JP2024043819A - Lens drive device and portable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a small, highly durable lens driving device. [Solution] The lens driving device 1 has a lens unit 20, a holding member 40 that holds the lens unit, a driving mechanism that moves the holding member in the optical axis direction to move the lens unit in the same direction, and a camera module FPC 30 connected to the lens unit and a fixed member 10. The camera module FPC has a first region fixed to the lens unit, a second region fixed to the fixed member, and an intermediate region extending between the first and second regions. The intermediate region is stored between the outer surface of the lens unit and the inner surface of the holding member, which face each other. At least a part of the intermediate region moves relative to the lens unit along the outer surface of the lens unit when the lens unit moves in the optical axis direction. [Selected Figure] Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a lens driving device and a portable information terminal.

Mechanisms for moving lenses and imaging devices equipped with such mechanisms are known. Patent Document 1 describes a lens barrel that can change the imaging magnification by moving the lens in the optical axis direction. According to Patent Document 1, the lens barrel is mounted on an imaging device such as a digital camera.

The lens barrel described in Patent Document 1 has an FPC whose one end is connected to a shutter coil or the like that moves in the optical axis direction and whose other end is connected to a connector. The FPC is bent into a U-shape inside the lens barrel and pulled out of the lens barrel.

JP 2012-137526 A

When a flexible printed circuit board (FPC/Flexible Print Circuit) included in a lens driving device is bent with a small bending radius, there is a possibility that cracks may occur in the conductor layer at the bent portion. On the other hand, when the flexible printed circuit board included in the lens driving device is bent with a large bending radius, a large space is required to accommodate the bent portion.

The object of the present invention is to provide a lens drive device that is small and highly durable.

A lens driving device according to one embodiment includes a lens unit including a lens and a lens driving unit that moves the lens at least in the optical axis direction, a holding member provided around the lens unit and holding the lens unit, a rotating member provided around the holding member and supporting the holding member movably in the optical axis direction, a fixed member provided around the rotating member and supporting the rotating member rotatably, a drive mechanism that moves the holding member in the optical axis direction to move the lens unit in the same direction, and a flexible printed circuit board connected to the lens unit and the fixed member. The flexible printed circuit board includes a first region in which a first fixing portion fixed to the lens unit is provided, a second region in which a second fixing portion fixed to the fixed member is provided, and an intermediate region extending between the first region and the second region. The intermediate region is stored between the outer surface of the lens unit and the inner surface of the holding member, which face each other. When the lens unit moves in the optical axis direction, at least a part of the intermediate region moves relative to the lens unit along the outer surface of the lens unit.

The present invention realizes a compact, highly durable lens drive device.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the lens driving device. FIG. 2 is another external perspective view of the lens driving device. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the lens unit, the camera module FPC, and the holding member. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembled state of the lens unit, camera module FPC, and holding member. FIG. 6 is a developed view of the camera module FPC. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the camera module FPC when the lens unit is in the standby position. FIG. 8 is another perspective view showing the camera module FPC when the lens unit is in the standby position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the camera module FPC when the lens unit is in the photographing position. FIG. 10 is another perspective view showing the camera module FPC when the lens unit is in the shooting position. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a smartphone equipped with the lens driving device.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings referred to to describe the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same or substantially the same configurations and elements. In addition, as a general rule, the structure or elements that have been explained once will not be explained repeatedly.

<Overview of lens drive device>
1 and 2 are external perspective views of a lens driving device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lens driving device 1 according to this embodiment.

The lens driving device 1 has a fixed member 10, a lens unit 20, a flexible printed circuit board 30, a holding member 40, a rotating member 50, a ring plate 71, a cover glass 72, a seal 73, etc.

The fixed member 10 is composed of a base plate 11 and a cover 12, and constitutes a case or housing that contains the lens unit 20, the flexible printed circuit board 30, the holding member 40, the rotating member 50, etc. From another perspective, the fixed member 10 forms the outer shell of the lens driving device 1.

