JP2007232805A - Camera module and portable terminal equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera module having a zoom function capable of achieving consecutive zooming and an autofocus (AF) function and constituted to be small in size and light in weight, and to provide a portable terminal equipped with the camera module. <P>SOLUTION: The camera module is equipped with a plurality of driving sources for moving an optical lens group for autofocus and an optical lens group for zoom in an optical axis direction through respectively independent cam bodies. The camera module is constituted by fitting the respectively independent cam bodies so as to freely rotate independently respectively on an axial line which is the same and parallel with the optical axis, arranging the plurality of driving sources in series so that their driving shafts may be positioned on a common axial line, and also arranging the axial line of the cam body, a guide shaft for supporting the optical lens group to freely move in the optical axis direction and the driving shafts of the plurality of driving sources so as to be parallel with the optical axis. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In order to solve the above problems, the camera module according to the present invention is:
In a camera module comprising a plurality of drive sources that move the optical lens group for autofocus and the optical lens group for zoom in the optical axis direction through independent cam bodies,
The plurality of driving units are configured such that the independent cam bodies are fitted on the same axis line coaxially and parallel to the optical axis so as to be independently rotatable, and the driving shafts are located on a common axis line. The sources are arranged in series, the axis of the cam body, the guide shaft that supports the optical lens group so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, and the drive shafts of the plurality of drive sources are arranged in parallel with the optical axis. It is characterized by being.

In addition, portable terminals using this camera module are
A plurality of drive sources that move the optical lens group for autofocus and the optical lens group for zoom in the optical axis direction via independent cam bodies, respectively, and the independent cam bodies are coaxial with the optical axis. The plurality of drive sources are arranged in series so that the drive shafts are positioned on a common axis so that they can be rotated independently on parallel axes, and the axis of the cam body, A guide module that supports the optical lens group movably in the optical axis direction, and a camera module in which drive axes of the plurality of drive sources are arranged in parallel with the optical axis;
A case body mounted with the camera module;
And an operation unit that is provided in the case body and operates the lens driving mechanism of the camera module.

  As described above, the axis of the independent cam body, the drive shafts of the plurality of drive sources, and the guide shaft that supports the optical lens group movably in the optical axis direction are all arranged in parallel with the optical axis. The projected areas in the optical axis direction of the two cam bodies and the plurality of drive sources are the same as in the case of the single cam and the drive source, respectively, and the camera module and thus the portable terminal can be reduced in size. Further, since all of these are arranged in parallel with the optical axis, the assembling directions are all the same, and the degree of freedom for assembling the respective components is increased, thereby facilitating the layout.

  The first cam body for moving the autofocus optical lens group and the second cam body for moving the zoom optical lens group are coaxial and on an axis parallel to the optical axis. Each of the plurality of drive sources is fitted in series so as to be parallel to the optical axis so that the drive shafts of the plurality of drive sources face each other toward the outer end side in the optical axis direction of the housing body constituting the module. The cam bodies are independently driven to rotate through transmission systems provided on the outer ends of the housing bodies, thereby simplifying the arrangement of the driving force transmission mechanism and facilitating the arrangement, and driving forces such as gears. Assembly of the transmission mechanism is easy, and the drive force transmission mechanism can be prevented from coming to the middle part, so that part can be used for moving the lens, and the camera module has a greater degree of freedom in lens design. Rukoto can.

  And each cam body which respond | corresponds to the 1st end surface side orthogonal to an optical axis, and the 2nd end surface side located in the other side of the housing body in the said camera module respond | corresponds to the drive force from these drive sources. Since the transmission gear group for transmitting to is arranged, the driving force transmission mechanisms in the camera module can be easily arranged, and the arrangement becomes simple and easy to assemble.

  Further, each of the independent cam bodies is a plurality of cylindrical cam bodies whose rotational shaft portions are positioned on the same axis line and which are each independently driven and rotated by receiving a rotational force from a corresponding motor, The first cam body for moving the zoom optical lens group is connected to the first end face side transmission gear group located on the image incident surface side, and moves the autofocus optical lens group. Since the second cam body is connected to the transmission gear group on the second end face side located on the image pickup element side, the intermediate portion between the first and second end faces has no driving force transmission mechanism, so that part Can be used for moving the lens, and the camera module can have a greater degree of freedom in lens design.

  Further, the plurality of motors with the drive shafts positioned on the same axis have the same shape, and the drive terminal portions provided on the side surfaces thereof are arranged in parallel so as to face the side wall surface of the housing body. The number of types of motors can be reduced, and the motor housing can be made the same, which can reduce the cost accordingly.

