Image stabilization device, imaging device, optical device, and drive device

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention provides a blur correction device, an imaging device, an optical device, and a drive device. [Solution] A shake correction device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a fixed part, a movable part, and a plurality of balls disposed between the fixed part and the movable part, wherein the movable part is movable in contact with the plurality of balls, and a first magnetic member, a first non-magnetic member, and a first member including a magnetic member are disposed with respect to at least one of the plurality of balls, which is a first ball, and the first non-magnetic member and the first magnetic member are disposed in order opposite the first member with the first ball in between.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shake correction device, an imaging device, an optical device, and a driving device, and particularly to a configuration for biasing a movable part to a fixed part.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding a shake correction device, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a magnet is provided in a ball receiving part. Further, Patent Document 2 describes that a magnetic circuit is constituted by a fixed part, a magnet, a coil, and a top yoke.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment according to the technology of the present disclosure provides a shake correction device, an imaging device, an optical device, and a driving device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The shake correction device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a plurality of balls arranged between the fixed part and the movable part, and the movable part is a shake correction device that can move in contact with the plurality of balls. For at least one ball among the plurality of balls, which is a first ball, a first magnetic member, a first non-magnetic member, and a first member including a magnetic member are arranged, and the first non-magnetic member and the first magnetic member are arranged in this order facing the first member with the first ball interposed therebetween.

[0006] The shake correction device according to the second aspect of the present invention has, in the first aspect, the first non-magnetic member, the first magnetic member, and a yoke in this order.

[0007] In the third embodiment, the image stabilization device, in the first or second embodiment, has a fixed portion which has a first magnetic member, a first non-magnetic member between the first magnetic member and the first ball, and a movable portion which has a first member.

[0008] In the fourth embodiment, the image stabilization device, in the first or second embodiment, has a movable part having a first magnetic member, a first non-magnetic member between the first magnetic member and the first ball, and a fixed part having a first member.

[0009] The image stabilization device according to the fifth embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, comprises a first magnetic member and a holding member for holding the first magnetic member, and the first ball is in contact with the first magnetic member.

[0010] In the sixth embodiment, the image stabilization device, in the fifth embodiment, has a first non-magnetic member positioned between a first magnetic member and a first ball, the first magnetic member positioned opposite the first non-magnetic member with the first ball in between, and a second magnetic member on the side opposite the first ball to the first magnetic member.

[0011] The blur correction device according to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, has a first non-magnetic member disposed between a first magnetic member and a first ball, and the first member has a second non-magnetic member disposed opposite the first non-magnetic member with the first ball in between, and a second magnetic member disposed on the opposite side of the first ball from the second non-magnetic member.

[0012] In the seventh embodiment, the image stabilization device according to the eighth aspect has a first member having a second magnet member, the second magnet member being positioned on the opposite side of the first ball from the second non-magnetic member, and the first ball being in contact with the second non-magnetic member.

[0013] In the ninth embodiment of the image stabilization device, in any one of the first to eighth embodiments, a ball holding portion is formed in the movable portion or fixed portion to hold a first ball.

[0014] The imaging device according to the tenth embodiment comprises a blur correction device according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments and an image sensor held by a movable part, and corrects image blur by driving the movable part in a plane intersecting the optical axis of the image sensor. In the tenth embodiment, "in a plane intersecting the optical axis of the image sensor" may be, but is not limited to, a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the image sensor.

[0015] The imaging device according to the 11th embodiment comprises an image sensor, a motion blur correction device according to any one of the first to 9th embodiments, and a motion blur correction optical system held by a movable part, and corrects image blur by driving the movable part in a plane intersecting the optical axis of the motion blur correction optical system. In the 11th embodiment, "in a plane intersecting the optical axis of the motion blur correction optical system" may be, but is not limited to, a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the motion blur correction optical system.

[0016] The optical apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment comprises a blur correction device according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments and a blur correction optical system held by a movable part, and corrects image blur by driving the movable part in a plane intersecting the optical axis of the blur correction optical system.

[0017] A drive device according to the 13th embodiment comprises a fixed part, a movable part, and a ball disposed between the fixed part and the movable part, wherein the movable part is movable in contact with the ball, and a first magnet member, a first non-magnetic member, and a first member containing a magnetic material are disposed relative to the ball, with the first non-magnetic member and the first magnet member being disposed in order opposite the first member with the ball in between. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing one aspect of the internal configuration of an imaging device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of ball bearing surfaces in the image stabilization device. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a magnetic spring. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration for biasing a movable part toward a fixed part. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a magnetic spring. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is yet another cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a magnetic spring. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is yet another cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a magnetic spring. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is yet another cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a magnetic spring. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is yet another cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a magnetic spring. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a ball holding part. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is yet another cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a magnetic spring. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of magnetic flux. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] [Biasing of the Movable Part in the Shake Correction Device] As a countermeasure against image blurring caused by camera shake, cameras equipped with an in-body shake correction mechanism (IBIS: In-Body Image Stabilizer, also referred to as BIS) that drives and corrects an imaging element have been increasing. As a component of IBIS, a drive actuator (VCM: Voice Coil Motor) may be used. As the configuration of VCM, a single-sided configuration in which a magnet is arranged on one side (the upper or lower side in the optical axis direction) and a double-magnet configuration in which magnets are arranged above and below the coil to increase the thrust are known.

[0020] Since IBIS consists of a movable part and a fixed part, the movable part needs to be biased toward the fixed part (mounting surface) to stabilize the imaging surface. The most common methods for this biasing are either "a configuration in which the movable part and the fixed part are connected by a coil spring" or "a configuration in which a magnetic plate is placed on an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) above the VCM magnet."

