Image capture device and shake suppression method

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus and a vibration suppression method, capable of satisfying both of the suppression of a vibration caused by the actuation of a shutter and the holding of the position of a shutter unit with high accuracy.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes a shutter unit 24 having a shutter for adjusting the light quantity of subject light made incident on an image sensor through an imaging optical system. The shutter unit is attached to a frame 52. At least three or more elastic members 110 are arranged in the outer periphery of the contour in a front view of the shutter unit and support the shutter unit by pressing the shutter unit from a frame side. Each of at least three or more elastic members is elastically deformed in a first direction which is a direction where the shutter unit is pressed from the frame side and a second direction which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The respective first directions of at least three or more elastic members cross each other at a specific place inside the contour.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus and a shake suppression method. [Background technology]

[0002] The blur-corrected camera described in JP 2011-107439 A includes a shooting optical system, an image sensor, a blur correction means, a shooting control unit, an imaging main body unit including a shutter button and a shutter spring, a frame that supports the imaging main body unit for rotation, and a support spring that is held by the frame and supports the imaging main body unit.

[0003] The imaging device described in WO 2020 / 021956 includes an imaging element provided in a device body and having an imaging surface perpendicular to the optical axis of light that forms an optical image, and a shutter unit that adjusts the amount of light incident on the imaging element. The shutter unit has a support member and a shutter member provided in the device body. The shutter member is supported by the support member and moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The imaging device described in WO 2020 / 021956 further includes an image stabilization unit provided in the device body and corrects the amount of camera shake by moving the imaging element in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a plurality of elastic members that are arranged on at least one side and the other side of a virtual line that passes through the center of gravity of the shutter unit and is perpendicular to the optical axis when viewed from the optical axis direction of the optical axis, and that contact the device body and the support member. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the technique disclosed herein provides an imaging device and a vibration suppression method that can simultaneously suppress vibrations that occur due to shutter operation and maintain the position of the shutter unit with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an imaging device comprising a shutter unit having a shutter that adjusts the amount of subject light incident on an image sensor via an imaging optical system, the shutter unit being attached to a frame, the imaging device comprising at least three or more elastic members, the at least three or more elastic members being arranged on the outer periphery of the outline of the shutter unit when viewed from the front, and supporting the shutter unit by pressing against the shutter unit from the frame side, each of the at least three or more elastic members elastically deforming in a first direction in which the shutter unit is pressed from the frame side and a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and the first directions of each of the at least three or more elastic members intersect with each other at a specific location inside the outline.

[0006] A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an imaging device according to the first aspect, in which at least three or more elastic members are arranged at locations that form a polygon with each position of the at least three or more elastic members as vertices, and the specific location is located inside the polygon.

[0007] A third aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the second aspect, in which the interval between adjacent vertices of the polygon is less than 180 degrees in the circumferential direction around the specific point when viewed from the front.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an imaging device according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a shake correction mechanism that corrects shake by moving the image sensor within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system, the shake correction mechanism being attached to the frame.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the imaging optical system is attachable to a frame and has an anti-vibration lens that corrects shake by moving within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the elastic force in a first direction is greater than the elastic force in a second direction for at least three or more elastic members.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the shutter unit is supported from the outer periphery by at least three or more elastic members in a state in which it can swing against the elastic force of the at least three or more elastic members.

[0012] An eighth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the specific location is a location inside the contour.

[0013] A ninth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the eighth aspect, in which the one location coincides with the center of gravity of the shutter unit when viewed from the front.

[0014] A tenth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the eighth aspect, in which the one location is the center of gravity of the shutter unit.

[0015] An eleventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which a first direction of at least one elastic member among the at least three or more elastic members coincides with the vertical direction when the imaging device performs imaging in a standard posture.

[0016] A twelfth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device relating to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, in which at least three or more elastic members are arranged in a compressed state in a first direction between the frame and the shutter unit on the outer periphery when the position of the shutter unit is in a reference position, and the elastic deformation amount of the at least three or more elastic members when the position of the shutter unit is in the reference position is greater than or equal to the movable amount of the shutter unit.

