JP7699479B2 - Optical unit with shake correction function - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical unit with a shake correction function that is mounted on a mobile device, etc.

Conventionally, optical units with shake correction function that are mounted on portable devices and the like are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The optical unit with shake correction function described in Patent Document 1 includes an optical unit main body that is housed in a cover. The optical unit main body includes an imaging module having a lens and an imaging element. In this optical unit with shake correction function, shake correction is performed by rotating the imaging module around the optical axis of the lens, around a first axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis, and around a second axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axis.

In the optical unit with shake correction function described in Patent Document 1, the optical unit main body includes a movable body having an imaging module, a rotational support mechanism that supports the movable body rotatably around the optical axis, a gimbal mechanism that supports the rotational support mechanism rotatably around a first axis and a second axis, and a fixed body that supports the movable body via the gimbal mechanism and the rotational support mechanism. The rotational support mechanism includes a plate roll fixed to the movable body, a plate holder having an opposing portion that faces the plate roll in the optical axis direction, and a rotation mechanism that allows the plate roll and the plate holder to rotate around the optical axis.

The gimbal mechanism includes a gimbal frame, a first connection mechanism that connects the gimbal frame and the plate holder rotatably around a first axis, and a second connection mechanism that connects the gimbal frame and the fixed body rotatably around a second axis. The gimbal frame is a metal leaf spring. The gimbal frame includes a gimbal frame main body, a pair of first-axis side gimbal frame extensions that protrude from the gimbal frame main body toward both sides in the first axial direction, and a pair of second-axis side gimbal frame extensions that protrude from the gimbal frame main body toward both sides in the second axial direction.

The first connection mechanism includes a first-axis side shaft that protrudes from the gimbal frame toward the plate holder along the first axis, and a first-axis side concave curved surface that is provided on the plate holder and with which the tip of the first-axis side shaft rotatably contacts. The first-axis side shaft is fixed to the first-axis side gimbal frame extension. The first-axis side gimbal frame extension biases the first-axis side shaft toward the first-axis side concave curved surface, and the tip of the first-axis side shaft contacts the first-axis side concave curved surface with a predetermined contact pressure. Therefore, rattling of the plate holder relative to the gimbal frame in the first axis direction is suppressed.

The second connection mechanism includes a second-axis side shaft that protrudes from the fixed body toward the gimbal frame along the second axis, and a second-axis side concave curved surface that is provided on the gimbal frame and with which the tip of the second-axis side shaft comes into contact. The second-axis side concave curved surface is formed on the second-axis side gimbal frame extension. The second-axis side gimbal frame extension biases the second-axis side concave curved surface toward the second-axis side shaft, and the tip of the second-axis side shaft and the second-axis side concave curved surface come into contact with a predetermined contact pressure. Therefore, rattling of the gimbal frame relative to the fixed body in the second axial direction is suppressed.

JP 2021-28655 A

In order to perform appropriate shake correction in the optical unit with shake correction function described in Patent Document 1, it is preferable that the rattle of the plate holder relative to the gimbal frame in the first axis direction and the rattle of the gimbal frame relative to the fixed body in the second axis direction are reliably suppressed. In addition, since the optical unit with shake correction function described in Patent Document 1 is mounted on a mobile device, it is preferable that it is small in size.

The object of the present invention is to provide an optical unit with shake correction function that includes a first intermediate member that holds a movable body having a camera module, a second intermediate member that holds the first intermediate member so that the first intermediate member can rotate about an axial direction of rotation in a first direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module, and a fixed body that holds the second intermediate member so that the second intermediate member can rotate about an axial direction of rotation in a second direction that intersects the optical axis of the camera module and intersects the first direction, and that can be made compact while reliably suppressing wobbling of the first intermediate member relative to the second intermediate member in the first direction and wobbling of the second intermediate member relative to the fixed body in the second direction.

In order to solve the above problems, the optical unit with shake correction function of the present invention includes a movable body having a camera module, a first intermediate member that holds the movable body, a second intermediate member that rotatably holds the first intermediate member, and a fixed body that rotatably holds the second intermediate member, wherein the first intermediate member is rotatable relative to the second intermediate member with a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module as the axial direction of the rotation, and the second intermediate member is rotatable relative to the fixed body with a second direction that intersects the optical axis of the camera module and intersects the first direction as the axial direction of the rotation, and when the optical axis of the camera module is in a predetermined reference position, the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module, and the second intermediate member includes a pair of first spring portions having a spring property for suppressing rattling of the first intermediate member relative to the second intermediate member in the first direction, and a pair of second spring portions having a spring property for suppressing rattling of the second intermediate member relative to the fixed body in the second direction. When viewed from the optical axis direction, which is the direction of the optical axis of the camera module, one of the pair of first spring portions extends outward in one side in the first direction, and the other first spring portion extends outward in the other side of the first direction that is the opposite side to the direction in which the one first spring portion extends , one second spring portion of the pair of second spring portions extends outward in one side in the second direction, and the other second spring portion extends outward in the other side in the second direction that is the opposite side to the direction in which the one second spring portion extends , and when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis of the camera module in a reference position, the distance between an outer end of one of the first spring portions in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between an outer end of the other first spring portion in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module, and the distance between an outer end of one of the second spring portions in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between an outer end of the other second spring portion in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module.

In the optical unit with shake correction function of the present invention, the second intermediate member includes a pair of first spring parts having a spring property for suppressing rattling of the first intermediate member relative to the second intermediate member in the first direction, and a pair of second spring parts having a spring property for suppressing rattling of the second intermediate member relative to the fixed body in the second direction. In addition, in the present invention, when viewed from the optical axis direction, which is the direction of the optical axis of the camera module, with the optical axis of the camera module in a state where the optical axis of the camera module is in the reference position, the distance between the outer end in the first direction of one first spring part extending outward in one direction and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between the outer end in the first direction of the other first spring part extending on the opposite side of the one first spring part and the optical axis of the camera module, and the distance between the outer end in the second direction of one second spring part extending outward in one direction and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between the outer end in the second direction of the other second spring part extending on the opposite side of the one second spring part and the optical axis of the camera module.

Therefore, in the present invention, by reducing the spring constant of one of the first spring parts, it is possible to suppress variation in the biasing force of the pair of first spring parts, and by reducing the spring constant of one of the second spring parts, it is possible to suppress variation in the biasing force of the pair of second spring parts. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to reliably suppress rattling of the first intermediate member relative to the second intermediate member in the first direction by the pair of first spring parts, and it is possible to reliably suppress rattling of the second intermediate member relative to the fixed body in the second direction by the pair of second spring parts.

In addition, in the present invention, the distance between the outer end of the other first spring part in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module is shorter than the distance between the outer end of the one first spring part in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module, and the distance between the outer end of the other second spring part in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module is shorter than the distance between the outer end of the one second spring part in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module, making it possible to miniaturize the optical unit with shake correction function.

In the present invention, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis of the camera module in the reference position, it is preferable that the width of the other first spring part is narrower than the width of one first spring part, and the width of the other second spring part is narrower than the width of one second spring part.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to reduce the spring constant of the other first spring part and the spring constant of the other second spring part, so that it is possible to effectively suppress the variation in the biasing force of the pair of first spring parts and the variation in the biasing force of the pair of second spring parts. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the rattle of the first intermediate member relative to the second intermediate member in the first direction and the rattle of the second intermediate member relative to the fixed body in the second direction. In addition, by configuring in this way, it is possible to align the spring constant of one first spring part with the spring constant of the other first spring part, and it is possible to align the spring constant of one second spring part with the spring constant of the other second spring part, so that it is possible to deform the pair of first spring parts in a balanced manner, and it is also possible to deform the pair of second spring parts in a balanced manner.

