JP2007240998A - Camera module and personal digital assistant equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera module having zoom function capable of consecutive zooming and an autofocus (AF) function and constituted to be small in size and light in weight, and to provide a personal digital assistant equipped with the camera module. <P>SOLUTION: In the camera module equipped with a plurality of driving sources for moving an optical lens group for autofocus and an optical lens group for zoom in an optical axis direction via respectively independent transmission systems, which comprise a first transmission system for transmitting the driving force, from a first driving source to the optical lens group for autofocus and a second transmission system for transmitting driving force, from a second driving source to the optical lens group for zoom, the material of the first transmission system is different from that of the second transmission system, and the first transmission system is formed of crystalline resin material and the second transmission system is formed of non-crystalline resin material. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera module and a portable terminal including the camera module, and more particularly to a small and lightweight camera module and a portable terminal including the camera module.

  Camera modules used in portable terminals such as recent mobile phones are equipped with high-speed, high-precision autofocus (similar to normal electronic cameras (digital cameras)) as the image sensor (CCD, CMOS, etc.) increases. AF) function and focal length change (zoom) function are required, and further downsizing and weight reduction of the mobile terminal itself inevitably requires downsizing and weight reduction of the camera module.

  As a prior art regarding such a miniaturized camera module, there is Patent Document 1 filed by the present applicant. The camera module disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a fixed lens group provided on the subject side, two lens groups for changing the focal length and a focus that are movable in the optical axis direction, and the two lens groups. And a single cam for moving in the optical axis direction. This cam is provided with a focus area that prevents the lens group from moving in the optical axis direction even if it is further rotated after the focal length changing lens group is moved by a fixed distance and scaled. This lens group can be focused by moving in the optical axis direction in the focusing area, and enables two types of focal length switching of tele and wide and auto focus.

  However, the current general digital camera usually changes the focal length continuously (zoom), and the camera module mounted on the mobile terminal also changes the focal length continuously. It is desired to obtain a focused image while zooming. For that purpose, the continuous movement mechanism of the focal length changing lens group and the movement of the focal length changing lens group are independent of the focal length changing lens group. A focusing mechanism that can focus even at a distance is required.

  As a camera in which the moving mechanism of the lens group for changing the focal length and the moving mechanism of the focusing lens group are separately provided as described above, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2 filed by the present applicant. There is something. In the camera disclosed in Patent Document 2, the focal length can be continuously changed by moving the first lens group and the second lens group on the subject side in the optical axis direction by a cam. The third lens group closest to the image sensor side can be sent with a lead screw. Therefore, in order to move the cam and the lead screw, separate motors corresponding to the cam and the lead screw are installed on the image pickup element side so as to overlap each other.

  Although Patent Document 3 does not show the arrangement of each motor and the lens moving mechanism in detail, it has a zoom motor and an autofocus (AF) motor to measure the distance to the subject. Using the result, a camera is shown in which automatic zooming is performed so that the control circuit corresponding to each motor has an optimum shooting range (angle of view).

JP 2005-215535 A JP 2004-341466 A JP-A-8-94918

  However, as described above, the camera module disclosed in Patent Document 1 can only switch between two types of focal lengths, tele and wide, and cannot continuously change the focal length. The camera disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a small digital camera called a so-called compact digital camera, and is not large enough to be incorporated into a portable terminal or the like. In addition, even if the mechanism is downsized as it is, two lens frame moving mechanisms, a cam and a lead screw, and a motor that drives each lens frame moving mechanism are installed in the thickness direction of the camera, When the optical system is downsized, the width in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system is increased.

  In addition, the camera disclosed in Patent Document 3 merely shows that a zoom motor and an autofocus (AF) motor are used. The motor arrangement for downsizing and the configuration of the lens moving mechanism are as follows. Not shown.

  That is, a camera module used for a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone has a desired size of about 10 to 20 mm cubic, for example. In order to reduce the size of the camera module in this way, for example, a lens group is arranged in the optical axis direction. The size and size of the cam to be moved, the motor that drives the cam, the gear that transmits the driving force from the motor to the cam, the shaft that guides the lens frame that houses the lens group, the shutter, and the aperture It is important to arrange and configure. In addition, in a camera module using a zoom mechanism, it is necessary to accurately determine where the lens is currently located, and when a control circuit that houses them is installed, it is accurate without being affected by noise. It is also important to be able to control.

  Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera module that has a zoom function and an autofocus (AF) function that enable continuous zooming, is configured to be small and lightweight, and a portable terminal including the camera module. It is.

In order to solve the above problems, the camera module according to the present invention is:
In a camera module comprising a plurality of drive sources that move the optical lens group for autofocus and the optical lens group for zoom in the optical axis direction via independent transmission systems,
A first transmission system that transmits a driving force from the first driving source to the autofocus optical lens group; and a second transmission system that transmits a driving force from the second driving source to the zoom optical lens group. Further, the first transmission system and the second transmission system are made of different materials, and the former is made of a crystalline resin material and the latter is made of an amorphous resin material.

In addition, portable terminals using this camera module are
A plurality of drive sources for moving the auto-focus optical lens group and the zoom optical lens group in the optical axis direction via independent transmission systems, respectively, and the auto-focus optical lens group includes a first drive source; The first transmission system that transmits the driving force and the second transmission system that transmits the driving force from the second driving source to the zoom optical lens group, the first transmission system and the second transmission system. A camera module in which the material is different in the system, the former is made of a crystalline resin material and the latter is made of an amorphous resin material;
A case body mounted with the camera module;
And an operation unit that is provided in the case body and operates the lens driving mechanism of the camera module.

  Normally, the zoom lens group used in the camera module may move greatly depending on the zooming instruction, but this is only when the zooming instruction is issued, but its operation is required to be precise, but on the contrary, the autofocus lens group Even if the moving distance is reduced, it operates frequently whenever the camera direction changes or the distance to the subject changes due to zooming. In addition, recently, since it is required to focus in a short time, the movement of the autofocus lens group becomes steep. Accordingly, the cam that moves the autofocus lens group is more worn than the cam that moves the zoom lens group.

  Therefore, in this way, the first transmission system corresponding to the autofocus optical lens group is made of a crystalline resin material that does not easily wear, and the second transmission system corresponding to the zoom optical lens group can be precisely formed. The cam that moves the lens group for autofocusing is less likely to wear, and the cam that moves the zoom lens group can be formed with high precision, long life, and accurate zooming. A camera module and a portable terminal can be provided.