[0017] A thirteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to the twelfth aspect, in which the amount of vertical movement of the shutter unit when the imaging device captures images in a standard posture is less than or equal to the movable amount of the shutter unit.

[0018] A fourteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the shutter unit has a rotating member connected to the shutter and opens and closes the shutter by rotational motion, the shutter unit oscillates along the second direction by being subjected to a rotational force generated by the rotational motion of the rotating member, and the elastic force of at least three or more elastic members is an elastic force that makes the amount of oscillation of the shutter unit along the second direction less than the maximum amount of oscillation that the shutter unit can oscillate along the second direction.

[0019] A fifteenth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, in which the shutter is a focal plane shutter.

[0020] A sixteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, in which at least one of the at least three or more elastic members is a compression coil spring.

[0021] A seventeenth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the imaging device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, further comprising a holding mechanism that holds the position of the end of the elastic member.

[0022] An 18th aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to the 17th aspect, in which the holding mechanism has a first fastener and a first engagement member that engages with the first fastener, one of the first fastener and the first engagement member is provided on one of the frame and the first end of the elastic member, and the other of the first fastener and the first engagement member is provided on the other of the frame and the first end.

[0023] A 19th aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to the 17th or 18th aspect, in which the holding mechanism has a second fastener and a second engagement member that engages with the second fastener, one of the second fastener and the second engagement member is provided on one of the shutter unit and the second end of the elastic member, and the other of the second fastener and the second engagement member is provided on the other of the shutter unit and the second end.

[0024] A twentieth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, further comprising a friction material interposed between the frame and the shutter unit and using frictional force to regulate misalignment between the frame and the shutter unit.

[0025] A 21st aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an imaging device according to any one of the 1st to 20th aspects, wherein the specific location is a predetermined range on the inside, and the predetermined range is a range in which vibration damping performance equivalent to the vibration damping performance for the shutter unit by at least three or more elastic members when the specific location is the center of gravity is exhibited by adjusting the elastic coefficient of at least one of the at least three or more elastic members.

[0026] A 22nd aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a shake suppression method applied to an imaging device comprising a shutter unit having a shutter that adjusts the amount of subject light incident on an image sensor via an imaging optical system, and at least three or more elastic members, and in which the shutter unit is attached to a frame, the shake suppression method including: arranging the at least three or more elastic members around the outer periphery of the contour of the shutter unit when viewed from the front; supporting the shutter unit by pressing the shutter unit from the frame side against the at least three or more elastic members; elastically deforming each of the at least three or more elastic members in a first direction in which each of the at least three or more elastic members presses the shutter unit from the frame side, and a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; and causing the first directions of each of the at least three or more elastic members to intersect with each other at specific locations inside the contour. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of the external appearance of a camera body, a shutter unit, and an image sensor when viewed from the front side of a digital camera. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an optical system and an electrical system of a digital camera. [Diagram 3] 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a rear side configuration of a front frame and a shutter unit. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic rear view showing an example of the configuration of the shutter unit when viewed from the rear side of the digital camera. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the configuration of the front frame and the shutter unit when the shutter unit is attached to the front frame as viewed from the bottom side of the digital camera. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic rear view showing an example of the configuration of the front frame and the shutter unit attached to the front frame when viewed from the rear side of the digital camera. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the configuration of the front frame and the shutter unit when viewed from the bottom side of the digital camera, showing a state in which the shutter unit is attached to the front frame and is pressed by multiple compression coil springs from the outer periphery of the shutter unit toward the intersection on a virtual line passing through the center of gravity in the Z direction. [Figure 8] 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a state in which a compression coil spring is elastically deformed in a second direction as a shutter unit swings in the second direction. FIG. [Figure 9]This is a schematic rear view showing an example of the configuration of the front frame and the shutter unit when viewed from the rear side of the digital camera, with the shutter unit attached to the front frame and pressed by four compression coil springs from the outer periphery of the shutter unit toward the intersection on a virtual line passing through the center of gravity in the Z direction. [Figure 10] This is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the configuration of the front frame and the shutter unit when viewed from the bottom side of the digital camera, with the shutter unit attached to the front frame and pressed from the outer periphery of the shutter unit toward the center of gravity by multiple compression coil springs. [Figure 11] This is a schematic rear view showing an example of the configuration of the front frame and the shutter unit when viewed from the rear side of the digital camera, with the shutter unit attached to the front frame and pressed by three compression coil springs from the outer periphery of the shutter unit toward a predetermined range including the center of gravity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of an imaging apparatus and a shake suppression method according to the technique of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0030] CPU is an abbreviation for "Central Processing Unit". RAM is an abbreviation for "Random Access Memory". NVM is an abbreviation for "Non-Volatile Memory". ASIC is an abbreviation for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit". PLD is an abbreviation for "Programmable Logic Device". FPGA is an abbreviation for "Field-Programmable Gate Array". CMOS is an abbreviation for "Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor". CCD is an abbreviation for "Charge Coupled Device". OIS is an abbreviation for "Optical Image Stabilization". BIS is an abbreviation for "Body Image Stabilization". QCD is an abbreviation for "Quality Cost Delivery".