The lens unit 20 is arranged on the base plate 11. The holding member 40 is provided around the lens unit 20 and holds the lens unit 20. A flexible printed circuit board 30 is provided around the lens unit 20. The rotating member 50 is provided around the holding member 40 and supports the holding member 40 in a movable manner. The cover 12 is provided around the rotating member 50 and rotatably supports the rotating member 50.

The lens unit 20 held by the holding member 40 is integrated with the holding member 40. Therefore, when the holding member 40 moves in the optical axis direction, the lens unit 20 also moves in the same direction. The lens driving device 1 moves the lens unit 20 to two or more different positions in the optical axis direction by moving the holding member 40 in the optical axis direction.

Note that unless otherwise specified, the optical axis direction in this specification means the direction of the optical axis 21a of the lens 21 included in the lens unit 20. Moreover, FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of the lens driving device 1 when the lens unit 20 is in the first position. On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows the external appearance of the lens driving device 1 when the lens unit 20 is in a second position different from the first position.

One end of the flexible printed circuit board 30 is fixed to the lens unit 20, and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 30 is fixed to the fixing member 10. Further, a part of the flexible printed circuit board 30 is housed between the lens unit 20 and the holding member 40.

When the lens unit 20 moves in the optical axis direction, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 30 moves relative to the lens unit 20 along the outer surface of the lens unit 20. This relative movement of the flexible printed circuit board 30 absorbs the expansion and contraction of the flexible printed circuit board 30 that accompanies the movement of the lens unit 20. In the following description, the flexible printed circuit board may be referred to as the "camera module FPC 30."

<Fixing member (base plate)>
A lead 13 and a sensor board 14 are provided on the base plate 11 of the fixing member 10, and an image sensor 15 is mounted on the sensor board 14. A flexible printed circuit board 14a electrically connected to the image sensor 15 is pulled out from the sensor board 14. In the following description, the flexible printed circuit board 14a may be referred to as "image sensor FPC14a" to distinguish it from other flexible printed circuit boards including the camera module FPC30.

A motor 16 and a group of gears 17 are provided within the fixed member 10. The group of gears 17 includes multiple gears, including a screw gear that meshes with a worm provided on the output shaft of the motor 16, and as a whole constitutes a reduction mechanism. The motor 16 and the group of gears 17 also constitute a drive mechanism (described below) that moves the holding member 40 in the optical axis direction. The motor 16 is held by a holding portion provided inside the cover 12. The gears included in the group of gears 17 are supported by a rotating shaft provided inside the cover 12.

The motor 16 is a stepping motor. The driver IC of the motor 16 is connected to a controller (not shown) via a flexible printed circuit board 80. In the following description, the flexible printed circuit board 80 may be referred to as the "actuator FPC 80" to distinguish it from other flexible printed circuit boards including the image sensor FPC 14a and the camera module FPC 30.

<Lens unit>
The lens unit 20 includes a housing 22 that houses the lens 21 and the like. The lens 21 is housed in the center of the housing 22. Inside the housing 22 and around the lens 21, a lens driving unit is provided that includes a driving source (e.g., a voice coil motor (VCM)) and moves the lens 21 at least in the optical axis direction. The lens 21 is moved in the optical axis direction and in other directions by the lens driving unit, thereby realizing autofocus (AF), image stabilization (OIS), and the like.

As described above, the lens unit 20 is disposed on the base plate 11. More specifically, the lens unit 20 is disposed at a position where the optical axis 21a of the lens 21 coincides with the center of the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the imaging element 15. Therefore, light transmitted through the lens 21 is incident on the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the imaging element 15.

The camera module FPC 30 is provided around the housing 22 of the lens unit 20 and is partially fixed to the housing 22. The camera module FPC 30 will be described later.

<Holding member>
The holding member 40 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the lens unit 20 and includes a ceiling portion 41 . However, the ceiling portion 41 is provided with an opening 41a that exposes the lens 21 included in the lens unit 20. That is, the ceiling portion 41 is formed in an annular shape.

