Optical unit with image stabilization function

Abstract

To provide an optical unit with a shake correction function that can suppress the complexity of the structure of the rotation support mechanism that rotates the movable body around the optical axis. [Solution] The optical unit 100 comprises a movable body 2 having a camera module 20 and a holder 24 for holding the camera module 20; a first support mechanism 3 that rotatably supports the movable body 2 around a first axis R1 intersecting the optical axis L of the camera module 20; a second support mechanism 4 that rotatably supports the movable body 2 via the first support mechanism 3 around a second axis R2 intersecting the optical axis L and the first axis R1; a rotational support mechanism 5 having a shaft portion 51 that rotatably supports the first support mechanism 3 around the optical axis L relative to the second support mechanism 4; and a support body 10 that supports the movable body 2 via the first support mechanism 3, the second support mechanism 4 and the rotational support mechanism 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical unit with a shake correction function.

Background Art

[0002] Among optical units mounted on mobile terminals and moving bodies, there are some equipped with a mechanism that corrects shake by swinging or rotating a movable body on which an optical module is mounted in order to suppress blurring of a photographed image when the mobile terminal or moving body moves. Patent Document 1 discloses an optical unit with such a shake correction function.

[0003] The shake correction function-equipped optical unit of Patent Document 1 includes a movable body provided with a camera module, a rotation support mechanism that supports the movable body rotatably about the optical axis of the lens of the camera module, a gimbal mechanism that supports the rotation support mechanism rotatably about a first axis intersecting the optical axis and also rotatably about a second axis intersecting the optical axis and the first axis, and a fixed body that supports the movable body via the gimbal mechanism and the rotation support mechanism. The rotation support mechanism includes a first annular groove provided in the movable body, a plate roll having a second annular groove facing the first annular groove in the optical axis direction, a plurality of spheres inserted into the first annular groove and the second annular groove and rolling between the movable body and the plate roll, and a pressure applying mechanism that applies a force to bring the first annular groove and the second annular groove closer to each other in the optical axis direction. The gimbal mechanism supports the plate roll rotatably about the first axis.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The optical unit with shake correction function described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the number of parts in the rotation support mechanism tends to be large, and the structure of the rotation support mechanism tends to be complex.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an optical unit with a shake correction function that can suppress the complexity of the structure of the rotation support mechanism that rotates the movable body around the optical axis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the optical unit with shake correction function according to the present invention comprises a camera module and a movable body having a holder for holding the camera module, A first support mechanism that rotatably supports the movable body around a first axis intersecting the optical axis of the camera module, A second support mechanism rotatably supports the movable body via the first support mechanism around a second axis intersecting the optical axis and the first axis, A rotating support mechanism comprising a shaft portion that supports the first support mechanism so as to be rotatable around the optical axis relative to the second support mechanism, A support body that supports the movable body via the first support mechanism, the second support mechanism and the rotation support mechanism, It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features]. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the optical unit in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the movable body. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the holder. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the case. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first support mechanism, the second support mechanism, and the rotation support mechanism. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first support mechanism, the second support mechanism, and the rotational support mechanism. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the case. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of an optical unit with shake correction function to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the optical unit 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical unit 100 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the movable body 2. Figure 4 is a bottom view of the holder 24. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the case 9. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first support mechanism 3, the second support mechanism 4, and the rotation support mechanism 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first support mechanism 3, the second support mechanism 4, and the rotation support mechanism 5. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the case 9.

[0011] The optical unit 100 (optical unit with shake correction function) includes a camera module 20. The optical unit 100 is used, for example, in optical devices such as camera-equipped mobile phones and dashcams, as well as in optical devices such as action cameras and wearable cameras mounted on mobile devices such as helmets, bicycles, and radio-controlled helicopters. In such optical devices, shake of the optical device during shooting can cause distortion in the captured image. To avoid tilting of the captured image, the optical unit 100 corrects the tilt of the camera module 20 based on acceleration, angular velocity, and amount of shake detected by a detection means such as a gyroscope.