[0031] In the description of this specification, "vertical" refers to vertical in the sense of including, in addition to completely perpendicular, an error that is generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and an error that does not go against the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in the description of this specification, "orthogonal" refers to orthogonal in the sense of including, in addition to completely perpendicular, an error that is generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and an error that does not go against the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in the description of this specification, "parallel" refers to parallel in the sense of including, in addition to completely parallel, an error that is generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and an error that does not go against the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in the description of this specification, "same" refers to same in the sense of including, in addition to completely same, an error that is generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and an error that does not go against the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0032] As an example, as shown in Fig. 1, a digital camera 10 is an example of an "imaging device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The digital camera 10 may be a consumer digital camera, an industrial digital camera, or a military digital camera. Specific examples of the digital camera 10 include a digital single-lens reflex camera, a digital compact camera, a digital camera mounted on a smart device (e.g., a smartphone), and a surveillance camera.

[0033] The digital camera 10 includes a camera body 12. A lens mount 14 is provided on the front of the camera body 12. The lens mount 14 has an opening 16. The opening 16 has a circular shape when the digital camera 10 is viewed from the front. An interchangeable imaging lens 18 (see FIG. 2) is removably attached to the lens mount 14.

[0034] The camera body 12 is equipped with an image sensor 20. The image sensor 20 is a CMOS image sensor. The image sensor 20 has an imaging surface 20A. The imaging surface 20A is disposed in a position directly facing the opening 16 and is exposed to the outside through the opening 16. Subject light indicating a subject is incident into the camera body 12 through the opening 16 and is received by the imaging surface 20A. The imaging surface 20A has a plurality of photosensitive pixels arranged two-dimensionally. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the imaging surface 20A is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front side of the digital camera 10. An optical image 22 is formed on the imaging surface 20A by focusing the subject light by the imaging lens 18.

[0035] The CMOS image sensor 20 photoelectrically converts the subject light received on the imaging surface 20A, and outputs the electrical signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion as an image signal. The image signal is output to, for example, a storage device and / or a display (not shown). The storage device holds the image signal, and the display displays an image (an image showing the subject) based on the image signal.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the rectangular shape of the imaging surface 20A when viewed from the front side of the digital camera 10 is formed by two opposite sides 20A1 and two opposite sides 20A2. The side 20A1 is a side in the longitudinal direction of the imaging surface 20A, and the side 20A2 is a side in the lateral direction of the imaging surface 20A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image sensor 20 is provided in the camera body 12 so that the side 20A1 is parallel to the horizontal plane and the side 20A2 is parallel to the vertical plane. In this way, the posture of the digital camera 10 when the side 20A1 is parallel to the horizontal plane and the side 20A2 is parallel to the vertical plane is also referred to as the "standard posture" below.

[0037] It should be noted that the definition of the standard posture here is merely one example. For example, it is possible to define the posture of digital camera 10 when side 20A2 is parallel to the horizontal plane and side 20A1 is parallel to the vertical plane as the "standard posture." It is sufficient to appropriately specify which posture of digital camera 10 is the standard posture.