In the present invention, the optical unit with shake correction function comprises a first magnetic drive mechanism for rotating a movable body relative to a fixed body around the optical axis of the camera module as a rotation center, and a second magnetic drive mechanism and a third magnetic drive mechanism for rotating the movable body relative to the fixed body so that the optical axis of the camera module is tilted in an arbitrary direction, the first intermediate member holds the movable body so that the movable body can be rotated around the optical axis of the camera module as a rotation center, the second magnetic drive mechanism comprises a second drive magnet and a second drive coil that are arranged to face each other in a first optical axis orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module and tilted with respect to the first direction and the second direction when the optical axis of the camera module is in a reference position, the third magnetic drive mechanism comprises a third drive magnet and a third drive coil that are arranged to face each other in a second optical axis orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module and the first optical axis orthogonal direction and tilted with respect to the first direction and the second direction when the optical axis of the camera module is in the reference position, the fixed body comprises an intermediate member holding portion that rotatably holds the second intermediate member, and when the optical axis of the camera module is in the reference position, The outer shape of the intermediate member holding part when viewed from the optical axis direction is square or rectangular, and two of the four sides of the intermediate member holding part whose outer shape is square or rectangular when viewed from the optical axis direction when the optical axis of the camera module is at the reference position are parallel to the second optical axis orthogonal direction, the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged along one of the two sides of the intermediate member holding part that are parallel to the second optical axis orthogonal direction, the third magnetic drive mechanism is arranged along one of the two sides of the intermediate member holding part that are parallel to the first optical axis orthogonal direction, and the first It is preferable that the distance between the outer end in the first direction of one of the first spring parts extending on the side where the magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between the outer end in the first direction of the other first spring part and the optical axis of the camera module, and that the distance between the outer end in the second direction of one of the second spring parts extending on the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between the outer end in the second direction of the other second spring part and the optical axis of the camera module.

When configured in this manner, the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged along one of the two sides of the intermediate member holding part parallel to the direction perpendicular to the second optical axis, and the third magnetic drive mechanism is arranged along one of the two sides of the intermediate member holding part parallel to the direction perpendicular to the first optical axis. Therefore, in a portable device or the like in which an optical unit with shake correction function is mounted, various components can be arranged so that no magnetic interference occurs in the areas along each of the two sides of the intermediate member holding part. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the degree of freedom in design of a portable device or the like in which an optical unit with shake correction function is mounted.

In addition, with this configuration, the distance between the outer end in the first direction of one of the first spring parts extending on the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between the outer end in the first direction of the other first spring part and the optical axis of the camera module, and the distance between the outer end in the second direction of one of the second spring parts extending on the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between the outer end in the second direction of the other second spring part and the optical axis of the camera module. Therefore, even if the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged along one side of the intermediate member holding part parallel to the direction perpendicular to the second optical axis, it is possible to prevent interference between the one of the first spring parts and the one of the second spring parts and the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism.

In the present invention, the optical unit with shake correction function includes, for example, a flexible printed circuit board drawn out from the movable body to one side in the direction perpendicular to the second optical axis. In this case, due to the influence of the flexible printed circuit board, the movable body is more difficult to rotate when rotating about the first optical axis orthogonal direction as the axis of rotation than when rotating about the second optical axis orthogonal direction as the axis of rotation. However, since only the third magnetic drive mechanism is arranged along one side of the intermediate member holding part parallel to the first optical axis orthogonal direction, it is possible to increase the driving force of the third magnetic drive mechanism by increasing the size of the third drive magnet and the third drive coil constituting the third magnetic drive mechanism. Therefore, even if the movable body is difficult to rotate about the first optical axis orthogonal direction as the axis of rotation due to the influence of the flexible printed circuit board, it is possible to appropriately rotate the movable body about the first optical axis orthogonal direction as the axis of rotation.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the first magnetic drive mechanism includes two sets of a first drive magnet and a first drive coil arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis, and the second magnetic drive mechanism includes one set of a second drive magnet and a second drive coil, with the first drive magnet being arranged on both sides of the second drive magnet in the direction perpendicular to the second optical axis, and the first drive coil being arranged on both sides of the second drive coil in the direction perpendicular to the second optical axis.

In this configuration, it is possible to reduce the size of the optical unit with shake correction function in the second optical axis orthogonal direction compared to the case where the second drive magnet is arranged on both sides of the first drive magnet in the second optical axis orthogonal direction and the second drive coil is arranged on both sides of the first drive coil in the second optical axis orthogonal direction. In addition, in this configuration, it is possible to arrange the second drive magnet at the center of the second optical axis orthogonal direction. For example, when a magnetic sensor for detecting the rotational position of the movable body relative to the fixed body with the second optical axis orthogonal direction as the axis of rotation is arranged opposite the second drive magnet in the first optical axis orthogonal direction, it is possible to suppress the amount of deviation in the optical axis direction between the second drive magnet and the magnetic sensor when the movable body rotates relative to the fixed body with the first optical axis orthogonal direction as the axis of rotation. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately detect the rotational position of the movable body relative to the fixed body with the second optical axis orthogonal direction as the axis of rotation.

In the present invention, the first drive magnet is preferably composed of two magnetized portions polarized in the direction perpendicular to the second optical axis, and the magnetic poles of the two first drive magnets on the second drive magnet side are the same. With this configuration, even if the first drive magnets are arranged on both sides of the second drive magnet in the direction perpendicular to the second optical axis, the magnetic field generated by the two first drive magnets is well balanced with respect to the second drive magnet. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the effect of the first magnetic drive mechanism on the magnetic circuit of the second magnetic drive mechanism.

As described above, in the present invention, in an optical unit with shake correction function that includes a first intermediate member that holds a movable body having a camera module, a second intermediate member that holds the first intermediate member so as to enable rotation of the first intermediate member with an axial direction of rotation in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module, and a fixed body that holds the second intermediate member so as to enable rotation of the second intermediate member with an axial direction of rotation in a second direction that intersects the optical axis of the camera module and intersects the first direction, it becomes possible to miniaturize the optical unit with shake correction function while reliably suppressing wobbling of the first intermediate member relative to the second intermediate member in the first direction and wobbling of the second intermediate member relative to the fixed body in the second direction.

1 is a perspective view of an optical unit with a shake correction function according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the optical unit with shake correction function shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical unit with shake correction function shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second intermediate member, a second fulcrum portion, and the like shown in FIG. 3 . 5 is an exploded perspective view of the holder, the first intermediate member, the first fulcrum portion, and the like shown in FIG. 4. 3 is a plan view showing the holder, the first magnetic drive mechanism, the second magnetic drive mechanism, the third magnetic drive mechanism, and the like shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 7 is a front view showing the first drive coil and the second drive coil shown in FIG. 6 . FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second intermediate member shown in FIG. 2 .

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of optical unit with shake correction function)
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an optical unit 1 with a shake correction function according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the second intermediate member 5, the second fulcrum portion 13, etc. shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the holder 16, the first intermediate member 4, the first fulcrum portion 12, etc. shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the holder 16, the first magnetic driving mechanism 7, the second magnetic driving mechanism 8, the third magnetic driving mechanism 9, etc. shown in Fig. 2.

In the following description, as shown in Figure 1 etc., three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, with the X direction being the left-right direction, the Y direction being the front-back direction, and the Z direction being the up-down direction. Furthermore, the X1 direction side in Figure 1 etc., which is one side of the left-right direction, is referred to as the "right" side, the X2 direction side in Figure 1 etc., which is the opposite side, is referred to as the "left" side, the Y1 direction side in Figure 1 etc., which is one side of the front-back direction, is referred to as the "front" side, the Y2 direction side in Figure 1 etc., which is the opposite side, is referred to as the "rear" side, the Z1 direction side in Figure 1 etc., which is one side of the up-down direction, is referred to as the "up" side, and the Z2 direction side in Figure 1 etc., which is the opposite side, is referred to as the "down" side.

