Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To enhance heat dissipation while securing smooth movement of a movable portion.SOLUTION: A stationary portion 113 supports a movable portion 114 holding an imaging element 115 to be movable in a direction orthogonal to an optic axis C1. A heat dissipation member 200 that is flexible is connected to the stationary portion 113 and the movable portion 114. An opposite member (front base 102) is provided at a position facing the heat dissipation member 200 in the movable direction of the movable portion 114, and a tip 301 is provided between the heat dissipation member 200 and the opposite member. Movement of the movable portion 114 is regulated within a second movable range that is smaller than a first movable range of the movable portion 114. At the time of the maximum movement of the movable portion 114 in the first movable range, the heat dissipation member 200 contacts a regulation member 300. At the time of the maximum movement in the second movable range, the heat dissipation member 200 does not contact the regulation member 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Imaging devices such as digital still cameras and video cameras are equipped with imaging elements such as CMOS sensors and CCD sensors for capturing subject images, as well as electronic elements such as CPUs and ICs mounted on circuit boards, which generate heat. If the temperature of the imaging elements or electronic elements rises excessively, their performance may deteriorate or malfunction, making it impossible to capture good images.

[0003] In recent years, imaging devices that correct shake by moving the image sensor in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis have become popular in order to improve image quality. Even in imaging devices that perform shake correction, sufficient heat dissipation is required because heat generated in the image sensor when the shake correction mechanism is operating, during continuous shooting, and during video shooting affects image quality.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a configuration in which an element unit (movable part) having an imaging element and a fixed metal plate (fixed part) are connected by a heat dissipation sheet, and heat generated in the element unit is transferred to the fixed metal plate via the heat dissipation sheet (heat dissipation member) and dissipated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-28940 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, heat dissipation from the element unit is solely through heat transfer to the fixed metal plate, and there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the heat dissipation effect. On the other hand, care must be taken not to impede the smooth movement of the movable part in the drive control of the movable part.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to improve heat dissipation while ensuring smooth movement of a movable part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device of the present invention comprises a movable part that holds an imaging element, a fixed part that holds the movable part so that it can move in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis, a control means that controls the movement of the movable part within a range narrower than the movable range of the movable part, a flexible heat dissipation member connected to the fixed part and the movable part, an opposing member that is arranged in a position opposite the heat dissipation member in the movable direction of the movable part, and a regulating member that is arranged between the heat dissipation member and the opposing member in the movable direction of the movable part, wherein the heat dissipation member comes into contact with the regulating member when the movable part moves to its maximum within the movable range, and the heat dissipation member does not come into contact with the regulating member when the movable part moves to its maximum within the narrow range by the control means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve heat dissipation while ensuring smooth movement of the movable part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device system. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are exploded front and rear perspective views of an imaging unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a portion where the heat dissipation member is fixed to a fixed portion and a movable portion. [Figure 5]10 is a schematic diagram of a portion where the heat dissipation member is fixed to a fixed portion and a movable portion, viewed from the −X side. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the vicinity of the tip end of the heat dissipation member and the restriction member in the first to third modified examples, as viewed from the -X side. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the tip end of the heat dissipation member and the restriction member in a fourth modified example, as viewed from the −X side. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the tip end of the heat dissipation member and the restriction member in the fifth modified example, as viewed from the −X side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device system including an imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a digital camera 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as camera 100) is exemplified as the imaging device. The imaging device system is composed of the camera 100 and a lens unit 500. The lens unit 500 including a lens 501 is detachable (replaceable) to the camera 100. Note that for simplicity, only one lens 501 is shown in FIG. 1, but in reality, multiple lenses may be provided. The optical axis C1 of the lens unit 500 is the imaging optical axis.

[0013] In camera 100, shutter 108 is a focal plane shutter that controls the exposure time of image sensor 115 (see FIG. 3(a)) in imaging unit 106, and its operation is controlled by camera system control unit 150. Image sensor 115 is configured with a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, and performs photoelectric conversion (captures) of a subject image (optical image) formed by light passing through lens 501, and outputs an image signal (analog signal).

[0014] The A / D converter 151 converts the analog image signal output from the image sensor 115 into a digital image signal. This digital image signal is written into the memory 153 via the image processing unit 152 and the memory control unit 154, or via the memory control unit 154 alone.

[0015] The image processing unit 152 generates image data by performing image processing such as pixel interpolation, resizing, and color conversion on the digital imaging signal from the A / D converter 151 or the memory control unit 154. Furthermore, the image processing unit 152 also performs auto white balance processing based on the results of calculations using the image data.

