JP5611533B2 - CAMERA MODULE AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD, IMAGE CAPTURE LENS LOCATION DEVICE AND POSITIONING METHOD IN CAMERA MODULE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera module mounted on an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a manufacturing method thereof, an imaging lens positioning device for a camera module, and a positioning method, and more particularly to an imaging lens in a lens driving unit of a camera module. The present invention relates to a structure of a camera module, a lens positioning apparatus, and a positioning method that do not require position adjustment by rotating a screw when mounting.

In recent years, an example in which a camera module that exhibits an autofocus function by a lens driving device is mounted on an electronic device such as a mobile phone is increasing. There are various types of lens driving devices, such as a type using a stepping motor, a type using a piezoelectric element, and a VCM (Voice Coil Motor voice coil motor) type, which are already on the market.

  When the lens is fixed to such a lens driving device, a defocused image is generated unless the initial position of the lens in the optical axis direction with respect to the image sensor is set accurately. In the fixed focus type camera module that does not move the lens, the accuracy of the initial position of the lens is improved by attaching the lens or the lens holder that holds the lens directly to the image sensor or the member that holds the image sensor. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  However, a camera module having an autofocus function has a problem that initial focus adjustment is necessary because the mounting accuracy of the imaging lens is low.

  Specifically, in a camera module having an autofocus function for moving a lens in the optical axis direction by a lens driving device, a lens or a lens holder is attached to the lens driving device. In this case, when the initial position of the lens is set, an assembly error of the lens driving device (an integrated error from the lens mounting reference surface to the lens mounting reference surface) is added. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to attach the lens without adjusting this assembly error. Therefore, initial focus adjustment is necessary to adjust this assembly error.

  That is, a lens driving device using a stepping motor or a piezoelectric element can set the stroke in the optical axis direction to be relatively large. For this reason, initial focus adjustment for searching for an in-focus position at infinity (INF) is performed in advance while driving a movable portion of a lens driving device in which an imaging lens is incorporated. Then, the adjusted focus position is set as the INF reference position. Further, by driving the lens further from the INF reference position, the in-focus position in the macro state is also searched and set as the macro reference position. Thereby, a lens is attached to an appropriate position at any position on the infinity side and the macro side.

  However, in this case, in addition to the stroke between the INF position and the macro position which are originally required, it is necessary to secure an extra stroke in order to absorb the lens mounting position error with respect to the lens driving device. .

  On the other hand, the lens driving device of the VCM system has a structure in which the movable part of the lens driving device is supported by a spring. For this reason, when the stroke between the INF position and the macro position is increased in order to absorb the lens mounting position error with respect to the lens driving device, the repulsive force of the spring is also increased. As a result, problems such as a large amount of thrust required and a large amount of deformation of the spring cause a large strain on the spring. For this reason, a method of searching for the in-focus position on the INF side is rarely used in the stroke.

  Therefore, in the VCM type lens driving device, the movable part (holder) is held in a state of being pressed (preloaded) on the reference surface on the INF side in a state where the current is zero. A female thread is formed on the inner surface of the movable part (holder), and a male thread is formed on the outer surface of the lens barrel on which the lens is mounted. In the initial focus adjustment, the initial position on the INF side is adjusted by screwing the lens barrel into the movable part (holder). The state in which the movable portion is held at the INF side reference position by such adjustment is the in-focus position of the lens. Therefore, in the VCM type lens driving device, it is only necessary to have a stroke for feeding out to the macro side based on the INF side reference position. Therefore, the required stroke can be reduced.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a camera module including a VCM lens driving device. In this camera module, the lens position in the optical axis direction is adjusted by screwing the lens barrel.

  Specifically, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module of Patent Document 2. In the camera module 201, a lens holder 202 that holds a lens is supported by leaf springs 203 and 204. The camera module 201 drives the lens holder 202 in the optical axis direction of the lens using a coil 205 fixed to the lens holder 202 and a magnet 206 disposed opposite to the coil 205. A screw thread 208 is formed on the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the lens case 207. The screw thread 208 engages with a screw thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lens holder 202 and is used for adjusting the position of the lens case 207. The lens case 207 is initially adjusted so that the distance from the image sensor 209 is optimal.

  Thus, in a camera module having an autofocus function, it is assumed that the lens position in the optical axis direction is adjusted with high accuracy by screwing.

JP 2003-046825 A (published February 14, 2003) JP 2008-197313 A (released on August 28, 2008)

  However, if the lens position in the optical axis direction is adjusted by screwing the lens barrel, it takes much time to manage the screw shape and the like, so that there is a problem that the camera module cannot be manufactured at low cost.

  Specifically, in adjusting the height of the lens using screws, it is necessary to strictly manage the thread shape, size, and the like on the lens holder side and the lens case side. If the management is insufficient, the screwing torque becomes too loose or too tight.

  If the screwing torque is too loose, even if the height of the lens is adjusted, the lens height changes due to slight vibrations until the lens is adhered and fixed at the adjusted position. As a result, focus shift may occur.

  On the other hand, if the screwing torque is too tight, an excessive load is applied to the spring of the VCM when adjusting the height of the lens, and there is a risk that the spring will break.

  In this way, if the lens position in the optical axis direction is adjusted by screwing the lens barrel, the mold for forming the screw needs to be corrected many times, and strict dimensional control is required. It costs money.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to manufacture the imaging lens in the optical axis direction with high accuracy and at low cost without using screwing. It is to provide a camera module and a manufacturing method thereof. Another object of the present invention is to realize an imaging lens positioning apparatus and positioning method in a camera module that can be implemented at low cost while adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction with high accuracy without using screwing. There is.

In order to solve the above problems, the camera module of the present invention includes an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens, and lens driving that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position. And an imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal, wherein the lens driving unit holds the optical unit therein and has an optical axis. A movable portion that can move in the direction, and a fixed portion that does not vary in position when the imaging lens is driven, and the movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. The position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted by sliding the lens barrel with respect to the lens holder. The image lens is fixed to the lens holder at a position adjusted in the optical axis direction, and a concave portion is formed on at least one of sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder. The barrel is fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, and the inner diameter of the lens holder is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel to such an extent that the lens barrel can be slid with respect to the lens holder. In the state where the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder. A leaf spring having one end fixed to the movable portion and the other end fixed to the fixed portion is provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the lens. The leaf spring presses the lens holder in the optical axis direction. It is characterized in Rukoto.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted by sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit. For this reason, unlike the prior art, the position of the imaging lens is not adjusted by screwing. That is, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither dimensional management of the mold nor torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the camera module can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Furthermore, according to the above invention, the optical unit can slide with respect to the movable unit when the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above invention, it is possible to provide a camera module that can be manufactured at low cost while the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

Further, according to the invention, while adjusting the position of the optical axis of the imaging lens, the optical unit is fixed to the movable portion. Thereby, the position of the imaging lens adjusted with high accuracy can be maintained.