[0021] The choice between these two configurations largely depends on the weight of the moving object and the VCM configuration. The advantage of placing the magnetic plate on top of the FPC is that "because it utilizes the magnets within the VCM configuration, it eliminates the need to place extra components elsewhere in the VCM projection direction (e.g., along the optical axis)." However, this configuration cannot be used in a double-magnet configuration where the magnets and FPC are close together, as the plate would be attracted to the magnets. A configuration is also known that allows for the introduction of a magnetic spring even in a double-magnet setup by placing the magnetic plate inside the coil. However, because the magnets on both sides pull in opposite directions, it is necessary to consider the difference between the upper and lower parts, and the plate must fit within the inner diameter of the coil. As a result, the constraints on the size and position of the magnetic plate become considerably stricter compared to the single-magnet configuration.

[0022] In such cases, or when a greater biasing force is required, a configuration using a coil spring placed between the movable and fixed parts is employed. This configuration has the advantage that the biasing force can be determined solely by the coil spring without relying on VCM magnets, and that its location can be freely positioned because it does not rely on VCM magnets. However, since coil springs require spring hooks (points for attachment), separate space dedicated to the coil springs is needed in both the fixed and movable parts. Furthermore, the complex shape of the spring hooks imposes restrictions on the materials that can be used for both the fixed and movable parts.

[0023] In view of these circumstances, the inventors of the present invention have diligently conducted studies and arrived at the idea for the present invention described below. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the image stabilization device, imaging device, optical device, and drive device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the following drawings, for the sake of clarity, some components may be omitted from the display and / or their colors or line types may be altered. Furthermore, the drawings do not necessarily accurately represent the shape or dimensions of each component.

[0024] [First Embodiment] [Configuration of the imaging device] First, we will explain the imaging device equipped with an image stabilization device. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] The imaging device 10 (imaging device) is a digital camera, and a lens device 300 (optical system) is attached to the imaging device body 100. The lens device 300 may be integrated with the imaging device body 100 or it may be detachable from the imaging device body 100. The lens device 300 includes an aperture 308, a lens group 312A, and a lens group 312B, and has an optical axis L (optical axis). The lens device 300 forms an optical image of the subject 1 onto the image sensor 216. The imaging device body 100 is equipped with an eyepiece 104, and the photographer can view the subject 1 by looking through the eyepiece 104.

[0026] The image sensor 216 has an imaging surface 216A (image-receiving surface) arranged along a plane (XY plane) composed of two directions (X and Y directions) perpendicular to the optical axis L (Z direction). The image sensor 216 is held by the movable part of the image stabilization device 200 (image stabilization device, drive unit). Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the image stabilization function is realized by the control unit 140 controlling the drive unit 158 ​​included in the image stabilization device 200.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing one aspect of the internal configuration of the imaging device 10. This imaging device 10 records captured images onto a memory card 154, and the operation of the entire device is centrally controlled by a control unit 140 equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Power is supplied to each part of the imaging device 10 from a power supply (not shown).

[0028] The imaging device 10 is equipped with an operating section 138, including a shutter button, a power / mode switch, a mode dial, and a cross-shaped operation button. Signals (commands) from this operating section 138 are input to the control unit 140, which controls each circuit of the imaging device 10 based on the input signals, performing functions such as drive control of the image sensor 216, lens drive control, aperture drive control, imaging operation control, image processing control, image data recording / playback control, and display control of the image monitor 130.

[0029] The light beam that passes through the lens device 300 is imaged onto the image sensor 216 (image sensor), which is a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type color image sensor. Note that the image sensor 216 is not limited to a CMOS type; other types of image sensors such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or an organic image sensor may also be used.

[0030] The image sensor 216 has a large number of light-receiving elements (e.g., photodiodes) arranged in a two-dimensional array. The image of the subject formed on the light-receiving surface of each light-receiving element is converted into a signal voltage (or charge) of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light (photoelectric conversion), and this is converted into a digital signal via an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter within the image sensor 216 and output.

[0031] When shooting video or still images, the image signal (image data) read from the image sensor 216 is temporarily stored in memory 148 (e.g., SDRAM: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) via the image input controller 122.

[0032] Furthermore, the flash memory 147 stores various parameters and tables used for camera control programs, image processing, and other purposes. The flash memory 147 is an example of a non-temporary and tangible computer-readable medium.

[0033] Sensor 166 is a camera shake sensor that detects the posture information and posture change information of the imaging device 10. Sensor 166 is composed of, for example, a gyro sensor. Sensor 166 is composed of, for example, two gyro sensors to detect the amount of camera shake in the vertical direction (+Y, -Y direction) and the amount of camera shake in the horizontal direction (+X, -X direction), and the detected amount of camera shake (angular velocity) is input to the control unit 140. The control unit 140 controls the drive unit 158 ​​to move the image sensor 216 in such a way that the movement of the subject image corresponding to the camera shake is canceled out, thereby performing blur correction. A gyro sensor for detecting the amount of camera shake in the rotational direction (for example, around the Z axis) may be provided in sensor 166, and blur correction may be performed in such a way that camera shake in this rotational direction is canceled out.

[0034] The drive unit 158 ​​(drive mechanism) is controlled by the control unit 140. The drive unit 158 ​​is composed of a voice coil motor (VCM), etc., which will be described later.

[0035] The image processing unit 124 reads out unprocessed image data acquired via the image input controller 122 during video or still image capture and temporarily stored in the memory 148. The image processing unit 124 performs offset processing, pixel interpolation processing (interpolation processing for phase difference detection pixels, defective pixels, etc.), white balance correction, gain control processing including sensitivity correction, gamma correction processing, simultaneous processing (also called "demosaic processing"), brightness and color difference signal generation processing, edge enhancement processing, and color correction on the read image data. Image data processed by the image processing unit 124 and processed as a live view image is input to the VRAM (Video RAM, RAM: Random access memory) 150.