  A first transmission system including a first cam body for moving the autofocus optical lens group and a transmission gear group; a second cam body for moving the zoom optical lens group; For example, a second cam body that includes a second cam body that moves the zoom optical lens group and a transmission gear group is formed of a material that is less likely to wear than the second transmission system that includes the transmission gear group. The transmission system is formed of an amorphous resin material, and the first transmission system composed of a first cam body and a transmission gear group for moving the autofocus optical lens group is formed of a crystalline resin material. By configuring, the auto-focus optical lens group usually moves constantly to adjust the focus and wears a lot. On the other hand, the zoom lens group is driven only at a limited time, such as when determining the composition. When Precision is required to. Therefore, the autofocus transmission system uses a material that does not easily wear, that is, a crystalline resin material, and the zoom transmission system is inferior in wearability to the autofocus transmission system, but is superior in accuracy, that is, By using a non-crystalline resin material, a camera module having a high tolerance for wear and accuracy can be obtained.

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

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

  1A and 1B are external perspective views of a camera module 1 according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a state in which an exterior cover 2 is hung, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a state in which the exterior cover 2 is removed. The camera module 1 has a width of about 10 to 12 mm, a height of about 20 to 24 mm, and a length of 15 so that the camera module 1 can be incorporated into a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone with the exterior cover 2 shown in FIG. The size is about ˜20 mm and enables continuous zooming and autofocus. In the figure, 3 is an object side optical lens, 4 is an image sensor unit using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and the like, and an image sensor unit equipped with a control circuit such as a zoom and autofocus motor and shutter, and 5 is a camera module. A main body, 52 is a cover for shielding an optical system accommodated therein, 6 is a main flexible substrate, and signal exchange between the camera module 1 and a portable terminal (not shown) that accommodates the camera module 1, and a camera module 1 for supplying electric power to 1.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a lens group constituting the camera module 1 of the embodiment and a mechanism for moving a lens holding frame accommodating the lens group in the optical axis direction. In the figure, 30 is a first lens group on the subject side, 31 is a first lens holding frame that houses the first lens group, 32 is a second lens group, and 33 is a second lens holding frame that houses the second lens group, Reference numeral 34 denotes a shutter unit which is attached to the second lens holding frame 33 and moves together with the second lens holding frame 33. Reference numeral 35 denotes a third lens group for focusing. Reference numeral 36 denotes a third lens group which accommodates the third lens group. It is a lens holding frame. In the camera module 1 according to the embodiment, the second lens group 32 integrated with the first lens group 30 and the shutter unit 34 moves in the optical axis direction to perform continuous change in focal length, that is, zooming. In order to correct the focus position changed by the zooming, the third lens group 36 moves simultaneously.

  Therefore, before explaining the lens moving mechanism in FIG. 2, an outline of an optical system used in the camera module 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the lenses constituting each of the lens groups and the image sensor, and (B) is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each lens group in a wide angle (Wide) state. (C) is the figure which showed the positional relationship of each lens group in the state of telephoto (Tele).

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

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

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

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

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

  The above is the configuration of the optical system. Hereinafter, the lens group moving mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 2 again. The first lens holding frame 31, the second lens holding frame 33, and the third lens holding frame 36 that accommodate the first lens group 30, the second lens group 32, and the third lens group 35, respectively. A bearing portion 311, a second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 and a third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 which are shown in an exploded view of FIG. 6 and not shown in FIG. 2 are provided. The first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 are inserted through the first guide shaft 37, and the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 is a separate shaft from the first guide shaft 37. The second guide shaft 38 is inserted through the third guide shaft 39 and the bearing portion provided on the substantially opposite side of the bearing portion of each lens holding frame is guided and moved in the optical axis direction. It has become. The first lens holding frame bearing portion 311, the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331, and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 are aligned so that their optical axis lengths are substantially the same, and each lens holding Consideration is made so that the inclination of the frame with respect to the guide axis is the same.

  Each lens holding frame bearing portion 311, 331, 361 includes a first lens holding frame cam follower 312, and a second lens holding frame cam follower not shown in FIG. 332 and a third lens holding frame cam follower 362 are provided. These cam followers 312, 332, and 362 are the first lens group cam surface 722 of the first zoom cam 721 that constitutes the zoom cam 72 provided to face the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38. The second lens group cam surface 723, the second lens group cam surface 726 of the second zoom cam 725, and the third lens group cam surface 751 of the autofocus cam 75 are in contact with the zoom cam 72, respectively. The lens holding frame bearings 311, 331, and 361 are moved in the optical axis direction by the rotation of the autofocus cam 75.