[0038] Also, for ease of explanation, hereinafter, the direction parallel to side 20A1 will be referred to as the X direction, the direction parallel to side 20A2 will be referred to as the Y direction, and the front view depth direction relative to camera body 12, i.e., the direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction, will be referred to as the X direction.

[0039] The camera body 12 is equipped with a shutter unit 24. The shutter unit 24 is disposed between the lens mount 14 and the image sensor 20 in the Z direction. The shutter unit 24 has an opening 24A. The opening 24A is formed in a position directly facing the imaging surface 20A when viewed from the Z direction. The opening 24A is formed to a size large enough to accommodate the imaging surface 20A when viewed from the Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, as an example of the opening 24A, an opening formed in a rectangular shape larger than the outer contour of the imaging surface 20A when viewed from the Z direction is shown.

[0040] 2, the camera body 12 includes an exterior frame 26. A holding frame 28 is housed in the exterior frame 26. The holding frame 28 is an example of a "frame" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The holding frame 28 is a frame that holds various devices, and is fixed to the inner wall of the exterior frame 26.

[0041] The holding frame 28 has a lens mount 14. In the example shown in FIG. 2, an imaging lens 18 is attached to the lens mount 14. The imaging lens 18 has an imaging optical system 30. The imaging optical system 30 includes a plurality of optical elements. Examples of the plurality of optical elements include a plurality of lenses and an aperture (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 2, an objective lens 30A and an anti-vibration lens 30B are shown as an example of a plurality of lenses. The objective lens 30A and the anti-vibration lens 30B are arranged in this order along the optical axis OA from the subject side to the image sensor 20 side. Subject light passes through the objective lens 30A and the anti-vibration lens 30B and forms an image on the imaging surface 20A.

[0042] Incidentally, in the digital camera 10, vibrations (hereinafter also simply referred to as "vibrations") applied to the digital camera 10 cause vibrations to cause the optical axis OA to tilt with respect to a reference axis, resulting in a change in the subject image formed on the imaging surface 20A. The "reference axis" referred to here refers to, for example, the optical axis OA in a state where no vibrations are applied. Subject images include the optical image 22 (see FIG. 1) and an electronic image (not shown). An electronic image refers to, for example, an electronic image based on an image signal. The subject image changes as the positional relationship between the optical axis OA and the imaging surface 20A changes.

[0043] The digital camera 10 is equipped with an optical shake correction mechanism 32 to correct shake. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the optical shake correction mechanism 32 is mounted on the imaging lens 18. The optical shake correction mechanism 32 includes an anti-shake lens 30B and an actuator 34, and optically corrects shake by moving the anti-shake lens 30B. In this embodiment, "shake correction" includes the meaning of reducing shake in addition to eliminating shake.

[0044] In this embodiment, OIS is adopted as one of the shake correction methods by the optical shake correction mechanism 32. OIS refers to a method of correcting shake by moving the vibration-proof lens 30B based on vibration data obtained by detecting vibrations with a vibration sensor 38 (described later). Specifically, shake correction is performed by moving the vibration-proof lens 30B in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis OA, that is, a plane defined by the X-axis direction and the Y direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "XY plane"), in a direction that cancels the shake, by an amount that cancels the shake.

[0045] An actuator 34 is attached to the anti-vibration lens 30B. The actuator 34 is a shift mechanism equipped with a coil motor, and by driving the coil motor, the anti-vibration lens 30B is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the anti-vibration lens 30B. Note that, although a shift mechanism equipped with a coil motor is exemplified as the actuator 34 here, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and other drive sources such as a stepping motor or a piezoelectric element may be applied instead of the coil motor.