[0016] Camera system control unit 150 is configured by a computer including a processor such as a CPU and circuits, and controls the entire camera 100 and lens unit 500 by executing programs recorded in nonvolatile memory 155. For example, camera system control unit 150 controls image sensor 115 and shutter 108 in response to an image capture instruction from the user, and also performs autofocus control and aperture control based on image data generated by image processing unit 152.

[0017] The memory 153 temporarily records the digital imaging signal output from the A / D converter 151 and the image data generated by the image processing unit 152. The memory control unit 154 controls the exchange of data between the A / D converter 151, the image processing unit 152, and the memory 153.

[0018] The memory 153 also serves as a memory (video memory) for image display. The digital imaging signal and image data written to the memory 153 are displayed as a live view image or an image capture confirmation image on a rear display unit 175 provided on the rear surface of the camera 100 or on an EVF display unit 176 arranged in the viewfinder via a memory control unit 154. The rear display unit 175 and the EVF display unit 176 are configured with display elements such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0019] The nonvolatile memory 155 is a read-only memory that can electrically erase and record data, and stores constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the camera system control unit 150. The system memory 156 stores constants and variables for the operation of the camera system control unit 150, and programs, etc. read from the nonvolatile memory 155. The system memory 156 is a readable and writable memory.

[0020] To prevent battery consumption when the camera 100 is not being operated by the user, the system timer 157 measures the time of no operation until the camera 100 is put into an auto power-off state to save power, and the exposure time of the image sensor 115 by the shutter 108.

[0021] The recording medium I / F 171 is an interface with a recording medium 600 that is detachably attached to the camera 100. The recording medium 600 is a memory card, a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like, and stores image data (still images and videos) and the like generated by the image processing unit 152. The shake detection unit 172 is configured with a gyro sensor or the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the shake of the camera 100 due to hand shake or the like (hereinafter referred to as camera shake).

[0022] The power supply unit 160 is configured with a primary battery, a secondary battery, or an AC adapter. The power supply control unit 161 determines whether a battery is installed in the power supply unit 160, the type of the installed battery, and detects the remaining battery charge, and also supplies the required voltage to the supply destination at the required timing.

[0023] The camera communication terminal 170 is electrically connected to a lens communication terminal 506 provided in the lens unit 500 , and enables communication between the camera system control unit 150 and a lens control unit 505 in the lens unit 500 .

[0024] The above-mentioned A / D converter 151, image processing unit 152, camera system control unit 150, memory 153, and memory control unit 154 are mounted on the main board 107 (FIG. 2) as a plurality of electronic elements such as a CPU, IC, and memory chip. The above-mentioned non-volatile memory 155, system memory 156, system timer 157, and power supply control unit 161 are mounted on the main board 107 as a plurality of electronic elements such as a CPU, IC, and memory chip. In addition, the recording medium I / F 171 and shake detection unit 172 are also mounted on the main board 107.

[0025] The operation unit 180 is an input unit that accepts operations by the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation accepted here to the camera system control unit 150. The operation unit 180 includes various operation members such as a mode changeover switch 181, a first shutter switch 183 and a second shutter switch 184 that are linked to a shutter button 182, a touch panel 185, a power switch 186, and the like.

[0026] The mode changeover switch 181 is operated to switch between imaging modes such as still image capture and video capture. The shutter button 182 is operated by the user to issue imaging preparation instructions and imaging instructions. The first shutter switch 183 is turned ON when the shutter button 182 is pressed halfway, and outputs an SW1 signal to the camera system control unit 150. The second shutter switch 184 is turned ON when the shutter button 182 is pressed all the way, and outputs an SW2 signal to the camera system control unit 150.

[0027] The camera system control unit 150 executes image capture preparation operations (autofocus, autoexposure, autowhite balance, etc.) in response to the SW1 signal, and executes image capture processing for a still image to be recorded in response to the SW2 signal. The operation unit 180 also includes a touch panel 185 provided on the rear display unit 175. The power switch 186 is operated to turn the power of the camera 100 on and off.

[0028] In the lens unit 500, the lens communication terminal 506 is a communication terminal that enables the lens unit 500 to communicate with the digital camera 100. In the lens unit 500, a lens control unit 505 receives a control instruction from the camera system control unit 150 via communication and controls the position (aperture value) of the aperture 503 and the focus of the lens 501 via an aperture drive unit 504 and a lens drive unit 502.

[0029] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of camera 100. Hereinafter, the directions of each part will be referred to based on the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes shown in Fig. 2 and elsewhere. For convenience, the subject side will be referred to as the front in the direction parallel to optical axis C1 (Fig. 1). The Z direction is parallel to the imaging optical axis direction. The +Y direction is upward, and the +Z direction is forward. The +X direction is to the right when viewed from the subject side.