Moreover, according to said invention, the recessed part is formed in the sliding surface of an optical part and a movable part. Thereby, an optical part and a movable part will contact partially. For this reason, the area of a sliding surface becomes smaller than the case where an optical part and a movable part contact completely. Therefore, the sliding friction on the sliding surface can be adjusted appropriately.

Moreover, according to said invention, the optical part is being fixed to the movable part with the adhesive agent. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the position of the imaging lens adjusted with high accuracy from being shifted.

  In the above configuration, the adhesive may flow along the sliding surface between the optical unit and the movable unit and reach the imaging unit (imaging element) side. However, as described above, a concave portion is formed on the sliding surface between the optical portion and the movable portion. For this reason, even if the adhesive flows along the sliding surface, the flowed adhesive can be stored in the recess. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from leaking into the image sensor.

In the camera module of the present invention, the recess is formed in one of the lens barrel and the lens holder, and the shape of the recess is preferably a screw shape.

  According to said invention, the screw-shaped recessed part is formed in the sliding surface. Thereby, as above-mentioned, an adhesive agent can be stored in a recessed part. Moreover, in this case, the adhesive flows along the screw thread while circulating around the sliding surface. For this reason, the distance until an adhesive flows into an image pick-up element can be earned. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive from leaking into the image sensor.

In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the bottom portion of the sliding surface of the lens holder with the lens barrel is smaller than the outer diameter of the lens barrel .

  According to said invention, the part (small diameter part) smaller than the outer diameter of an optical part exists in the bottom part of a sliding surface with the optical part of a movable part. Thereby, even if an optical part falls out of a movable part, an optical part can be hold | maintained with the small diameter part. Therefore, the small diameter portion can function as a receiving portion for preventing the optical portion from falling off.

In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the lens barrel includes a protrusion at the light incident side end.

  According to said invention, the projection part is formed in the light-incidence side edge part of an optical part. Thereby, at the time of manufacture of a camera module, the protrusion part can be hold | maintained and the position of the optical axis direction of an imaging lens can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the position of the imaging lens.

The camera module of the present invention is provided with a leaf spring having one end fixed to the movable portion and the other end fixed to the fixed portion on the top and bottom surfaces of the movable portion. It may be configured to press in the axial direction.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging lens positioning device of the present invention drives an imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position, and an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. And an image pickup unit having an image pickup device that converts light incident through the image pickup lens into an electric signal. The lens drive unit holds the optical unit therein and moves in the optical axis direction. A movable portion that can be moved, and a fixed portion whose position does not vary when the imaging lens is driven. The movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. The lens barrel includes the imaging lens. At the position where the position of the lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted, it is fixed to the lens holder, and is attached to at least one of the sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder. A concave portion is formed, and the lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive, and the inner diameter of the lens holder is such that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder. When the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder. A leaf spring is provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the movable portion, one end is fixed to the movable portion, and the other end is fixed to the fixed portion. The leaf spring attaches the lens holder to the optical axis. An imaging lens positioning device that defines a position in the optical axis direction of an imaging lens in a camera module that presses in a direction, the pedestal fixed to the camera module; An arm unit that moves the optical unit in the optical axis direction while holding the faculty unit, and a detection unit that detects a focused state based on a signal from the imaging device. The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive at the adjusted position by adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction by sliding the lens with respect to the lens holder.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens is adjusted while the arm portion slides the optical portion relative to the movable portion. For this reason, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither the dimensional management of the mold nor the torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the position adjustment of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction can be performed at a low cost.

  Further, according to the above invention, when adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction, the arm unit slides the optical unit relative to the movable unit. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above-described invention, the position adjustment in the optical axis direction of the imaging lens can be performed with high accuracy and low cost without using screwing.

In order to solve the above problems, the imaging lens positioning method of the present invention drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position, and an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. And an image pickup unit having an image pickup device that converts light incident through the image pickup lens into an electric signal. The lens drive unit holds the optical unit therein and moves in the optical axis direction. A movable portion that can be moved, and a fixed portion whose position does not vary when the imaging lens is driven. The movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. The lens barrel includes the imaging lens. At the position where the position of the lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted, it is fixed to the lens holder, and is attached to at least one of the sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder. A concave portion is formed, and the lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive, and the inner diameter of the lens holder is such that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder. When the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder. A leaf spring is provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the movable portion, one end is fixed to the movable portion, and the other end is fixed to the fixed portion. The leaf spring attaches the lens holder to the optical axis. An imaging lens positioning method for defining a position in an optical axis direction of an imaging lens in a camera module that presses in a direction, wherein the lens barrel is attached to the lens holder Adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction and fixing the lens barrel to the lens holder with an adhesive while adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction. It is characterized by having.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens is adjusted while sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither the dimensional management of the mold nor the torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the position adjustment of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction can be performed at a low cost.

  Furthermore, according to the above invention, the optical unit is slid relative to the movable unit when adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above-described invention, the position adjustment in the optical axis direction of the imaging lens can be performed with high accuracy and low cost without using screwing.

Further, according to the invention, while adjusting the position of the optical axis of the imaging lens, the optical unit is fixed to the movable portion. Thereby, the position of the imaging lens adjusted with high accuracy can be maintained.

Further, according to the invention, while adjusting the position of the optical axis of the imaging lens, the optical portion is bonded to the movable portion. Thereby, an optical part can be easily fixed to a movable part.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the camera module manufacturing method of the present invention drives an imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position, and an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. And an image pickup unit having an image pickup device that converts light incident through the image pickup lens into an electric signal. The lens drive unit holds the optical unit therein and moves in the optical axis direction. A movable portion that can be moved, and a fixed portion whose position does not vary when the imaging lens is driven. The movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. The lens barrel includes the imaging lens. At least one of sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder, which is fixed to the lens holder at a position where the position of the lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted. The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive, and the inner diameter of the lens holder is such that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder. The lens barrel is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the barrel, and when the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder. has become so doing, the top surface and the bottom surface of the movable portion, one end of the movable portion, the other end is fixed a leaf spring is provided on the fixed portion, the plate spring, light the lens holder A method for manufacturing an axially pressing camera module, wherein the lens barrel is slid relative to the lens holder to adjust the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction; In a state where the position of the optical axis direction to adjust the serial imaging lens, by an adhesive, and the lens barrel characterized by a step of fixing to the lens holder.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens is adjusted while sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither the dimensional management of the mold nor the torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the camera module can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Furthermore, according to the above invention, the optical unit is slid relative to the movable unit when adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above-described invention, the camera module can be manufactured at low cost while adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction with high accuracy without using screwing.