Three engagement recesses 42 are provided on the inside of the holding member 40 at different positions in the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, three engagement protrusions 23 are provided on the outside of the lens unit 20. The three engagement protrusions 23 of the lens unit 20 are fitted into different engagement recesses 42 of the holding member 40. As a result, the lens unit 20 and the holding member 40 are integrated together so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. In the following description, the integrated lens unit 20 and holding member 40 may be collectively referred to as the "lens module 25."

Three cam pins 43 and engagement pins 44 are provided on the outer surface (peripheral surface) of the holding member 40. Each of the cam pins 43 and engagement pins 44 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the holding member 40. However, the protruding length of the engagement pins 44 is longer than the protruding length of the cam pins 43.

The ceiling portion 41 is provided with a number of screw bosses 45 to which screws 74 for fixing the ring plate 71 are coupled. The ring plate 71 is fixed to the holding member 40 by the screws 74 coupled to the screw bosses 45, and a cover glass 72 is fixed to the ring plate 71. The heads of the screws 74 are covered by a sticker 73 affixed to the ring plate 71 and are hidden so that they cannot be seen from the outside.

<Rotating member>
The rotating member 50 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the holding member 40. Three cam grooves 51 are provided on the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) of the rotating member 50 at different positions in the circumferential direction. Moreover, three notches 52 are provided in the peripheral wall of the rotating member 50 at different positions in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, three engagement pins 53 are provided on the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the rotating member 50 at different positions in the circumferential direction.

Each cam groove 51 extends obliquely along the circumferential direction of the rotating member 50. More specifically, the bottom surface (cam surface) of the cam groove 51 extends obliquely along the circumferential direction of the rotating member 50. From another perspective, the bottom surface (cam surface) of the cam groove 51 is inclined so that its height gradually increases or decreases along the circumferential direction. The upper surface of the notch 52 is inclined in the same manner as the bottom surface (cam surface) of the cam groove 51. The cam pin 43 also protrudes radially from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 50.

The three cam pins 43 of the holding member 40 are each inserted into a different cam groove 51 of the rotating member 50. As a result, the rotating member 50 supports the holding member 40 so that it can move in the optical axis direction via the cam pins 43 inserted into the cam grooves 51. The movement of the holding member 40 in the optical axis direction will be described later.

The three engagement pins 44 of the retaining member 40 protrude outside the rotating member 50 through different notches 52 of the rotating member 50. In addition, a number of gear teeth that mesh with the final gear of the gear group 17 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 50. These gear teeth are arranged parallel to each other along the circumferential direction in the area between two adjacent notches 52.

<Fixing member (cover)>
The cover 12 of the fixed member 10 includes a cylindrical portion 61 that surrounds the rotating member 50 and a gear case portion 62 that covers the gear group 17. However, the cylindrical portion 61 and the gear case portion 62 are integrally molded.

The tube portion 61 has a cylindrical shape. The inner surface (inner peripheral surface) of the tube portion 61 is provided with three engagement grooves 63 extending in the optical axis direction and three engagement grooves 64 extending in the circumferential direction. The engagement grooves 63 and the engagement grooves 64 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction.

The engagement pin 44 of the holding member 40 that protrudes outside the rotating member 50 is inserted into an engagement groove 63 extending in the optical axis direction. On the other hand, the engagement pin 53 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 50 is inserted into an engagement groove 64 extending in the circumferential direction.

As a result, the holding member 40 and the lens unit 20 integrated therewith are guided by the engagement groove 63 and can move in the optical axis direction, but cannot move in the circumferential direction. In other words, the lens module 25 can move up and down relative to the fixed member 10, but cannot rotate. In contrast, the rotating member 50 is guided by the engagement groove 64 and can move in the circumferential direction, but cannot move in the optical axis direction. In other words, the rotating member 50 can rotate relative to the fixed member 10, but cannot move up and down.