[0030] The camera 100 has exterior members such as a front base 102, a rear cover 101, a top cover 103, a bottom cover 104, and side covers 105. The front base 102 is made of magnesium die-cast or resin. A mount 102a to which the lens unit 500 is attached is fixed to the front base 102, and a grip portion is provided for the user to hold the camera 100.

[0031] A plurality of operating members that can be operated by the user and an openable and closable rear display unit 175 (FIG. 1) are attached to the rear cover 101. Also attached to the rear cover 101 are an EVF display unit 176 (FIG. 1) and a finder unit 109 that the user brings their eye 700 (FIG. 1) close to in order to observe the EVF display unit 176.

[0032] The top cover 103 is fitted with a number of operating members (such as the mode selector switch 181, shutter button 182 and power switch 186 shown in FIG. 1) that can be operated by the user. The bottom cover 104 is formed with openings for exposing a battery cover that covers the opening of the battery chamber and a tripod mount that is fixed to the bottom surface of the front base 102. The side cover 105 is fitted with a terminal cover 105a that protects the external communication terminal 107c.

[0033] Inside these exterior members, an imaging unit 106 having an image sensor 115 and an image blur correction mechanism (image blur correction device), a main board 107, a shutter 108 (FIG. 1), and a metal chassis 110 are arranged.

[0034] The main board 107 is made up of a multi-layer board, and various electronic components including the above-mentioned electronic elements are mounted on both sides of the board. The main board 107 is fixed to the front base 102 and the chassis 110 with screws (not shown). Furthermore, the main board 107 is mounted with a recording medium connector 107b for storing an external recording medium and an external communication terminal 107c for connecting a cable for connecting to an external device.

[0035] Among the components of the camera 100, the image sensor 115 consumes a particularly large amount of power, generates a large amount of heat, and is prone to temperature rise. The image capturing time of the camera 100 is limited by the guaranteed operating temperature of the image sensor 115, excluding the remaining battery power. To maximize the image capturing time, it is necessary to cool the image sensor 115 so that its temperature does not exceed the guaranteed operating temperature. For this reason, measures have been taken to efficiently cool the image sensor 115, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 etc.

[0036] The imaging signal FPC 111 has wiring for transmitting imaging signals output from the imaging element 115 and control signals required to drive the imaging element 115, and these signals are sent to the camera system control unit 150 on the main board 107. In addition, the imaging power supply FPC 112 has wiring for supplying power for driving the imaging element 115 from the power supply control unit 161 (FIG. 1) to the imaging element 115 (FIG. 3(a)).

[0037] 3(a) and 3(b) are respectively an exploded front perspective view and an exploded rear perspective view of the imaging unit 106.

[0038] The imaging unit 106 has a movable part 114 and a fixed part 113. The fixed part 113 is fixed to the front base 102 (FIG. 2) with screws (not shown). The movable part 114 is composed of an imaging element 115 (FIG. 3(a)) and a sensor holder 117. The imaging element 115 is fixed to the sensor holder 117 by adhesive. The sensor holder 117 is held by the fixed part 113 so as to be movable in two directions (X direction and Y direction) that are perpendicular to the optical axis C1 and perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the fixed part 113 holds the movable part 114, which holds the imaging element 115, so as to be movable in two directions (X direction and Y direction).

[0039] The imaging element 115 is perpendicular to the optical axis C1. A sensor chip having multiple pixels is fixed to the +Z side surface of the imaging substrate 115a by adhesive, and electrodes of the sensor chip and an imaging circuit on the imaging substrate 115a are electrically connected by wire bonding to form the imaging element 115.

[0040] On the rear surface (rear surface) of the imaging board 115a opposite to the sensor chip attachment surface (-Z side), sensor electronic elements 115b such as capacitors, resistors, and regulators that constitute the imaging circuit are mounted.

[0041] Three heat dissipation members 200 are arranged to connect the movable part 114 and the fixed part 113 in the optical axis direction. When distinguishing between the individual heat dissipation members 200, the one arranged on the +Y side is referred to as heat dissipation member 200A, and the ones arranged on the -X side are referred to as heat dissipation members 200B and 200C.

[0042] Three coils 116 are fixed to the sensor holder 117. The fixed part 113 holds three magnets 118 (one is not shown) so as to face the three coils 116. The movable part 114 is attracted to the −Z side in the direction of the optical axis C1 by the magnetic force of the magnet 118.

[0043] Between the movable part 114 and the fixed part 113, balls (not shown) are arranged, which are held by ball holding parts 117a provided at multiple locations on the sensor holder 117. As a result, the movable part 114 is positioned in the direction of the optical axis C1 relative to the fixed part 113 via the balls. In the imaging part 106 configured in this manner, the imaging element 115 can be moved in the two directions described above by controlling the energization of the three coils 116.