[0012] The optical unit 100 rotates the camera module 20 around a first axis R1 that is perpendicular to the optical axis L of the camera module 20, and also rotates the camera module 20 around a second axis R2 that is perpendicular to the optical axis L and the first axis R1 to correct for shake (see Figure 2). In addition, the optical unit 100 corrects for shake by rotating the camera module 20 around the optical axis L. The optical unit 100 in this embodiment performs pitch correction, yawing correction, and roll correction.

[0013] In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The Z-axis coincides with the optical axis L. In the Z-axis direction, the Z1 direction is one of the optical axis directions (first direction) and is on the object side of the camera module 20, and the Z2 direction is the other of the optical axis directions (second direction) and is on the image side of the camera module 20. If the plane containing the X-axis and Y-axis is called the XY plane, then the first axis R1 and the second axis R2 are located on the XY plane. The first axis R1 and the second axis R2 are tilted at 45 degrees with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the optical unit 100 includes a movable body 2 equipped with a camera module 20, a first support mechanism 3 that supports the movable body 2, a second support mechanism 4 that supports the movable body 2 via the first support mechanism 3, a rotational support mechanism 5 that rotatably supports the first support mechanism 3 with respect to the second support mechanism 4, a support body 10 that supports the movable body 2 via the first support mechanism 3, the second support mechanism 4 and the rotational support mechanism 5, a first magnetic drive mechanism 6 and a second magnetic drive mechanism 7 that generate a magnetic force to swing the movable body 2, a third magnetic drive mechanism 8 that generates a magnetic force to rotate the movable body 2 around the optical axis L, and flexible printed circuit boards 14 and 15.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the camera module 20 comprises a lens barrel 21 that holds the lens, a rectangular main body 22 that holds the lens barrel 21, and a substrate 23 on which an image sensor is mounted. A flexible printed circuit board 14 is electrically connected to 3.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the movable body 2 includes a camera module 20 and a frame-shaped holder 24 that holds the camera module 20 inside. The lens barrel 21 protrudes in the Z1 direction from the center of the holder 24. The holder 24 is made of resin. The holder 24 includes a first side wall portion 25 and a second side wall portion 26 arranged in the X-axis direction, and a third side wall portion 27 and a fourth side wall portion 28 arranged in the Y-axis direction. The second side wall portion 26 is located in the X2 direction of the first side wall portion 25. The fourth side wall portion 28 is located in the Y2 direction of the third side wall portion 27. As shown in FIG. 3, protrusions 29 protruding in the Z2 direction are formed at the ends in the Z2 direction of the first side wall portion 25, the second side wall portion 26, and the fourth side wall portion 28. The protrusions 29 regulate the movement of the holder 24 in the Z2 direction by hitting the base plate 12 of the support body 10.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the support body 10 includes a rectangular case 9 that surrounds the outer periphery of the movable body 2, a cover 11 that covers the case 9 from the Z1 direction of the case 9, a base plate 12 that covers the cover 11 from the Z2 direction of the cover 11, and an intermediate cover 13 disposed between the movable body 2 and the case 9.

[0018] The case 9 is made of resin. The case 9 includes a first side wall portion 91 and a second side wall portion 92 arranged in the X-axis direction, and a third side wall portion 93 and a fourth side wall portion 94 arranged in the Y-axis direction. The second side wall portion 92 is located in the X2 direction of the first side wall portion 91. The fourth side wall portion 94 is located in the Y2 direction of the third side wall portion 93. The cover 11 and the base plate 12 are made of metal. As shown in FIG. 1, the lens barrel 21 is exposed from the central opening of the cover 11. The intermediate cover 13 surrounds the movable body 2 from the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The intermediate cover 13 is made of a magnetic metal.

[0019] The first support mechanism 3 rotatably supports the movable body 2 around the first axis R1. As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the first support mechanism 3 comprises a first frame 30 and a first support portion 33. The first frame 30 is made of a metal leaf spring. The first frame 30 comprises a first plate 31 positioned in the Z2 direction of the movable body 2, and a pair of first arms 32 that protrude from the first plate 31 on both sides in the first axial direction along the first axis R1 and extend toward the movable body 2 in the Z1 direction. The first plate 31 is an annular plate-shaped member. A circular opening 310 is provided in the center of the first plate 31.