The optical unit 1 with shake correction function of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "optical unit 1") is a small and thin unit mounted on a mobile device such as a smartphone, and includes a camera module 2 having a lens for photographing and an image sensor. The optical unit 1 is formed as a thin, flat, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape overall. In addition, the optical unit 1 includes a shake correction function to prevent distortion of the captured image when shake occurs during shooting.

The optical unit 1 includes a movable body 3 having a camera module 2, a first intermediate member 4 that holds the movable body 3, a second intermediate member 5 that rotatably holds the first intermediate member 4, and a fixed body 6 that rotatably holds the second intermediate member 5. In this embodiment, the first intermediate member 4 holds the movable body 3 so that the movable body 3 can rotate around the optical axis L of the camera module 2. In other words, the movable body 3 is rotatable relative to the first intermediate member 4 around the optical axis L of the camera module 2.

The first intermediate member 4 is rotatable relative to the second intermediate member 5 with the first direction (V direction in FIG. 2, etc.) perpendicular to the optical axis L of the camera module 2 as the axial direction of the rotation. That is, the first intermediate member 4 is rotatable relative to the second intermediate member 5 with the first axis L1 (see FIG. 2) having the first direction as the axial direction as the center of rotation. The second intermediate member 5 is rotatable relative to the fixed body 6 with the second direction (W direction in FIG. 2, etc.) intersecting the first direction and intersecting the optical axis L of the camera module 2 as the axial direction of the rotation. That is, the second intermediate member 5 is rotatable relative to the fixed body 6 with the second axis L2 (see FIG. 2) having the second direction as the axial direction as the center of rotation. The second direction in this embodiment is perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, a two-axis gimbal mechanism is configured between the movable body 3 and the fixed body 6.

In this embodiment, when the first intermediate member 4 and the second intermediate member 5 are disposed at a predetermined reference position and the optical axis L of the camera module 2 is at the predetermined reference position, the optical axis direction, which is the direction of the optical axis L of the camera module 2, coincides with the up-down direction. Furthermore, when the optical axis L of the camera module 2 is at the reference position, the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis L. More specifically, when the first intermediate member 4 is disposed at a predetermined reference position and is not rotating relative to the second intermediate member 5, the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis L. On the other hand, when the first intermediate member 4 is rotating relative to the second intermediate member 5, the second direction intersects with the optical axis L, but does not intersect at a right angle.

When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the first direction is a direction shifted by about 45° in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2 from the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction (Y direction) in this embodiment is a first optical axis orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis L of the camera module 2 when the optical axis L of the camera module 2 is in the reference position and is tilted with respect to the first and second directions. The left-right direction (X direction) is a second optical axis orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction, which is the first optical axis orthogonal direction, and the optical axis L of the camera module 2 when the optical axis L of the camera module 2 is in the reference position, and is tilted with respect to the first and second directions.

The optical unit 1 includes a first magnetic drive mechanism 7 for rotating the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 around the optical axis L of the camera module 2 as the center of rotation, and a second magnetic drive mechanism 8 and a third magnetic drive mechanism 9 for rotating the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 so that the optical axis L of the camera module 2 is tilted in any direction. At both ends of the first intermediate member 4 in the first direction, a first fulcrum portion 12 is arranged, which serves as a fulcrum for the rotation of the first intermediate member 4 relative to the second intermediate member 5. At both ends of the second intermediate member 5 in the second direction, a second fulcrum portion 13 is arranged, which serves as a fulcrum for the rotation of the second intermediate member 5 relative to the fixed body 6. Between the movable body 3 and the first intermediate member 4, a rotation support portion 14 is arranged to enable the rotation of the movable body 3 relative to the first intermediate member 4.

The movable body 3 is formed into a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thin overall thickness in the optical axis direction. The movable body 3 includes a holder 16 to which the camera module 2 is fixed, and a rotating member 17 fixed to the holder 16. The holder 16 is formed from a resin material. The holder 16 is formed into a square frame shape, and the outer shape of the holder 16 is square when viewed from the optical axis direction with the first intermediate member 4 and the second intermediate member 5 arranged in a predetermined reference position. The camera module 2 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the holder 16 so that the outer peripheral side of the camera module 2 is covered by the holder 16.

When the movable body 3, the first intermediate member 4, and the second intermediate member 5 are positioned at a predetermined reference position, two of the four sides of the holder 16, which has a square outer shape, are parallel to the front-to-rear direction, and the remaining two sides of the holder 16 are parallel to the left-to-right direction. Both ends of the holder 16 in the first direction are chamfered to form planes that are approximately perpendicular to the first direction. Similarly, both ends of the holder 16 in the second direction are chamfered to form planes that are approximately perpendicular to the second direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rear side of the holder 16 is formed with a recess 16a in which a first drive magnet 35 (described below) constituting part of the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 is disposed, and a recess 16b in which a second drive magnet 37 (described below) constituting part of the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 is disposed. The left side of the holder 16 is formed with a recess 16c in which a third drive magnet 39 (described below) constituting part of the third magnetic drive mechanism 9 is disposed.

The rotating member 17 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The rotating member 17 is formed by bending a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The rotating member 17 has a placement portion 17a that is placed on the rotation support portion 14, and a fixed portion 17b that is fixed to the holder 16. The placement portion 17a is formed in a circular ring shape. The placement portion 17a is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. The thickness direction of the placement portion 17a coincides with the optical axis direction.

The mounting portion 17a is disposed above the holder 16. A circular groove (not shown) is formed on the underside of the mounting portion 17a, in which a sphere 31 (described below) that constitutes part of the rotation support portion 14 is disposed. This groove is recessed toward the upper side. This groove is also formed in a circular shape centered on the optical axis L of the camera module 2. The upper end of the camera module 2 is disposed on the inner periphery of the mounting portion 17a.

The fixed portion 17b is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 17a. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 17b is connected to both sides of the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 17a in the front-rear and left-right directions, and four fixed portions 17b are arranged at 90° intervals around the optical axis L. The tip side of the fixed portion 17b is bent downward. The tip of the fixed portion 17b is fixed to the holder 16. In addition, a flat protruding portion 17c is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 17a. The protruding portion 17c protrudes from the mounting portion 17a on both sides in the second direction. The thickness direction of the protruding portion 17c coincides with the optical axis direction.

As described above, the camera module 2 includes a lens and an imaging element. The imaging element is disposed on the lower end side of the camera module 2, and a subject disposed on the upper side of the camera module 2 is photographed by the camera module 2. A flexible printed circuit board 18 is pulled out from the lower end side of the camera module 2. The flexible printed circuit board 18 is pulled out to the right side from the camera module 2. That is, the optical unit 1 includes a flexible printed circuit board 18 that is pulled out to the right side from the movable body 3.

The first intermediate member 4 is formed from a metal material such as stainless steel. The first intermediate member 4 is formed by bending a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The first intermediate member 4 has a mounting portion 4a on which the rotation support portion 14 is placed, and two arms 4b extending from the mounting portion 4a toward both sides in the first direction. The mounting portion 4a is formed in an annular shape. The mounting portion 4a is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. The thickness direction of the mounting portion 4a coincides with the optical axis direction.