  The transmission system is a transmission gear group that transmits the driving force from the first motor and the second motor to each cam body that moves the optical lens group in the optical axis direction. However, it is a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the cam body is configured to transmit the driving force from the first motor and the second motor to the corresponding optical lens groups and move in the optical axis direction.

  Further, by integrally molding one transmission gear on the cam body that moves the optical lens group for autofocus in the optical axis direction, the one transmission gear is also more effective because wear is reduced.

  Further, by forming the first transmission system with a crystalline resin material and the second transmission system with an amorphous resin material containing reinforcing fibers, the second transmission system is also worn to some extent. Can be strong.

  The first and second optical lens groups moving in the optical axis direction have a zoom function by the first and second optical lens groups positioned on the image incident side, and the image sensor side. A camera module having an autofocus function by a third lens group located at a position where a non-crystalline resin material is used for a cam body for moving and operating the first and second optical lens groups. It is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  Further, a second cam body made of an amorphous resin material for moving the first and second lens groups, and a first cam body made of a crystalline resin material for moving the third lens group. Are coaxially connected to each other on an axis parallel to the optical axis so as to be independently rotatable, whereby the camera module can be made smaller.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small and lightweight camera module incorporating an autofocus (AF) function and a zoom function, and a portable terminal including the camera module.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified, but are merely illustrative examples. Not too much.

  1A and 1B are external perspective views of a camera module 1 according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a state in which an exterior cover 2 is hung, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a state in which the exterior cover 2 is removed. The camera module 1 has a width of about 10 to 12 mm, a height of about 20 to 24 mm, and a length of 15 so that the camera module 1 can be incorporated into a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone with the exterior cover 2 shown in FIG. The size is about ˜20 mm and enables continuous zooming and autofocus. In the figure, 3 is an object side optical lens, 4 is equipped with an image sensor using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc., and a control circuit such as a zoom or autofocus motor or shutter. An image pickup device unit, 5 is a camera module main body, 52 is a cover for shielding an optical system housed therein, 6 is a main flexible board, a camera module 1, and a portable terminal (not shown) that houses the camera module 1 7 is a motor drive flexible board for supplying power and signals to a motor that is a drive source in the camera module 1. .

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image sensor unit 4 and the state of incorporation into the camera module 1. The image sensor unit 4 is placed on the image sensor unit substrate 41 as shown in FIG. The image pickup device 40 and the control circuit module 44 are mounted, and an image pickup unit frame 42 for separating the image pickup device 40 and the control circuit module 44 is provided. For example, an infrared cut filter 43 is provided on the subject side of the image sensor 40 to constitute the image sensor unit 4, and is fixed to the lower part of the camera module body 5 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2B, 50 is a subject side fixed frame, 51 is an image sensor side fixed frame, and 52 is a cover for shielding the optical system housed in the camera module body 5.

  FIG. 3 shows guide shafts 37, 38, which guide the movement of the lens groups 30, 32, 35 constituting the camera module 1 of the embodiment and the lens holding frames 31, 33, 36 that accommodate the lens groups in the optical axis direction. 39 is a perspective view showing the relationship with FIG. In the figure, 30 is a first lens group on the subject side, 31 is a first lens holding frame that houses the first lens group, 32 is a second lens group, and 33 is a second lens holding frame that houses the second lens group, Reference numeral 34 denotes a shutter unit which is interposed in the second lens holding frame 33 and moves together with the second lens holding frame 33. Reference numeral 35 denotes a third lens group for focusing. Reference numeral 36 denotes a third lens group which accommodates the third lens group. 3 lens holding frame.

  The lens holding frames 31, 33 and 36 include a first lens holding frame bearing portion 311, a second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 and a third lens holding frame indicated by 311, 331 and 361. A bearing portion 361 is provided, and the first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 are separated from the first guide shaft 37, and the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 is separated from the first guide shaft 37. The second guide shaft 38 is inserted into the shaft, and the bearing portions provided on the substantially opposite side of the optical axis with respect to the bearing portions 311, 331, 361 in the respective lens holding frames 31, 33, 36 are provided. The third guide shaft 39 is inserted. The first lens holding frame bearing portion 311, the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331, and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 are aligned so that their optical axis lengths are substantially the same, and each lens holding Consideration is made so that the inclination of the frame with respect to the guide axis is the same.

  Among these, the focal length is continuously changed, that is, zooming is performed by the movement of the second lens group 32 integrated with the first lens group 30 and the shutter unit 34 in the optical axis direction, and the focus changed by the zooming. In order to correct the position, the third lens group 36 moves. In order to perform such movement by rotation of the cam not shown in FIG. 3, the first lens holding frame cam follower 312, the second lens holding frame cam follower 332, and the third lens 311, 331, and 361 are provided in the respective bearing portions 311, 331, and 361. A lens holding frame cam follower 362 is provided and comes into contact with the corresponding cam surface.

  As described above, the third guide shaft 39 serves to prevent rotation of the lens holding frame bearing portions 311, 331, and 361, and the lens holding frames can move stably in the optical axis direction. It is provided on the substantially opposite side of the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38 with respect to the optical axis. The first guide shaft 37, the second guide shaft 38, and the third guide shaft 29 are parallel to the optical axis of the optical system, respectively, and the object side of the camera module 1 shown in FIG. As can be seen from the description of the front view, the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38 are at a predetermined angle at positions that are concentric with the cam shaft centers of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75. The triangles are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the triangles formed by the axial centers of the third guide shaft 39, the first guide shaft 37, and the second guide shaft 38 are substantially isosceles triangles.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the optical system used in the camera module 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4A shows the lenses and the image sensor 40 that constitute each of the lens groups 30, 32, and 35. FIGS. 4B and 4C are views showing the positional relationship between the lens groups 30, 32, and 35 in the wide angle (Wide) state and the telephoto (Tele) state, respectively.

  The optical system in the camera module 1 according to the embodiment includes the subject-side first lens group 30 housed in the first lens holding frame 31, the second lens group 32 housed in the second lens holding frame 33, as described above. The third lens group 35 accommodated in the third lens holding frame 36 is used to perform zooming by moving the first lens group 30 and the second lens group 32 in the optical axis direction with a zoom cam. The third lens group 35 is moved and focused by an autofocus cam in accordance with the focus position changed according to the above, and an image is formed on the image sensor 40 provided on the image sensor unit substrate 41. It has become. A shutter unit 34 equipped with a diaphragm 341 and shutter blades 342 is provided on the first lens group 30 side of the second lens group 32.