[0036] Image data read from VRAM 150 is encoded by video encoder 128 and output to image monitor 130 located on the back of the camera. As a result, a live view image showing the subject is displayed on the image monitor 130.

[0037] Image data processed by the image processing unit 124, which has been processed as a still image or video for recording (luminance data (Y) and chrominance data (Cb), (Cr)), is stored again in the memory 148.

[0038] The compression / decompression processing unit 126 compresses the luminance data (Y) and chrominance data (Cb), (Cr) that have been processed by the image processing unit 124 and stored in the memory 148 when recording still images or videos. The compressed image data is recorded to the memory card 154 via the media controller 152.

[0039] Furthermore, the compression / decompression processing unit 126 performs decompression processing on the compressed image data obtained from the memory card 154 via the media controller 152 during playback mode. The media controller 152 performs tasks such as recording and reading the compressed image data from the memory card 154.

[0040] [Configuration of the control unit] In the first embodiment, the control unit 140 may be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, the control unit 140 may be composed of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other programmable logic device, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other dedicated circuit for executing specific processing, a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The control unit 140 also has various units or means that execute the various processing in this embodiment. Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processing of a processor, these multiple hardware components may be located in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of processing by the processor is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 140 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. The software, firmware, and microcode are composed of a program. The program may also be, for example, a group of program modules, and each function may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-temporary and tangible computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage; it may also be flash memory 147 (the same applies hereinafter)). The program may be divided and stored in multiple non-temporary and tangible computer-readable media located in devices that are physically separated from each other. The program code or code segment may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. The program code or code segment may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0042] In this embodiment, the "non-temporary and tangible computer-readable medium" does not include intangible recording media such as carrier signals or propagated signals themselves. The control unit 140 can use the memory 148 as a temporary storage area or working area when processing using a program.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 140 and image processing unit 124 described above may be equipped with various AI (Artificial Intelligence). Such AI may be, for example, AI that controls blur correction or performs various image processing. These AIs can also be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof, as described above.

[0044] [Overall configuration of the image stabilization system] The image stabilization device 200 (image stabilization device, drive device) according to the first embodiment comprises a fixed part, a movable part, and a plurality of balls arranged between the fixed part and the movable part, as described below, wherein the movable part is movable in contact with the plurality of balls.

[0045] Figure 3 is a perspective view (viewed from the +Z direction) showing the arrangement of ball receiving surfaces in the image stabilization device 200. Part (a) of Figure 3 shows the area (shaded area) where the image sensor 216 and its holding members are arranged, while part (b) of the same figure shows the area where the image sensor 216 is arranged omitted. As shown in Figure 3, the image stabilization device 200 has three ball receiving surfaces 250. A ball (one of several balls, including the first ball) is in contact with each ball receiving surface 250, and this ball rolls relative to the ball receiving surface 250. The movable part that holds the image sensor 216 is supported so as to be movable in a plane intersecting the optical axis L, and the image stabilization device 200 can correct image blur by moving the movable part. The "plane intersecting the optical axis L" is preferably a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L (XY plane), but it does not have to be perfectly perpendicular. As will be explained in more detail later, one surface of the first member including the magnetic member (for example, one surface of the magnetic plate or magnetic base) becomes the ball receiving surface 250.

[0046] Furthermore, the image stabilization device 200 includes a VCM229. The VCM229 is a mechanism for driving the movable part in the XY plane (an example of a plane intersecting the optical axis L), and includes a magnet and a coil. For example, the magnet is located in the fixed part, and the coil is located in the movable part. Note that the number and arrangement of the VCM229 are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0047] [Machining of movable parts by magnetic springs] In the image stabilization device 200, the movable part is biased to the fixed part by a magnetic spring at the ball bearing surface. A specific example of the configuration of this magnetic spring is described below. In the following description, image stabilization devices with different magnetic spring configurations (configuration examples 1 to 7) are referred to as image stabilization devices 201 to 207, but these image stabilization devices may be collectively referred to as "image stabilization device 200".

[0048] [Example of an image stabilization device configuration (Part 1)] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an image stabilization device (part 1). The vertical direction in the figure is the ±Z direction (parallel to the optical axis L). In the image stabilization device 201 (image stabilization device, drive device) shown in Figure 4, a ball 227 (ball, first ball) is surrounded by a first magnet member 251 (first magnet member), a non-magnetic plate 261A (first non-magnetic member), and a magnetic plate 261B (magnetic member, first magnetic member, first member). The magnetic plate 261B is positioned on one side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 4), and the non-magnetic plate 261A (first non-magnetic member) and the first magnet member 251 (first magnet member) are positioned in order opposite the magnetic plate 261B with the ball 227 in between (on the upper side in Figure 4). Furthermore, the image stabilization device 201 includes a non-magnetic plate 261A (first non-magnetic member), a first magnet member 251 (first magnet member), and a first yoke 231A (yoke) in that order (from the bottom to the top in Figure 4).

[0049] The magnetic plate 261B (first magnetic member, first member) is held by the holding member 241B (holding member). In addition, the holding member 241A and the first yoke 231A hold the first magnet member 251, and the second yoke 231B holds the non-magnetic plate 261A.

[0050] The ball 227 (first ball) contacts the upper (+Z side or -Z side) surface of the magnetic plate 261B (first magnetic member) in Figure 4, and this surface can be used as a ball receiving surface. The ball 227 also contacts the lower (-Z side or +Z side) surface of the non-magnetic plate 261A in Figure 4.

[0051] [Configuration of the magnetic spring in the ball-holding section] In recent years, digital cameras have come to use larger image sensors, which means that the force required to drive the image sensor for image stabilization has also increased. For this reason, a double magnet configuration is sometimes adopted in VCMs, but as mentioned above, if the coil position and magnet position are close together, the plate may be attracted to the magnet.