The mounting portion 4a is disposed above the holder 16. The mounting portion 4a is disposed below the mounted portion 17a of the rotating member 17. As shown in FIG. 5, a circular groove portion 4c is formed on the upper surface of the mounting portion 4a, in which a part of a sphere 31 (described below) constituting a part of the rotating support portion 14 is disposed. The groove portion 4c is recessed downward. The groove portion 4c is formed in a circular shape centered on the optical axis L of the camera module 2. The upper end portion of the camera module 2 is disposed on the inner periphery of the mounting portion 4a.

The arm 4b is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 4a. The tip side of the arm 4b is bent downward. The tip 4d of the arm 4b is formed in a flat plate shape. The thickness direction of the tip 4d is approximately the same as the first direction. The tip 4d is disposed outside the holder 16 in the first direction. In addition, the magnet attachment portion 4e is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 4a. The magnet attachment portion 4e protrudes from the mounting portion 4a on both sides in the second direction.

A magnet 19 (see FIG. 5) is attached to the upper surface of the magnet attachment portion 4e. The magnet 19 is disposed below the protruding portion 17c of the rotating member 17. The magnet 19 magnetically attracts the protruding portion 17c. The magnet 19 is magnetized with two poles in the circumferential direction of the mounting portion 4a, which is formed in an annular shape. In other words, the magnet 19 is composed of two magnetized portions polarized in the circumferential direction of the mounting portion 4a.

The second intermediate member 5 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The second intermediate member 5 is a leaf spring formed by bending a metal plate having spring properties into a predetermined shape. The second intermediate member 5 is composed of a base 5a arranged above the rotating member 17 and the first intermediate member 4, two arms 5b extending from the base 5a toward both sides in the first direction, and two arms 5c extending from the base 5a toward both sides in the second direction. A circular through hole is formed in the center of the base 5a. The outer shape of the base 5a is square. The arms 5b and 5c extend from each of the four corners of the base 5a, which has a square outer shape, toward the outside of the base 5a. The upper end of the camera module 2 is arranged on the inner periphery of the base 5a.

The tip side of arm 5b is bent downward. Tip 5d of arm 5b is formed in a flat plate shape. The thickness direction of tip 5d is approximately the same as the first direction. Tip 5d is located outside tip 4d of arm 4b in the first direction. The tip side of arm 5c is bent downward. Tip 5e of arm 5c is formed in a flat plate shape. The thickness direction of tip 5e is approximately the same as the second direction. Tip 5e is located outside magnet attachment portion 4e in the second direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tip 5d is formed with a recess 5f in which a portion of a sphere 27 (described below) constituting a part of the first fulcrum 12 is disposed. The recess 5f is formed in a hemispherical shape. The recess 5f is recessed inward in the first direction. The tip 5e is formed with a recess 5g in which a portion of a sphere 29 (described below) constituting a part of the second fulcrum 13 is disposed. The recess 5g is formed in a hemispherical shape. The recess 5g is recessed inward in the second direction. A more specific configuration of the second intermediate member 5 will be described later.

The fixed body 6 includes a case body 21 having a rectangular cylindrical intermediate member holding portion 21a that rotatably holds the second intermediate member 5, a cover 22 fixed to the upper surface side of the case body 21, and a base plate 23 fixed to the lower surface side of the case body 21. The case body 21 is made of a resin material. The case body 21 is composed of the above-mentioned intermediate member holding portion 21a and a rectangular cylindrical FPC housing portion 21b on the inner periphery side in which the flexible printed circuit board 18 is housed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate member holding portion 21a is formed in a square tube shape with both ends in the vertical direction open. The intermediate member holding portion 21a is disposed outside the movable body 3, the first intermediate member 4, and the second intermediate member 5 in the radial direction centered on the optical axis L. The outer shape of the intermediate member holding portion 21a is square. More specifically, the outer shape of the intermediate member holding portion 21a when viewed from the vertical direction is square. In other words, when the first intermediate member 4 and the second intermediate member 5 are disposed at predetermined reference positions and the optical axis L of the camera module 2 is at a predetermined reference position, the outer shape of the intermediate member holding portion 21a when viewed from the optical axis direction of the camera module 2 is square.

Two of the four sides of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, which has a square outer shape, are parallel to the front-rear direction, and the remaining two sides of the intermediate member holding portion 21a are parallel to the left-right direction. A through hole 21c is formed in the rear surface of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, in which a first driving coil 36 (described later) constituting part of the first magnetic driving mechanism 7 and a second driving coil 38 (described later) constituting part of the second magnetic driving mechanism 8 are disposed (see FIG. 3). A through hole 21d is formed in the left surface of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, in which a third driving coil 40 (described later) constituting part of the third magnetic driving mechanism 9 is disposed (see FIG. 3).

The FPC accommodating section 21b is formed in a rectangular tube shape with both top and bottom ends open. The FPC accommodating section 21b is connected to the right side surface of the intermediate member holding section 21a. The cover 22 covers the case body 21 from above. The cover 22 has through holes in which the second intermediate member 5 and the like are disposed. The base plate 23 covers the openings on the bottom surface of the case body 21 (i.e., the openings on the bottom surfaces of the intermediate member holding section 21a and the FPC accommodating section 21b).

The first fulcrum 12 includes a support member 26 fixed to the tip 4d of the arm 4b of the first intermediate member 4, and a spherical sphere 27 fixed to the support member 26 (see FIG. 5). The support member 26 and the sphere 27 are made of metal material. The support member 26 includes a flat fixing portion 26a to which the sphere 27 is fixed. The thickness direction of the fixing portion 26a coincides with the first direction. The sphere 27 is fixed to the inner surface of the fixing portion 26a in the first direction. The fixing portion 26a is disposed outside the tip 4d in the first direction. The tip 5d of the arm 5b of the second intermediate member 5 is disposed between the tip 4d and the fixing portion 26a in the first direction. A part of the sphere 27 is disposed in the recess 5f. Due to the springiness of the two arms 5b, the sphere 27 contacts the bottom surface of the recess 5f with a predetermined contact pressure.

The second fulcrum portion 13 includes a support member 28 fixed to the intermediate member holding portion 21a and a spherical sphere 29 fixed to the support member 28 (see FIG. 4). The support member 28 and the sphere 29 are made of a metal material. The support member 28 includes a flat fixing portion 28a to which the sphere 29 is fixed. The thickness direction of the fixing portion 28a coincides with the second direction. The sphere 29 is fixed to the inner surface of the fixing portion 28a in the second direction. The fixing portion 28a is disposed outside the tip portion 5e of the arm portion 5c of the second intermediate member 5 in the second direction. A part of the sphere 29 is disposed in the recess 5g. Due to the springiness of the two arms 5c, the sphere 29 contacts the bottom surface of the recess 5g with a predetermined contact pressure.

The rotation support section 14 includes a sphere holding member 30 formed in a flat plate-like and annular shape, and a plurality of spherical spheres 31 held by the sphere holding member 30 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the rotation support section 14 includes six spheres 31. The sphere holding member 30 and the spheres 31 are formed of a metal material. The sphere holding member 30 is arranged so that the thickness direction of the sphere holding member 30 coincides with the optical axis direction. The sphere holding member 30 is also arranged so that the center of the sphere holding member 30 coincides with the optical axis L. The sphere holding member 30 is arranged between the mounting section 17a and the mounting section 4a in the optical axis direction.

The sphere holding member 30 has multiple (specifically, six) through holes formed therein for holding the sphere 31. The six through holes are formed in the sphere holding member 30 at an equal angular pitch centered on the optical axis L of the camera module 2. A portion of the sphere 31 held in the through holes of the sphere holding member 30 is disposed in a groove portion formed in the lower surface of the mounting portion 17a and a groove portion 4c formed in the upper surface of the mounting portion 4a.