  In this optical system, for example, the first lens group 30 is a plurality of plastic lens groups having negative power (diffuse light), and the second lens group 32 is a plurality of glass lenses having positive power (condensation). The third lens group 35 is composed of a single plastic lens, so that the length from the first surface of the lens to the focal point can be shortened, and the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35 are arranged. The moving range in the optical axis direction of the second lens group 32 sandwiched between the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35 is designed to be larger than the moving range in the optical axis direction of the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35.

  For this reason, as can be seen from FIGS. 3B and 3C, the light beam incident on the second lens group 32 is most confined in both the wide angle (Wide) and the telephoto (Tele). Further, the second lens group 32 has the largest movement range among the three lens groups, but a certain amount of space can be secured on both the subject side and the image sensor side. Accordingly, by installing the diaphragm 341 and the shutter 342 so as to be integrated with the second lens group 32, the diaphragm 341 and the shutter 342 can be installed without increasing the maximum aperture. Further, as compared with the case where the shutter unit 34 is further provided on the subject side of the first lens group 30, the height of the optical system in the optical axis direction can be lowered by the amount of the shutter unit 34, and the camera module 1 can be made smaller accordingly. In addition, a driving force for opening and closing the shutter 342 and the aperture 341 is small.

  The second lens holding frame 33 that houses the second lens group 32 has a small diameter on the subject side of the second lens group 32, and the shutter unit 34 has a small diameter on the second lens holding frame 33 side. An outer peripheral wall that is a concave portion is formed on the second lens group 32 side so as to engage with the second lens group 32 side peripheral wall that is convex toward the subject side. Therefore, the shutter unit 34 can be engaged and fixed to the second lens holding frame 33 so as not to be eccentric. As the shutter unit 34, a conventionally used shutter unit 34 can be used as long as it has a structure in which a plurality of blades are opened and closed using an actuator or the like. In the above description, the subject of the second lens holding frame 33 is used. Although the case where it is provided on the side has been described as an example, it goes without saying that the image sensor unit 4 side of the second lens holding frame 33 may be similarly configured and provided.

  The first lens group 30, the second lens group 32, and the third lens group 35 are configured so that the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35 are subjects in the wide-angle state shown in FIG. The second lens group 32 is closer to the image sensor 40 side. In the telephoto state shown in FIG. 3C, the first lens group 30 is slightly in the image sensor 40 as shown by d in the wide-angle state shown in FIG. If the third lens group 35 moves to the image sensor 40 side, the second lens group 32 moves largely to the subject side.

  Since the thickness in the optical axis direction of the second lens group 32 and the shutter unit 34 substantially defines a range in which the second lens group 32 can move, the second lens holding shown in FIG. By making the length of the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 provided in the frame 33 in the optical axis direction substantially the same as the width of the second lens group 32 and the shutter unit 34 in the optical axis direction, Therefore, the maximum length of the bearing can be obtained, and the fall of the second lens holding frame 33 can be reduced accordingly.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the subject side fixed frame 50 that accommodates the lens group described above, and the moving mechanism of the lens group incorporated in the image sensor unit 4 and the image sensor side fixed frame 51. First, FIG. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a subject-side fixed frame 50 that accommodates the lens group and guide shaft of the camera module 1 of the embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an image sensor unit 4 that accommodates an image sensor and some control circuits. FIG. 5C is a perspective view in which a lens driving mechanism including motors 70 and 71 and cams 72 and 75 for moving the lens group in the optical axis direction is incorporated in the image sensor side fixed frame 51.

  In the subject side fixed frame 50 of the camera module 1 shown in FIG. 5A, the first lens holding frame 31 that houses the first lens group 30 moves in the optical axis direction on the subject side (upper side in the figure). It has an opening 501 having a diameter that can be formed, and is further indicated by bearing holes 503 and 39 for inserting the second guide shaft shown by bearing holes 502 and 38 for inserting the first guide shaft shown by 37 in FIG. A bearing hole 504 for inserting the third guide shaft is provided. The image sensor side fixed frame 51 incorporating a lens driving mechanism including motors 70 and 71 and cams 72 and 75 for moving the lens group in the optical axis direction shown in FIG. The fixed frame 50 is assembled in the open space.

  FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the image sensor unit 4 containing the image sensor described in FIG. 2A and a part of the control circuit. The image sensor 40 includes an image sensor 40 not shown. An image pickup unit frame 42 for separating the image pickup device and the control circuit module 44 is provided on the element unit substrate 41. Further, for example, an infrared cut filter 43 is provided on the image pickup device 40 (not shown). It is fixed to the lower part of the subject side fixed frame 50.

  The driving mechanism for moving the lens group shown in FIG. 5C in the optical axis direction includes a zoom motor 70 that rotates the zoom cam 72 and an autofocus motor 71 that rotates the autofocus cam 75. , Zoom gear group 74 for transmitting the driving force of zoom motor 70 to zoom cam 72, zoom gear 73, autofocus gear group 77 for transmitting the driving force of autofocus motor 71 to autofocus cam 75, auto Consists of a focusing gear 76 and the like.

  Among these, the zoom motor 70 that rotates the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus motor 71 that rotates the autofocus cam 75 are motors having the same shape, and their drive axes are the outer ends in the optical axis direction of the camera module 1. Further, the drive shafts are arranged in series so as to be directed to the side so as to be positioned on a common axis and to be parallel to the lens optical axis. Each of the motors 70 and 71 is provided with drive terminals 701 and 711 for sending an external power supply and a rotation instruction signal. Further, the drive terminals 701 and 711 face the side wall surface on the subject side fixed frame 51 side. Are arranged in parallel.

  Therefore, the area when projected in the optical axis direction of the two motors of the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 is the same as when only a single motor is arranged, and the camera module has a small width direction. be able to. In addition, since the drive shafts of the respective motors are arranged so as to face each other toward the outer end side in the optical axis direction of the camera module, driving force transmission mechanisms such as gears are provided at both ends in the optical axis direction. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a driving force transmission mechanism at the intermediate portion, the portion can be used for moving the lens, and a camera module having a large degree of freedom in lens design can be obtained.