[0044] The camera system control unit 150 controls (hereinafter referred to as drive control) the energization of the coil 116 so as to move the movable unit 114 in a direction that reduces (corrects) the image blur caused by the camera shake, in accordance with the camera shake detected through the shake detection unit 172. The imaging unit 106 and the main board 107 are electrically connected using an FPC.

[0045] Heat dissipation member 200 is a flexible sheet-like member that does not include signal lines, and is made of, for example, a graphite sheet laminated with a PET sheet. Heat dissipation member 200 is connected to movable part 114 and fixed part 113. Heat generated by imaging element 115 is transferred from movable part 114 to fixed part 113 via heat dissipation member 200. The heat is then transferred from fixed part 113 to front base 102, whereby the heat generated by imaging element 115 is released.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the imaging unit 106 is provided with a plurality of end restriction units 119 (some are not shown). The end restriction units 119 restrict a first movable range, which is a mechanical movable range of the movable unit 114 in the X and Y directions relative to the fixed unit 113. Therefore, in the X and Y directions, the movable unit 114 does not approach the front base 102 beyond the maximum movement position of the first movable range. Therefore, the movable unit 114 does not always come into contact with the front base 102. In drive control for image shake correction, the camera system control unit 150 as a control means controls the movement of the movable unit 114 within a second movable range that is narrower than the first movable range.

[0047] Incidentally, it is important not only to cool the image sensor 115 but also to avoid interfering with the smooth movement of the movable part 114 when controlling the drive of the movable part 114. Furthermore, it is desirable to avoid enlarging the size of the device as much as possible. In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, surrounding parts, including components containing signal lines located outside the heat dissipation member, must largely avoid the movable part, which may result in an enlarged device. In contrast, in this embodiment, a heat dissipation member 200 has been devised to achieve a compact heat dissipation configuration that does not significantly interfere with the drive control of the movable part 114. This will be described using FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a portion where heat dissipation member 200A is fixed to fixed portion 113 and movable portion 114, and FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic views of the same portion viewed from the -X side. Note that FIGS. 4 and 5 show the configuration of heat dissipation member 200A and its related portions as a representative, and the movable direction of movable portion 114 will be described focusing on the Y direction. The basic configuration and operation of heat dissipation members 200B and 200C are similar to those of heat dissipation member 200A, and the movable direction of interest can be understood by replacing the Y direction with the X direction. Hereinafter, the position where the center of gravity of movable portion 114 coincides with the center of the movable range (optical axis C1) will be referred to as the "neutral position."

[0049] Fig. 5(a) shows a state in which the movable part 114 is located at a neutral position. Fig. 5(b) shows a state in which the movable part 114 has moved to the maximum in the second range of movement (when the movable part 114 is at the maximum movement position in the second range of movement that can be driven and controlled by the camera system control part 150). Fig. 5(c) shows a state in which the movable part 114 has moved to the maximum in the first range of movement (when the movable part 114 is at the maximum movement position in the first range of movement).

[0050] Heat dissipation member 200A is fixed to each end of fixed portion 113 and movable portion 114 with adhesive members (not shown). First, as shown in FIG. 3(a), fixed portion 113 has one protruding piece 123 protruding on the +Y side and two protruding on the -X side. Movable portion 114 has one protruding piece 124 protruding on the +Y side and two protruding pieces 124 protruding on the -X side corresponding to protruding pieces 123. One end 200a of heat dissipation member 200A is fixed to the -Z side surface of protruding piece 123 protruding on the +Y side of fixed portion 113, and the other end 200b of heat dissipation member 200A is fixed to the +Z side surface of protruding piece 124 protruding on the +Y side of movable portion 114 (FIG. 5(a)). The substantial connection position of the movable part 114 of the heat dissipation member 200A is the tip 114a, and the substantial connection position of the fixed part 113 of the heat dissipation member 200A is the tip 113a (FIGS. 4 and 5(a)).

[0051] 4 and 5(a), a part (opposing member) of the front base 102 is disposed facing the heat dissipation member 200A in the movable direction (drive direction; Y direction) of the movable part 114. With respect to the heat dissipation member 200A, the portion of the front base 102 facing the heat dissipation member 200A from the +Y side is the opposing member. Incidentally, although not shown, with respect to the heat dissipation members 200B and 200C, the portions of the front base 102 facing the heat dissipation members 200B and 200C from the -X side are the opposing members.