[0052] On the other hand, IBIS uses balls to hold the image sensor in place at three points, for example, to move it. The smooth rolling of these balls allows the imaging surface to follow the movement and correct for blur. As long as the balls are present between the plates and in contact with them, even if force is applied and the imaging surface tilts, the plates positioned opposite the balls will not come into contact with each other.

[0053] Therefore, in the present invention, if a magnet is placed in the ball holding location, a magnetic member (magnetic plate 261B in the example of Figure 4) is placed on one side of the ball (first ball), and a non-magnetic member (non-magnetic plate 261A in the example of Figure 4) is placed on the other side to provide a magnetic biasing force, the plates will not be attracted to the magnet, and even considering the planar space, since it is the ball holding part (ball receiving part) necessary for movement, it does not require additional space as when a coil spring is used.

[0054] The rolling surface that contacts the ball 227 must meet standards such as hardness, flatness, and surface roughness, and it is difficult to substitute it with the magnetic surface (the surface of the first magnet member 251 in the example in Figure 4). Furthermore, if a plate with strong magnetism is placed near the first magnet member 251 (directly below the first magnet member 251 in the example in Figure 4), the magnetic flux will circulate within that plate, making it impossible to attract the ball 227 to the opposite side (the side of the magnetic plate 261B; the area where biasing force is originally desired).

[0055] Therefore, instead of directly using the magnetic surface of the first magnet member 251 as the rolling surface, a non-magnetic plate 261A is provided as the rolling surface, as in the example in Figure 4. This satisfies the requirements for the rolling surface while suppressing the influence on the magnetic flux. In order to suppress the influence on the magnetic flux, it is preferable that the rolling surface on the first magnet member 251 side be made of a non-magnetic material such as the non-magnetic plate 261A, but it does not have to be a completely non-magnetic material. However, in order to form a magnetic spring, the rolling surface on the first magnet member 251 side (upper side in Figure 4; non-magnetic plate 261A) should have weaker magnetism than the rolling surface on the opposite side of the ball 227 (magnetic plate 261B in the example in Figure 4; lower side in Figure 4).

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, one side of the ball 227 (the upper side in Figure 4; in the +Z or -Z direction) has a non-magnetic plate 261A, a first magnet member 251, and a first yoke 231A, arranged in order from bottom to top in Figure 4. This configuration allows a magnetic force (magnetic flux) to be directed in the direction of the ball 227.

[0057] Furthermore, the first yoke 231A and the second yoke 231B can be made of magnetic material, thereby enhancing the effect of directing magnetic force in the direction of the ball 227 and causing magnetic flux to flow (rotate) (the same applies to other forms of shake correction devices described below).

[0058] In the vibration compensation device 200 (vibration compensation device, drive device) according to the first embodiment, it is sufficient that at least one of the three ball receiving surfaces 250 has the configuration shown in Figure 4, and it may include both the configuration shown in Figure 4 and the configuration of a conventional ball holding part. Preferably, in the vibration compensation device 200, all three ball receiving surfaces 250 have the configuration shown in Figure 4.

[0059] In addition, the ball used in the configuration according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, may be referred to as the "first ball." The same applies to other configuration examples of the image stabilization device according to the present invention, which will be described below.

[0060] Furthermore, in the configuration according to the present invention (shake correction device, drive device), the arrangement direction of the magnet members (which direction is the north pole and which direction is the south pole) is not limited to the illustrated example and may be changed as appropriate. The same applies to the following configuration examples described later. However, in the case of a configuration using multiple magnet members, the arrangement direction used shall be such that the magnetic circuit is appropriately formed by the multiple magnet members.

[0061] [Biasing of movable parts in image stabilization devices] In the example shown in Figure 4, either the upper or lower part of the image stabilization device 201 may be a movable or fixed part. Hereinafter, the ball 227 and the members above it (second yoke 231B, non-magnetic plate 261A, first magnetic member 251, first yoke 231A, and holding member 241B) will be referred to as the "upper structure 201A" for convenience, and the members below the ball 227 (magnetic plate 261B and holding member 241B) will be referred to as the "lower structure 201B" for convenience. The upper structure 201A may be on the +Z side (subject side), or the lower structure 201B may be on the +Z side.

[0062] Figure 5 shows the configuration for biasing the movable part to the fixed part in the image stabilization device 201. Part (a) of Figure 5 shows the upper structure 201A on the movable part side, and part (b) of the same figure shows the lower structure 201B on the movable part side.

[0063] In the example shown in part (a) of Figure 5, the upper fixing part 220A (fixing part) and the lower fixing part 220B (fixing part) are connected by a fixing member 220C, forming the fixing part 220. That is, in this example, the movable part 224 has a first magnet member 251, and the fixing part 220 has a magnetic plate 261B (first member). The fixing member 220C can be made up of, for example, a shaft member for separating the upper fixing part 220A and the lower fixing part 220B in the ±Z direction, and a screw for fixing the shaft member.

[0064] In this example, the movable part 224 (movable part) includes the superstructure 201A and the image sensor 216 described above. The image sensor 216 is fixed to the superstructure 201A by a holding member 241A and / or other members (not shown). The movable part 224 is biased toward the lower fixed part 220B by a magnetic spring configured as described above and is driven in the XY plane (in a plane intersecting (orthogonal to) the optical axis L) by the VCM 229 described above, thereby correcting image blur.