  That is, a transmission gear group that transmits driving force from the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 to the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 is a zoom gear 73 provided on the zoom cam 72, for example. A zoom gear group 74 and the like for transmitting driving force to the zoom gear 73 are provided on the subject side of the image sensor side fixed frame 51, and an autofocus gear 76 and an autofocus gear group 77 provided on the autofocus cam 75. Is provided on the image sensor 4 side.

  FIG. 6 shows the structure of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 in detail. FIGS. 6A and 6B move the lens group in the camera module 1 of the embodiment. A perspective view of the cams 72 and 75 and the gears 73 and 76 attached to the cams, (C) is a cam follower 312 and 332 provided in a bearing portion of each lens frame that moves in the optical axis direction by the rotation of the cams 72 and 75. 362 and the cam surface, and a sectional view showing the internal structure of the cam. As can be seen from FIG. 5C, the axes of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 Similar to the axial centers of the motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71, they are provided in parallel with the lens optical axis.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 include a first lens group cam surface 721 and a second lens group cam as shown in FIGS. The surface 722 is provided with a third lens group cam surface 751 on the autofocus cam 75, and a zoom gear 73 and an autofocus gear 76 are provided at both ends in the optical axis direction. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, reference numeral 728 denotes a detected surface for obtaining a signal for positioning the lens group at the home position when the camera module 1 is powered on.

  6C, a first lens holding frame cam follower 312 provided on the first lens holding frame 31 is provided on the first lens group cam surface 721, and a second lens group cam surface 722 is provided on the first lens group cam surface 721. The second lens holding frame cam follower 332 provided in the second lens holding frame 33 is in contact with the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 provided in the third lens holding frame 36 in contact with the third lens group cam surface 751. ing.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, the first lens holding frame 31 and the second lens holding frame 33 are provided with first and second lens group shifting springs 79 so as to attract each other, and the third lens. The holding frame 36 is provided with a third lens group biasing spring 78 so as to draw the third lens holding frame 36 toward the image sensor unit 4. Therefore, the first lens holding frame cam follower 312 and the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 are on the first lens group cam surface 721 and the second lens group cam surface 722, and the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 is on the third lens group. The cam surface 751 is always in contact.

  The autofocus cam 75 is rotatably inserted into a cam shaft 511 provided on the image sensor side fixed frame 51, and the shaft end of the cam shaft 511 on the zoom cam 72 side is further connected to the zoom cam 72. The zoom cam 72 is inserted into a zoom cam recess 725 provided at the end of the zoom cam. Further, a zoom cam biasing spring 724 and a second ball bearing 723 are provided in the zoom cam recess 725 so as to shift the zoom cam 72 toward the subject side fixed frame 50. On the subject side fixed frame 50 side, a bearing portion 505 that has a first ball bearing 731 inside and receives the subject side fixed frame 50 side end of the zoom cam 72 is provided. In cooperation with the second ball bearing 723, the zoom cam 72 can rotate smoothly.

  In the autofocus cam 75, the third lens group cam follower 362 pushes the third lens group cam surface 751 toward the image sensor unit 4 by a third lens group biasing spring 78, which will be described later. Since the cam 72 is offset in the direction of the subject side fixed frame 50 by the zoom cam offset spring 724, the cam 72 can always perform accurate zooming and focusing without rattling.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6C, the zoom cam 72 side shaft end of the cam shaft 511 is inserted into a zoom cam recess 725 provided in the zoom cam 72 and this zoom cam 72 is inserted. However, conversely, a cam shaft is provided on the zoom cam 72 side (that is, the subject side fixed frame 50), and the end of the cam shaft on the side of the autofocus cam 75 is used for autofocusing. Of course, the recess provided in the cam 75 may be received, and in this case, the zoom cam biasing spring 724 may also be provided on the autofocus cam 75 side.

  Further, as described above, the zoom cam 72 moves the second lens group 32 greatly during zooming, and the third lens group 35 to which the autofocus cam 75 moves is short moving distance in the optical axis direction. . However, autofocusing is required to be faster than before, and the third lens group 35 for autofocusing has changed the direction of the camera module 1 to change the distance to the subject, or has been in focus with zooming. Since the focusing operation is performed each time, it operates frequently.

  Therefore, in the camera module 1 of the present embodiment, a drive system that moves at least the third lens group 36 for autofocus in the optical axis direction, and the first lens group 30 for zooming and the second lens group 32 in the optical axis direction are used. The drive system that is made of a material that is less likely to wear than the moving drive system, and the drive system that moves the first lens group 30 and the second lens group 32 for zooming in the direction of the optical axis is formed with high accuracy because accuracy is required. Made of materials that can be used. In addition, being hard to wear means that the degree of wear is small even when used under the same conditions.

  As such a material, for example, a crystalline resin material is used for a driving system for moving the third lens group 36 for autofocus in the optical axis direction, and the first lens group 30 and the second lens group 32 for zooming are used for the optical axis. The drive system that moves in the direction is made of an amorphous resin material, so that the drive system that moves the third lens group 36 for autofocus in the optical axis direction is less likely to wear, and the first lens for zooming The drive system for moving the group 30 and the second lens group 32 in the optical axis direction can be formed with high accuracy.

  Specifically, the autofocus cam 75 and the autofocus gear 76 that transmits the driving force to the autofocus cam 75 may be integrally formed, for example, by a crystalline resin material. As this crystalline resin material, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), nylon (PA6, PA66, MXD), polyacetal (POM), polyester (PBT, PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Examples thereof include liquid crystalline polyester (LCP). Note that the autofocus gear group 77 may also be made of these crystalline materials, and conversely, the autofocus cam 75 and the autofocus gear 76 need not be formed integrally. is there.

  On the other hand, the zoom cam 72 uses an amorphous resin material. Examples of the amorphous resin material include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate (PC). , Modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE), polysulfone (PSU), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI) and the like. The zoom gear 73 and the zoom cam 72 may be integrally formed of the above material, or the zoom gear group 74 may be formed of the above material. Further, by adding reinforcing fibers to the non-crystalline resin material, it is possible to make the non-crystalline resin material a durable driving force transmission system. In addition, as long as the autofocus cam 75 is less likely to be worn than the zoom cam 72, it is needless to say that other materials may be used in addition to those shown here.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the lens group in the camera module 1, its drive mechanism, and the image sensor unit. As described above, the first lens group 30, the second lens group 32, and the third lens group 35 are incorporated in the first lens holding frame 31, the second lens holding frame 33, and the third lens holding frame 36, respectively. The first lens holding frame bearing portion 311, the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331, and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 provided in each holding frame are inserted through the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38. In addition, the third guide shaft is inserted into a bearing provided substantially opposite to the optical axis with respect to the respective bearing portions 311, 331, 361 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction.