[0020] The first support portion 33 is positioned between the tip of the first arm 32 and the holder 24, and rotatably supports the movable body 2 around the first axis R1. As shown in Figure 6, there are two first support portions 33. The first support portion 33 comprises a first recess 34 provided at the tip of the first arm 32 and a first receiving portion 35 facing the first recess 34. The first recess 34 is recessed radially outward. The first receiving portion 35 is made of metal. As shown in Figure 4, the first receiving portion 35 is inserted into a holding hole 245 formed at the corner of the holder 24 in the first axial direction. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first receiving portion 35 has a projection 36 that protrudes radially outward. The projection 36 fits into the first recess 34. As a result, the first frame 30 is rotatably supported by the projection 36.

[0021] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a first reinforcing plate 38 is provided on the Z2-direction surface of the first plate 31. The first reinforcing plate 38 is a metal, annular plate-like member and has substantially the same shape as the first plate 31. The first reinforcing plate 38 is fixed to the Z2-direction surface of the first plate 31. In this embodiment, the first reinforcing plate 38 is fixed to the Z2-direction surface of the first plate 31 by adhesive. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the first plate 31 even when the first frame 30 is formed from a thin plate material.

[0022] The second support mechanism 4 rotatably supports the movable body 2 around the second axis R2 via the first support mechanism 3. As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the second support mechanism 4 comprises a second frame 40 and a second support portion 43. The second frame 40 is made of a metal leaf spring. The second frame 40 is located in the Z2 direction of the first frame 30. The second frame 40 comprises a second plate 41 that overlaps the first plate 31 in the optical axis direction, and a pair of second arms 42 that protrude from the first plate 31 on both sides in the second axial direction along the second axis R2 and extend in the Z1 direction toward the case 9. The second plate 41 is an annular plate-shaped member. The second plate 41 has substantially the same shape as the first plate 31.

[0023] The second support portion 43 is positioned between the tip of the second arm 42 and the case 9, and rotatably supports the first support mechanism 3 around the second axis R2. As shown in Figure 6, there are two second support portions 43. The second support portion 43 comprises a second recess 44 provided at the tip of the second arm 42 and a second receiving portion 45 facing the second recess 44. The second recess 44 is recessed radially outward. The second receiving portion 45 is made of metal. As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the second receiving portion 45 is held by a retaining portion 98 formed on the inner wall of the case 9 in the second axial direction. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the second receiving portion 45 has a projection 46 that protrudes radially outward. The projection 46 fits into the second recess 44. As a result, the second frame 40 is rotatably supported by the projection 46.

[0024] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a second reinforcing plate 48 is provided on the Z1-direction surface of the second plate 41. The second reinforcing plate 48 is a metal, annular plate-shaped member and has substantially the same shape as the second plate 41. The second reinforcing plate 48 is fixed to the Z1-direction surface of the second plate 41. In this embodiment, the second reinforcing plate 48 is fixed to the Z1-direction surface of the second plate 41 by adhesive. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the second plate 41 even when the second frame 40 is formed from a thin plate material.

[0025] The rotation support mechanism 5 includes a shaft portion 51 that supports the first plate 31 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis L relative to the second plate 41, a radial bearing 52 disposed between the shaft portion 51 and the first plate 31, a thrust bearing 53 disposed between the first plate 31 and the second plate 41, and a cover 54.

[0026] The radial bearing 52 is a ball bearing comprising a cylindrical outer ring 521, a cylindrical inner ring 522 positioned inside the outer ring 521, and balls 523 positioned between the outer ring 521 and the inner ring 522. The outer ring 521 is press-fitted into the opening 310 from the Z1 direction. This fixes the radial bearing 52 to the first plate 31. At this time, the flange portion 524 provided at the Z1 end of the outer ring 521 contacts the first plate 31, thereby positioning the radial bearing 52 in the optical axis direction. The flange portion 524 and the first plate 31 may be fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0027] The thrust bearing 53 comprises a plurality of balls 531 positioned between the first reinforcing plate 38 and the second reinforcing plate 48 and centered on the shaft portion 51, and an annular retainer 532 having retaining holes 533 for holding the balls 531. The balls 531 correspond to the rolling elements of the present invention.