[0052] The restricting member 300 is fixed to the front base 102 by a fixing member such as a screw (not shown). A tip portion 301, which is a part of the restricting member 300, is disposed between the heat dissipation member 200 and an opposing member on the front base 102 in the moving direction (Y direction) of the movable portion 114. The tip portion 301 faces the fixed portion 113 and the movable portion 114 in the Y direction, with the heat dissipation member 200 sandwiched between them.

[0053] At least the surface of tip 301 of regulating member 300 is made of a low-friction material. A region of tip 301 that can become contact portion 302 that comes into contact with heat dissipation member 200 is, for example, Teflon (registered trademark) coated and has a convex arc shape. A polymer sheet may be attached to tip 301. Front base 102 is made of a relatively hard material such as magnesium die-cast or resin.

[0054] 5(a), the heat dissipation member 200 is bent in the Y direction so as to be recessed toward the side (-Y side) away from the opposing member of the front base 102. This bent portion is the bent portion 200c. The bent portion 200c is disposed so as to be inserted between the fixed portion 113 and the movable portion 114 in the Z direction. The tip of the bent portion 200c is the heat dissipation member central portion 201.

[0055] During drive control, the movable part 114 moves from the neutral position to the maximum extent in the +Y direction, and as shown in Fig. 5(b), the movable part 114 reaches a state in which it is closest to the front base 102 within the second movable range. In the state of Fig. 5(b), the movable part 114 is close to the front base 102, but the heat dissipation member 200 and the tip end portion 301 are not in contact. In this state, no extra drive load such as frictional resistance is applied to the heat dissipation member 200, and therefore the heat dissipation member 200 can dissipate heat without affecting the controllability of image shake correction.

[0056] The state shown in FIG. 5(c) occurs when the camera 100 is turned off, and is a state in which the movable part 114 exceeds the second range of movement and is closest to the front base 102. For example, when the camera 100 is turned off, the movable part 114 moves under its own weight, and its movement is restricted by the end restriction part 119, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 5(c). In this state, the heat dissipation member 200 is in contact with the contact part 302 at the tip part 301. When the movable part 114 exceeds the second range of movement and its movement is restricted by the end restriction part 119 until it reaches the first range of movement, contact between the heat dissipation member 200 and the tip part 301 occurs.

[0057] 5(c) is a state in which image stabilization control is not being performed, such as when the power is off, so the drive load caused by the heat dissipation member 200 coming into contact with other components is not a problem. Furthermore, contact between the heat dissipation member 200 and the tip 301 allows heat from the movable part 114 to be transferred from the heat dissipation member 200 to the front base 102 via the tip 301, so an even greater heat dissipation effect can be expected.

[0058] 5(c), dotted line segment L1 is an imaginary line segment connecting tip 114a of movable portion 114 and tip 113a of fixed portion 113. Chain line L2 is an imaginary line that passes through center of gravity G1 of tip portion 301 and is perpendicular to line segment L1, on the movable portion 114 side of the center of line segment L1. Contact portion 302 is located closer to movable portion 114 than line L2 on tip portion 301, and is located closer to the light receiving surface (+Z side) than heat dissipation member central portion 201.

[0059] As described above, the contact portion 302 has a shape or material with low friction. The front base 102 is made of a relatively hard material. Because the heat dissipation member 200 is a flexible member, it deforms when the movable portion 114 moves and approaches the front base 102. If the heat dissipation member 200 were to come into contact with the front base 102, there is a risk that the heat dissipation member 200 would be damaged. However, by providing the tip portion 301 in the above-described position, the heat dissipation member 200 reliably comes into contact with the tip portion 301 rather than the front base 102. Because the tip portion 301 has low friction, the risk of damage to the heat dissipation member 200 can be reduced.

[0060] When the movable part 114 moves to its maximum in the first movable range (FIG. 5(c)), at least a part of the tip part 301 overlaps with the movable part 114 when viewed from the Z direction. This makes it possible to further reduce the distance between the movable part 114 and the front base 102 when the movable part 114 is in its neutral position, thereby preventing damage to the heat dissipation member 200 while reducing the size of the camera 100 in the Y direction.

[0061] The length of the heat dissipation member 200A from the connection position (tip 114a) between the heat dissipation member 200A and the movable part 114 to the connection position (tip 113a) between the heat dissipation member 200A and the fixed part 113 is referred to as the "effective total length." The distance in the Y direction between the movable part 114 and the opposing member on the front base 102 when the movable part 114 is in the neutral position is designated as LY (FIG. 5(a)). The effective total length of the heat dissipation member 200A is more than twice the distance LY and less than four times the distance LY. As a result, the tip 301 does not come into contact with the heat dissipation member 200 while the movable part 114 is being controlled, but reliably comes into contact with the heat dissipation member 200 when the movable part 114 is at its maximum movement in the first movable range.

