and the magnetic field 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; the movable side member MB includes 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 so as 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 substrate 41A) as a first surface and a second coil block 4B (second substrate 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 block 4A is provided with a first coil group 42A, and the second coil block 4B is provided with a second coil group 42B. As shown in fig. 4, a first driving magnet 6A facing the first coil block 4A (first coil group 42A) is fixed to the first lens holder 3A. As shown in fig. 5, a second driving magnet 6B facing the second coil block 4B (second coil block 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 DM2.

Compared with a configuration having two rotary electric motors, the configuration in which the first lens holder 3A and the second lens holder 3B can be moved separately can promote miniaturization of the lens holder driving device 101. 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 driving mechanism DM1 and the second driving 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 driving mechanism DM1 and the second driving mechanism DM2 are disposed with a sufficient distance therebetween.

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 42B2. As shown in fig. 13 (a), the first driving magnet 6A in the optical axis direction has a different size, i.e., a width W5, from the first coil 42A1 constituting the first coil group 42A in the optical axis direction, i.e., a width W7. The width W7 of the first coil 42A1 is the same as the width of the second coil 42 A2.

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

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the width W6, which is the size of the second driving magnet 6B in the optical axis direction, is different from the width W8, which is the size 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 (second lens body LS 2) is positioned at the other end of the movable range of the movable side member MB, that is, at the one end on the X2 side, the center axis M2 is positioned at a position separated from the center axis L4, the center axis M2 is a center position in the optical axis direction of the second driving magnet 6B, and the center axis L4 is a center position in the optical axis direction of the second coil 42B2 constituting the second coil group 42B. That is, the center axis M2 of the second driving magnet 6B does not coincide with the center axis L4 of the second coil 42B 2.

According to this configuration, for example, as shown in fig. 13B, even when the first lens holder 3A is located at the front end (the end on the X1 side) of the movable range, the lens holder driving device 101 can reliably move the first lens holder 3A rearward (in the X2 direction) when a current is supplied to the first coil 42 A1. 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 to move the first driving magnet 6A forward (X1 direction) and the repulsive force to move the first driving magnet 6A backward (X2 direction) are 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 to move the first driving magnet 6A forward and the force 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 dimension of the first driving magnet 6A in the optical axis direction, is larger than the width W6, which is the dimension of the second driving magnet 6B in the optical axis direction. In the example shown in fig. 13, the first driving magnet 6A has the same height as the second driving magnet 6B.

According to this configuration, even if the first lens holder 3A is larger than the second lens holder 3B, the first driving magnet 6A is larger than the second driving magnet 6B, and therefore the first driving mechanism DM1 can generate a thrust force sufficient 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, in the optical axis direction 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, the first coil 42A1 and the second coil 42A2 are each larger than the first coil 42B1 and the second coil 42B2, and therefore 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, and the number of coils required to achieve a desired movement amount of the lens holder 3 can be reduced. Further, the reduction in the number of coils brings about a reduction in the power consumption of the lens holder driving device 101.

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

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 the 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. Further, in the Y-axis direction, which is the 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 denoted by the width W11.

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

As shown in fig. 7, a plurality of coils (first coil 42A1 and second coil 42 A2) are preferably provided in the first coil block 4A as the first surface, and a plurality of coils (first coil 42B1 and second coil 42B 2) are also preferably provided in the second coil block 4B as the second surface.

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

As shown in fig. 13B, the first holding magnet 12A (front magnet 12A 1) that attracts the first driving magnet 6A when the first lens holder 3A (first lens body LS 1) is positioned at one end of the movable side member MB on the side X1, which is one end of the movable range, may be provided in the coil holder 5 (see fig. 6) that is the fixed side member FM.

As shown in fig. 13 a, the second holding magnet 12B (rear magnet 12B 2) that attracts the second driving magnet 6B when the second lens holder 3B (second lens body LS 2) is positioned at the other end of the movable range of the movable side member MB, that is, at the one end on the X2 side, may be provided in the coil holder 5 (see fig. 6) that is 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 5G 2) for guiding the movement of the movable-side 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, may include one or more guide rails, and may include one or more guide shafts.

According to 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 as the base member BM having a groove 5G, and the cover member 1 fixed to the base member BM. The movable-side member MB may hold balls at the upper and lower sides, and the balls held at the upper side of the movable-side 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 constituting the first lens holder 3A of the movable side member MB may be configured to hold the lower roller group 8 on the lower side and the upper roller 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 embodiment. The above-described embodiments can be applied to various modifications, substitutions, and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. The features described with reference to the above embodiments may be appropriately combined 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 to advance and retreat the locking portion 25e in a direction parallel to the Z axis, which is one of directions orthogonal to the optical axis direction. However, the first lens holding unit LH1 may be configured to advance and retract the locking portion 25e in a direction parallel to the Y axis. In this case, the center 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 advance and retract the locking portion 25e 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 engaging portion 25 e. The same applies 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 having the coil axis parallel to the Y axis as the winding center of the coils, but may be coils having the coil axis parallel to the optical axis JD. The same applies to the second coil group 42B.

Claims

1. A lens holder driving device is provided with:

A fixed 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 in such a manner as to have the same optical axis as the first lens body;

A first drive mechanism that moves the first lens holder in an 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 which are disposed 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 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 form the first driving mechanism,

The second driving magnet and the second coil form the second driving mechanism,

In a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first coil and the second coil partially overlap,

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

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

The second driving magnet has a different dimension in the optical axis direction from the second coil,

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 at a position apart from the center position of the second coil in the optical axis direction.

2. The lens holder driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The first lens holder has a larger dimension in the optical axis direction than the second lens holder,

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

3. The lens holder driving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,

The first coil has a larger dimension in the optical axis direction than the second coil.

4. The lens holder driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

A plurality of first coils are arranged on the first surface,

A plurality of second coils are disposed on the second face.

5. The lens holder driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

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 to the fixed side member.

6. The lens holder driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The fixed side member is provided with two grooves that guide movement of the movable side member in the optical axis direction.

7. The lens holder driving apparatus according to claim 6, wherein,

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 at 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.