[0028] The shaft portion 51 comprises a main shaft portion 512 inserted into the inner ring 522, a flange portion 511 projecting radially outward from the Z1 end of the main shaft portion 512, and a tip shaft portion 513 having a smaller outer diameter than the main shaft portion 512. The flange portion 511 prevents the shaft portion 51 from coming out of the inner ring 522 in the Z2 direction. The flange portion 511 also contacts the first plate 31 via a radial bearing 52. The tip shaft portion 513 is located at the Z2 end of the main shaft portion 512. The central axis of the tip shaft portion 513 coincides with the central axis of the main shaft portion 512. The outer circumferential surface of the tip shaft portion 513 has male threads. A section has been formed.

[0029] The cover 54 comprises a circular end plate 541 that overlaps the second plate 41 from the Z2 direction, and an annular wall 542 that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the end plate 541 in the Z1 direction. The annular wall 542 has a first notch 543 into which the first arm 32 fits, and a second notch 544 into which the second arm 42 fits. The width of the first notch 543 is greater than the width of the first arm 32. The width of the second notch 544 is slightly greater than the width of the second arm 42. When the cover 54 overlaps the second plate 41 from the Z2 direction, the first arm 32 and the second arm 42 fit into the first notch 543 and the second notch 544, respectively, so that the annular wall 542 covers the first plate 31, the thrust bearing 53, and the second plate 41 from the outer periphery.

[0030] A cylindrical burring portion 545 is formed in the center of the end plate 541, protruding from the end plate 541 in the Z1 direction. A female threaded portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion 545. When the shaft portion 51 is inserted into the inner ring 522, the tip shaft portion 513 is screwed into the inside of the burring portion 545, thereby fixing the shaft portion 51 to the cover 54. The male threaded portion of the tip shaft portion 513 and the female threaded portion of the burring portion 545 are fixed together with adhesive. At this time, since the second arm 42 is fitted into the second notch portion 544, the second notch portion 544 functions as an anti-rotation mechanism for the second frame 40 relative to the cover 54. In this embodiment, the end plate 541 is also fixed to the second plate 41 with adhesive. As a result, the shaft portion 51 is fixed to the second plate 41 via the cover 54. As a result, the shaft portion 51 is fixed to the second plate 41, and the shaft portion 51 supports the first plate 31 so that it can rotate around the optical axis L via the radial bearing 52. The state in which the end plate 541 is fixed to the second plate 41 is such that, at a minimum, the end plate 541 is fixed so as not to rotate relative to the second plate 41.

[0031] Here, when the tip shaft portion 513 is screwed into the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion 545, the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 are sandwiched between the flange portion 511 and the end plate 541 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, by adjusting the amount the tip shaft portion 513 is screwed into the burring portion 545, the force received by the thrust bearing 53 from the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 is adjusted. In this way, by adjusting the amount the tip shaft portion 513 is screwed into the burring portion 545, the load on the first plate 31 when it rotates relative to the second plate 41 can be adjusted.

[0032] Furthermore, when the first plate 31 rotates around the optical axis L relative to the second plate 41, the first arm 32 strikes the first notch 543 in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the rotation angle range of the first plate 31 relative to the second plate 41. In other words, the first notch 543 restricts the rotation angle range of the first plate 31 relative to the second plate 41. The first notch 543 corresponds to the stopper portion of the present invention.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first magnetic drive mechanism 6 comprises a first magnet 61 fixed to the second side wall portion 26 of the holder 24, and a first coil 62 fixed to the second side wall portion 92 of the case 9 and facing the first magnet 61. The first magnet 61 extends in the Y-axis direction and is magnetized with two poles in the Z-axis direction. The first magnet 61 is fixed to a second recess 242 provided in the second side wall portion 26. The first coil 62 is fixed to a first fixing hole 95 that penetrates the second side wall portion 92.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second magnetic drive mechanism 7 comprises a second magnet 71 fixed to the third side wall portion 27 of the holder 24, and a second coil 72 fixed to the third side wall portion 93 of the case 9 and facing the second magnet 71. The second magnet 71 extends in the X-axis direction and is magnetized with two poles in the Z-axis direction. The second magnet 71 has a third recess provided in the third side wall portion 27. It is fixed to part 243. The second coil 72 is fixed to the second fixing hole 96 which penetrates the third side wall 93.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the third magnetic drive mechanism 8 comprises a third magnet 81 fixed to the first side wall portion 25 of the holder 24, and two third coils 82 fixed to the first side wall portion 91 of the case 9 and facing the third magnet 81. The third magnet 81 extends in the Y-axis direction and is magnetized with three poles in the Y-axis direction. The third magnet 81 is fixed to a first recess 241 provided in the first side wall portion 25. The third coils 82 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The third coils 82 are fixed to a third fixing hole 97 that penetrates the first side wall portion 91. Here, the first coil 62, the second coil 72, and the third coils 82 are electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board 15. The flexible printed circuit board 15 is arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the case 9.