[0062] 5(a) is defined as the width direction of the regulating member 300 (tip portion 301) and the heat dissipation member 200A, which is the depth direction (X direction) of the paper surface. The width (widthwise length) of the tip portion 301 is wider than the width of the heat dissipation member 200A. This stabilizes the contact between the heat dissipation member 200A and the tip portion 301. It is more preferable that the width of the tip portion 301 is wider than the sum of the width of the heat dissipation member 200 and the driving distance of the movable portion 114 in the width direction.

[0063] 3(a), the heat dissipation member 200A has a notch at the middle position in the X direction. Although it is not essential to provide a notch, multiple notches may be provided. When the heat dissipation member 200A has multiple strip-shaped portions formed by the notches, it is preferable that the width of the tip portion 301 be wider than the overall width (total width) of the multiple strip-shaped portions.

[0064] As described above, one heat dissipation member 200 and its corresponding regulating member 300 have been described, but the other two heat dissipation members 200B, 200C and their corresponding regulating members 300 have the same configuration and produce the same effect.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the fixed part 113 and the movable part 114 are always thermally connected by the heat dissipation member 200, thereby ensuring heat dissipation of the movable part 114. Because the heat dissipation member 200 is a flexible member, obstruction to the movement of the movable part 114 is suppressed, ensuring controllability. Furthermore, since the heat dissipation member 200 comes into contact with the regulating member 300 when the movable part 114 moves to its maximum in the first movable range, heat dissipation efficiency is high when the power is turned off, for example. Furthermore, since the heat dissipation member 200 does not come into contact with the regulating member 300 when the movable part 114 moves to its maximum in the second movable range, which is narrower than the first movable range, obstruction to the movement of the movable part 114 is suppressed during image blur correction control, ensuring controllability. Therefore, heat dissipation can be improved while ensuring smooth movement of the movable part.

[0066] Furthermore, when the movable part 114 moves to the maximum in the first movable range, at least a part of the tip part 301 overlaps with the movable part 114 when viewed from the optical axis C1 direction, which contributes to miniaturization of the device in the movable direction.

[0067] Various modified examples will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In the following modified examples, one representative heat dissipation member 200 and its related parts will be described, but similar configurations can be applied to other heat dissipation members 200 and their related parts.

[0068] 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic diagrams of the heat dissipation member 200 and the vicinity of the tip portion 301 of the restriction member 300 in the first to third modified examples, viewed from the -X side.

[0069] In the configuration of Fig. 5(a), the shape of the tip 301 of the regulating member 300 is a convex curved surface. In contrast to this, in the first modified example (Fig. 6(a)), the shape of the portion of the tip 301 of the regulating member 300 that comes into contact with the heat dissipation member 200 is a flat surface 311 (planar shape). With this configuration, the contact area with the heat dissipation member 200 is increased, and therefore, it becomes possible to more efficiently transfer heat from the tip 301 of the heat dissipation member 200 to the front base 102 when the power is turned off.

[0070] In the configuration of FIG. 5(a), the heat dissipation member 200 has a bent portion 200c and is M-shaped when viewed from the -X side. In contrast, in the second modified example (FIG. 6(b)), the heat dissipation member 200 does not have a bent portion. This improves the ease of attachment of the heat dissipation member 200. Note that the area of ​​overlap between the tip portion 301 and the movable portion 114 when viewed from the optical axis direction is reduced, or there is no overlap at all. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the size of the tip portion 301 may be made smaller than that of the configuration of FIG. 5(a).

[0071] In the third variant (Figure 6(c)), the heat dissipation member 200 is the same as that in the second variant (Figure 6(b)), and the shape of the portion of the tip 301 of the regulating member 300 that comes into contact with the heat dissipation member 200 is a concave curved surface 312 (concave arc shape).

[0072] When the movable part 114 moves to its maximum in the first movable range, the heat dissipation member 200 comes into contact with almost the entire concave curved surface 312. This improves heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, the concave curved surface 312 can reduce the amount by which the heat dissipation member 200 approaches the front base 102. The configuration of FIG. 6(c) is particularly effective when the drive amount (second drive range) of the movable part 114 is relatively small compared to the distance between the front base 102 and the movable part 114.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation member 200 and the vicinity of the tip portion 301 of the restriction member 300 in the fourth modified example, viewed from the -X side.

[0074] In the fourth modified example, the restricting member 300 is fixed to the fixing portion 113, not to the front base 102. The tip portion 301 has a shape that extends toward the +Y side and the +Z side. The tip portion 301 is disposed between the heat dissipation member 200 and the front base 102 in the Y direction, and is provided for the purpose of preventing direct contact between the heat dissipation member 200 and the front base 102. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 5(a).