According to the present invention, as described above, the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted by sliding the lens barrel with respect to the lens holder. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the lens holder is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel to such an extent that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder, and the lens barrel is bonded to the lens holder by an adhesive. In a state that is not fixed to the lens holder , a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder, and the top and bottom surfaces of the movable part have one end on the movable part. The other end is provided with a leaf spring fixed to the fixing portion, and the leaf spring presses the lens holder in the optical axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to realize a camera module in which the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

It is a perspective view which shows the camera module of this invention. It is AA arrow sectional drawing of the camera module of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows another camera module of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows another camera module of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the positioning device of the imaging lens mounted in the camera module of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the positioning method of the imaging lens in the camera module of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the camera module of patent document 2. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the camera module of the present embodiment. The camera module 100 includes an optical unit 1 that is an imaging optical system, a lens driving device 2 that drives the optical unit 1, and an imaging unit 3 that performs photoelectric conversion of light via the optical unit 1. The optical unit 1 is held inside the lens driving device 2. The imaging unit 3 includes a sensor unit 4 and a substrate 5 on which the sensor unit 4 is mounted. The camera module 100 has a configuration in which the sensor unit 4 and the lens driving device 2 are laminated in this order on the substrate 5 in the optical axis direction. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the optical unit 1 side is defined as the upper side, and the imaging unit 3 side is defined as the lower side.

  First, the overall structure of the camera module 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the camera module 100 of FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view of the center portion of the camera module 100 cut in the optical axis direction.

  The optical unit 1 is an imaging optical system that forms a subject image, and guides external light to the sensor unit 4 of the imaging unit 3. The optical unit 1 includes a plurality (three in FIG. 2) of imaging lenses 6 and a lens barrel 7 that holds the imaging lenses 6. The lens barrel 7 is fixed to the lens driving device 2. The optical axis of the imaging lens 6 coincides with the axis of the lens barrel 7.

  The lens driving device 2 drives the optical unit 1 in the optical axis direction by electromagnetic force. That is, the lens driving device 2 moves the imaging lens 6 up and down between the infinity end and the macro end. Thereby, the camera module 100 exhibits an autofocus function. The camera module 100 is equipped with a VCM type lens driving device 2.

  The lens driving device 2 includes a movable unit that moves in the optical axis direction when the imaging lens 6 is driven and moves the optical unit 1 (imaging lens 6) in the optical axis direction, and a fixed position that does not vary when the imaging lens 6 is driven. Department. The movable part is accommodated inside the fixed part. The movable part is composed of a lens holder 8 and a coil 10, and the fixed part is composed of a yoke 11, a permanent magnet 12, a cover 14, and a base 15.

  Specifically, the lens driving device 2 has a configuration in which a lens holder 8 that holds the lens barrel 7 therein is accommodated in a space formed by the base 15, the yoke 11, and the cover 14.

  The lens holder 8 holds the lens barrel 7 holding the imaging lens 6 inside. The lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 are both hollow (cylindrical) members. In the camera module 100, the outer surface of the lens barrel 7 and the inner surface of the lens holder 8 are not threaded and are flat. However, it is not limited to being flat. A concave portion may be formed as described later, or a thread may be formed on one surface, as long as it can slide in the optical axis direction.

  The inner diameter of the lens holder 8 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel 7, and the lens barrel 7 is attached to the center of the lens holder 8. The axis of the lens holder 8 coincides with the optical axis of the imaging lens 6 and the axis of the lens barrel.

  The lens barrel 7 is bonded to the lens holder 8 with an adhesive 24. That is, as will be described later, the lens barrel 7 is fixed to the lens holder 8 in a state where the position of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction is adjusted. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the adjusted position of the imaging lens 6 from shifting.

  As the adhesive 24, for example, a thermosetting UV adhesive or an anaerobic UV adhesive is preferably used. As a result, the adhesive 24 that has entered the gap between the lens holder 8 and the lens barrel 7 can be thermally cured or anaerobically cured. On the other hand, the adhesive 24 that rises on the surface and forms a fillet can be UV cured. In order to apply the adhesive 24, a groove serving as an adhesive reservoir may be provided in part of the lens holder 8 and the lens barrel 7. In the camera module 100, since it is not necessary to screw the lens barrel 7 into the lens holder 8, the positional relationship of the grooves formed in both the lenses does not shift, and a wider adhesive pool can be formed.

  A coil 10 is fixed to the outer peripheral end portion (flange portion) of the lens holder 8. The coil 10 extends from the outer terminal end (bottom) of the lens holder 8 to the light incident side (the opening 13 side described later).

  The base 15 constitutes the bottom of the lens driving device 2, and the sensor unit 4 is provided on the back surface of the base 15. An opening 16 is formed at the center of the base 15 to ensure an optical path.

  The yoke 11 is a cylindrical member and constitutes a side surface portion of the lens driving device 2. The yoke 11 accommodates a movable part inside. The yoke 11 is fixed on the base 15. In the present embodiment, a cover 14 is provided above the yoke 11. The cover 14 constitutes the upper part (top surface) of the lens driving device 2. An opening 13 is formed at the center of the cover 14 to secure an optical path. The yoke 11 itself may serve as a cover, so that the cover 14 may be omitted. In this case, the opening 13 is formed in the yoke 11.

  A magnetic circuit composed of permanent magnets 12 is disposed on the inner side surface of the yoke 11 so as to face the coil 10.