[0036] When the first magnetic drive mechanism 6 and the second magnetic drive mechanism 7 generate magnetic force, the movable body 2, being supported by the first support mechanism 3 and the second support mechanism 4, oscillates in the XY plane. When the third magnetic drive mechanism 8 generates magnetic force, the movable body 2, being supported by the rotation support mechanism 5 via the first support mechanism 3, rotates around the optical axis L.

[0037] (Effects and Benefits) In this embodiment of the optical unit 100, the rotation support mechanism 5 includes a shaft portion 51 that supports the first support mechanism 3 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis L relative to the second support mechanism 4. As a result, the shaft portion 51 supports the first support mechanism 3 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis L relative to the second support mechanism 4, thus simplifying the structure of the rotation support mechanism 5.

[0038] The first support mechanism 3 comprises a first plate 31 positioned in the Z2 direction of the movable body 2, a pair of first arms 32 protruding from the first plate 31 on both sides in the first axial direction along the first axis R1 and extending toward the movable body 2, and a first support portion 33 positioned between the tip of the first arm 32 and the holder 24, which rotatably supports the movable body 2 around the first axis R1. The second support mechanism 4 comprises a second plate 41 positioned in the Z2 direction of the movable body 2 and overlapping the first plate 31 in the optical axis direction, a pair of second arms 42 protruding from the second plate 41 on both sides in the second axial direction along the second axis R2 and extending toward the case 9 of the support body 10, and a second support portion 43 positioned between the tip of the second arm 42 and the case 9, which rotatably supports the first support mechanism 3 around the second axis R2. The shaft portion 51 supports the first plate 31 so that it can rotate around the optical axis L relative to the second plate 41. As a result, the shaft portion 51 supports the first plate 31 so that it can rotate around the optical axis L relative to the second plate 41, which allows the thickness of the rotation support mechanism 5 in the optical axis direction to be reduced.

[0039] The first plate 31 and the second plate 41 are arranged in the Z2 direction of the movable body 2. If the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 were arranged in the Z1 direction of the movable body 2, the shaft portion 51 would need to be a hollow shaft so as not to obstruct the imaging of the camera module 20. In this case, since the shaft portion 51 is a hollow shaft, the shaft portion 51 becomes larger in the radial direction. In contrast, in the optical unit 100 of this embodiment, since the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 are arranged in the Z2 direction of the movable body 2, it is not necessary to make the shaft portion 51 a hollow shaft so as not to obstruct the imaging of the camera module 20, and the radial dimensions of the rotation support mechanism 5 can be reduced.

[0040] The shaft portion 51 is fixed to the second plate 41 via the cover 11. The rotation support mechanism 5 includes a radial bearing 52 positioned between the first plate 31 and the shaft portion 51. The radial bearing 52 is a bearing. This allows the first plate 31 to rotate smoothly relative to the shaft portion 51.

[0041] The rotation support mechanism 5 includes a thrust bearing 53 positioned between the first plate 31 and the second plate 41. The thrust bearing 53 is positioned between the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 and includes a plurality of balls 531 centered on the shaft portion 51, and an annular retainer 532 having retaining holes 533 for holding the balls 531. As a result, when the first plate 31 rotates around the shaft portion 51, the first plate 31 is less likely to tilt relative to the second plate 41, so that the first plate 31 can rotate stably relative to the second plate 41. In addition, because the thrust bearing 53 includes balls 531, the first plate 31 can rotate smoothly relative to the second plate 41.