  The third guide shaft 39 serves to prevent rotation of the lens holding frame bearing portions 311, 331, and 361, and the optical axis so that each lens holding frame can move stably in the optical axis direction. On the other hand, it is provided on the substantially opposite side of the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38. Further, the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38, the third guide shaft 29 is parallel to the optical system optical axis, respectively, and the subject of the camera module 1 shown in FIG. As can be seen from the front view seen from the side, the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined angle with respect to the cam shaft centers of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75. The triangles formed by the axes of the third guide shaft 39, the first guide shaft 37, and the second guide shaft 38 are arranged in an approximately isosceles triangle.

  Returning again to FIG. 2, the first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 inserted through the first guide shaft 37 have an end portion around the first lens holding frame cam follower 312. And the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 are wound, and a force is applied in a direction to attract each other.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, the zoom cam 72 includes a first zoom cam 721 and a second zoom cam 725, and the second lens group of the first zoom cam 721. The cam surface 723 for the second lens group and the cam surface 726 for the second lens group in the second zoom cam 725 are substantially equivalent cam surfaces, and the second lens holding frame cam follower not shown in FIG. 332 is sandwiched between them. Therefore, a force is applied to the first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 in the direction in which they are attracted to each other by the spring 79, so that the autofocus cam 75 is not shown. The zoom cam 725 is pushed in the direction of the first zoom cam 721, and the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 (not shown) is firmly sandwiched between the second lens group cam surface 726 and the second lens group cam surface 723. The three cam followers 312, 332, and 362 are in contact with the corresponding cam surfaces without rattling.

  Note that, as described above, since the relative movement amount of the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35 is smaller than the movement amount of the second lens group 32, the pulling force of the coil spring 79 may change greatly. Absent. Accordingly, the abutting force of the first lens holding frame cam follower 312 and the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 to the cam surfaces 722 and 751 is a movement of the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35 due to a change in focal length or focusing. At this time, since there is no significant change, zooming and focusing can always be performed with a constant driving force.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the spring 79 is applied in the direction in which the first lens group 30 and the third lens group 35 are brought closer to each other, but the first lens group cam surface 722 of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam The third lens group cam surface 751 is provided so that the contact directions of the first lens holding frame cam follower 312 and the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 are reversed, so that the first lens group 30 and the third lens are provided. It is good also as a spring of the direction which separates the group 35 from each other. However, in this case, it is necessary to separately apply a force that makes the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 not shown in FIG. 2 abut against the corresponding cam surface at a constant force.

  As will be described later, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 include a zoom gear group 74, a zoom gear 73, and an autofocus gear group from a zoom motor and an autofocus motor (not shown). 77, the driving force is transmitted through the autofocus gear 76 so that it can rotate.

  FIG. 5 shows the structure of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 in detail. Next, the structure of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 will be described with reference to FIG. Explained.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the relationship between the configuration of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 and the photo reflectors 60 and 61 that detect the home position of the cam. FIGS. By the elastic member 79 applied to the first lens holding frame 31 and the third lens holding frame 36, the second lens holding frame 33 provided between the first lens holding frame 31 and the third lens holding frame 36 is used. It is sectional drawing for description of the structure which pinched | interposed the cam follower 332 and eliminated backlash.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the zoom cam 72 includes a first zoom cam 721 having a first lens group cam surface 722 and a second lens group cam surface 723, and the second lens group. And a second zoom cam 725 having a second lens group cam surface 726 that is substantially equivalent to the cam surface 723 for the first lens group. As shown in FIG. 5C, the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 is sandwiched between the second lens group cam surfaces 723 and 726. The autofocus cam 75 has a third lens group cam surface 751. The zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 have an axial center indicated by 78 in FIGS. 5B and 5C. Is rotatably fitted to a camshaft parallel to the optical axis. Of these cams, the zoom cam 72 is formed of an amorphous resin material, as will be described later, and the autofocus cam 75 is formed of a crystalline resin material.

  Further, as described above, the first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 inserted through the first guide shaft 37 have an end portion around the first lens holding frame cam follower. A coil spring 79 is wound around the 312 and the third lens holding frame cam follower 362, and a force is applied in a direction that attracts each other. Therefore, the first lens group cam surface 722 with which the first lens holding frame cam follower 312 abuts and the third lens group cam surface 751 with which the third lens holding frame cam follower 362 abuts are shown in FIG. A force as indicated by arrows 724 and 752 is applied to B), and the second zoom cam 725 in the middle is applied to both cams as indicated by arrows 727 and 753 in FIG. The second lens group cam surface 726 and the second lens group cam surface 723 are pressed so as to firmly sandwich the second lens holding frame cam follower 332.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cam shaft 78 through which the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are inserted has one end at the lower side of the image sensor side fixed frame 51 (FIG. 5B). The autofocus cam 75 is inserted on the upper and lower sides of the flange-shaped portion 781 provided in the middle, and the zoom cam 72 is inserted on the upper side. The autofocus cam 75 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 752 by a cam spring 782 wound around the inserted camshaft 78, and the autofocus cam 75 is moved along with the pulling force by the coil spring 79 described above. It pushes in 72 directions.