[0075] 8(a) to 8(c) are schematic diagrams of the heat dissipation member 200, the restriction member 400, and their vicinity in the fifth modified example, viewed from the -X side.

[0076] In the fifth modified example, a regulating member 400 is provided instead of the regulating member 300 in the configuration of Fig. 5(a). With regard to the position of the movable part 114, Figs. 8(a) to 8(c) correspond to Figs. 5(a) to 5(c). That is, Fig. 8(a) shows a state in which the movable part 114 is located in a neutral position. Fig. 8(b) shows a state in which the movable part 114 has moved to its maximum in the second movable range. Fig. 8(c) shows a state in which the movable part 114 has moved to its maximum in the first movable range.

[0077] The configuration and arrangement of the heat dissipation member 200 in the fifth modified example are the same as those shown in Fig. 5(a). The restricting member 400 is a string-like member made of a flexible material with little stretchability. The restricting member 400 is arranged so as to always be located between the movable part 114 and the fixed part 113 in the Z direction.

[0078] The restricting member 400 is connected to the heat dissipation member 200 and the fixing portion 113 by an adhesive or the like (not shown). That is, the restricting member 400 is connected to the heat dissipation member 200 at a first connection position 401, and is connected to the fixing portion 113 at a second connection position 402. The first connection position 401 coincides with the position of the center portion 201 of the heat dissipation member.

[0079] In the states shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), the restricting member 400 has sufficient excess length and is significantly loose. On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 8(c), the movement of the movable part 114 causes the heat dissipation member 200 to deform significantly, thereby reducing the excess length of the restricting member 400. The excess length of the restricting member 400 is at its maximum when the movable part 114 is positioned at the center of its movable range. Note that the movable part 114 is not always in contact with the front base 102 (opposing member).

[0080] When the movable part 114 is in the neutral position, the linear distance between the first connection position 401 and the second connection position 402 as viewed from the X direction is defined as LA. Also, the linear distance between the tip 113a of the fixed part 113 (the connection position between the heat dissipation member 200 and the fixed part 113) and the second connection position 402 is defined as LB. Also, the linear distance between the tip 114a of the movable part 114 (the connection position between the heat dissipation member 200 and the movable part 114) and the second connection position 402 is defined as LC.

[0081] The length of the regulating member 400 from the first connection position 401 to the second connection position 402 (total length when freely stretched in a straight line) is longer than the straight-line distance LA and shorter than the longer of the straight-line distance LB and the straight-line distance LC.

[0082] By setting the length in this manner, the length of the restricting member 400 is such that the heat dissipation member 200 does not come into direct contact with the front base 102 even in the state shown in Fig. 8(c), and therefore damage to the heat dissipation member 200 can be prevented without increasing the size of the front base 102.

[0083] 3(a), all of the strip-shaped portions are fixed to the regulating member 400. Also, when a plurality of strip-shaped portions are stacked on top of each other, all of the strip-shaped portions are fixed to the regulating member 400. In this case, it is more preferable that the overlapping strip-shaped portions of the heat dissipation member 200 have at least a partial non-overlapping area, and that the first connection position 401 is provided in that area.

[0084] The imaging device to which the present invention is applied may be a video camera or the like.

[0085] The present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the invention that do not deviate from the gist of the invention are also included in the present invention.