  Further, each of the bearing portions 311, 331, 361 is provided with a first lens holding frame cam follower 312, a second lens holding frame cam follower 332, and a third lens holding frame cam follower 362. These cam followers are respectively zoomed as described above. The first lens group cam surface 721, the second lens group cam surface 722, and the third lens group cam surface 751 provided on the cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75, and the lens holding frames 31, 33, 36 is moved in the optical axis direction. As described above, the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38 are arranged at a predetermined angle apart at positions concentrically with the cam shaft center.

  The driving force for rotating the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 is applied from the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 to the zoom gear 73 and the autofocus gear 76 that are provided respectively. This is transmitted via a zoom gear group 74 and an autofocus gear group 77. Therefore, the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 are arranged in series toward the outer end side in the optical axis direction so that the respective drive shafts are located on a common axis and are parallel to the lens optical axis.

  By configuring the drive system in this way, the projection area occupied by the two motors 70 and 71 is the same as when only a single motor is provided, and the camera module 1 with a small width direction can be obtained. Further, since the drive shafts of the respective motors 70 and 71 are arranged so as to face each other on the outer end side in the optical axis direction of the camera module 1, assembly of a drive force transmission mechanism such as a gear is facilitated. Therefore, the driving force transmission mechanism can be prevented from coming to that position, so that part can be used for moving the lens, and the camera module can be designed with a greater degree of freedom in lens design.

  In addition, when such a camera module 1 is turned on, a control circuit (not shown) does not know what state each lens group 30, 32, 35 is in. Therefore, generally, when the power is turned on, each lens group 30, 32, 35 is returned to the home position, and the zoom state and the focus state are reset to start the operation.

  Therefore, in the camera module 1 of the embodiment, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are opposed to each other, and the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are provided so that the home position can be detected. FIG. 8 shows the attached state of the photo reflectors 60 and 61. 8, (A) is a perspective view showing the relationship between the photo reflectors 60 and 61 and the cams 72 and 75, and (B) is incorporated in a portion of the image sensor side fixed frame 51 that holds the photo reflectors 60 and 61. It is the perspective view which showed the state.

  In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above. As described above, reference numeral 30 denotes a first lens group, 31 denotes a first lens holding frame, 33. Is a second lens holding frame, 34 is a shutter unit, 36 is a third lens holding frame, 37 is a first guide shaft, 38 is a second guide shaft, 39 is a third guide shaft, 41 is an image sensor unit substrate, 51 is Image sensor side fixed frame, 60 and 61 are photo reflectors, 70 is a zoom motor, 71 is an autofocus motor, 72 is a zoom cam, 728 is a zoom home position detected surface, 73 is a zoom gear, and 75 is An autofocus cam, 76 is an autofocus gear, 77 is an autofocus gear group, and 343 is a shutter flex that sends a power source and an open / close signal to the shutter unit 34. Bull substrate, 541 and 542 for fixing the photo reflector 60 and 61, a photo-reflector opening provided in the image pickup element side fixed frame 51.

  First, in FIG. 8A, in order to clearly show the positional relationship among the photo reflectors 60 and 61, the zoom cam 72, and the autofocus cam 75, the image sensor side fixed frame 51 that holds the photo reflectors 60 and 61 is excluded. Each of the photo reflectors 60 and 61 is a zoom home position detected surface 728 provided on the opposing zoom cam 72 and autofocus cam 75, and an autofocus home (not shown). The position detection surface is held at a position where it can be detected.

  FIG. 8B is a view showing a state in which the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are incorporated in the imaging element side fixed frame 51. The photo reflectors 60 and 61 are motors 70 shown in an exploded view of FIG. , 71 is attached to a motor-driving flexible board 7 for sending a power source and operation instruction signal, and is further fixed to openings 541, 542 provided in an image sensor side fixing frame 51 for fixing the motors 70, 71. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A, the photo reflectors 60 and 61 face the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75, for example, a home position detected surface 728 provided on the zoom cam 72, An autofocus home position detected surface (not shown) is detected. As will be described later, the flexible substrate 7 is connected to the drive terminals 701 and 711 provided on the motors 70 and 71 fixed to the imaging element side fixing frame 51 to be fitted and fixed to the imaging element side fixing frame 51. Is done.

  The home position detected surface 728 provided on the zoom cam 72 and the home position detected surface provided on the autofocus cam 75 (not shown clearly) are, for example, attached with reflective tape or reflected. High rate materials may be printed. Further, a part having a different reflectance may be formed, or a protrusion may be formed, and the reflectance of the protrusion may be made different. For example, a first reflection part and a second reflection part are provided, The first reflecting portion is formed in a protruding shape that protrudes toward the photo reflector side than the second reflecting portion, or the light reflectance of the second reflecting portion is set lower than that of the first reflecting portion. May be. In addition, the surface of the first reflector on the photo reflector side is mirror-finished by metal vapor deposition or color coating (for example, white coating), or a highly reflective member (for example, white or silver tape) is attached. Alternatively, the reflectance of the first reflecting part may be set higher than the reflectance of the second reflecting part, for example, by subjecting the surface of the second reflecting part to a matte finish.

  In this way, for example, when the camera module 1 is turned on, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are rotated, and the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are clearly shown as the home position detected surface 728. If the home position is detected by reflected light from a home position detection surface provided on an autofocus cam 75 (not shown), the motor 70 recognizes that it is the home position for zooming or focusing. The rotation of 71 is stopped.

  Therefore, no matter what state the power of the camera module 1 is turned off, when the power is turned on again, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the photo reflectors 60 and 61. Can be rotated as the home position, and thereafter, a desired rotation amount and accurate focusing can be performed by giving a predetermined rotation instruction to the motors 70 and 71.

  The above is the configuration of the camera module 1 of the embodiment, and shows a state in which the lens driving mechanism excluding the optical lens in the camera module 1 of this embodiment is incorporated in the subject side fixed frame 50 and the image sensor side fixed frame 51. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view, a front view, and a cross-sectional view, and shows a mounting state of the third lens group biasing spring 78 that pulls the third lens holding frame 36 toward the image sensor unit 4. FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the components of those components.