  A bearing portion 729 provided at the center of the second zoom cam 725 is rotatably fitted on the upper side of the flange-shaped portion 781 of the camshaft 78 in the figure. Further, around the bearing portion 729, The bearing portion of the first zoom cam 721 is fitted and fixed. Further, on the upper side of the first zoom cam 721 in the figure and on the upper side of the camshaft 78, a zoom gear 73 is rotatably fitted on the camshaft 78 and on the upper side of the first zoom cam 721. The zoom gear 73 is fixed, and can be smoothly rotated by a ball bearing 731 in a bearing portion 505 provided in the subject side fixed frame 50. Therefore, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 can be rotated smoothly by the driving force transmitted to the zoom gear 73 and the autofocus gear 76, respectively.

  Further, the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 shown in FIG. 5C receives the pressing force in the directions of the arrows 727 and 753 and is provided with the second lens group cam surface provided on the second zoom cam 725. 726 forms a slope, and the second lens holding frame cam follower 332 receives the pressing force in the direction of arrow 333, so that the second lens holding frame 33 is in the second guide axis direction indicated by 38 in FIG. The backlash between the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 and the second guide shaft 38 is reduced.

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

  The subject-side fixed frame 50 of the camera module 1 shown in FIG. 4A has an opening having a diameter on the subject side that allows the first lens holding frame 31 that houses the first lens group 30 to move in the optical axis direction. , And further includes third guide shafts indicated by bearing holes 503 and 39 for inserting second guide shafts indicated by bearing holes 502 and 38 for inserting the first guide shaft indicated by 37 in FIG. A bearing hole 504 for insertion is provided. The lens driving mechanism including the motors 70 and 71 and the cams 72 and 75 is shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6, and is incorporated in a separate fixed frame 51 not shown in FIG. It is incorporated into the 50 open space.

  FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the image sensor unit 4 accommodating the image sensor and a part of the control circuit. The image sensor is mounted on the image sensor unit substrate 41 on which the image sensor 40 (not shown) is mounted. An imaging unit frame 42 is provided for separating the control circuit module 44 from the control circuit module 44. Further, on the imaging device 40 (not shown), for example, an infrared cut filter 43 is provided to configure the imaging device unit 4, and the subject side It is fixed to the lower part of the fixed frame 50.

  FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing a combination of the lens drive mechanism including the motors 70 and 71 and the cams 72 and 75 for moving the lens group in the optical axis direction and the image sensor unit 4. The zoom motor 70 for rotating the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus motor 71 for rotating the autofocus cam 75 are motors having the same shape, and the drive axes of the camera module 1 are in the optical axis direction outer end side. Further, the drive shafts are arranged in series so as to be positioned on a common axis and parallel to the lens optical axis. Each of the motors 70 and 71 is provided with drive terminals 701 and 711 for sending an external power supply and a rotation instruction signal. Further, the drive terminals 701 and 711 face the side wall surface on the subject side fixed frame 51 side. Are arranged in parallel.

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

  That is, a transmission gear group that transmits driving force from the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 to the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 is, for example, a zoom gear 73 provided on the zoom cam 72, A zoom gear group 74 or the like that transmits driving force to the zoom gear 73 is provided on the subject side of the subject-side fixed frame 50, and an autofocus gear 76 provided on the autofocus cam 75 and an autofocus gear group 77. Is provided on the image sensor 4 side.

  Further, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are provided so that the rotation shaft portions are positioned on the same axis and parallel to the optical axis, and the driving force from the corresponding motors 70 and 71 is applied to the zoom gear. In response to driving force transmission systems such as the group 74, the zoom gear 73, the autofocus gear group 77, and the autofocus gear 76, they can rotate independently. Further, as described above, the zoom cam 72 greatly moves the second lens group 32 during zooming, and the third lens group 35 to which the autofocus cam 75 moves is moved in the optical axis direction. short. However, autofocusing is required to be faster than before, and the third lens group 35 for autofocusing has changed the direction of the camera module 1 to change the distance to the subject, or has been in focus with zooming. Since the focusing operation is performed each time, it operates frequently.

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

  As these materials, for example, a crystalline resin material is used for a drive system that moves the third lens group 36 for autofocus in the optical axis direction, and the first lens group 30 and the second lens group 32 for zoom are used in the optical axis direction. By configuring the drive system to be moved to a non-crystalline resin material, the drive system for moving the autofocus third lens group 36 in the optical axis direction is less likely to wear, and the first lens group for zooming 30 and the drive system for moving the second lens group 32 in the optical axis direction can be formed with high accuracy.