[0086] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A movable part that holds an imaging element; a fixed portion that holds the movable portion so that the movable portion is movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis; a control means for controlling the movement of the movable part within a range narrower than the movable range of the movable part; a flexible heat dissipation member connected to the fixed portion and the movable portion; an opposing member disposed at a position opposing the heat dissipation member in the direction of movement of the movable portion; a restricting member disposed between the heat dissipating member and the opposing member in the direction of movement of the movable portion, When the movable part moves to the maximum within the movable range, the heat dissipation member comes into contact with the restricting member, The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation member does not come into contact with the regulating member when the movable portion is moved to the maximum extent within the narrow range by the control means. (Configuration 2) The imaging device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that when the movable part moves to its maximum in the movable range, at least a portion of the portion of the regulating member that comes into contact with the heat dissipation member overlaps with the movable part when viewed from the imaging optical axis direction. (Configuration 3) An imaging device described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the heat dissipation member from the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the movable part to the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the fixed part is more than twice longer and less than four times the distance between the movable part and the opposing member in the movable direction of the movable part when the movable part is positioned at the center of the movable range. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the surface of the regulating member is made of a low-friction material. (Configuration 5) An imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the portion of the regulating member that comes into contact with the heat dissipation member during maximum movement of the movable part in the narrow range is either a flat surface, a convex curved surface, or a concave curved surface. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the width of the regulating member is wider than the width of the heat dissipation member in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the movable part and the imaging optical axis. (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the regulating member is fixed to either the opposing member or the fixed portion. (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the heat dissipation member is a sheet-like member that does not include a signal line. (Configuration 9) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the movable portion is not always in contact with the opposing member. (Configuration 10) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the heat dissipation member is bent so as to be recessed toward a side away from the opposing member in the direction of movement of the movable portion. (Configuration 11) A movable part that holds an imaging element; a fixed portion that holds the movable portion so that the movable portion is movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis; a control means for controlling the movement of the movable part within a range narrower than the movable range of the movable part; a flexible heat dissipation member connected to the fixed portion and the movable portion; an imaging device comprising: a regulating member connected to the heat dissipation member and the fixed portion; (Configuration 12) The imaging device according to configuration 11, wherein the regulating member is a string-like member. (Configuration 13) The imaging device according to configuration 12, wherein the extra length of the regulating member is maximum when the movable portion is positioned at the center of the movable range. (Configuration 14) The heat dissipation device further includes an opposing member disposed at a position opposing the heat dissipation member in the direction of movement of the movable portion, 14. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 11 to 13, wherein the movable portion is not always in contact with the opposing member. (Configuration 15) An imaging device described in any one of configurations 11 to 14, characterized in that the length of the regulating member from a first connection position between the heat dissipation member and the regulating member to a second connection position between the regulating member and the fixed portion is longer than the straight-line distance between the first connection position and the second connection position when the movable portion is positioned at the center of the movable range, and is shorter than the longer of the straight-line distance between the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the fixed portion and the second connection position, and the straight-line distance between the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the movable portion and the second connection position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 102 Front Base 113 Fixed part 114 Moving parts 115 Image sensor 150 Camera system control unit 200 Heat dissipation material 300, 400 Regulatory Members

Claims

1. a movable part that holds an imaging element; a fixed portion that holds the movable portion so that the movable portion is movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis; a control means for controlling the movement of the movable part within a range narrower than the movable range of the movable part; a flexible heat dissipation member connected to the fixed portion and the movable portion; an opposing member disposed at a position opposing the heat dissipation member in the direction of movement of the movable portion; a restricting member disposed between the heat dissipating member and the opposing member in the direction of movement of the movable portion, When the movable part moves to the maximum within the movable range, the heat dissipation member comes into contact with the restricting member, The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation member does not come into contact with the regulating member when the movable portion is moved to the maximum extent within the narrow range by the control means.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the movable part moves to its maximum extent within the movable range, at least a portion of the portion of the regulating member that comes into contact with the heat dissipation member overlaps with the movable part when viewed from the imaging optical axis direction.

3. The imaging device described in claim 1, characterized in that the length of the heat dissipation member from the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the movable part to the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the fixed part is more than twice longer and less than four times the distance between the movable part and the opposing member in the movable direction of the movable part when the movable part is positioned at the center of the movable range.

4. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the regulating member is made of a low-friction material.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the regulating member that comes into contact with the heat dissipating member when the movable portion moves to the maximum in the narrow range is any one of a flat surface, a convex curved surface, and a concave curved surface.

6. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the regulating member is wider than the width of the heat dissipating member in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the movable portion moves and the imaging optical axis.

7. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member is fixed to either the opposing member or the fixed portion.

8. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation member is a sheet-like member that does not include a signal line.

9. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion is always out of contact with the opposing member.

10. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation member is bent so as to be recessed toward a side away from the opposing member in the direction of movement of the movable portion.

11. a movable part that holds an imaging element; a fixed portion that holds the movable portion so that the movable portion is movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis; a control means for controlling the movement of the movable part within a range narrower than the movable range of the movable part; a flexible heat dissipation member connected to the fixed portion and the movable portion; an imaging device comprising: a regulating member connected to the heat dissipation member and the fixed portion;

12. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the regulating member is a string-like member.

13. 13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the extra length of the regulating member is greatest when the movable portion is positioned at the center of the movable range.

14. a counter member disposed at a position facing the heat dissipation member in the direction of movement of the movable portion, 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the movable portion is not always in contact with the opposing member.

15. The imaging device described in claim 11, characterized in that the length of the regulating member from a first connection position between the heat dissipation member and the regulating member to a second connection position between the regulating member and the fixed part is longer than the straight-line distance between the first connection position and the second connection position when the movable part is positioned at the center of the movable range, and is shorter than the longer of the straight-line distance between the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the fixed part and the second connection position, and the straight-line distance between the connection position between the heat dissipation member and the movable part and the second connection position.

Images