The sphere 31 contacts the bottom surface of the groove of the mounting portion 17a and the bottom surface of the groove 4c of the mounting portion 4a with a predetermined contact pressure due to the magnetic attraction force generated between the magnet 19 and the protruding portion 17c. As described above, the magnet 19 is magnetized with two poles in the circumferential direction of the mounting portion 4a formed in an annular shape, and the magnet 19 and the protruding portion 17c function to hold the movable body 3 at a predetermined reference position in the rotation direction of the movable body 3 about the optical axis L of the camera module 2. Specifically, the magnet 19 and the protruding portion 17c function to hold the movable body 3 at a predetermined reference position in the rotation direction of the movable body 3 about the optical axis L when no current is supplied to the first driving coil 36 described below that constitutes a part of the first magnetic driving mechanism 7.

In the optical unit 1, when a change in the tilt of the movable body 3 is detected by a predetermined detection mechanism for detecting changes in the tilt of the movable body 3, a current is supplied to at least one of the first drive coil 36 (described below) which constitutes part of the first magnetic drive mechanism 7, the second drive coil 38 (described below) which constitutes part of the second magnetic drive mechanism 8, and the third drive coil 40 (described below) which constitutes part of the third magnetic drive mechanism 9, based on the detection result of this detection mechanism, thereby correcting the shake.

(Configuration of the first to third magnetic drive mechanisms and their peripheral parts)
FIG. 7 is a front view showing the first drive coil 36 and the second drive coil 38 shown in FIG.

The first magnetic drive mechanism 7 includes a first drive magnet 35 and a first drive coil 36 that are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction. The first magnetic drive mechanism 7 of this embodiment includes two sets of the first drive magnet 35 and the first drive coil 36. That is, the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 includes two first drive magnets 35 and two first drive coils 36. The second magnetic drive mechanism 8 includes a second drive magnet 37 and a second drive coil 38 that are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction. The second magnetic drive mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes one set of the second drive magnet 37 and the second drive coil 38. The third magnetic drive mechanism 9 includes a third drive magnet 39 and a third drive coil 40 that are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction. The third magnetic drive mechanism 9 of this embodiment includes one set of the third drive magnet 39 and the third drive coil 40.

The second drive magnet 37 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The second drive magnet 37 is fixed to the recess 16b of the holder 16. In other words, the second drive magnet 37 is fixed to the rear side of the holder 16. The second drive magnet 37 is also fixed to the center in the left-right direction of the holder 16 when the movable body 3, the first intermediate member 4, and the second intermediate member 5 are disposed in a predetermined reference position.

When the movable body 3, the first intermediate member 4, and the second intermediate member 5 are disposed at a predetermined reference position, the thickness direction of the second drive magnet 37 coincides with the front-rear direction. In addition, two of the four sides of the second drive magnet 37, which is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, are parallel to the optical axis direction of the camera module 2. The second drive magnet 37 is magnetized with two poles in the vertical direction. In other words, the second drive magnet 37 is composed of two magnetized parts polarized in the vertical direction.

The second drive coil 38 is, for example, an air-core coil formed by winding a conducting wire around an air core. The second drive coil 38 is composed of two straight line sections 38a parallel to the left-right direction and two arc-shaped arc sections 38b connecting both left-right ends of the two straight line sections 38a (see FIG. 7). The second drive coil 38 is attached to a flexible printed circuit board 42 (see FIG. 4). The flexible printed circuit board 42 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate member holding portion 21a.

The second drive coil 38 is disposed in the through hole 21c of the intermediate member holding portion 21a. That is, the second drive coil 38 is disposed in the rear portion of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, and disposed behind the second drive magnet 37. The second drive coil 38 is also disposed in the center in the left-right direction of the intermediate member holding portion 21a. The second magnetic drive mechanism 8 rotates the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis L of the camera module 2 and parallel to the left-right direction.

The third drive magnet 39 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The third drive magnet 39 is fixed to the recess 16c of the holder 16. That is, the third drive magnet 39 is fixed to the left side of the holder 16. The third drive magnet 39 is also fixed to the center of the holder 16 in the front-rear direction when the movable body 3, the first intermediate member 4, and the second intermediate member 5 are positioned at a predetermined reference position.

When the movable body 3, the first intermediate member 4, and the second intermediate member 5 are arranged at a predetermined reference position, the thickness direction of the third drive magnet 39 coincides with the left-right direction. In addition, two of the four sides of the third drive magnet 39, which is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, are parallel to the optical axis direction of the camera module 2. Like the second drive magnet 37, the third drive magnet 39 is magnetized with two poles in the vertical direction. That is, the third drive magnet 39 is composed of two magnetized parts polarized in the vertical direction. The width of the third drive magnet 39 in the optical axis direction is equal to the width of the second drive magnet 37 in the optical axis direction. The width of the third drive magnet 39 in the front-rear direction is wider than the width of the second drive magnet 37 in the left-right direction.

The third drive coil 40 is, for example, an air-core coil formed by winding a conducting wire around an air core. The third drive coil 40 is composed of two straight straight sections parallel to the front-rear direction and two arcuate sections connecting both front-rear ends of the two straight sections. The third drive coil 40 is attached to a flexible printed circuit board 42. The width of the third drive coil 40 in the optical axis direction is equal to the width of the second drive coil 38 in the optical axis direction. The width of the third drive coil 40 in the front-rear direction is wider than the width of the second drive coil 38 in the left-right direction.

The third drive coil 40 is disposed in the through hole 21d of the intermediate member holding portion 21a. That is, the third drive coil 40 is disposed in the left portion of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, and disposed to the left of the third drive magnet 39. The third drive coil 40 is also disposed in the center of the intermediate member holding portion 21a in the front-to-rear direction. The third magnetic drive mechanism 9 rotates the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis L of the camera module 2 and parallel to the front-to-rear direction.

The first drive magnet 35 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The first drive magnet 35 is fixed to the recess 16a of the holder 16. That is, the first drive magnet 35 is fixed to the rear side of the holder 16. When the movable body 3, the first intermediate member 4, and the second intermediate member 5 are arranged in a predetermined reference position, the thickness direction of the first drive magnet 35 coincides with the front-rear direction. In addition, two of the four sides of the first drive magnet 35 formed in a rectangular flat plate shape are parallel to the optical axis direction of the camera module 2. The first drive magnet 35 is arranged on both the left and right sides of the second drive magnet 37.

The first drive magnet 35 is magnetized with two poles in the left-right direction. That is, the first drive magnet 35 is composed of two magnetized parts polarized in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the magnetic poles of the two first drive magnets 35 on the second drive magnet 37 side are the same magnetic pole. That is, the magnetic pole on the right side of the first drive magnet 35 arranged to the left of the second drive magnet 37 and the magnetic pole on the left side of the first drive magnet 35 arranged to the right of the second drive magnet 37 are the same magnetic pole.

The first drive coil 36 is, for example, an air-core coil formed by winding a conductor around an air-core. The first drive coil 36 is composed of two straight straight portions 36a parallel to the optical axis direction and two arc-shaped arc portions 36b connecting both ends of the two straight portions 36a in the optical axis direction (see FIG. 7). As described above, in this embodiment, the right magnetic pole of the first drive magnet 35 arranged on the left side of the second drive magnet 37 and the left magnetic pole of the first drive magnet 35 arranged on the right side of the second drive magnet 37 are the same magnetic pole, so that the winding direction of one of the two first drive coils 36 is opposite to the winding direction of the other first drive coil 36.