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

  On the other hand, the zoom cam 72 uses an amorphous resin material. Examples of the amorphous resin material include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate (PC). , Modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE), polysulfone (PSU), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI) and the like. The zoom gear 73 and the zoom cam 72 may be integrally formed of the above material, or the zoom gear group 74 may be formed of the above material. Further, by adding reinforcing fibers to the non-crystalline resin material, it is possible to make the non-crystalline resin material a durable driving force transmission system.

  In addition, when such a camera module 1 is turned on, a control circuit (not shown) does not know what state each lens group 30, 32, 35 is in. Therefore, generally, when the power is turned on, each lens group 30, 32, 35 is returned to the home position, and the zoom state and the focus state are reset to start the operation. In order to detect this home position, the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are used. The installation position is shown in FIG. That is, photoreflectors 60 and 61 in FIG. 5A are provided on the other hand, while the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are provided with home position coverage corresponding to the photoreflectors 60 and 61, respectively. Detection surfaces 728 and 755 are provided.

  As will be described later, the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are attached to the motor driving flexible board 7 that sends power and operation instruction signals to the motors 70 and 71, and are further provided on the image sensor side fixing frame 51 that fixes the motors 70 and 71. Are attached to the openings 541 and 542 (see FIG. 6). Accordingly, the photo reflectors 60 and 61 can detect the home position detected surfaces 728 and 755 facing the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75. As will be described later, the flexible substrate 7 is connected to the drive terminals 701 and 711 provided on the motors 70 and 71 fixed to the imaging element side fixing frame 51 to be fitted and fixed to the imaging element side fixing frame 51. Is done.

  The home position detected surfaces 728 and 755 provided on the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 may be attached with a reflective tape, for example, or printed with a highly reflective material. Further, a part having a different reflectance may be formed, or a protrusion may be formed, and the reflectance of the protrusion may be made different. For example, a first reflection part and a second reflection part are provided, The first reflecting portion is formed in a protruding shape that protrudes toward the photo reflector side than the second reflecting portion, or the light reflectance of the second reflecting portion is set lower than that of the first reflecting portion. May be. In addition, the surface of the first reflector on the photo reflector side is mirror-finished by metal vapor deposition or color coating (for example, white coating), or a highly reflective member (for example, white or silver tape) is attached. Alternatively, the reflectance of the first reflecting part may be set higher than the reflectance of the second reflecting part, for example, by subjecting the surface of the second reflecting part to a matte finish.

  By doing so, for example, when the camera module 1 is powered on, the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are rotated, and the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are reflected from the home position detected surfaces 728 and 755. When the home position is detected, the home position for zooming or focusing is recognized and the rotation of the motors 70 and 71 is stopped.

  The above is the configuration of the camera module 1 of the embodiment, but the exploded configuration shown in FIG. 6 shows the component configuration of the main body excluding the optical lens in the camera module 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the internal mechanism after removing 52 and a subject side front view, FIG. 5A is a perspective view as seen from the subject side with the cover 52 covered, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view with the subject side fixing frame 50 removed; (C) is a subject side front view, and (D) is a perspective view as seen from the image sensor unit incorporation side. In the figure, the same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  First, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6, as described above, the camera module 1 according to the embodiment includes the first lens holding frame 31 and the third lens holding frame 36 by the subject side fixing frame 50 and the image sensor side fixing frame 51. A first guide shaft 37 for moving the lens in the optical axis direction, a second guide shaft 38 as a separate axis for moving the second lens holding frame 33 in which the shutter unit 34 is integrated in the optical axis direction, and these lenses A cam in which a third guide shaft 39 that guides the frames 31, 36, and 33 while preventing rotation, a zoom cam 72 (first zoom cam 721, second zoom cam 725), and an autofocus cam 75 are inserted. A shaft 78 and the like are supported.

  The first guide shaft 37, the second guide shaft 38, and the third guide shaft 39 are provided in parallel with the optical axis of the lens group, and the first lens holding frame 31 and the third lens holding frame 36 are provided respectively. The provided first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 are inserted through the first guide shaft 37, while the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 provided on the second lens holding frame 33. Are inserted into the second guide shaft 38, and the third guide shaft is commonly inserted into the bearings provided at the respective ends so as to be movable in the optical axis direction.

  Further, a spring 79 is wound around the first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 inserted through the first guide shaft 37, and both ends of the spring 79 are connected to the first lens holding frame. It is hung on a first lens holding frame cam follower 312 and a third lens holding frame cam follower 362 provided in each of the frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361. For this reason, as described above, the first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 are applied with forces in a direction that attracts each other.