<Movement of lens unit along optical axis>
As described above, a plurality of gear teeth that mesh with the final gear of the gear group 17 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 50. Therefore, when the motor 16 is operated, the rotating member 50 rotates around the holding member 40. Here, the cam pin 43 of the holding member 40 is inserted into the cam groove 51 of the rotating member 50, and the bottom surface (cam surface) of the cam groove 51 is inclined as described above. As a result, when the rotating member 50 rotates, the holding member 40 receives a thrust in the optical axis direction and moves in the same direction. In other words, the motor 16, the gear group 17, the cam pin 43, and the cam groove 51 constitute a drive mechanism that moves the holding member 40 in the optical axis direction and moves the lens unit 20 in the same direction.

When the rotating member 50 rotates in the first direction, the lens module 25 (lens unit 20 and holding member 40) moves in a direction (upward) away from the base plate 11 (imaging element 15). More specifically, when the rotating member 50 shown in FIG. 3 rotates in the first direction, the lens module 25 shown in FIG. 1 moves to the position shown in FIG. 2. As a result, the lens unit 20 included in the lens module 25 moves from the first position to a second position different from the first position in the optical axis direction.

On the other hand, when the rotating member 50 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the lens module 25 moves (downward) toward the base plate 11 (image sensor 15). More specifically, when the rotating member 50 shown in FIG. 3 rotates in the second direction, the lens module 25 shown in FIG. 2 moves to the position shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the lens unit 20 included in the lens module 25 moves from the second position to a first position different from the second position in the optical axis direction.

In the following description, the position of the lens unit 20 when the lens module 25 is in the position shown in FIG. 1 may be referred to as a "standby position." Further, the position of the lens unit 20 when the lens module 25 is in the position shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to as a "photographing position."

From FIG. 1, it can be seen that when the lens unit 20 is in the standby position, the ring plate 71 and the cover glass 72 are flush with the upper surface of the fixed member 10 (cover 12). From another perspective, when the lens unit 20 is in the standby position, the lens module 25 including the lens unit 20 fits within the housing.

From FIG. 2, it can be seen that when the lens unit 20 is in the photographing position, the ring plate 71 and the cover glass 72 are pushed out above the upper surface of the fixing member 10 (cover 12). From another perspective, when the lens unit 20 is in the photographing position, the lens module 25 including the lens unit 20 protrudes from the housing.

By moving the lens unit 20 in the optical axis direction between the standby position and the shooting position, the following effects and functions can be obtained, for example. If the lens unit 20 is moved to the standby position when not shooting, the thickness of the lens driving device 1 can be made thinner. If the lens unit 20 is moved to the shooting position when shooting, the necessary optical path length can be ensured. In addition, if the lens unit 20 is moved to any position between the standby position and the shooting position, the optical path length can be adjusted. As mentioned above, the lens unit 20 also has an optical path adjustment function.

<Camera module FPC>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the lens unit 20, camera module FPC 30, and holding member 40. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembled state of the lens unit 20, camera module FPC 30, and holding member 40. FIG. 6 is a developed view of the camera module FPC30.

The camera module FPC 30 includes two first areas 31, two second areas 32, and two intermediate areas 33. One intermediate region 33 extends between the pair of first and second regions 31 and connects these two regions. The other intermediate region 33 extends between the other set of first regions 31 and second regions 32 and connects these two regions.

The camera module FPC 30 further includes a common area 34 that connects the two first areas 31 to each other. In other words, the camera module FPC 30 is a single flexible printed circuit board that includes two first areas 31 , a second area 32 , an intermediate area 33 , and one common area 34 .

<First Area>
Each first region 31 is provided with a first fixing portion 31a fixed to the lens unit 20. Each first fixing portion 31a is disposed below the lens unit 20 and faces the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22. Furthermore, each first fixing portion 31a is fixed to the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 with an adhesive or double-sided tape.

The first fixing portion 31a has a plurality of through holes 35. A lead 26 protruding from the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 is inserted into each through hole 35. The lead 26 inserted into the through hole 35 is soldered to a land formed around the through hole 35.