The first drive coil 36 is attached to the flexible printed circuit board 42. The first drive coil 36 is disposed in the through hole 21c of the intermediate member holding portion 21a. That is, the first drive coil 36 is disposed in the rear portion of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, and is disposed behind the first drive magnet 35. The first drive coil 36 is also disposed on both the left and right sides of the second drive coil 38.

As described above, the first drive magnet 35 and the second drive magnet 37 are fixed to the rear side of the holder 16, and the first drive coil 36 and the second drive coil 38 are disposed in the rear portion of the intermediate member holding portion 21a. The third drive magnet 39 is fixed to the left side of the holder 16, and the third drive coil 40 is disposed in the left portion of the intermediate member holding portion 21a.

That is, the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 are arranged along one of the two sides (specifically, the rear side) of the intermediate member holding part 21a that are parallel to the left-right direction, and the third magnetic drive mechanism 9 is arranged along one of the two sides (specifically, the left side) of the intermediate member holding part 21a that are parallel to the front-rear direction. That is, the first magnetic drive mechanism 7, the second magnetic drive mechanism 8, and the third magnetic drive mechanism 9 are arranged along two sides of the intermediate member holding part 21a that has a square outer shape when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

A magnetic sensor 43 (see FIG. 4) is disposed opposite the first drive magnet 35 for detecting the rotational position of the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 around the optical axis L of the camera module 2. A magnetic sensor 44 (see FIG. 4) is disposed opposite the second drive magnet 37 for detecting the rotational position of the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis L of the camera module 2 and parallel to the left-right direction. A magnetic sensor 45 (see FIG. 4) is disposed opposite the third drive magnet 39 for detecting the rotational position of the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis L of the camera module 2 and parallel to the front-rear direction.

The magnetic sensors 43 to 45 are Hall sensors having Hall elements. The magnetic sensors 43 to 45 are mounted on a flexible printed circuit board 42. The magnetic sensor 43 is disposed on the inner periphery of the first drive coil 36, which is an air-core coil. The magnetic sensor 44 is disposed on the inner periphery of the second drive coil 38, which is an air-core coil. The magnetic sensor 45 is disposed on the inner periphery of the third drive coil 40, which is an air-core coil.

A second magnetic plate made of a magnetic material is fixed to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board 42 opposite to the surface to which the second drive coil 38 is attached, and a third magnetic plate made of a magnetic material is fixed to the surface of the flexible printed circuit board 42 opposite to the surface to which the third drive coil 40 is attached. The positions of the first intermediate member 4 and the second intermediate member 5 arranged at the reference position are maintained by the magnetic attraction force generated between the second drive magnet 37 and the second magnetic plate and the magnetic attraction force generated between the third drive magnet 39 and the third magnetic plate. In other words, the second drive magnet 37, the second magnetic plate, the third drive magnet 39, and the third magnetic plate function to maintain the posture of the first intermediate member 4 and the second intermediate member 5 when no current is supplied to the second drive coil 38 or the third drive coil 40.

(Configuration of the second intermediate member)
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second intermediate member 5 shown in FIG.

As described above, the second intermediate member 5 has two arms 5b (a pair of arms 5b) extending from the base 5a toward both sides in the first direction, and two arms 5c (a pair of arms 5c) extending from the base 5a toward both sides in the second direction. In addition, the sphere 27 fixed to the support member 26 fixed to the tip 4d of the arm 4b of the first intermediate member 4 contacts the bottom surface of the recess 5f formed in the arm 5b with a predetermined contact pressure due to the springiness of the two arms 5b, and the sphere 29 fixed to the support member 28 fixed to the intermediate member holding portion 21a contacts the bottom surface of the recess 5g formed in the arm 5c with a predetermined contact pressure due to the springiness of the two arms 5c.

In this embodiment, the springiness of the two arms 5b allows the sphere 27 to contact the bottom surface of the recess 5f with a predetermined contact pressure, suppressing rattling of the first intermediate member 4 relative to the second intermediate member 5 in the first direction. Also, the springiness of the two arms 5c allows the sphere 29 to contact the bottom surface of the recess 5g with a predetermined contact pressure, suppressing rattling of the second intermediate member 5 relative to the fixed body 6 in the second direction. The two arms 5b in this embodiment are a pair of first spring parts having spring properties for suppressing rattling of the first intermediate member 4 relative to the second intermediate member 5 in the first direction, and the two arms 5c are a pair of second spring parts having spring properties for suppressing rattling of the second intermediate member 5 relative to the fixed body 6 in the second direction.

As described above, the arms 5b extend from the base 5a toward both sides in the first direction. That is, when viewed from the optical axis direction of the camera module 2, one of the two arms 5b extends to one outside in the first direction, and the other arm 5b extends to the opposite side of the one arm 5b. Specifically, when viewed from the optical axis direction of the camera module 2, one arm 5b extends diagonally to the left rear, and the other arm 5b extends diagonally to the right front. In the following description, when each of the two arms 5b is to be distinguished, the one arm 5b extending diagonally to the left rear will be referred to as the "one-side arm 5b" and the other arm 5b extending diagonally to the right front will be referred to as the "other-side arm 5b."

The arms 5c extend from the base 5a toward both sides in the second direction. That is, when viewed from the optical axis direction of the camera module 2, one of the two arms 5c extends to one outside in the second direction, and the other arm 5c extends to the opposite side of the one arm 5c. Specifically, when viewed from the optical axis direction of the camera module 2, one arm 5c extends diagonally to the rear right, and the other arm 5c extends diagonally to the front left. In the following description, when each of the two arms 5c is to be distinguished, the one arm 5c extending diagonally to the rear right will be referred to as the "one-side arm 5c" and the other arm 5c extending diagonally to the front left will be referred to as the "other-side arm 5c".

In this embodiment, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L of the camera module 2 in the reference position, the distance D1 (see FIG. 8) between the outer end in the first direction of the one-side arm 5b and the optical axis L is longer than the distance D2 (see FIG. 8) between the outer end in the first direction of the other-side arm 5b and the optical axis L. That is, the distance D1 between the outer end in the first direction of the one-side arm 5b extending to the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 are arranged and the optical axis L is longer than the distance D2 between the outer end in the first direction of the other-side arm 5b and the optical axis L. That is, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L of the camera module 2 in the reference position, the length in the first direction of the one-side arm 5b is longer than the length in the first direction of the other-side arm 5b.

Specifically, distance D1 is the shortest distance in the first direction between the outer surface in the first direction of tip 5d of one arm 5b and the optical axis L when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L at the reference position. Specifically, distance D2 is the shortest distance in the first direction between the outer surface in the first direction of tip 5d of the other arm 5b and the optical axis L when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L at the reference position.

When viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L at the reference position, the width of the two arms 5b (i.e., the width of the arms 5b in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the arms 5b and the first direction) is constant. Furthermore, the width H1 of the arm 5b on one side (see FIG. 8) is equal to the width H2 of the arm 5b on the other side (see FIG. 8). The width of the two arms 5b may narrow from the base end to the tip of the arm 5b (i.e., from the inner end in the first direction to the outer end in the first direction). In this case, the width of the two arms 5b may narrow continuously or stepwise from the base end to the tip of the arm 5b.

When viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L of the camera module 2 in the reference position, the distance D3 (see FIG. 8) between the outer end of the one-side arm 5c in the second direction and the optical axis L is longer than the distance D4 (see FIG. 8) between the outer end of the other-side arm 5c in the second direction and the optical axis L. That is, the distance D3 between the outer end of the one-side arm 5c in the second direction extending to the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 are arranged and the optical axis L is longer than the distance D4 between the outer end of the other-side arm 5c in the second direction and the optical axis L. That is, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L of the camera module 2 in the reference position, the length of the one-side arm 5c in the second direction is longer than the length of the other-side arm 5c in the second direction.