  The zoom cam 72 includes a first zoom cam 721 and a second zoom cam 725, and the second zoom cam 725 has a bearing portion 729 for receiving the first zoom cam 721 therein. Yes. A cam shaft 78 provided with a flange-shaped portion 781 is inserted in the center, and an autofocus cam 75 is inserted on the opposite side of the flange-shaped portion 781 from the zoom cam 72. ing. Further, an autofocus gear 76 is provided on the image pickup unit 4 side of the autofocus cam 75 while being pressed in the direction of the autofocus cam 75 by a cam spring 782. Further, a zoom gear 73 is attached to the subject side of the zoom cam 72 (721) and the cam shaft 78 is inserted, and further, on the subject side, a bearing portion 505 of the subject side fixed frame 50 (FIG. 5B). )) Is provided with a bearing portion 505 into which the ball bearing 731 is inserted so that the zoom gear 73 can rotate smoothly.

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

  In addition, photo reflectors 60 and 61 for detecting home position detected surfaces 728 and 755 provided on the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 are inserted and fixed to the image sensor side fixed frame 51. Openings 541 and 542 are provided. The photo reflectors 60 and 61 are attached on the back side of the positions indicated by 621 and 622 in the motor-driven flexible substrate 7. The motor driving flexible board 7 is provided with openings 626 to be fitted into the driving terminals 701 and 711 of the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71, and the opening 626 of the motor driving flexible board 62 is connected to the driving terminals 701 and 701. When fitted in 711, the photo reflectors 60 and 61 are fitted and fixed in the openings 541 and 542 of the image sensor side fixing frame 51.

  As described above, the image sensor unit 4 includes the image sensor 40, the image sensor unit substrate 41 on which the control circuit module 44 is mounted, the infrared cut filter 43, and the image unit frame 42. The control circuit module 44 is the main flexible circuit. The substrate 6 exchanges signals with the outside. In FIG. 6, 52 and 53 are covers that cover the opening of the subject side fixed frame 50.

  7A and 7B are a perspective view and a subject-side front view showing the internal mechanism with the cover 52 removed. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the subject 52 with the cover 52 covered, and FIG. (C) is a front view on the subject side, and (D) is a perspective view seen from the image sensor unit incorporation side. Each component shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6 described above has the lens groups 30, 32, and 35 fixed to the lens holding frames 31, 33, and 36 as shown in FIG. After the first lens holding frame bearing portion 311 and the third guide shaft side bearing portion are inserted into the first guide shaft 37 and the third guide shaft 39 planted in the side fixed frame 50, the spring 79 is moved to the first lens. It is wound around the holding frame bearing portion 311. Next, the second lens holding frame bearing portion 331 and the third guide shaft side bearing portion are inserted into the second guide shaft 38 and the third guide shaft 39, and then the third lens holding frame bearing portion 361 is already in the first position. A spring 79 wound around the lens holding frame bearing portion 311 is inserted through the first guide shaft 37 while being wound, and the third guide shaft side bearing portion is inserted through the third guide shaft 39 so that all lens frames are inserted. Can be moved in the optical axis direction by each guide shaft.

  On the other hand, in the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75, after the zoom gear 73 is first inserted into the cam shaft 78, the first zoom cam 721 and the second zoom cam 725 are incorporated, and the flange-shaped portion 781 is inserted. After the autofocus cam 75 and the autofocus gear 76 are incorporated on the image sensor unit 4 side, a cam spring 782 is incorporated. Then, a cam group including the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75 is fitted into the image sensor side fixed frame 51 in which the motors 70 and 71, the zoom gear group 74, and the autofocus gear group 77 are incorporated. The ball bearing 731 shown in FIG. 5B provided on the subject side of the camshaft 78 is fixed to the bearing portion 505 when being fixed to the subject side fixing frame 50 as shown in FIG. 7A or 7C. Inserted and fixed.

  Further, as can be seen from the front view shown in FIG. 7C, the first guide shaft 37 and the second guide shaft 38 are concentric with respect to the cam shaft centers of the zoom cam 72 and the autofocus cam 75. The triangles formed by the axes of the third guide shaft 29, the first guide shaft 37, and the second guide shaft 38 are arranged so as to be substantially isosceles triangles. The photo reflectors 60 and 61 are fixed to the photo reflector openings 541 and 542 of the image sensor side fixing frame 51, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7D.