At least some of the leads 26 protruding from the housing 22 are electrically connected to the lens drive unit of the lens unit 20. In other words, the camera module FPC 30 is electrically connected to the lens unit 20. More specifically, the camera module FPC 30 is electrically connected to the lens drive unit of the lens unit 20.

Each first region 31 has a non-fixed portion 31b that is disposed under the lens unit 20 and faces the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22, similar to the first fixed portion 31a. However, unlike the first fixed portion 31a, the non-fixed portion 31b is not fixed to the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22. In other words, the first region 31 includes a portion that is fixed to the lens unit 20 and a portion that is not fixed to the lens unit 20.

In this embodiment, approximately 1/2 of each first region 31 is allocated to the first fixed portion 31a, and approximately 1/2 of the remaining portion is allocated to the non-fixed portion 31b. Furthermore, the non-fixed part 31b is located between the first fixed part 31a and the intermediate region 33, and extends in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first fixed part 31a.

<Second area>
A second fixing portion 32 a fixed to the fixing member 10 is provided in each second region 32 . Each second fixing portion 32a is fixed to the base plate 11 (FIG. 3) of the fixing member 10 with adhesive or double-sided tape. A plurality of through holes 36 are provided in the second fixing portion 32a. One end side of the lead 13 (FIG. 3) protruding from the base plate 11 is inserted into each through hole 36. One end of the lead 13 inserted into the through hole 36 is soldered to a land formed around the through hole 36.

The first fixing part 31a and the second fixing part 32a provided in the pair of the first region 31 and the second region 32 are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis 21a of the lens 21. Similarly, the first fixing part 31a and the second fixing part 32a provided in the other pair of the first region 31 and the second region 32 are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis 21a of the lens 21. has been done.

The other end of the lead 13 protruding from the base plate 11 is connected to the actuator FPC 80 (Figure 3). From another perspective, the actuator FPC 80 is extended by the camera module FPC 30 and connected to the lens unit 20.

<Intermediate and common areas>
Each of the intermediate regions 33 and the common region 34 is housed between the outer surface of the lens unit 20 and the inner surface of the holding member 40, which face each other. More specifically, the intermediate region 33 and the common region 34 are housed in a gap 37 between the outer circumferential surface 22b of the housing 22 and the inner circumferential surface 40b of the holding member 40, which face each other.

Further, the intermediate region 33 and the common region 34 surround the housing 22 along the outer peripheral surface 22b of the housing 22. Further, the two intermediate regions 33 face each other with the housing 22 in between. From another perspective, the two intermediate regions 33 are symmetrical about the optical axis 21a.

Note that although the common region 34 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 22b of the housing 22, the intermediate region 33 is not fixed to the outer peripheral surface 22b of the housing 22.

<Movement of camera module FPC>
At least a portion of each intermediate region 33 moves relative to the lens unit 20 along the outer surface of the lens unit 20 when the lens module 25 including the lens unit 20 moves in the optical axis direction. That is, at least a portion of the intermediate region 33 of the camera module FPC 30 moves relative to the lens unit 20 according to the amount of extension of the lens module 25.

Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the camera module FPC 30 when the lens unit 20 is in the standby position. Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views showing the camera module FPC 30 when the lens unit 20 is in the shooting position.

When the lens unit 20 moves from the standby position to the photographing position (FIGS. 7 and 8⇒FIGS. 9 and 10), the first fixing portion 31a provided in the first region 31 of the camera module FPC 30 is pulled upward. . However, the second fixing portion 32a provided in the second region 32 of the camera module FPC 30 is fixed to the base plate 11 (FIG. 3) of the fixing member 10. As a result, the intermediate region 33 of the camera module FPC 30 extending between the first region 31 and the second region 32 moves downward with respect to the lens unit 20 along the outer peripheral surface 22b of the housing 22 of the lens unit 20. (slide).

Furthermore, one side of the non-fixed portion 31b connected to the first fixed portion 31a is pulled upward, and the other side of the non-fixed portion 31b connected to the intermediate region 33 is pulled downward. As a result, the non-fixed portion 31b tilts and moves away from the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22. From another perspective, the angle θ (Figure 9) between the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 and the non-fixed portion 31b changes (increases).