Specifically, distance D3 is the shortest distance in the second direction between the optical axis L and the outer surface in the second direction of tip 5e of one side arm 5c when viewed from the optical axis direction with optical axis L at the reference position. Specifically, distance D4 is the shortest distance in the second direction between the optical axis L and the outer surface in the second direction of tip 5e of the other side arm 5c when viewed from the optical axis direction with optical axis L at the reference position. Distance D3 is longer than distance D1, and distance D4 is longer than distance D2. Distance D4 is also shorter than distance D1.

When viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L at the reference position, the width of the two arms 5c (i.e., the width of the arms 5c in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the arms 5c and the second direction) narrows from the base end to the tip of the arms 5c (i.e., from the inner end in the second direction to the outer end in the second direction). Specifically, the width of the two arms 5c narrows continuously from the base end to the tip of the arms 5c. The width of the two arms 5c may narrow stepwise from the base end to the tip of the arms 5c. The width of the two arms 5c may also be constant.

The width H3 (see FIG. 8) of the base end of the arm 5c on one side is equal to the width H4 (see FIG. 8) of the base end of the arm 5c on the other side. In addition, the width H5 (see FIG. 8) of the outer end of the arm 5c on one side in the second direction is equal to the width H6 (see FIG. 8) of the outer end of the arm 5c on the other side in the second direction.

(Main effects of this embodiment)
As described above, in this embodiment, the second intermediate member 5 includes a pair of arms 5b for suppressing rattling of the first intermediate member 4 relative to the second intermediate member 5 in the first direction, and a pair of arms 5c for suppressing rattling of the second intermediate member 5 relative to the fixed body 6 in the second direction. Also, in this embodiment, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L of the camera module 2 in the reference position, a distance D1 between the outer end of the one-side arm 5b in the first direction and the optical axis L is longer than a distance D2 between the outer end of the other-side arm 5b in the first direction and the optical axis L, and a distance D3 between the outer end of the one-side arm 5c in the second direction and the optical axis L is longer than a distance D4 between the outer end of the other-side arm 5c in the second direction and the optical axis L.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the spring constant of the one-side arm 5b can be reduced to suppress the variation in the biasing force of the pair of arms 5b, and the spring constant of the one-side arm 5c can be reduced to suppress the variation in the biasing force of the pair of arms 5c. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pair of arms 5b can reliably suppress the rattle of the first intermediate member 4 relative to the second intermediate member 5 in the first direction, and the pair of arms 5c can reliably suppress the rattle of the second intermediate member 5 relative to the fixed body 6 in the second direction. Also, in this embodiment, the distance D2 is shorter than the distance D1, and the distance D4 is shorter than the distance D3, so that the optical unit 1 can be made smaller.

In this embodiment, the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 are arranged along the rear side of the intermediate member holding portion 21a that is parallel to the left-right direction, and the third magnetic drive mechanism 9 is arranged along the left side of the intermediate member holding portion 21a that is parallel to the front-rear direction. Therefore, in a portable device or the like in which the optical unit 1 of this embodiment is mounted, various components can be arranged so that magnetic interference does not occur in the areas along each of the two sides of the intermediate member holding portion 21a. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the degree of freedom in design of a portable device or the like in which the optical unit 1 is mounted.

In this embodiment, the distance D1 between the outer end in the first direction of the one-side arm 5b extending toward the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 are arranged and the optical axis L is longer than the distance D2 between the outer end in the first direction of the other-side arm 5b and the optical axis L, and the distance D3 between the outer end in the second direction of the one-side arm 5c extending toward the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 are arranged and the optical axis L is longer than the distance D4 between the outer end in the second direction of the other-side arm 5c and the optical axis L. Therefore, even if the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 are arranged along the rear side of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, it is possible to prevent interference between the one-side arm 5b, 5c and the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8.

In this embodiment, since the flexible printed circuit board 18 is pulled out to the right side from the camera module 2, the movable body 3 is more difficult to rotate around the front-rear direction as the axis of rotation than around the left-right direction as the axis of rotation due to the influence of the flexible printed circuit board 18. However, in this embodiment, only the third magnetic drive mechanism 9 is arranged along one side of the intermediate member holding portion 21a parallel to the front-rear direction, so that, as described above, the front-rear width of the third drive magnet 39 is made wider than the left-right width of the second drive magnet 37, and the front-rear width of the third drive coil 40 is made wider than the left-right width of the second drive coil 38, thereby increasing the driving force of the third magnetic drive mechanism 9. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the movable body 3 is difficult to rotate around the front-rear direction as the axis of rotation due to the influence of the flexible printed circuit board 18, it is possible to appropriately rotate the movable body 3 around the front-rear direction as the axis of rotation.

In this embodiment, the first drive magnet 35 is disposed on both left and right sides of the second drive magnet 37, and the first drive coil 36 is disposed on both left and right sides of the second drive coil 38. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the optical unit 1 in the left and right direction compared to a case in which the second drive magnet 37 is disposed on both left and right sides of the first drive magnet 35, and the second drive coil 38 is disposed on both left and right sides of the first drive coil 36. For example, it is possible to reduce the size of the optical unit 1 in the left and right direction by the amount of two arc portions 38b of the second drive coil 38.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the second drive magnet 37 is disposed between the two first drive magnets 35 in the left-right direction, it is possible to fix the second drive magnet 37 to the center of the holder 16 in the left-right direction, and it is possible to dispose the magnetic sensor 44 disposed opposite the second drive magnet 37 on the axis of the rotation center axis of the movable body 3 that rotates by the driving force of the third magnetic drive mechanism 9. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the amount of deviation in the optical axis direction between the second drive magnet 37 and the magnetic sensor 44 when the movable body 3 rotates relative to the fixed body 6 with the axial direction of the rotation being the front-rear direction. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately detect the rotation position of the movable body 3 relative to the fixed body 6 with the axial direction of the rotation being the left-right direction, using the second drive magnet 37 and the magnetic sensor 44.

In this embodiment, the right magnetic pole of the first drive magnet 35 arranged to the left of the second drive magnet 37 and the left magnetic pole of the first drive magnet 35 arranged to the right of the second drive magnet 37 are the same magnetic pole. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the first drive magnets 35 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the second drive magnet 37, the magnetic field generated by the two first drive magnets 35 is well balanced with respect to the second drive magnet 37. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence of the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 on the magnetic circuit of the second magnetic drive mechanism 8.

Other Embodiments
The above-described embodiment is one example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L at the reference position, the width H2 of the other side arm 5b may be narrower than the width H1 of the one side arm 5b. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis L at the reference position, the width H4 of the base end of the other side arm 5c may be narrower than the width H3 of the base end of the one side arm 5c, and the width H6 of the outer end in the second direction of the other side arm 5c may be narrower than the width H5 of the outer end in the second direction of the one side arm 5c.

In this case, the spring constant of the other side arm 5b, 5c can also be reduced, so that the variation in the biasing force of the pair of arms 5b and the variation in the biasing force of the pair of arms 5c can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the rattle of the first intermediate member 4 relative to the second intermediate member 5 in the first direction and the rattle of the second intermediate member 5 relative to the fixed body 6 in the second direction. In addition, in this case, it is possible to align the spring constant of the one side arm 5b and the spring constant of the other side arm 5b, so that the pair of arms 5b can be deformed in a well-balanced manner. In addition, it is possible to align the spring constant of the one side arm 5c and the spring constant of the other side arm 5c, so that the pair of arms 5c can be deformed in a well-balanced manner.