  The lens driving device 2 drives the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction by electromagnetic force generated by the coil 10 and the permanent magnet 12. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the imaging lens 6 (lens holder 8) can be driven in the optical axis direction by a force generated by passing a current through the coil 10 in the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet 12. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the lens driving device 2 of the present embodiment, leaf springs 9 a and 9 b are provided on the upper and lower surfaces (top and bottom surfaces) of the lens holder 8. The leaf springs 9a and 9b press the lens holder 8 in the optical axis direction. That is, the leaf springs 9a and 9b support the lens holder 8 movably in the optical axis direction by an elastic force. The leaf springs 9a and 9b have a spiral pattern. In the present embodiment, the leaf springs 9 a and 9 b are fixed to the yoke 11 or the base 15 at one end and to the lens holder 8 at the other end. However, the leaf springs 9a and 9b only need to have one end fixed to the movable portion and the other end fixed to the fixed portion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the assembled state of the camera module 100, the projection 19 formed on the bottom surface of the lens holder 8 is in contact with the base 15 and the lens holder 8 is moved by the elastic force of the leaf springs 9a and 9b. Pressurization is applied in the downward direction.

  Further, in the lens driving device 2, a groove 17 is formed on the upper surface of the base 15 (the surface facing the bottom surface of the lens holder 8) immediately below the permanent magnet 12 and the coil 10. A dust trapping agent 18 is applied. The dust trap agent 18 may be formed on the upper surface of the base 15, but is preferably applied in the groove 17. Thereby, the foreign matter that has moved onto the base 15 can be captured by the dust trapping agent 18. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent foreign matters from coming out from the opening 16 on the light emitting side. Further, if the dust trapping agent 18 is applied to the groove 17, foreign matter can be retained in the groove 17. That is, the foreign matter that has fallen on the base 15 via the gap can be retained in the groove 17 immediately after dropping.

  In other words, in the lens driving device 2, the dust trapping agent 18 is applied in the vicinity immediately below the coil 10 and the permanent magnet 12 on the base 15. For this reason, if the foreign matter that has passed through the gap between the coil 10 and the permanent magnet 12 falls as it is, it falls onto the dust trapping agent 18. Thereby, the dust trap agent 18 captures the foreign matter.

  The dust trapping agent 18 is not particularly limited as long as it has adhesiveness. For example, semi-solid (or a state close to solid) oil or resin can be applied. For example, grease is suitable. Grease is a kind of fat and oil that is semi-solid or nearly liquid, and can be composed of, for example, a semi-solid (or nearly solid) or paste-like lubricant. As the grease, for example, a molybdenum disulfide lubricant, a white lubricant, a silicone lubricant, a perfluoropolyether lubricant, or the like can be used. The greases are mineral oil-based greases mainly composed of mineral oil, poly-α-olefin-based greases composed mainly of poly-α-olefin oil, silicone-based greases composed mainly of silicone oil, fluorosilicone-based greases, perfluoro A perfluoropolyether-based grease containing a polyether as a main component can be used. These greases can be used alone or in admixture of two or more. Further, the grease may include an additive for grease such as lithium soap, calcium soap, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the like.

  Next, the imaging unit 3 is provided on the bottom surface (the bottom surface of the base 15) side of the lens driving device 2, and photoelectrically converts incident light incident from the optical unit 1. The imaging unit 3 includes a sensor unit 4 and a substrate 5 on which the sensor unit 4 is mounted. The sensor unit 4 includes a glass substrate 20, an image sensor 21, and a sensor cover 22, which are fixed on the substrate 5.

  The image sensor (sensor chip) 21 is an image sensor that converts a subject image formed by the lens driving device 2 into an electrical signal. That is, the sensor device converts an optical signal received through the imaging lens 6 of the lens driving device 2 into an electrical signal. The image sensor 21 is, for example, a CCD or a CMOS sensor IC. On the surface (upper surface) of the image sensor 21, a light receiving portion (not shown) in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix is formed. This light receiving portion is a region that forms an image of light incident from the lens driving device 2, and is also referred to as a pixel area.

  The image sensor 21 converts the subject image formed on the light receiving unit (pixel area) into an electrical signal and outputs the signal as an analog image signal. That is, photoelectric conversion is performed in this light receiving unit. The operation of the image sensor 21 is controlled by a DSP (not shown), and the image signal generated by the image sensor 21 is processed by the DSP.

  The sensor cover 22 is configured to cover a part of the image sensor 21. The sensor cover 22 covers the image sensor 21 while avoiding the light receiving portion of the image sensor 21. The sensor cover 22 has an opening 22a for securing an optical path. The area of the opening 22a is larger than the area of the light receiving portion of the image sensor 21 and the area of the surface of the glass substrate 20. For this reason, the light-receiving part of the image pick-up element 21 and the glass substrate 20 are arrange | positioned in the opening 22a. The opening 22a serves as a light transmission region that transmits light incident through the imaging lens 6 to the light receiving unit of the imaging element 21.

  In the sensor cover 22, the distance from the light receiving surface (upper surface) of the image sensor 21 to the upper surface of the sensor cover 22 is managed with high accuracy. The lower reference surface of the sensor cover 22 is a mounting surface that rests on the imaging device 21, and a gap may be formed between the substrate 5 side surface and the substrate.

  The glass substrate 20 covers the light receiving part of the image sensor 21 and is made of a translucent member. In the present embodiment, an infrared shielding film (IR cut film) is formed on the surface of the glass substrate 20. For this reason, the glass substrate 20 also has a function of blocking infrared rays. The glass substrate 20 may be attached to the sensor cover 22 or may be overlapped and fixed on the image sensor 21 with an adhesive. In FIG. 2, the glass substrate 20 is attached to the sensor cover 22 and is attached away from the image sensor 21. Thus, it is desirable to increase the distance from the image pickup element 21 because the degree of influence of foreign matter adhering to the glass substrate 20 (reflection on the sensor) is reduced.

  The substrate 5 has a patterned wiring (not shown). By this wiring, the substrate 5 and the sensor unit 4 (image sensor 21) are electrically connected to each other. The board 5 is, for example, a printed board or a ceramic board.

  Thus, in the imaging unit 3, the optical signal incident on the imaging element 21 is photoelectrically converted. Then, the converted electric signal passes through the substrate 5 and is input to a control circuit or the like of a camera module (not shown) and is taken out as an image signal.

  Here, characteristic points of the camera module 100 will be described. Since the camera module 100 includes the lens driving device 2, it has an autofocus function. For this reason, it is particularly important to define the focal length of the imaging lens 6 (the distance from the light receiving surface of the imaging device 21 to the imaging lens 6) with high accuracy.

  Therefore, in the camera module 100, as shown in FIG. 2, the imaging lens 6 is at infinity with the movable part of the lens driving device 2 positioned at the reference (INF side mechanical end) on the infinity side (downward in the figure). The position is adjusted and fixed so as to be the position.

  Such position adjustment of the imaging lens 6 is performed by sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit. Specifically, this is performed by sliding the lens barrel 7 with respect to the lens holder 8. Details of the position adjustment device and position adjustment method of the imaging lens 6 will be described later.