On the other hand, when the lens unit 20 moves from the shooting position to the standby position (FIGS. 9, 10 ⇒ FIG. 7, 8), the camera module FPC 30 moves in the opposite direction to the above. That is, the intermediate region 33 moves (slides) upward relative to the lens unit 20 along the outer peripheral surface 22b of the housing 22 of the lens unit 20. Also, the non-fixed portion 31b approaches the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22. From another perspective, the angle θ (FIG. 9) between the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 and the non-fixed portion 31b changes (decreases). Then, when the lens unit 20 reaches the standby position, the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 and the non-fixed portion 31b become parallel or approximately parallel. That is, the angle θ (FIG. 9) becomes 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees.

The first fixed portion 31a fixed to the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 moves integrally with the lens unit 20. Therefore, even if the lens module 25 including the lens unit 20 moves in the optical axis direction, the angle between the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 and the first fixed portion 31a does not change. In other words, the bottom surface 22a of the housing 22 and the first fixed portion 31a are always kept parallel or approximately parallel.

As described above, the common area 34 of the camera module FPC 30 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 22b of the housing 22. Therefore, even if the lens module 25 including the lens unit 20 moves in the optical axis direction, the positional relationship between the lens unit 20 and the common area 34 does not change.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a magnetic sensor is mounted in the common area 34. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a Hall sensor 38 is mounted in the common area 34. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the base plate 11 is provided with a magnet 18. These Hall sensors 38 and magnets 18 constitute a position detection section that detects the position of the lens unit 20 in the optical axis direction.

Specifically, the Hall sensor 38 mounted in the common area 34 of the camera module FPC 30 moves in the optical axis direction together with the lens unit 20. From another perspective, the distance between the Hall sensor 38 and the magnet 18 changes as the lens unit 20 moves. Then, the signal (voltage) output from the Hall sensor 38 changes. Therefore, based on the signal output from the Hall sensor 38, the position and amount of movement of the lens unit 20 in the optical axis direction can be detected.

The detection results of the position detection unit can be used to monitor the position of the lens unit 20 and adjust the position of the lens unit 20 through feedback control.

Note that the Hall sensor 38 and the magnet 18 may be added depending on the movement stroke of the lens unit 20. However, the sensor constituting the position detection section is not limited to the Hall sensor 38. For example, the position detection section can also be configured using an MR sensor or a photointerrupter.

As described above, in the lens driving device 1 according to this embodiment, a portion of the camera module FPC 30 is stored between the outer surface of the lens unit 20 and the inner surface of the holding member 40. From another perspective, the gap 37 between the outer surface of the lens unit 20 and the inner surface of the holding member 40 is utilized as a storage space for the camera module FPC 30.

Further, by moving a part of the camera module FPC 30 housed in the gap 37 with respect to the lens unit 20, expansion and contraction of the camera module FPC 30 due to the movement of the lens unit 20 is absorbed. Therefore, there is no need to provide a redundant part or a bent part to absorb expansion and contraction of the camera module FPC 30.

The wiring pattern provided on the camera module FPC 30 is connected to a driver IC for driving a voice coil motor (VCM), which is the driving source for the lens drive unit.

However, the connection destination of the wiring pattern provided on the camera module FPC 30 is not limited to the driver IC. For example, wiring patterns connected to an AF coil, an OIS coil, an AF position detection sensor, and an OIS position detection sensor may be provided on the camera module FPC 30. Also, wiring patterns for ground connection and wiring patterns for noise countermeasures may be provided on the camera module FPC 30.

The lens driving device 1 according to this embodiment can be installed in a portable information terminal. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the lens driving device 1 can be installed in a smartphone 100. In this case, the lens drive device 1 including the image sensor 15 functions as a camera module.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the camera module FPC 30 may be configured by combining two or more flexible printed circuit boards. More specifically, one flexible printed circuit board has one first region 31, one second region 32, and one intermediate region 33, and one flexible printed circuit board has one first region 31, one second region 32, and one intermediate region 33. The camera module FPC 30 may be configured by combining it with another flexible printed circuit board.