In the above embodiment, the right magnetic pole of the first drive magnet 35 arranged to the left of the second drive magnet 37 and the left magnetic pole of the first drive magnet 35 arranged to the right of the second drive magnet 37 may be different magnetic poles. In this case, the winding direction of one of the two first drive coils 36 is the same as the winding direction of the other first drive coil 36.

In the above embodiment, the second driving magnet 37 may be arranged on both sides of the first driving magnet 35 in the left-right direction, and the second driving coil 38 may be arranged on both sides of the first driving coil 36 in the left-right direction. In the above embodiment, if the movable body 3 can be appropriately rotated with the front-rear direction as the axial direction of the rotation, the first magnetic driving mechanism 7 and the third magnetic driving mechanism 9 may be arranged along the left side of the intermediate member holding portion 21a. In this case, the first driving magnet 35 may be arranged on both sides of the third driving magnet 39 in the front-rear direction, and the first driving coil 36 may be arranged on both sides of the third driving coil 40 in the front-rear direction, or the third driving magnet 39 may be arranged on both sides of the first driving magnet 35 in the front-rear direction, and the third driving coil 40 may be arranged on both sides of the first driving coil 36 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the distance D4 is longer than the distance D3.

In the above-described embodiment, if the movable body 3 can be appropriately rotated with the forward/rearward direction as the axial direction of rotation, one set of the first drive magnet 35 and the first drive coil 36 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 8 may be arranged along the rear edge of the intermediate member holding portion 21a, and another set of the first drive magnet 35 and the first drive coil 36 and the third magnetic drive mechanism 9 may be arranged along the left edge of the intermediate member holding portion 21a.

In the embodiment described above, the movable body 3 may be fixed to the first intermediate member 4 and may not be rotatable relative to the first intermediate member 4. In this case, the first magnetic drive mechanism 7 and the rotation support part 14 are not required. Also, in this case, the first intermediate member 4 may be fixed to the holder 16. If the first intermediate member 4 is fixed to the holder 16, the rotation member 17 is not required.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the outer shape of the intermediate member holding portion 21a when viewed from the top and bottom direction may be rectangular. In this case, for example, the first direction and the second direction are not orthogonal. That is, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first direction and the second direction do not have to be orthogonal. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first drive coil 36, the second drive coil 38, and the third drive coil 40 may be attached to the holder 16, and the first drive magnet 35, the second drive magnet 37, and the third drive magnet 39 may be attached to the intermediate member holding portion 21a. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case body 21 may not have the FPC accommodating portion 21b. That is, the case body 21 may be composed of only the intermediate member holding portion 21a.

1 Optical unit (optical unit with shake correction function)
2 camera module 3 movable body 4 first intermediate member 5 second intermediate member 5b arm portion (first spring portion)
5c Arm portion (second spring portion)
6 Fixed body 7 First magnetic drive mechanism 8 Second magnetic drive mechanism 9 Third magnetic drive mechanism 18 Flexible printed circuit board 21a Intermediate member holding portion 35 First drive magnet 36 First drive coil 37 Second drive magnet 38 Second drive coil 39 Third drive magnet 40 Third drive coil D1 Distance between the outer end of one first spring portion in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module D2 Distance between the outer end of the other first spring portion in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module D3 Distance between the outer end of one second spring portion in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module D4 Distance between the outer end of the other second spring portion in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module H1 Width of one first spring portion H2 Width of the other first spring portion H3, H5 Width of one second spring portion H4, H6 Width of the other second spring portion L Optical axis of the camera module V First direction W Second direction X Second optical axis perpendicular direction Y First optical axis perpendicular direction

Claims (6)

the camera includes a movable body having a camera module, a first intermediate member that holds the movable body, a second intermediate member that rotatably holds the first intermediate member, and a fixed body that rotatably holds the second intermediate member,
the first intermediate member is rotatable relative to the second intermediate member with a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the camera module as a rotation axis direction,
the second intermediate member is rotatable with respect to the fixed body about a second direction that intersects an optical axis of the camera module and intersects the first direction as an axial direction of rotation,
When the optical axis of the camera module is in a predetermined reference position, the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module;
the second intermediate member includes a pair of first spring portions having a spring property for suppressing rattling of the first intermediate member relative to the second intermediate member in the first direction, and a pair of second spring portions having a spring property for suppressing rattling of the second intermediate member relative to the fixed body in the second direction,
When viewed from an optical axis direction that is a direction of the optical axis of the camera module, one of the pair of first spring portions extends outward in one side of the first direction, and the other first spring portion extends outward in the other side of the first direction that is opposite to the direction in which the one first spring portion extends, one of the pair of second spring portions extends outward in one side of the second direction, and the other second spring portion extends outward in the other side of the second direction that is opposite to the direction in which the one second spring portion extends,
An optical unit with shake correction function, characterized in that when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis of the camera module in the reference position, the distance between an outer end of one of the first spring portions in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between an outer end of the other of the first spring portions in the first direction and the optical axis of the camera module, and the distance between an outer end of one of the second spring portions in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between an outer end of the other of the second spring portions in the second direction and the optical axis of the camera module. The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 1, characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction with the optical axis of the camera module in the reference position, the width of the other first spring part is narrower than the width of one of the first spring parts, and the width of the other second spring part is narrower than the width of one of the second spring parts. a first magnetic drive mechanism for rotating the movable body relative to the fixed body around an optical axis of the camera module as a rotation center, and a second magnetic drive mechanism and a third magnetic drive mechanism for rotating the movable body relative to the fixed body so that the optical axis of the camera module is tilted in a given direction;
the first intermediate member holds the movable body so as to enable the movable body to rotate about an optical axis of the camera module;
the second magnetic drive mechanism includes a second drive magnet and a second drive coil that are disposed to face each other in a first optical axis orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera module and inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction when the optical axis of the camera module is at the reference position,
the third magnetic drive mechanism includes a third drive magnet and a third drive coil that are disposed to face each other in a second optical-axis-orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera module and the first optical-axis-orthogonal direction and inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction when the optical axis of the camera module is at the reference position;
the fixed body includes an intermediate member holding portion that rotatably holds the second intermediate member,
an outer shape of the intermediate member holding portion when viewed in a direction of the optical axis of the camera module when the optical axis is at the reference position is a square shape or a rectangular shape;
two of four sides of the intermediate member holding portion, which has a square or rectangular outer shape when viewed in the optical axis direction when the optical axis of the camera module is at the reference position, are parallel to the second optical axis orthogonal direction;
the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are disposed along one of two sides of the intermediate member holding part parallel to a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis,
the third magnetic driving mechanism is disposed along one of two sides of the intermediate member holding portion parallel to a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis,
a distance between an outer end in the first direction of one of the first spring portions extending toward a side where the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are disposed and an optical axis of the camera module is longer than a distance between an outer end in the first direction of the other of the first spring portions and the optical axis of the camera module,
3. An optical unit with shake correction function as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distance between an outer end in the second direction of one of the second spring portions extending toward the side where the first magnetic drive mechanism and the second magnetic drive mechanism are arranged and the optical axis of the camera module is longer than the distance between an outer end in the second direction of the other of the second spring portions and the optical axis of the camera module. The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 3, characterized in that it is provided with a flexible printed circuit board that is pulled out from the movable body to one side in a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis. the first magnetic driving mechanism includes two pairs of a first driving magnet and a first driving coil arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis,
the second magnetic drive mechanism includes a pair of the second drive magnet and the second drive coil;
the first drive magnet is disposed on both sides of the second drive magnet in a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis,
5. The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 3, wherein the first drive coil is disposed on both sides of the second drive coil in a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis. the first drive magnet is composed of two magnetized portions polarized in a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis,
6. The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic poles of the two first drive magnets on the side of the second drive magnet are the same.

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