[0042] The rotation support mechanism 5 includes a first notch 543 (stopper portion) for restricting the rotation angle range of the first plate 31 relative to the second plate 41. This prevents the first plate 31 from rotating too much relative to the second plate 41 and causing excessive load on the optical unit 100 even if an impact is applied to the optical unit 100.

[0043] A male threaded portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip shaft portion 513. A cylindrical burring portion 545 is formed in the center of the end plate 541, protruding from the end plate 541 in the Z1 direction. A female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion 545. The end plate 541 is fixed to the second plate 41. The shaft portion 51 is fixed to the second plate 41 via the end plate 541 by screwing the tip shaft portion 513 into the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion 545. When the tip shaft portion 513 is screwed into the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion 545, the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 are sandwiched between the flange portion 511 and the end plate 541 in the optical axis direction. By adjusting the amount the tip shaft portion 513 is screwed into the burring portion 545, the force received by the thrust bearing 53 from the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 is adjusted. This allows the load on the first plate 31 when it rotates relative to the second plate 41 to be adjusted by adjusting the amount the tip shaft portion 513 is screwed into the burring portion 545.

[0044] (modified version) The rotary support mechanism 5 in the above configuration was equipped with a radial bearing 52 and a thrust bearing 53, but the modified rotary support mechanism 5 does not need to be equipped with a radial bearing 52 and a thrust bearing 53. Alternatively, the modified rotary support mechanism 5 may be equipped with either a radial bearing 52 or a thrust bearing 53.

[0045] In the optical unit 100 of the above configuration, the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 are arranged in the Z2 direction of the movable body 2. However, in the modified optical unit 100, the first plate 31 and the second plate 41 may be arranged in the Z1 direction of the movable body 2. In this case, the shaft portion 51 can be made a hollow shaft in order to avoid obstructing the imaging of the camera module 20.

[0046] In the optical unit 100 of the above configuration, the first plate 31 is located in the Z2 direction of the second plate 41, but in the modified optical unit 100, the first plate 31 may be located in the Z1 direction of the second plate 41.

[0047] In the above-described rotary support mechanism 5, the stopper portion was a first notch 543 formed in the annular wall 542, but the stopper portion is not limited to this configuration. The stopper portion can be any configuration that restricts the rotation angle range of the first plate 31 relative to the second plate 41.

[0048] In the optical unit 100 of the above configuration, the end plate 541 was fixed to the second plate 41 with adhesive, but the fixing method is not limited to adhesive. Any configuration is acceptable as long as it is fixed to the to 41. Furthermore, the state in which the end plate 541 is fixed to the second plate 41 is such that the end plate 541 does not rotate relative to the second plate 41, so adhesive does not need to be used.

[0049] The modified radial bearing 52 may be a sliding bearing without balls 523. The modified radial bearing 52 may have cylindrical rolling elements instead of balls 523.

[0050] The modified thrust bearing 53 may be a sliding bearing without balls 531. The modified thrust bearing 53 may have cylindrical rolling elements instead of balls 531.

[0051] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows:

[0052] (1) A movable body comprising a camera module and a holder for holding the camera module, A first support mechanism that rotatably supports the movable body around a first axis intersecting the optical axis of the camera module, A second support mechanism rotatably supports the movable body via the first support mechanism around a second axis intersecting the optical axis and the first axis, A rotating support mechanism comprising a shaft portion that supports the first support mechanism so as to be rotatable around the optical axis relative to the second support mechanism, A support body that supports the movable body via the first support mechanism, the second support mechanism and the rotation support mechanism, An optical unit with shake correction function, characterized by being equipped with the following features.

[0053] (2) In the optical axis direction along the aforementioned optical axis, if the object side of the camera module is designated as the first direction and the image side as the second direction, The first support mechanism comprises a first plate positioned in one of the first and second directions of the movable body, a pair of first arms projecting from the first plate toward both sides in the first axial direction along the first axis and extending toward the movable body, and a first support portion positioned between the tip of the first arm and the holder, which rotatably supports the movable body about the first axis. The second support mechanism comprises: a second plate positioned in one of the first and second directions of the movable body and overlapping the first plate in the optical axis direction; a pair of second arms projecting from the second plate to both sides in the second axial direction along the second axis and extending toward the support; and a second support portion positioned between the tip of the second arm and the support, which rotatably supports the first support mechanism about the second axis. The optical unit with shake correction function according to (1), characterized in that the shaft portion supports the first plate so as to be rotatable with respect to the second plate around the optical axis.