[0065] On the other hand, in the example shown in part (b) of Figure 5, the upper fixing part 222A (fixing part) and the lower fixing part 222B (fixing part) are connected by a fixing member 222C, forming the fixing part 222. That is, in this example, the fixing part 222 has a first magnet member 251, and the movable part 226 has a magnetic plate 261B (first member). The fixing member 222C can be made up of, for example, a shaft member for separating the upper fixing part 222A and the lower fixing part 222B in the ±Z direction, and a screw for fixing the shaft member, similar to the fixing member 220C described above.

[0066] In this example, the movable part 226 (movable part) includes the lower structure 201B and the image sensor 216 described above. The image sensor 216 is fixed to the lower structure 201B by a holding member 241B and / or other members (not shown). The movable part 226 is biased toward the lower fixed part 222B by a magnetic spring configured as described above, and is driven in the XY plane (in the plane intersecting the optical axis L) by the VCM 229 described above, thereby correcting image blur.

[0067] The above-mentioned configuration in the example of Figure 5, "either the upper or lower part of the image stabilization device 200 may be a movable or fixed part," can also be applied to other examples described below. In all cases, the components of the image stabilization device 201 shall have a shape and dimensions that do not prevent subject light from entering the imaging surface 216A (for example, a shape and dimensions in which the portion of the imaging surface 216A is open in the ±Z direction).

[0068] [Example of an image stabilization device configuration (Part 2)] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image stabilization device 202 (image stabilization device 200; image stabilization device, drive device). The vertical direction in the figure is the ±Z direction (direction parallel to the optical axis L). In the image stabilization device 202 shown in Figure 6, a ball 227 (ball, first ball) is surrounded by a first magnet member 252 (first magnet member), a non-magnetic plate 262A (first non-magnetic member), and a magnetic plate 262B (first magnetic member, first member). The magnetic plate 262B is positioned on one side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 6), and the non-magnetic plate 262A (first non-magnetic member) and the first magnet member 252 (first magnet member) are positioned in order opposite the magnetic plate 262B with the ball 227 in between (on the upper side in Figure 6). Furthermore, the image stabilization device 202 includes a non-magnetic plate 262A (first non-magnetic member), a first magnet member 252 (first magnet member), and a first yoke 242A (yoke) in that order (from the bottom to the top in Figure 6).

[0069] The magnetic plate 262B is held by the holding member 242B. The first yoke 232A holds the first magnet member 252, and the second yoke 232B holds the non-magnetic plate 262A.

[0070] The upper surface (+Z side or -Z side) of the magnetic plate 262B in Figure 6 serves as the ball receiving surface, and the ball 227 makes contact with it. The ball 227 also makes contact with the lower surface (-Z side or +Z side) of the non-magnetic plate 262A in Figure 6.

[0071] In the vibration compensation device 202, as described above for the vibration compensation device 201 according to the configuration example (1), the plate is not attracted to the magnet, and no additional space is required as when a coil spring is used. Furthermore, by providing a non-magnetic plate 262A as the rolling surface, the requirements for the rolling surface are met, and the influence on the magnetic flux can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, in the vibration correction device 202, the dimensions of the first magnet member 252 are larger than the dimensions of the second yoke 232B in the XY plane direction (horizontal direction in Figure 6), and it functions as a flange. This simplifies the shape of the second yoke 232B, improving ease of processing and reducing the area where magnetic flux escapes.

[0073] In addition, in the image stabilization device 202, as described above for the image stabilization device 201, either the upper structure or the lower structure may be a movable part or a fixed part.

[0074] [Example of an image stabilization device configuration (Part 3)] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image stabilization device 203 (image stabilization device 200; image stabilization device, drive device). The vertical direction in the figure is the ±Z direction (direction parallel to the optical axis L). In the image stabilization device 203 shown in Figure 7, a ball 227 (ball, first ball), a first magnet member 253 (first magnet member), a non-magnetic plate 263A (first non-magnetic member), and a magnetic plate 263B (first magnetic member, first member) are arranged around it. The magnetic plate 263B is positioned on one side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 7), and the non-magnetic plate 263A (first non-magnetic member) and the first magnet member 253 (first magnet member) are positioned in order opposite the magnetic plate 263B with the ball 227 in between (on the upper side in Figure 7). Furthermore, the image stabilization device 203 includes a non-magnetic plate 263A (first non-magnetic member), a first magnet member 253 (first magnet member), and a first yoke 233A (yoke) in that order (from the bottom to the top in Figure 7).

[0075] The magnetic plate 263B is held by the retaining member 243B. The first yoke 233A holds the first magnet member 253, and the second yoke 233B holds the non-magnetic plate 263A. The retaining member 243A holds the first yoke 233A, the first magnet member 253, and the second yoke 233B.

[0076] The upper surface (+Z side or -Z side) of the magnetic plate 263B in Figure 7 becomes the ball receiving surface, and the ball 227 (first ball) makes contact with it. The ball 227 also makes contact with the lower surface (-Z side or +Z side) of the non-magnetic plate 263A in Figure 7.

[0077] In the vibration correction device 203, as described above for the vibration correction devices according to configuration examples (1) and (2), the plate is not attracted to the magnet, and no additional space is required as when a coil spring is used. Furthermore, by providing a non-magnetic plate 263A as the rolling surface, the requirements for the rolling surface are met, and the influence on the magnetic flux can be suppressed.

[0078] In addition, in the image stabilization device 203, as described above for image stabilization devices 201 and 202, either the upper structure or the lower structure may be a movable part or a fixed part.

[0079] [Example of an image stabilization device configuration (Part 4)] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image stabilization device 204 (image stabilization device 200; image stabilization device, drive device). The vertical direction in the figure is the ±Z direction (direction parallel to the optical axis L). In the image stabilization device 204 shown in Figure 8, a ball 227 (ball, first ball), a first magnet member 254 (first magnet member), a non-magnetic plate 264A (first non-magnetic member), and a magnetic plate 264B (first magnetic member, first member) are arranged around the ball 227 (ball, first ball). The magnetic plate 264B is positioned on one side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 8), and the magnetic member 274C (second magnetic member, first member) is positioned on the opposite side of the ball 227, sandwiching the magnetic plate 264B.