  First, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 11, as described above, the camera module 1 of the embodiment moves the first lens holding frame 31 and the third lens holding frame 36 in the optical axis direction by the subject side fixed frame 50. A first guide shaft 37, a second guide shaft 38 which is a separate shaft for moving the second lens holding frame 33 in which the shutter unit 34 is integrated in the optical axis direction, and the lens frames 31, 36, 33. A third guide shaft 39 and the like for guiding while rotating are supported. The zoom element 70 and the autofocus motor 71 are supported by the imaging element side fixed frame 51, and a cam shaft 511 that rotatably supports the autofocus cam 75 on the imaging element side fixed frame 51. Is provided.

  The first guide shaft 37, the second guide shaft 38, and the third guide shaft 39 are provided in parallel with the optical axis of the lens group, and the first lens holding frame 31 and the third lens holding frame 36 are provided respectively. The provided first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 are inserted through the first guide shaft 37, while the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 provided on the second lens holding frame 33. Is inserted through a second guide shaft 38, which is a separate shaft, and a third guide shaft is inserted through a bearing provided at one end of each shaft so as to be movable in the optical axis direction.

  Among these, the first lens holding frame cam follower 312 and the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 in the first lens holding frame 31 and the second lens holding frame 33 are arranged such that the first and second lens group pieces attract each other. As shown in FIG. 6, the first lens holding frame cam follower 312 is placed on the first lens group cam surface 721, and the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 is placed on the second lens group cam surface. 722 is always in contact with the 722. Further, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 10, the third lens holding frame 36 is drawn toward the image sensor unit 4, and the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 is connected to the third lens holding frame 36. A third lens group biasing spring 78 is provided so as to always contact the group cam surface 751.

  As described above, the zoom gear 73 is fixed to the subject side of the zoom cam 72, and the bearing portion 505 provided on the subject side fixed frame 50 side via the first ball bearing 731 (see FIG. 6C). ) Supports the end of the zoom cam 72. Further, in the zoom cam recess 725 formed inside the zoom cam 72, a zoom cam biasing spring 724 and a second ball bearing 723 are inserted, and as described with reference to FIG. The zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 can be rotated by inserting the shaft end of the cam shaft 511 that rotatably supports the zoom cam 72.

  The zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 having drive terminals 701 and 711 for inputting power and control signals have the same shape, each drive axis is parallel to the optical axis, and light It is attached to the image sensor side fixed frame 51 in series so as to face the outside in the axial direction. The zoom gear group 74 and the autofocus gear group 77 are inserted into the gear shafts 623 and 624 planted on the image sensor side fixed frame 51, and the autofocus gear group 77 is further connected to the gear plate 625. It is prevented from coming off.

  The image sensor side fixed frame 51 detects a home position detected surface 728 (not shown in the autofocus cam 75) provided on the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75. Openings 541 and 542 for inserting and fixing the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are provided. The photo reflectors 60 and 61 are attached on the back side of the positions indicated by 621 and 622 in the motor-driven flexible substrate 7. The motor drive flexible board 7 is provided with openings 626 into which the drive terminals 701 and 711 of the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 are fitted. The openings 626 of the motor drive flexible board 7 are connected to the drive terminals 701 and 701. When fitted in 711, the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are fitted and fixed in the openings 541 and 542 of the image sensor side fixing frame 51.

  As described above, the image sensor unit 4 includes the image sensor 40, the image sensor unit substrate 41 on which the control circuit module 44 is mounted, the infrared cut filter 43 (not shown in FIG. 11), and the image unit frame 42. The control circuit module 44 exchanges signals with the outside through the main flexible board 6. In FIG. 6, 52 and 53 are covers that cover the opening of the subject side fixed frame 50, and 54 is a gear box cover that covers the accommodating portion of the zoom gear group 74 in the subject side fixed frame 50.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view, a front view, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lens driving mechanism excluding the optical lens in the camera module 1 of the embodiment is incorporated in the subject-side fixing frame 50 and the image sensor side fixing frame 51. 9A is a perspective view of the camera module 1 viewed from the subject side, FIG. 9B is a front view of the subject side, and FIG. 9C is a perspective view viewed from the side where the image sensor unit is incorporated, FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the axes of the cams 72 and 75 that move the lens group and the axes of the motors 70 and 71. In the figure, the same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As described with reference to FIG. 5A and as is apparent from FIG. 9A, the camera module 1 according to the embodiment has a first lens holding unit housing the first lens group 30 in the subject side fixed frame 50. The frame 31 has an opening 501 whose diameter is movable in the optical axis direction, and the image sensor side fixed frame 51 has a zoom gear 73 and a zoom gear group 74 when combined with the subject side fixed frame 50. Is provided with a gear mounting hole 506 serving as a space for housing the. Therefore, on the subject side of the subject side fixed frame 50, as shown in FIG. 9B, the bearing hole 502 into which the first guide shaft 37 shown in FIG. A bearing hole 503 into which the two guide shafts are inserted, and a bearing hole 504 into which the third guide shaft indicated by 39 is inserted can be provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, the image pickup element side of the image pickup element side fixed frame 51 is fully open, and the parts other than the zoom gear group 74 can be inserted and assembled from this side. It can be a good camera module. The zoom gear group 74 may also be assembled from the image sensor side fixed frame 51 and adjusted by the gear mounting hole 506. Furthermore, as can be seen from FIGS. 9A and 9C, the camera module 1 of the embodiment also opens the side surface housing the zoom motor 70, the autofocus motor 71, the zoom cam 72, and the autofocus cam 75. Since various parts can be attached and adjusted from the side, the camera module can be assembled easily.

  The zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 shown in the exploded view of FIG. 11 described above are provided on the image sensor side fixed frame 51 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. An autofocus cam 75 is rotatably supported on the cam shaft 511, and the shaft end of the cam shaft 511 receives a zoom cam recess 725 provided in the zoom cam 72 and receives an internal second ball bearing 723. The zoom cam 72 is moved toward the subject side fixed frame 50 by the zoom cam biasing spring 724.

  The first guide shaft 37, the second guide shaft 38, and the third guide shaft 39 can be seen from the positions of the bearing holes 502, 503, and 504 into which the respective guide shafts shown in the front view of FIG. 9B are inserted. The triangle formed by the axial center is arranged in a substantially isosceles triangle. The motors 70 and 71 have the same shape and are arranged in series so that the drive shafts are positioned on a common axis parallel to the optical axis so that the respective drive shafts are on both sides in the optical axis direction.