[0054] (3) The optical unit with shake correction function according to (2), characterized in that the first plate and the second plate are arranged in the second direction of the movable body.

[0055] (4) The shaft portion is fixed to one of the first plate and the second plate. The optical unit with runout correction function according to (3), characterized in that the rotation support mechanism comprises a radial bearing disposed between the other of the first plate and the second plate and the shaft portion.

[0056] (5) The optical unit with vibration correction function according to any one of (2) to (4), characterized in that the rotation support mechanism comprises a thrust bearing disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

[0057] (6) The optical unit with runout correction function according to (5), characterized in that the thrust bearing comprises a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the first plate and the second plate and centered on the shaft portion, and an annular retainer having retaining holes for holding the rolling elements.

[0058] (7) The optical unit with shake correction function according to any one of (2) to (6), characterized in that the rotation support mechanism includes a stopper portion for restricting the rotation angle range of the first plate relative to the second plate.

[0059] (8) The rotation support mechanism comprises a circular end plate positioned in one of the first and second directions of the first and second plates and overlapping the first and second plates in the optical axis direction, and an annular wall projecting from the outer edge of the end plate in the other direction of the first and second directions, The annular wall has a notch formed in which one of the first arm and the second arm is fitted from the direction of the optical axis. The aforementioned notch is the stopper portion, The optical unit with shake correction function according to (7), characterized in that when the first plate rotates relative to the second plate, one of the first arm and the second arm contacts the notch in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the range of rotation angle.

[0060] (9) The shaft portion comprises a main shaft portion, a flange portion projecting radially outward from one end of the main shaft portion, and a tip shaft portion located at the other end of the main shaft portion and having a smaller outer diameter than the main shaft portion. The rotation support mechanism is arranged in one of the first and second directions of the first plate and the second plate, and includes a circular end plate that overlaps with the first plate and the second plate in the optical axis direction. A male screw portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip shaft portion. A cylindrical burring portion is formed in the center of the end plate, protruding from the end plate in the direction of the optical axis. A female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion. The end plate is fixed to one of the first plate and the second plate. The shaft portion is fixed to one of the first plate and the second plate via the end plate by screwing the tip shaft portion into the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion. When the tip shaft portion is screwed into the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion, the first plate and the second plate are sandwiched between the flange portion and the end plate in the optical axis direction. The optical unit with runout correction function according to (5) or (6), characterized in that the force received by the thrust bearing from the first plate and the second plate is adjusted by adjusting the amount of screwing the tip shaft portion into the burring portion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 100...Optical unit, 2...Movable body, 3...First support mechanism, 4...Second support mechanism, 5...Rotation support mechanism, 6...First magnetic drive mechanism, 7...Second magnetic drive mechanism, 8...Third magnetic drive mechanism, 9...Ke 10...Support, 11...Cover, 12...Base plate, 13...Intermediate cover, 14-15...Flexible printed circuit board, 20...Camera module, 21...Lens barrel, 22...Main body, 23...Substrate, 24...Holder, 25...First side wall, 26...Second side wall, 27...Third side wall, 28...Fourth side wall, 29...Protrusion, 30...First frame, 31...First plate 32...First arm, 33...First support part, 34...First recess, 35...First receiving part, 36...Protrusion, 38...First reinforcing plate, 40...Second frame, 41...Second plate, 42...Second arm, 43...Second support part, 44...Second recess, 45...Second receiving part, 46...Protrusion, 48...Second reinforcing plate, 51...Shaft part, 52...Radial bearing, 53...Thrust bearing, 54...C Bar, 61...First magnet, 62...First coil, 71...Second magnet, 72...Second coil, 81...Third magnet, 82...Third coil, 91...First side wall, 92...Second side wall, 93...Third side wall, 94...Fourth side wall, 95...First fixing hole, 96...Second fixing hole, 97...Third fixing hole, 98...Holding part, 241...First recess, 242...Second recess, 243...Third recess, 245...Holding 310…Opening, 511…Flange, 512…Main shaft, 513…Tip shaft, 521…Outer ring, 522…Inner ring, 523…Ball, 524…Flange, 531…Ball, 532…Retainer, 533…Holding hole, 541…End plate, 542…Annular wall, 543…First notch, 544…Second notch, 545…Burring section, L…Optical axis, R1…First axis, R2…Second axis.