The mechanism for moving the lens unit 20 in the optical axis direction is not limited to the above mechanism. For example, another mechanism for moving the lens unit 20 in the optical axis direction includes a biasing means (e.g., a spring) that biases the lens unit 20 to one side in the optical axis direction, and a moving means (e.g., a cam or gear) that moves the lens unit 20 to the other side in the optical axis direction against the bias of the biasing means.

1...lens driving device, 10...fixed member, 11...base plate, 12...cover, 13...lead, 14...sensor board, 14a...flexible printed circuit board (imaging sensor FPC), 15...imaging element, 16...motor, 17...gear group, 18...magnet, 20...lens unit, 21...lens, 21a...optical axis, 22...housing, 22a...bottom surface, 22b...outer peripheral surface, 23...engagement protrusion, 25...lens module, 26...lead, 30...flexible printed circuit board (camera module FPC), 31...first region, 31a...first fixed portion, 31b...non-fixed portion, 32...second 2 area, 32a...second fixed portion, 33...middle area, 34...common area, 35, 36...through hole, 37...gap, 38...hall sensor, 40...holding member, 40b...inner circumferential surface, 41...ceiling portion, 41a...opening, 42...engagement recess, 43...cam pin, 44...engagement pin, 45...screw boss, 50...rotating member, 51...cam groove, 53...engagement pin, 61...tubular portion, 62...gear case portion, 63, 64...engagement groove, 71...ring plate, 72...cover glass, 73...seal, 80...flexible printed circuit board (actuator FPC), 100...smartphone, θ...angle

Claims (9)

a lens unit including a lens and a lens driving unit that moves the lens at least in an optical axis direction;
a holding member provided around the lens unit and holding the lens unit;
a rotating member provided around the holding member and supporting the holding member movably in the optical axis direction;
a fixing member provided around the rotating member and rotatably supporting the rotating member;
a drive mechanism for moving the holding member in the optical axis direction to move the lens unit in the same direction;
a flexible printed circuit board connected to the lens unit and the fixing member,
the flexible printed circuit board includes a first region in which a first fixing portion fixed to the lens unit is provided, a second region in which a second fixing portion fixed to the fixing member is provided, and an intermediate region extending between the first region and the second region,
the intermediate region is accommodated between an outer surface of the lens unit and an inner surface of the holding member, the outer surface and the inner surface of the holding member being opposed to each other;
A lens driving device, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate region moves relative to the lens unit along the outer surface of the lens unit when the lens unit moves in the optical axis direction. The first region of the flexible printed circuit board is provided with a non-fixed part that is not fixed to the lens unit,
The first fixed part and the non-fixed part are arranged below the lens unit and face the bottom surface of the lens unit,
When the lens unit moves in the optical axis direction, the angle formed between the bottom surface of the lens unit and the first fixed part does not change, while the angle formed between the bottom surface of the lens unit and the non-fixed part changes. The lens driving device according to claim 1. The lens driving device according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing part and the second fixing part of the flexible printed circuit board are arranged on opposite sides of the optical axis of the lens. The lens driving device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes two each of the first region, the second region, and the intermediate region. The lens driving device according to claim 1, further comprising a position detection section that detects a position of the lens unit in the optical axis direction. The lens driving device according to claim 5, wherein the position detection unit is composed of a magnetic sensor mounted on the flexible printed circuit board and moving in the same direction as the lens unit moves in the optical axis direction, and a magnet provided on the fixed member. A cam pin is provided on the holding member,
A cam groove into which the cam pin is inserted is provided in the rotating member,
The lens driving device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member receives a thrust in the optical axis direction from the rotating rotating member. The lens driving device according to claim 1, further comprising an image sensor onto which light transmitted through the lens is incident. A portable information terminal equipped with a lens driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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