  Therefore, the zoom gear group 74 and the autofocus gear group 77 that transmit driving force from the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 to the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9B, it can be easily assembled from the open gear mounting hole 506 in the subject side fixed frame 50 or the open space 512 in the image sensor side fixed frame 51 as shown in FIG. It becomes.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a third lens group biasing spring 78 that pulls the third lens holding frame 36 in the camera module of the embodiment toward the image sensor unit 4 is attached. As shown in FIG. 10A, one end of the third lens group biasing spring 78 is hooked on a spring hook 363 provided on the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 of the third lens holding frame 36. The other end is hung on an image sensor side fixed frame 51 (not shown). Therefore, the third lens holding frame 36 is always drawn toward the image sensor unit 4, and the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 is connected to the third lens group of the autofocus cam 75 as shown in FIG. The cam surface 751 is always in contact. Therefore, the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 always comes into contact with the third lens group cam surface 751 without rattling, and accurate focusing can be performed.

  The camera module 1 according to the embodiment as described above includes an autofocus cam 75 that moves the third lens group 35 for autofocus and the first and second lens groups 30 and 32 for zoom in the optical axis direction. The zoom cam 72 is fitted rotatably on an axis that is coaxial and parallel to the optical axis, and the drive shafts of the autofocus motor 71 and the zoom motor 70 that drive each of the zoom cams 72 are also provided. They are arranged in series so as to be located on a common axis parallel to the optical axis. Since the first, second, and third guide shafts 37, 38, and 39 that support the lens group so as to be movable in the optical axis direction are also arranged in parallel with the optical axis, like the cam and the motor, The projected areas in the optical axis direction of the cam 75, the zoom cam 72, the autofocus motor 71, and the zoom motor 70 are the same as in the case of a single cam and motor, respectively. The terminal itself can be reduced in size. Further, all of them are arranged in parallel with the optical axis, and further, a gear mounting hole 506 and an open space 512 are provided in the subject side fixed frame 50 and the image sensor side fixed frame 51, so that each part can be freely incorporated. Increases the degree and layout becomes easy.

  Further, the second guide shaft 38 that guides the second lens group 32 having a large moving range is different from the guide shafts of the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35, and therefore interferes with other lens groups. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the lens can be greatly improved, and the bearing of the guide shaft can be configured to be long, so that the tilting of the lens group can be reduced. The second lens group 32 is integrated with the shutter unit 34, but the length of the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 is the same as the combined thickness of the second lens group 32 and the shutter unit 34. By setting the degree, the maximum length of the bearing can be obtained, and the tilt of the lens holding portion can be reduced accordingly.

  In this way, each configured component is assembled as shown in FIG. 1B, and finally the exterior cover 2 is hung as shown in FIG. 1A, so that the camera module 1 of the embodiment is obtained. However, as described above, the camera module 1 includes the control circuit module 44, the zoom motor 70, the autofocus motor 71, and the shutter unit 34 that includes an actuator for driving the aperture 341 and the shutter 342. When various noise sources exist and noise enters from the outside, the control circuit module 44 may malfunction.

  Therefore, in the camera module 1 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the exterior cover 2 or the subject side fixing frame 50 that covers the subject side fixing frame 50, or the shutter unit 34, the first guide shaft 37, and the second guide. Either the shaft 38 or the third guide shaft 39 (in the case of the shutter unit 34, only the second guide shaft 38), or all of which is made of metal, carbon, or stainless steel to have electrical conductivity. For example, one end or a part of the third guide shaft 39 is brought into contact with the contact portion 21 or the shutter unit 34 provided on the corresponding exterior cover 2, and the other end is included in the image sensor unit 4. The unit substrate 41 is connected to the ground surface by a conductive wire 22.

  By doing so, the exterior cover 2 or the subject-side fixed frame 50 having electrical conductivity, or the shutter unit 34 and the ground plane of the image sensor unit substrate 41 are connected by the third guide shaft 39, and the external From the exterior cover 2 or the subject-side fixed frame 50 imparted with electrical conductivity to the ground plane of the image sensor unit substrate 41, and the control circuit module 44, the zoom motor 70, and autofocus Noise generated from the motor 71, the shutter unit 34, and the like will also go out or will not affect the internal control circuit. It is obvious that the shaft for ground connection is not limited to the third guide shaft 39 described above, and the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38 may be used.

  In the camera module 1 of the embodiment configured as described above, when a power supply (not shown) is turned on, a zoom motor 70 and an autofocus motor 71 are driven by a control circuit (not shown), and a zoom cam 72, The autofocus cam 75 rotates in the home position direction, and the home position detected surface 728 (not shown in the autofocus cam 75) provided on each cam is detected by the photo reflectors 60 and 61. Then, the driving of the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 is stopped, the autofocus motor 71 is driven according to the distance to the subject detected by the image sensor 40, and the third lens is driven by the autofocus cam 75. The group 35 moves in the direction of the optical axis and stops at a position where the subject currently being imaged is focused.

  When a zooming instruction is given at that position, a control circuit (not shown) drives the zoom motor 70 and drives the zoom cam 72 to instruct the first lens group 30 and the second lens group 32 to be instructed. It is moved in the optical axis direction so that the ratio becomes equal. Then, the autofocus motor 71 is driven, and the third lens group 35 moves in the optical axis direction to correct the focus position moved by the changed focal length, and at a focus position corresponding to the changed focal length. Stop.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a portable terminal incorporating the camera module 1 described above. The mobile terminal shown in FIG. 13 shows a case of a mobile phone 80 as an example. In the figure, 81 is an operation unit (operation member), 82 is a display (display member), and FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the operation unit (operation member) 81 and the display (display member) 82 visible (open state). In the illustrated mobile phone 80, a first case portion 83 on which an operation portion 81 is mounted and a second case portion 84 on which a display 82 is mounted are connected by a hinge mechanism 85, and the first and first case portions are connected. The two case portions 83 and 84 are rotatable around the hinge mechanism 85. In addition, the 1st and 2nd case parts 83 and 84 comprise a case body.

  On the outside of the second case 84, an opening for exposing the lens 3 in the camera module 1 described above is formed at a position indicated by a broken double circle in the drawing, and the lens indicated by 3 in FIG. The camera module 1 is incorporated, and when a predetermined button of the operation unit 81 is operated, the camera module 1 captures an image, and the captured image is displayed on the display 82, for example. Although not shown in the drawing, the first case portion 83 houses a battery, a communication portion, and the like, and the thickness dimension of the second case portion 84 is substantially regulated by the height of the camera module 1. ing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a small and lightweight camera module incorporating an autofocus (AF) function and a zoom function, and a portable terminal equipped with the camera module. .