  In this way, the camera module 1 according to the embodiment includes the third lens group 35 for autofocus and the first and second lens groups 30 and 32 for zoom on the axis that is coaxial and parallel to the optical axis. The autofocus cam 75 and the zoom motor 70 which are respectively moved in the optical axis direction using the autofocus cam 75 and the zoom cam 72 which are independently fitted to each other so as to rotate are also driven. They are arranged in series so that the axes are located on a common axis parallel to the optical axis. Further, the first, second, and third guide shafts 37, 38, and 39 that support the lens group so as to be movable in the optical axis direction are also arranged in parallel with the optical axis in the same manner as the cam and motor. The projected areas in the optical axis direction of the cam 75, the zoom cam 72, the autofocus motor 71, and the zoom motor 70 are the same as in the case of the single cam and the motor, respectively. The terminal itself can be reduced in size. Further, since all of these are arranged in parallel with the optical axis, the assembling directions are all the same, and the degree of freedom for assembling the respective components is increased, and the layout is facilitated.

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

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

  Therefore, in the camera module 1 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the exterior cover 2 or the subject side fixing frame 50 that covers the subject side fixing frame 50, or the shutter unit 34, the first guide shaft 37, and the second guide. Either the shaft 38 or the third guide shaft 39 (in the case of the shutter unit 34, only the second guide shaft 38), or all of which is made of metal, carbon, or stainless steel to have electrical conductivity. For example, one end of the third guide shaft 39 is brought into contact with the contact portion 21 or the shutter unit 34 provided on the corresponding exterior cover 2, and the other end of the image sensor unit substrate 41 constituting the image sensor unit 4. It is made to connect with the earth surface of this by the conduction line 22.

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

  In the camera module 1 of the embodiment configured as described above, when a power supply (not shown) is turned on, a zoom motor 70 and an autofocus motor 71 are driven by a control circuit (not shown), and a zoom cam 72, The auto focus cam 75 rotates in the home position direction, and the home position detected surfaces 728 and 755 provided on the respective cams are detected by the photo reflectors 60 and 61. Then, the driving of the zoom motor 70 and the autofocus motor 71 is stopped, the autofocus motor 71 is driven according to the distance to the subject detected by the image sensor 40, and the third lens is driven by the autofocus cam 75. The group 35 moves in the direction of the optical axis and stops at a position where the subject currently being imaged is focused.

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

  In the meantime, the second lens holding frame 33 moves greatly as described in FIGS. 3B and 3C, but the first lens holding frame 31 and the third lens by the spring 79 shown in FIGS. The first zoom cam 721 and the second zoom are generated by a force that pulls the holding frame 36 toward each other and an elastic force generated by the cam spring 781 wound around the camshaft 78 shown in FIGS. The second lens holding frame cam follower 332 sandwiched between the cams 725 is driven without rattling and enables accurate zooming.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a portable terminal incorporating the camera module 1 described above. The mobile terminal shown in FIG. 9 shows a case of a mobile phone 80 as an example. In the figure, 81 is an operation unit (operation member), 82 is a display (display member), and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the operation unit (operation member) 81 and the display (display member) 82 visible (open state). In the illustrated mobile phone 80, a first case portion 83 on which an operation portion 81 is mounted and a second case portion 84 on which a display 82 is mounted are connected by a hinge mechanism 85, and the first and first case portions are connected. The two case portions 83 and 84 are rotatable around the hinge mechanism 85. In addition, the 1st and 2nd case parts 83 and 84 comprise a case body.