  As described above, in the camera module 100, the position (height) of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction is adjusted by sliding the lens barrel 7 with respect to the lens holder 8. For this reason, unlike the prior art, the position of the imaging lens 6 is not adjusted by screwing. That is, in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens 6, it is not necessary to rotate the screw, and neither the die size management nor the screw torque management is required. Therefore, the camera module 100 can be manufactured at low cost. Further, as will be described later, when the position of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction is adjusted, the lens barrel 7 is slid with respect to the lens holder 8. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens 6 is adjusted with high accuracy without adjusting the position of the imaging lens 6 by screwing.

  On the other hand, when the position of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction is being adjusted, if the lens barrel 7 falls due to a mistake and collides with the surface of the glass substrate 20, the surface of the glass substrate 20 may be damaged. Therefore, in the camera module 100, the inner diameter of the bottom portion of the lens holder 8 (specifically, the bottom portion of the sliding surface of the lens holder 8 with the lens barrel 7) is smaller than the outer diameter of the lens barrel 7. More specifically, a step 25 is provided at the bottom of the inner surface of the lens holder 8. The step portion 25 is a portion (small diameter portion) smaller than the outer diameter of the lens barrel 7. In other words, the step portion 25 is a portion that extends in the center (optical axis) direction from the sliding surface at the bottom of the contact surface (sliding surface) of the lens holder 8 with the lens barrel 7. Thereby, even if the lens barrel 7 falls off from the lens holder 8, the lens barrel 7 can be held by the step portion 25. Therefore, the step portion 25 can function as a receiving portion (receiving surface) for preventing the lens barrel 7 from falling off. Thus, by providing the step part 25, even if the lens barrel 7 falls, it can stop at the step part 25 and can prevent colliding with the glass substrate 20 surface.

  In the camera module 100, the protrusion 26 may be formed at the light incident side end of the lens barrel 7. The protruding portion 26 is a portion protruding from the upper end portion of the lens barrel 7 in the direction opposite to the light traveling direction in the optical unit 1. This protrusion 26 serves as a grip for gripping the lens barrel 7 when adjusting the position of the imaging lens 6 described later.

  In the camera module 100, it is preferable that a frictional force that does not move the lens barrel 7 due to gravity acts on the sliding surface between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8. For example, a pressure is applied to the sliding surface between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 so as to generate a vertical drag in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Specifically, one sliding surface of the lens barrel 7 and the lens barrel 8 is pressed against the other sliding surface by a spring force or a magnetic force. If the vertical drag acting on the sliding surface is N and the friction coefficient is μ, the lens barrel 7 will not move by gravity if μN> mg (m is the mass of the movable part and g is the gravitational acceleration) is satisfied. Further, the lens barrel 7 does not move due to gravity by increasing the surface roughness of the sliding surface between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8. In this way, by applying an appropriate frictional force to the sliding surface between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8, the lens barrel 7 is prevented from dropping off from the lens holder 8 due to gravity and coming out to the image sensor 21 side. be able to.

  The camera module 100 of this embodiment can also be configured as follows. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another camera module 101. In the camera module 101, the inner shape of the lens holder 8 is different from that of the camera module 100. Hereinafter, the difference from the camera module 100 will be mainly described.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module 101 different from the camera module 100. If the area of the sliding portion between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 (the area of the sliding surface) is too large, there is a possibility that the friction is too large and the sliding cannot be performed smoothly. As a result, it may take time to adjust the height of the imaging lens 6. On the other hand, adjustment may be easier if there is friction on the sliding surface with the lens barrel 7 such that the lens barrel 7 does not move due to its own weight.

  Therefore, in the camera module 101 of FIG. 3, a concave portion 27 is formed on the inner side surface of the lens holder 8 which is a sliding surface with the lens barrel 7. The concave portion 27 is a portion where a part of the inner side surface of the lens holder 8 is removed. Thereby, the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 are in partial contact. For this reason, the area of a sliding surface becomes smaller than the case where the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 contact all over. Therefore, the sliding friction on the sliding surface can be adjusted appropriately. As described above, if the concave portion 27 is formed on the inner surface of the lens holder 8, the sliding area with the lens barrel 7 can be adjusted. Therefore, the lens barrel 7 can be smoothly slid by adjusting the area of the sliding portion.

  Note that the length for forming the recess 27 may be optimized so as to obtain a frictional force that can be easily adjusted. For example, when the lens barrel 7 does not slide under its own weight and a force greater than its own weight is applied, the concave portion 27 is formed so as to obtain a frictional force that can be moved without destroying the lens driving device 2 and the lens barrel 7. This makes it easy to adjust the imaging lens 6.

  Further, as described above, the lens barrel 7 is bonded to the lens holder 8 with the adhesive 24. For this reason, the adhesive 24 may flow along the sliding surface between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 and may reach the imaging unit 3 (imaging element 21) side. In particular, when the viscosity of the adhesive 24 is low, it may flow into the gap between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 due to a capillary phenomenon, and may leak to the surface of the glass substrate 20. If the adhesive 24 flows to the imaging unit 3, the imaging performance may be affected.

  However, in the camera module 101, a recess 27 is formed on the sliding surface between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8. Thereby, even if the adhesive 24 flows along the sliding surface, the flowed adhesive 24 can be stored in the recess 27. That is, the recess 27 can be used as a pool of the adhesive 24. By providing the recess 27, it is possible to prevent excess adhesive from accumulating in the recess 27 and leaking out onto the glass substrate 20.

  In addition, the recessed part 27 demonstrated in the example formed in the lens holder 8 side. However, it may be formed on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8. That is, the recess 27 may be formed on the lens barrel 7 side, or may be formed on both the lens barrel 7 side and the lens holder 8 side. However, when forming in both, the position which forms a recessed part is optimized so that the other flat part may not fit in one recessed part.

  The camera module 100 of this embodiment can also be configured as follows. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another camera module 102. In the camera module 102, the inner shape of the lens holder 8 is different from that of the camera modules 100 and 101. Hereinafter, the difference from the camera module 100 will be mainly described.