Claims

1. A movable body comprising a camera module and a holder for holding the camera module, A first support mechanism that rotatably supports the movable body around a first axis intersecting the optical axis of the camera module, A second support mechanism rotatably supports the movable body via the first support mechanism around a second axis intersecting the optical axis and the first axis, A rotating support mechanism comprising a shaft portion that supports the first support mechanism so as to be rotatable around the optical axis relative to the second support mechanism, A support body that supports the movable body via the first support mechanism, the second support mechanism, and the rotation support mechanism, An optical unit with shake correction function, characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. In the optical axis direction along the aforementioned optical axis, if the object side of the camera module is designated as the first direction and the image side as the second direction, The first support mechanism comprises a first plate positioned in one of the first and second directions of the movable body, a pair of first arms projecting from the first plate toward both sides in the first axial direction along the first axis and extending toward the movable body, and a first support portion positioned between the tip of the first arm and the holder, which rotatably supports the movable body about the first axis. The second support mechanism is arranged in one of the first and second directions of the movable body and comprises a second plate that overlaps the first plate in the optical axis direction, a pair of second arms that protrude from the second plate on both sides in the second axial direction along the second axis and extend toward the support, and a second support portion arranged between the tip of the second arm and the support, which rotatably supports the first support mechanism about the second axis. The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft portion supports the first plate so that it can rotate around the optical axis relative to the second plate.

3. The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 2, characterized in that the first plate and the second plate are arranged in the second direction of the movable body.

4. The shaft portion is fixed to one of the first plate and the second plate. The optical unit with runout correction function according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotation support mechanism comprises a radial bearing disposed between the other of the first plate and the second plate and the shaft portion.

5. The optical unit with runout correction function according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the rotation support mechanism comprises a thrust bearing disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

6. The optical unit with runout correction function according to claim 5, characterized in that the thrust bearing comprises a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the first plate and the second plate and centered on the shaft portion, and an annular retainer having retaining holes for holding the rolling elements.

7. The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotation support mechanism includes a stopper portion for restricting the rotation angle range of the first plate relative to the second plate.

8. The rotational support mechanism is configured such that the first plate and the second plate are in the first direction and It comprises a circular end plate positioned in one of the second directions and overlapping the first plate and the second plate in the optical axis direction, and an annular wall projecting from the outer edge of the end plate in the other direction of the first and second directions, The annular wall has a notch formed in which one of the first arm and the second arm is fitted from the direction of the optical axis. The aforementioned notch is the stopper portion, The optical unit with shake correction function according to claim 7, characterized in that when the first plate rotates relative to the second plate, one of the first arm and the second arm contacts the notch in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the range of rotation angle.

9. The shaft portion comprises a main shaft portion, a flange portion projecting radially outward from one end of the main shaft portion, and a tip shaft portion located at the other end of the main shaft portion and having a smaller outer diameter than the main shaft portion. The rotation support mechanism is arranged in one of the first and second directions of the first plate and the second plate, and includes a circular end plate that overlaps with the first plate and the second plate in the optical axis direction, A male screw portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip shaft portion. A cylindrical burring portion is formed in the center of the end plate, protruding from the end plate in the direction of the optical axis. A female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion. The end plate is fixed to one of the first plate and the second plate. The shaft portion is fixed to one of the first plate and the second plate via the end plate by screwing the tip shaft portion into the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion. When the tip shaft portion is screwed into the inner circumferential surface of the burring portion, the first plate and the second plate are sandwiched between the flange portion and the end plate in the optical axis direction. The optical unit with runout correction function according to claim 5, characterized in that the force received by the thrust bearing from the first plate and the second plate is adjusted by adjusting the amount of screwing the tip shaft portion into the burring portion.

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