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

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

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

It is an external appearance perspective view of the camera module of an embodiment, (A) is the state where the exterior cover was hung, and (B) is the perspective view of the state where the exterior cover was removed. It is the block diagram which showed the lens group which comprises the camera module of embodiment, and the mechanism which moves the lens holding frame which accommodated the lens group to an optical axis direction. (A) is sectional drawing which showed the relationship between the lens which comprises each of the lens group of the camera module of embodiment, and an image pick-up element, (B) showed the positional relationship of each lens group in the state of a wide angle (Wide). FIG. 4C is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each lens group in the telephoto state (Tele). (A) is a perspective view of a subject side fixed frame that accommodates the lens group and guide shaft of the camera module of the embodiment, (B) is a perspective view of an image sensor unit that houses an image sensor and some control circuits, C) is a perspective view showing a combination of a lens driving mechanism including a motor and a cam for moving the lens group in the optical axis direction and the imaging element unit 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a zoom cam and an autofocus cam for moving each lens group in the camera module of the embodiment. FIG. 5A shows the relationship between the configuration of these cams and a photo reflector that detects the home position of the cam. In the drawings, (B) and (C), an elastic member placed between the subject side lens group holding frame and the image sensor side lens group holding frame is placed between the subject side lens holding frame and the image sensor side lens holding frame. It is sectional drawing for description of the structure which pinched | interposed the cam follower of the provided lens holding frame and eliminated backlash. It is an exploded view which shows the components structure of the camera module main body of embodiment. 3A and 3B are a perspective view illustrating the internal mechanism with the cover 52 removed from the camera module of the embodiment, and a front view of the subject side. FIG. The perspective view which removed 50, (C) is a subject side front view, (D) is the perspective view seen from the image sensor unit incorporation side. It is sectional drawing which showed the mechanism which earth | grounds the exterior cover of the camera module of embodiment, and the board | substrate of an image pick-up element unit with one lens frame guide shaft. It is a figure which shows roughly an example of the mobile telephone with which the camera module of embodiment was incorporated.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera module 2 Exterior cover 3 Optical lens 4 Image pick-up element unit 5 Camera module main body 6 Main flexible board 7 Motor drive flexible board 30 1st lens group 31 1st lens holding frame 311 1st lens holding frame bearing part 312 1st lens Holding frame cam follower 32 Second lens group 33 Second lens holding frame 331 Second lens holding frame bearing portion 332 Second lens holding frame cam follower 34 Shutter unit 35 Third lens group 36 Third lens holding frame 361 Third lens holding frame bearing Part 362 Third lens holding frame cam follower 37 First guide shaft 38 Second guide shaft 39 Third guide shaft 70 Zoom motor 701 Drive terminal 71 Autofocus motor 711 Drive terminal 72 Zoom cam 721 First zoom cam 722 First Cam surface 723 for one lens group Second lens group cam surface 725 Second lens group cam surface 726 Second lens group cam surface 73 Zoom gear 74 Zoom gear group 75 Autofocus cam 751 Third lens group cam surface 76 Autofocus gear 77 Auto Focus gear group 78 Camshaft 79 Spring

Claims (8)

In a camera module comprising a plurality of drive sources that move the optical lens group for autofocus and the optical lens group for zoom in the optical axis direction through independent cam bodies,
The plurality of driving units are configured such that the independent cam bodies are fitted on the same axis line coaxially and parallel to the optical axis so as to be independently rotatable, and the driving shafts are located on a common axis line. The sources are arranged in series, the axis of the cam body, the guide shaft that supports the optical lens group so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, and the drive shafts of the plurality of drive sources are arranged in parallel with the optical axis. A camera module characterized by comprising:   The first cam body for moving the autofocus optical lens group and the second cam body for moving the zoom optical lens group are coaxial and independent on an axis parallel to the optical axis. The drive shafts of the plurality of drive sources are arranged in series in parallel with the optical axis so that the drive shafts of the plurality of drive sources face each other toward the outer end side in the optical axis direction of the housing body constituting the module. 2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein each cam body is independently driven to rotate through a transmission system provided on each outer end side of the body. 3.   The driving force from the plurality of driving sources is transmitted to the corresponding cam bodies on the first end face side orthogonal to the optical axis and the second end face side located on the opposite side of the housing body in the camera module. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein a transmission gear group is disposed.   The independent cam bodies are a plurality of cylindrical cam bodies whose rotating shaft portions are positioned on the same axis line and are independently driven and rotated by receiving a rotational force from a corresponding motor, at least for zooming. The first cam body for moving the optical lens group is connected to the first end face side transmission gear group located on the image incident surface side, and the second cam body for moving the autofocus optical lens group. 4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein the cam body is connected to a transmission gear group on the second end face side located on the imaging element side.   The plurality of motors in which the drive shafts are positioned on the same axis have the same shape, and drive terminal portions provided on the side surfaces of the motors are arranged parallel to the housing body side wall surface. The camera module according to claim 1.   A first transmission system composed of a first cam body that moves the autofocus optical lens group and a transmission gear group, and a second cam body and transmission gear that moves the zoom optical lens group. 6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the camera module is made of a material that is less likely to wear than the second transmission system including the group.   A second transmission system composed of a second cam body and a transmission gear group for moving the zoom optical lens group is formed of an amorphous resin material, and the autofocus optical lens group is moved. 6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission system constituted by the first cam body and the transmission gear group to be made is made of a crystalline resin material. A plurality of drive sources that move the optical lens group for autofocus and the optical lens group for zoom in the optical axis direction via independent cam bodies, respectively, and each of the independent cam bodies is coaxial with the optical axis. The plurality of drive sources are arranged in series so that the drive shafts are positioned on a common axis so that they can be rotated independently on parallel axes, and the axis of the cam body, A guide module that supports the optical lens group movably in the optical axis direction, and a camera module in which drive axes of the plurality of drive sources are arranged in parallel with the optical axis;
A case body mounted with the camera module;
A portable terminal comprising: an operation unit provided on the case body and operating the lens driving mechanism of the camera module.

Images