[0080] On the other hand, the non-magnetic plate 264A (first non-magnetic member) and the first magnet member 254 (first magnet member) are arranged in order opposite the magnetic plate 264B with the ball 227 in between (on the upper side in Figure 8). The vibration correction device 204 also has the non-magnetic plate 264A (first non-magnetic member), the first magnet member 254 (first magnet member), and the first yoke 234A (yoke) in order (from the lower side to the upper side in Figure 8).

[0081] Furthermore, the magnetic plate 264B and the magnetic member 274C are held by the holding member 244B. The first yoke 234A holds the first magnet member 253, and the second yoke 234B holds the non-magnetic plate 264A. The holding member 244A holds the first yoke 234A, the first magnet member 254, and the second yoke 234B.

[0082] The upper surface (+Z side or -Z side) of the magnetic plate 264B in Figure 8 serves as the ball receiving surface, and the ball 227 (first ball) makes contact with it. The ball 227 also makes contact with the lower surface (-Z side or +Z side) of the non-magnetic plate 264A in Figure 8.

[0083] In the vibration correction device 204, as described above for the vibration correction devices according to configuration examples (1) to (3), the plate is not attracted to the magnet, and no additional space is required as when a coil spring is used. Furthermore, by providing a non-magnetic plate 264A as the rolling surface, the requirements for the rolling surface are met, and the influence on the magnetic flux can be suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, since the magnetic member 274C is not in direct contact with the ball 227, it is not constrained by limitations on the ball receiving surface (such as surface roughness, flatness, and the required size calculated from the amount of movement), thus increasing design flexibility. In addition, the biasing force can be strengthened by using the magnetic plate 264B and the magnetic member 274C.

[0085] Furthermore, since the image stabilization device 204 is equipped with a magnetic member 274C, a non-magnetic or weakly magnetic plate may be used instead of the magnetic plate 264B. Also, in the image stabilization device 204, as described above for image stabilization devices 201 to 203, either the upper structure or the lower structure may be a movable part or a fixed part.

[0086] [Example of an image stabilization device configuration (Part 5)] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image stabilization device 205 (image stabilization device 200; image stabilization device, drive unit). The vertical direction in the figure is the ±Z direction (direction parallel to the optical axis L). In the image stabilization device 205 shown in Figure 9, a first magnet member 255A (first magnet member), a non-magnetic plate 265A (first non-magnetic member), and a non-magnetic plate 265B (first member, second non-magnetic member) are arranged relative to a ball 227 (ball, first ball).

[0087] A non-magnetic plate 265B is positioned on one side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 9), and a second magnet member 255B (first member, second magnet member) and a third yoke 235C are positioned on the opposite side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 9), with the non-magnetic plate 265B in between. Since the vibration correction device 205 has the second magnet member 255B, biasing force can be ensured even if the non-magnetic plate 265B is positioned on the ball rolling surface.

[0088] On the other hand, with the ball 227 in between, the non-magnetic plate 265A (first non-magnetic member) and the first magnet member 255A (first magnet member) are arranged in order opposite the non-magnetic plate 265B (upper side in Figure 9). The vibration correction device 205 also has the non-magnetic plate 265A (first non-magnetic member), the first magnet member 255A (first magnet member), and the first yoke 235A (yoke) in order (from the lower side to the upper side in Figure 9). The vibration correction device 205 also includes a holding member 245A that holds the first magnet member 255A, etc., and a holding member 245B that holds the non-magnetic plate 265B, the second magnet member 255B, and the third yoke 235C.

[0089] With the vibration correction device 205 configured as described above, magnets are arranged on both sides of the ball 227 (upper and lower sides in Figure 9; ±Z direction), which allows for an even stronger biasing force. Furthermore, since the required biasing force can be secured by just two magnets, the first magnet member 255A held by the holding member 245A can be made smaller.

[0090] [Example of an image stabilization device configuration (Part 6)] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image stabilization device 206 (image stabilization device 200; image stabilization device, drive unit). The vertical direction in the figure is the ±Z direction (direction parallel to the optical axis L). In the image stabilization device 206 shown in Figure 10, a first magnet member 256A (first magnet member), a non-magnetic plate 266A (first non-magnetic member), and a non-magnetic plate 266B (first member, second non-magnetic member) are arranged relative to a ball 227 (ball, first ball). * Rolling surface A non-magnetic plate 266B is positioned on one side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 10), and a second magnet member 256B (first member, second magnet member) and a second yoke 236B are positioned on the opposite side of the ball 227 (the lower side in Figure 10), with the non-magnetic plate 265B in between. Since the vibration correction device 206 has the second magnet member 256B, biasing force can be secured even if the non-magnetic plate 266B (the lower side of the ball 227 in Figure 10) is positioned on the ball rolling surface.

[0091] On the other hand, with the ball 227 in between, the non-magnetic plate 266A (first non-magnetic member) and the first magnet member 256A (first magnet member) are arranged in order opposite the non-magnetic plate 266B (upper side in Figure 10). The vibration correction device 206 also has the non-magnetic plate 266A (first non-magnetic member), the first magnet member 256A (first magnet member), and the first yoke 236A (yoke) in order (from the lower side to the upper side in Figure 10). The vibration correction device 206 also includes a holding member 246A that holds the first magnet member 256A, etc., and a holding member 246B that holds the non-magnetic plate 266B, the second magnet member 256B, and the second yoke 236B.