  In the camera module 102 of FIG. 4, a screw thread 28 is formed on the inner surface of the lens holder 8. That is, the shape of the recess 27 in the camera module 101 is a screw shape. Thus, even when the thread 28 is formed on the inner surface of the lens holder 8, the adhesive 24 flows along the sliding surface, particularly when the viscosity of the adhesive 24 is low, as in the camera module 101. However, the flowed adhesive 24 can be stored in the recess 27. That is, even if the adhesive 24 flows into the gap between the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8 due to capillary action, the adhesive 24 flows along the thread 28. That is, since the adhesive 24 flows while circulating around the screw threads 28, the flowing distance can be increased. For this reason, the distance until the adhesive 24 flows to the image sensor 21 side can be earned. As a result, the adhesive 24 can be cured while flowing. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive 24 from leaking to the image sensor 21 side. Further, the adhesive 24 can be prevented from leaking out by accumulating the adhesive 24 in the gap between the threads 28. It is also possible to use an existing lens driving device in which the thread 28 has already been formed.

  In addition, although the screw thread 28 demonstrated in the example formed in the lens holder 8 side, you may form in the lens barrel 7 side. However, in order to smoothly slide the lens barrel 7, it is preferable to form a thread on one of the lens barrel 7 and the lens holder 8.

  Next, the imaging lens positioning device in the camera module of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a central cross-sectional view showing a state where the imaging lens positioning device 103 is attached to the camera module 100 of FIG. The camera module 100 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The positioning device 103 includes a pedestal 29 fixed on the camera module 102, specifically, the cover 14, an arm unit 30 for holding the lens barrel 7, and the arm unit 30 with respect to the pedestal 29. It comprises a support spring 31 for sliding in the direction, a detection unit (not shown) for detecting the in-focus state based on a signal from the image sensor 21 and the like.

  Although the driving means of the arm unit 30 is not shown, it may be driven by a voice coil motor as in the lens driving device 2 in the camera module 100. Further, it may be driven by driving means such as a piezo element. In the positioning device 103, the tip 30a of the arm portion can be opened and closed, and the lens barrel 7 can be firmly held by a pressurizing spring (not shown).

  In the positioning device 103, a signal from the image sensor 21 of the camera module 100 is monitored by a detection unit (not shown). Then, in a state where the movable portion of the lens driving device 2 is positioned at the reference (INF side mechanical end) on the infinity side (downward in the figure), the light of the imaging lens 6 is set so that the imaging lens 6 is at the infinity position. Adjust the axial position (height). Finally, the lens barrel 7 is fixed to the lens holder 8 at the adjusted position.

  Specifically, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an imaging lens positioning method in the positioning device 103 of FIG. First, the camera module 100 main body is fixed, and the positioning device 103 is set on the upper part. And the projection part 26 formed in the upper end part of the lens barrel 7 is chucked with the front-end | tip 30a of the arm part 30 of the positioning device 103 (S1).

  Next, the arm unit 30 is driven in the optical axis direction using a driving unit (not shown), and the lens barrel 7 is slid along the inner surface of the lens holder 8. And the drive of the arm part 30 is stopped in the position which detected the focus by the detection part (not shown) (S2).

  Finally, an adhesive 24 for fixing the lens barrel 7 to the lens holder 8 is applied and cured at a position where the driving of the arm unit 30 is stopped (S3). After the adhesive 24 is sufficiently cured, the chucking of the protrusion 26 by the arm 30 is released. Thereby, the adjustment of the position of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction is completed.

  During adjustment, the position of the lens holder 8 needs to be fixed at the INF side mechanical end position. When the adjustment direction is a direction to push in toward the image sensor 21, there is no problem because the pushing force (frictional force) acts in a direction in which the lens holder 8 is pressed against the mechanical end of the INF side. When it is desired to return the lens holder 8 to the opposite side, the frictional force acts in a direction to lift the lens holder 8, so that a separate holding jig for the lens holder 8 is required to prevent the lens holder 8 from lifting. It is desirable to adjust in one direction only in the pushing direction.

  According to the lens positioning device and the positioning method as described above, the position (height) of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction is adjusted while sliding the lens barrel 7 with respect to the lens holder 8. For this reason, in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens 6, it is not necessary to rotate the screw, and neither dimensional management of the mold nor torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the position adjustment of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction can be performed at low cost. Further, when adjusting the position of the imaging lens 6 in the optical axis direction, the lens barrel 7 is slid with respect to the lens holder 8. That is, the position of the imaging lens 6 can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens 6 can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

The present invention can also be expressed as follows.
[1] An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens;
A lens drive unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position;
A camera module including an imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal;
The lens driving unit includes a movable unit that holds the optical unit therein and can move in the optical axis direction, and a fixed unit that does not change its position when driving the imaging lens.
The camera module, wherein the height of the optical unit is adjusted by sliding in the optical axis direction with respect to the movable unit of the lens driving unit.

  According to the above invention, since the height can be adjusted while sliding, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the height of the optical part, and the torque management of the screw becomes unnecessary, and the lens can be positioned with high accuracy. An inexpensive camera module can be realized while achieving this.

  Further, according to the invention, since the height of the optical unit is adjusted by sliding, it is possible to prevent the lens driving unit from being damaged due to screwing.

  [2] The sliding portion between the optical portion and the movable portion of the lens driving portion is provided with a concave portion on at least one of the sliding surfaces. The camera module.

  According to the above invention, the sliding area can be reduced, and by appropriately setting the length of the recess, the sliding friction is moderately tight (not to move by gravity) and moderately loose (excessive force is applied). It is possible to adjust the level without being added. In addition, when an adhesive having a low viscosity is used, it is possible to form a pool for preventing the adhesive from leaking to the imaging element side.

  [3] The camera module according to [2], wherein the concave portion of the sliding surface is formed in a screw shape.

  According to the above invention, in addition to the effect of [2] above, even when the adhesive flows out to the image sensor side due to capillary action, the distance can be gained by flowing along the screw thread and flows out to the image sensor side. It becomes easy to be effective.

  [4] The camera module according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a receiving surface for preventing the optical unit from falling off is formed on the movable unit of the lens driving unit.

  According to said invention, when an optical part is inserted, it can prevent coming off to the image pick-up element side and dropping off by gravity.

  [5] The above-mentioned [1] to [4], wherein a step portion for gripping the optical unit at the time of height adjustment is provided on an end surface of the optical unit opposite to the imaging device. ] The camera module as described in.

  According to said invention, an optical part can be hold | maintained by hold | gripping a level | step-difference part, and the height of an optical part can be adjusted by raising / lowering the member holding the optical part.

  [6] The above [1] to [5], wherein a frictional force is applied to the sliding portion of the optical unit and the movable unit of the lens driving unit to such an extent that the optical unit does not move due to gravity. The camera module as described in.