  According to the present invention, a camera module incorporating an autofocus (AF) function or a continuous zoom function can be configured to be small and lightweight, and is optimal as a camera module in various small portable terminals.

1A and 1B are external perspective views of the camera module 1 according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the exterior cover 2 is hung, and FIG. It is a perspective view. (A) is an exploded perspective view of the image sensor unit 4 in the camera module 1 of the embodiment, and (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the image sensor unit 4 is incorporated in the camera module 1 main body. Relationship between the lens groups 30, 32, and 35 constituting the camera module 1 of the embodiment and the guide shafts 37, 38, and 39 that guide the movement of the lens holding frames 31, 33, and 36 that accommodate the lens groups in the optical axis direction. It is the perspective view which showed. (A) is sectional drawing which showed the lens which comprises each of lens group 30,32,35 of the camera module 1 of embodiment, and the image pick-up element 40, (B) is each lens group 30, in the state of a wide angle (Wide), The figure which showed the positional relationship of 32,35, (C) is the figure which showed the positional relationship of each lens group 30,32,35 in a telephoto (Tele) state. (A) is a perspective view of the subject side fixed frame 50 that houses the lens group and guide shaft of the camera module 1 of the embodiment, and (B) is a perspective view of the image sensor unit 4 that houses the image sensor and some control circuits. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a lens driving mechanism including motors 70 and 71 and cams 72 and 75 for moving the lens group in the optical axis direction. (A) and (B) are perspective views of cams 72 and 75 for moving the lens group of the camera module of the embodiment and gears 73 and 76 attached to the cams, and (C) is a result of rotation of the cams 72 and 75. It is sectional drawing which showed the relationship between the cam follower 312,332,362 provided in the bearing part of each lens frame which moves to an optical axis direction, and a cam surface, and the internal structure of a cam. It is the perspective view which showed the relationship between the lens group in the camera module 1 of embodiment, its drive mechanism, and an image pick-up element unit. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a mounting state of the photo reflectors 60 and 61 for detecting the home position of the cam that drives the lens group, and FIG. B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the photoreflectors 60 and 61 in the image sensor side fixed frame 51 are incorporated into a portion. 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the lens driving mechanism in the camera module 1 of the embodiment is incorporated in the subject side fixed frame 50 and the image sensor side fixed frame 51, excluding the lens group, and FIG. (B) is a front view of the subject side, (C) is a perspective view seen from the side where the image sensor unit is incorporated, and (D) is an axis of the cams 72 and 75 for moving the lens group and the motor 70. , 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the axis of 71. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a third lens group shifting spring 78 that pulls the third lens holding frame 36 in the camera module of the embodiment toward the image sensor unit 4 is attached. It is an exploded view which shows the components structure of the camera module main body of embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the mechanism which earth | grounds the exterior cover of the camera module of embodiment, and the board | substrate of an image pick-up element unit with one lens frame guide shaft. It is a figure which shows roughly an example of the mobile telephone with which the camera module of embodiment was incorporated.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera module 2 Exterior cover 3 Optical lens 4 Image pick-up element unit 5 Camera module main body 6 Main flexible board 7 Flexible board 30 for motor drive First lens group 31 First lens holding frame 32 Second lens group 34 Shutter unit 341 Aperture 342 Shutter 35 Third lens group 36 Third lens holding frame 37 First guide shaft 38 Second guide shaft 39 Third guide shaft 40 Imaging device 41 Imaging device unit substrate 42 Imaging unit frame 43 Infrared cut filter 44 Control circuit module 50 Subject side fixed Frame 51 Image sensor side fixed frame 52, 53 Cover 54 Gear box cover 60, 61 Photo reflector 70 Zoom motor 71 Auto focus motor 72 Zoom cam 73 Zoom gear 74 Zoom gear group 75 Auto focus Cam 76 Autofocus gear 77 Autofocus gear group 78 Third lens group bias spring 79 First and second lens group bias spring

Claims (8)

In a camera module comprising a plurality of drive sources that move the optical lens group for autofocus and the optical lens group for zoom in the optical axis direction via independent transmission systems,
A first transmission system for transmitting a driving force from a first driving source to the autofocus optical lens group; and a second transmission system for transmitting a driving force from the second driving source to the zoom optical lens group. The camera module is characterized in that the first transmission system and the second transmission system are made of different materials, the former being made of a crystalline resin material and the latter being made of an amorphous resin material.   The transmission system is a transmission gear group that transmits a driving force from the first motor and the second motor to each cam body that moves the optical lens group in an optical axis direction. Item 2. The camera module according to Item 1.   2. The transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission system is a cam body that transmits the driving force from the first motor and the second motor to the corresponding optical lens groups and moves in the optical axis direction. 2. The camera module described in 2.   4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein a single transmission gear is integrally formed on a cam body that moves the optical lens group for autofocus in the optical axis direction.   The first transmission system is formed of a crystalline resin material, and the second transmission system is formed of an amorphous resin material containing reinforcing fibers. The camera module. It has first, second, and third optical lens groups that move in the direction of the optical axis, and the zoom function is provided by the first and second optical lens groups that are located on the image incident side, and is located on the image sensor side A camera module having an autofocus function by a third lens group,
2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein an amorphous resin material is used for a cam body for moving and operating the first and second optical lens groups.   A second cam body made of an amorphous resin material for moving and operating the first and second lens groups, and a first cam body made of a crystalline resin material for moving and operating the third lens group. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the camera module is fitted so as to be independently rotatable on an axis that is coaxial and parallel to the optical axis. A plurality of drive sources for moving the auto-focus optical lens group and the zoom optical lens group in the optical axis direction via independent transmission systems, respectively, and the auto-focus optical lens group includes a first drive source; The first transmission system that transmits the driving force and the second transmission system that transmits the driving force from the second driving source to the zoom optical lens group, the first transmission system and the second transmission system. A camera module in which the material is different in the system, the former is made of a crystalline resin material and the latter is made of an amorphous resin material;
A case body mounted with the camera module;
A portable terminal comprising: an operation unit provided on the case body and operating the lens driving mechanism of the camera module.

Images