[0092] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the retaining member 246A has a concave ball retaining portion 246C (ball retaining portion) that holds the ball 227 (first ball). Figure 11 is a perspective view of the ball retaining portion 246C (viewed from below in Figure 10), where the ball retaining portion 246C surrounds the ball 227 and prevents it from falling out. As described above, in the shake correction device 200 according to the first embodiment, either the upper structure or the lower structure may be a movable part or a fixed part, and the ball retaining portion 246C may be provided in either the movable part or the fixed part.

[0093] With the vibration correction device 206 configured as described above, magnets are arranged on both sides of the ball 227 (upper and lower sides in Figure 10; ±Z direction), so the biasing force can be further increased. Also, since the required biasing force can be secured with two magnets, the first magnet member 256A held by the holding member 246A can be made smaller. Furthermore, since there is no yoke at the bottom of the first magnet member 256A, this part can be miniaturized.

[0094] [Example of an image stabilization device configuration (Part 7)] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image stabilization device 207 (image stabilization device 200; image stabilization device, drive device). The vertical direction in the figure is the ±Z direction (direction parallel to the optical axis L). In the image stabilization device 207 shown in Figure 12, a ball 227 (ball, first ball), a first magnet member 257 (first magnet member), a non-magnetic plate 267A (first non-magnetic member), and a magnetic base 248 are arranged relative to the ball 227 (ball, first ball).

[0095] In the image stabilization device 207, the same configuration as the image stabilization device 201 (see Figure 4) described above can be used, except for the magnetic base 248, and it has a first yoke 237A, a second yoke 237B, and a holding member 247A.

[0096] In the image stabilization device 207, in other configuration examples, the retaining member and plate located below the ball 227 are formed from the same material to form the magnetic base 248. The magnetism of the magnetic base 248 is stronger than that of the non-magnetic plate 267A.

[0097] A portion of the magnetic base 248 (the area that protrudes upward in Figure 12) becomes the ball-receiving surface (rolling surface) for the ball 227. The ball-receiving surface can be formed integrally with other parts of the magnetic base 248 by, for example, press-forming the components that make up the magnetic base 248. The press-forming is, for example, half-punching (a process that does not completely penetrate the target component but protrudes about half its height; sometimes called half-punching, half-through, stamping, dowel processing, etc.), but the height of the protrusion is not limited to half the thickness of the component. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ball-receiving surface is a surface formed by machining the protrusion formed by half-punching. As for machining, for example, polishing can be used to improve flatness.

[0098] Alternatively, a ball receiving surface may be formed by fixing a plate-shaped component made of the same material as the magnetic base 248 to the magnetic base 248 (holding member) by laser welding or the like.

[0099] The vibration correction device 207 with the above configuration provides the same effects as other configuration examples, and with respect to the ball receiving surface, it is possible to form the holding member and plate from the same material without having to separate them, while still performing the necessary functions. Furthermore, since the tensile force due to magnetism also depends on the thickness of the material, the biasing force can be increased by increasing the thickness of the ball receiving surface portion (the convex portion of the magnetic base 248).

[0100] [Magnetic flux flow in image stabilization devices] Figure 13 shows the flow of magnetic flux in the vibration correction device 200 with the configuration described above. Parts (a) to (d) of Figure 13 show the flow of magnetic flux in vibration correction devices 201 to 204 according to configuration examples (1) to (4), respectively. As shown in Figure 13, in the vibration correction device 200, a first magnet member (first magnet member 251, etc.), a first non-magnetic member (non-magnetic plate 261A, etc.), and a first member including a magnetic member (magnetic plate 261B, etc.) are arranged relative to a ball 227 (first ball). The first non-magnetic member and the first magnet member are arranged in order opposite the first member with the ball 227 in between, thereby forming a magnetic circuit by the first magnet member.

[0101] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, an image blur correction device or drive device is provided inside the imaging device body 100 to drive a movable part including the image sensor 216 and correct image blur. However, in the present invention, image blur may be corrected by driving an image blur correction optical system held in the movable part. A second embodiment of this type will be described below.

[0102] Figure 14 shows a schematic configuration of the imaging device 20 according to the second embodiment. Hereafter, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0103] The imaging device 20 (imaging device) is a digital camera, and a lens device 302 (optical system, optical device) is attached to the imaging device body 100. The lens device 302 may be integrated with the imaging device body 100 or it may be detachable from the imaging device body 100. The lens device 300 comprises lens group 312A and lens group 312B and has an optical axis L (optical axis). The lens device 302 forms an optical image of the subject 1 onto the image sensor 216. The imaging device body 100A is equipped with an eyepiece 104, and the photographer can view the subject 1 by looking through the eyepiece 104. The imaging device 20 may have an aperture 308, similar to the first embodiment.

[0104] The imaging device 20 includes an image stabilization device 310 and an image stabilization optical system 322. The image stabilization device 310 can adopt the same configuration as the image stabilization device 200 according to the first embodiment, and has a fixed part 332 including a front fixed part 332A and a rear fixed part 332B, a movable part 320, and a ball (at least one first ball) not shown. The front fixed part 332A and the rear fixed part 332B can be fixed by a shaft or screw, as described above for the first embodiment (see Figure 5).

[0105] The image stabilization optical system 322 can be constructed using one or more lenses and is held in the movable part of the image stabilization device 310. The control unit 140A controls the drive unit 340 to drive the movable part 320, which includes the image stabilization optical system 322, in a plane intersecting the optical axis of the image stabilization optical system 322, thereby correcting image blur. The "plane intersecting the optical axis of the image stabilization optical system" may be, but is not limited to, a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0106] The drive unit 340 can be configured using a VCM, similar to the shake correction device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0107] With the vibration correction device 310 configured as described above, similar to the vibration correction device 200 according to the first embodiment, the plate is not attracted to the magnet, and no additional space is required as when a coil spring is used. Furthermore, by providing a non-magnetic plate or the like as the rolling surface, the requirements for the rolling surface can be met, and the influence on the magnetic flux can be suppressed.