  According to the above invention, by maintaining an appropriate frictional force, it is possible to prevent the optical unit from coming out to the image sensor side due to gravity and dropping off.

[7] An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens;
A lens drive unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position;
An imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal;
The lens driving unit holds the optical unit in a camera module having a movable unit that can move in the optical axis direction and a fixed unit whose position does not vary when the imaging lens is driven. A lens positioning device for adjusting the height in the optical axis direction with respect to the lens driving unit,
Based on a signal from the imaging device, a fixed base that holds the camera module body, an arm unit that holds the optical unit, can move in the optical axis direction while holding the optical unit, and detects an in-focus state A lens positioning device in a camera module comprising a detection unit.

  According to the above invention, since the height can be adjusted while sliding, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the height of the optical part, and the torque management of the screw becomes unnecessary, and the lens can be positioned with high accuracy. A lens positioning device for realizing an inexpensive camera module while achieving the above can be provided.

[8] An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens;
A lens drive unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position;
An imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal;
The lens driving unit includes a movable unit that holds the optical unit therein and can move in the optical axis direction, and a fixed unit that does not change its position when driving the imaging lens.
The optical unit is a positioning method for adjusting the height of the optical unit in the optical axis direction with respect to a camera module supported so as to be slidable in the optical axis direction with respect to the movable unit of the lens driving unit. ,
A step of fixing the camera module body, a step of gripping the optical unit and adjusting the height in the optical axis direction while sliding the movable unit of the lens driving unit, and the optical unit with the height adjusted A lens positioning method in a camera module, comprising: fixing a portion to the movable portion of the lens driving portion.

  According to the above invention, the height of the optical unit can be adjusted easily and with high accuracy without applying an excessive load to the lens driving unit.

  [9] The lens positioning method in the camera module according to [8], wherein the fixing method of the optical unit with respect to the movable unit of the lens driving unit is adhesion.

  According to said invention, the position of the optical part after height adjustment can be fixed with an inexpensive method.

  The camera module of the present invention is incident through an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens, a lens driving unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position, and the imaging lens. An imaging unit having an imaging device for converting the converted light into an electrical signal, wherein the lens driving unit holds the optical unit therein and is movable in the optical axis direction; and And a fixed portion whose position does not change when the imaging lens is driven, and the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted by sliding the optical portion relative to the movable portion. Also good.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted by sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit. For this reason, unlike the prior art, the position of the imaging lens is not adjusted by screwing. That is, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither dimensional management of the mold nor torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the camera module can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Furthermore, according to the above invention, the optical unit can slide with respect to the movable unit when the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above invention, it is possible to provide a camera module that can be manufactured at low cost while the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the optical unit is fixed to the movable unit at a position where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted.

  According to the invention, the optical unit is fixed to the movable unit in a state where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted. Thereby, the position of the imaging lens adjusted with high accuracy can be maintained.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that a recess is formed on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the optical part and the movable part.

  According to said invention, the recessed part is formed in the sliding surface of an optical part and a movable part. Thereby, an optical part and a movable part will contact partially. For this reason, the area of a sliding surface becomes smaller than the case where an optical part and a movable part contact completely. Therefore, the sliding friction on the sliding surface can be adjusted appropriately.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the optical part is fixed to the movable part with an adhesive.

  According to said invention, the optical part is being fixed to the movable part with the adhesive agent. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the position of the imaging lens adjusted with high accuracy from being shifted.

  In the above configuration, the adhesive may flow along the sliding surface between the optical unit and the movable unit and reach the imaging unit (imaging element) side. However, as described above, a concave portion is formed on the sliding surface between the optical portion and the movable portion. For this reason, even if the adhesive flows along the sliding surface, the flowed adhesive can be stored in the recess. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from leaking into the image sensor.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the concave portion has a screw shape.

  According to said invention, the screw-shaped recessed part is formed in the sliding surface. Thereby, as above-mentioned, an adhesive agent can be stored in a recessed part. Moreover, in this case, the adhesive flows along the screw thread while circulating around the sliding surface. For this reason, the distance until an adhesive flows into an image pick-up element can be earned. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive from leaking into the image sensor.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the movable portion has an inner diameter of a bottom portion of a sliding surface with the optical portion smaller than an outer diameter of the optical portion.

  According to said invention, the part (small diameter part) smaller than the outer diameter of an optical part exists in the bottom part of a sliding surface with the optical part of a movable part. Thereby, even if an optical part falls out of a movable part, an optical part can be hold | maintained with the small diameter part. Therefore, the small diameter portion can function as a receiving portion for preventing the optical portion from falling off.

  In the camera module according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the optical unit includes a protrusion at a light incident side end.

  According to said invention, the projection part is formed in the light-incidence side edge part of an optical part. Thereby, at the time of manufacture of a camera module, the protrusion part can be hold | maintained and the position of the optical axis direction of an imaging lens can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the position of the imaging lens.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that a frictional force that does not move the optical unit due to gravity acts on a sliding surface between the optical unit and the movable unit.

  According to the above invention, an appropriate frictional force acts on the sliding surface between the optical part and the movable part. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the optical unit from dropping from the movable unit due to gravity and coming out to the image sensor side.

  An imaging lens positioning device according to the present invention includes an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens, a lens driving unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position, and the imaging lens. An image pickup unit having an image pickup device that converts light incident through the image sensor into an electric signal, the lens driving unit holding the optical unit therein and moving in the optical axis direction, and driving the image pickup lens An imaging lens positioning device that defines a position in the optical axis direction of an imaging lens in a camera module having a fixed portion whose position does not fluctuate sometimes. The imaging lens positioning device grips the holding unit that holds the camera module and the optical unit An arm unit that moves the optical unit in the optical axis direction in the state, and a detection unit that detects a focused state based on a signal from the image sensor. The parts, by sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit may be configured to adjust the position of the optical axis of the imaging lens.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens is adjusted while the arm portion slides the optical portion relative to the movable portion. For this reason, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither the dimensional management of the mold nor the torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the position adjustment of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction can be performed at a low cost.

  Further, according to the above invention, when adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction, the arm unit slides the optical unit relative to the movable unit. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above-described invention, the position adjustment in the optical axis direction of the imaging lens can be performed with high accuracy and low cost without using screwing.

  The imaging lens positioning method of the present invention includes an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens, a lens driving unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position, and the imaging lens. An image pickup unit having an image pickup device that converts light incident through the image sensor into an electric signal, the lens driving unit holding the optical unit therein and moving in the optical axis direction, and driving the image pickup lens A lens positioning method for defining a position in an optical axis direction of an imaging lens in a camera module having a fixed portion whose position does not fluctuate from time to time, wherein the optical portion is slid with respect to the movable portion and imaged The method may include a step of adjusting the position of the lens in the optical axis direction.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens is adjusted while sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither the dimensional management of the mold nor the torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the position adjustment of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction can be performed at a low cost.

  Furthermore, according to the above invention, the optical unit is slid relative to the movable unit when adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above-described invention, the position adjustment in the optical axis direction of the imaging lens can be performed with high accuracy and low cost without using screwing.

  The imaging lens positioning method of the present invention preferably includes a step of fixing the optical part to the movable part in a state where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted.

  According to the invention, the optical unit is fixed to the movable unit in a state where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted. Thereby, the position of the imaging lens adjusted with high accuracy can be maintained.

  In the imaging lens positioning method of the present invention, it is preferable that the optical part is fixed to the movable part by bonding.

  According to the invention, the optical unit is bonded to the movable unit in a state where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted. Thereby, an optical part can be easily fixed to a movable part.

  The camera module manufacturing method of the present invention includes an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens, a lens driving unit that drives the imaging lens in an optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position, and the imaging lens. An image pickup unit having an image pickup device that converts light incident through the image sensor into an electric signal, the lens driving unit holding the optical unit therein and moving in the optical axis direction, and driving the image pickup lens A method of manufacturing a camera module having a fixed portion whose position does not sometimes change, the method comprising a step of adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction by sliding the optical portion relative to the movable portion. It is characterized by that.

  According to the above invention, the position (height) of the imaging lens is adjusted while sliding the optical unit with respect to the movable unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to rotate the screw in order to adjust the position of the imaging lens, and neither the dimensional management of the mold nor the torque management of the screw is required. Therefore, the camera module can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Furthermore, according to the above invention, the optical unit is slid relative to the movable unit when adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction. That is, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted by the sliding. Therefore, the position of the imaging lens can be adjusted with high accuracy without using screwing.

  Thus, according to the above-described invention, the camera module can be manufactured at low cost while adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction with high accuracy without using screwing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be suitably used particularly for camera modules mounted on various electronic devices including communication devices such as portable terminals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical part 2 Lens drive device (lens drive part)
3 Imaging unit 6 Imaging lens 8 Lens holder (movable unit)
15 Base (fixed part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Image pick-up element 24 Adhesive agent 25 Level | step-difference part 26 Projection part 27 Concave part 28 Screw thread 29 Base 30 Arm part 100-102 Camera module 103 Positioning apparatus

Claims (7)

An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel for holding the imaging lens;
A lens drive unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position;
A camera module including an imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal;
The lens driving unit includes a movable unit that holds the optical unit inside and can move in the optical axis direction, and a fixed unit that does not change its position when driving the imaging lens.
The movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens therein,
By sliding the lens barrel with respect to the lens holder, the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder at a position where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted,
A recess is formed on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive,
The inner diameter of the lens holder is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel to the extent that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder.
In the state where the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder,
The top and bottom surfaces of the movable part are provided with leaf springs having one end fixed to the movable part and the other end fixed to the fixed part,
The said leaf | plate spring presses the said lens holder to an optical axis direction, The camera module characterized by the above-mentioned. The recess is formed in one of the lens barrel and the lens holder,
The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the concave portion is a screw shape.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the lens holder has an inner diameter of a bottom portion of a sliding surface with the lens barrel smaller than an outer diameter of the lens barrel.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the lens barrel includes a protrusion at a light incident side end. An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel for holding the imaging lens;
A lens drive unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position;
An imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal;
The lens driving unit includes a movable unit that holds the optical unit inside and can move in the optical axis direction, and a fixed unit that does not change its position when driving the imaging lens.
The movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens therein,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder at a position where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted,
A recess is formed on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive,
The inner diameter of the lens holder is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel to the extent that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder.
In the state where the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder,
The top and bottom surfaces of the movable part are provided with leaf springs having one end fixed to the movable part and the other end fixed to the fixed part,
The leaf spring is an imaging lens positioning device that defines a position in the optical axis direction of the imaging lens in a camera module that presses the lens holder in the optical axis direction.
A pedestal fixed to the camera module; an arm unit that moves the optical unit in the optical axis direction while holding the optical unit; and a detection unit that detects a focused state based on a signal from the image sensor. Has
The position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted by sliding the lens barrel with respect to the lens holder by the arm portion, and the lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive at the adjusted position. An imaging lens positioning device characterized by comprising: An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel for holding the imaging lens;
A lens drive unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position;
An imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal;
The lens driving unit includes a movable unit that holds the optical unit inside and can move in the optical axis direction, and a fixed unit that does not change its position when driving the imaging lens.
The movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens therein,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder at a position where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted,
A recess is formed on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive,
The inner diameter of the lens holder is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel to the extent that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder.
In the state where the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder,
The top and bottom surfaces of the movable part are provided with leaf springs having one end fixed to the movable part and the other end fixed to the fixed part,
The leaf spring is an imaging lens positioning method for defining a position in the optical axis direction of the imaging lens in a camera module that presses the lens holder in the optical axis direction,
Sliding the lens barrel relative to the lens holder to adjust the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction;
And a step of fixing the lens barrel to the lens holder with an adhesive while adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction. An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel for holding the imaging lens;
A lens drive unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction from an infinite position to a macro position;
An imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal;
The lens driving unit includes a movable unit that holds the optical unit inside and can move in the optical axis direction, and a fixed unit that does not change its position when driving the imaging lens.
The movable portion includes a lens holder that holds a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens therein,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder at a position where the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted,
A recess is formed on at least one of the sliding surfaces of the lens barrel and the lens holder,
The lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder with an adhesive,
The inner diameter of the lens holder is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel to the extent that the lens barrel can be slid relative to the lens holder.
In the state where the lens barrel is not fixed to the lens holder by an adhesive, a frictional force that moves by its own weight acts on the sliding surface with the lens holder,
The top and bottom surfaces of the movable part are provided with leaf springs having one end fixed to the movable part and the other end fixed to the fixed part,
The leaf spring is a method of manufacturing a camera module that presses the lens holder in the optical axis direction,
Sliding the lens barrel relative to the lens holder to adjust the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction;
And a step of fixing the lens barrel to the lens holder with an adhesive while adjusting the position of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction.

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