[0108] In the image stabilization device 310, as described above for the image stabilization device 200, either the structure on the +Z side (e.g., holding member, first yoke, first magnet member, non-magnetic plate, second yoke, first ball) or the structure on the -Z side (e.g., magnetic plate and holding member) may be a movable part or a fixed part.

[0109] Furthermore, the image stabilization device according to the first embodiment and the image stabilization device according to the second embodiment may be provided within a single imaging device.

[0110] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1. Subject 10 Imaging device 20 Imaging device 100 Imaging device main unit 100A Imaging device main unit 104 Eyepiece 122 Image Input Controller 124 Image Processing Unit 126 Compression and decompression section 128 Video Encoders 130 Image Monitor 138 Operation section 140 Control Unit 140A Control Unit 147 Flash Memory 148 memory 152 Media Controllers 154 memory cards 158 Drive unit 166 Sensors 200 Image stabilization device 201 Image stabilization device 201A Superstructure 201B Substructure 202 Image stabilization device 203 Image stabilization device 204 Image stabilization device 205 Image stabilization device 206 Image stabilization device 207 Image stabilization device 216 Image sensors 216A Imaging surface 220 Fixed part 220A Upper fixing part 220B Lower fixing part 220C Fixing Member 222 Fixed part 222A Upper fixed part 222B Lower fixing part 222C Fixing Member 224 Moving parts 226 Moving parts 227 Ball 231A First York 231B Second York 232A First York 232B Second York 233A First York 233B Second York 234A First York 234B Second York 235A First York 235B Second York 235C Third York 236A First York 236B Second York 237A First York 237B Second York 241A Retaining member 241B Retaining member 242A First York 242B Retaining member 243A Retaining member 243B Retaining member 244A Retaining member 244B Retaining member 245A Retaining member 245B Retaining member 246A Retaining member 246B Retaining member 246C Ball holding section 247A Retaining member 248 Magnetic Base 250 Ball receiving surface 251 First magnet member 252 First Magnet Member 253 First Magnet Member 254 First Magnet Member 255A First magnet member 255B Second magnet member 256A First magnet member 256B Second magnet member 257 First Magnet Member 261A Non-magnetic plate 261B Magnetic Plate 262A Non-magnetic plate 262B Magnetic Plate 263A Non-magnetic plate 263B Magnetic Plate 264A Non-magnetic plate 264B Magnetic Plate 265A Non-magnetic plate 265B Non-magnetic plate 266A Non-magnetic plate 266B Non-magnetic plate 267A Non-magnetic plate 274C Magnetic material 300 Lens Device 302 Lens device 310 Image stabilization device 312A Lens Group 312B lens group 320 Moving parts 322 Image stabilization optics 332 Fixed part 332A Front fixation part 332B Rear fixed part 340 Drive unit

Claims

1. It comprises a fixed part, a movable part, and a plurality of balls disposed between the fixed part and the movable part, The movable part is a shake correction device that is movable in contact with the plurality of balls, A first magnetic member, a first non-magnetic member, and a first member including a magnetic member are arranged around a first ball, which is at least one of the plurality of balls. A vibration correction device in which the first non-magnetic member and the first magnetic member are arranged in order opposite the first member with the first ball in between.

2. The shake correction device according to claim 1, comprising the first non-magnetic member, the first magnetic member, and the yoke in that order.

3. The fixing portion has the first magnet member, A first non-magnetic member is provided between the first magnetic member and the first ball, The shake correction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable part has the first member.

4. The movable part has the first magnet member, A first non-magnetic member is provided between the first magnetic member and the first ball, The shake correction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing portion has the first member.

5. The first member comprises a first magnetic member and a holding member for holding the first magnetic member. The shake correction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first ball is in contact with the first magnetic member.

6. The first non-magnetic member is placed between the first magnetic member and the first ball. The first magnetic member is positioned opposite the first non-magnetic member with the first ball in between, The shake correction device according to claim 5, wherein the second magnetic member is located on the side opposite to the first ball relative to the first magnetic member.

7. The first non-magnetic member is placed between the first magnetic member and the first ball. The first member is, A second non-magnetic member is positioned opposite the first non-magnetic member with the first ball in between, The shake correction device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second magnetic member disposed on the opposite side of the first ball from the second non-magnetic member.

8. The first member has a second magnet member, The second magnetic member is positioned on the opposite side of the first ball from the second non-magnetic member. The shake correction device according to claim 7, wherein the first ball is in contact with the second nonmagnetic member.

9. The shake correction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a ball holding portion for holding the first ball is formed on the movable portion or the fixed portion.

10. A motion correction device according to claim 1 or 2, The image sensor held in the movable part, Equipped with, An imaging device that corrects image blur by driving the movable part in a plane that intersects with the optical axis of the image sensor.

11. Image sensor and A motion correction device according to claim 1 or 2, The image stabilization optical system held in the movable part, Equipped with, An imaging device that corrects image blur by driving the movable part in a plane that intersects with the optical axis of the image blur correction optical system.

12. A motion correction device according to claim 1 or 2, The image stabilization optical system held in the movable part, Equipped with, An optical device that corrects image blur by driving the movable part in a plane that intersects with the optical axis of the image blur correction optical system.

13. It comprises a fixed part, a movable part, and a ball positioned between the fixed part and the movable part, The movable part is a drive device that is movable in contact with the ball, A first magnetic member, a first non-magnetic member, and a first member containing a magnetic material are arranged on the ball. A drive device in which the first non-magnetic member and the first magnetic member are arranged in order opposite the first member with the ball in between.

Images