[0046] The holding frame 28 houses the image sensor 20, the shutter unit 24, the control device 36, the vibration sensor 38, and the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40. The image sensor 20, the shutter unit 24, the control device 36, the vibration sensor 38, and the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40 are fixed to the holding frame 28. Note that the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40 is an example of the "shake correction mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0047] The control device 36 controls the entire digital camera 10. The control device 36 is realized by a device mainly composed of a computer having a CPU, RAM, and NVM. Note that, although an example in which the control device 36 is realized by a device mainly composed of a computer is given here, the control device 36 is not limited to the technology of the present disclosure, and may be a device including an ASIC, an FPGA, and / or a PLD, or may be realized by a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0048] The control device 36 is connected to the image sensor 20 , controls the operation of the image sensor 20 , and acquires an image signal from the image sensor 20 .

[0049] The vibration sensor 38 is a device including a gyro sensor, and detects vibrations given to the digital camera 10. Examples of vibrations given to the digital camera 10 include vibrations given to the digital camera 10 by a user holding the digital camera 10, vibrations caused by wind on the digital camera 10 placed on a support such as a tripod, and vibrations given from a vehicle. The control device 36 is connected to the vibration sensor 38, and acquires the detection results from the vibration sensor 38.

[0050] The shutter unit 24 adjusts the amount of subject light incident through the imaging optical system 30 by a focal plane shutter method. The shutter unit 24 includes a shutter frame 42, a front curtain 44, a rear curtain 46, and a drive unit 48. An opening 24A is formed in the shutter frame 42. The shutter frame 42 houses and holds the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46, which are an example of a "focal plane shutter" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Each of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 includes a plurality of blades, and adjusts the amount of subject light incident through the imaging optical system 30 by operating the plurality of blades. Within the shutter frame 42, the front curtain 44 is disposed closer to the subject than the rear curtain 46.

[0051] 2 shows a state in which the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are fully open. In the fully open state, the multiple blades of the front curtain 44 are housed in a stacked manner at the lower edge of the shutter frame 42, and the multiple blades of the rear curtain 46 are housed in a stacked manner at the upper edge of the shutter frame 42.

[0052] The driving device 48 includes a driving source 82 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) and a power transmission mechanism 84 (see FIGS. 3 to 5). An example of the driving source 82 is a solenoid. The driving source 82 is not limited to a solenoid, and may be a combination of a solenoid and a motor, or may be another type of driving source such as a motor. An example of the power transmission mechanism 84 is a mechanism including a plurality of gears and a link mechanism. The power transmission mechanism 84 is a mechanism that transmits the power generated by the driving source 82 to the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46. The driving device 48 is connected to the control device 36. Specifically, the driving source 82 of the driving device 48 is connected to the control device 36, and the driving source 82 generates power under the control of the control device 36.

[0053] The leading curtain 44 and the trailing curtain 46 are mechanically connected to a drive device 48. The drive device 48 generates leading curtain power under the control of the control device 36, and applies the generated leading curtain power to the leading curtain 44, thereby selectively winding up and down the leading curtain 44. The drive device 48 also generates trailing curtain power under the control of the control device 36, and applies the generated trailing curtain power to the trailing curtain 46, thereby selectively winding up and down the trailing curtain 46.

[0054] The camera body side shake correction mechanism 40 is a mechanism that corrects shake by the BIS method. BIS refers to a method of correcting shake by moving the vibration-proof lens 30B based on vibration data obtained by detecting vibrations with the vibration sensor 38.

[0055] In order to achieve the correction of shake in the BIS method, the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40 includes an actuator 50. The actuator 50 is provided on the image sensor 20 and fixed to the holding frame 28. The actuator 50 is connected to the control device 36 and operates under the control of the control device 36. The actuator 50 is a shift mechanism equipped with a coil motor, and moves the image sensor 20 by driving the coil motor according to instructions from the control device 36. Specifically, the control device 36 acquires the detection result by the vibration sensor 38, and controls the actuator 50 based on the acquired result to move the image sensor 20 in the XY plane in the direction to cancel the shake and by the amount to cancel the shake.

[0056] The control device 36 is also connected to the actuator 34 of the optical shake correction mechanism 32. The actuator 34 operates under the control of the control device 36. That is, the actuator 34 moves the vibration-proof lens 30B by driving the coil motor according to instructions from the control device 36. Specifically, the control device 36 acquires the detection result by the vibration sensor 38, and controls the actuator 34 based on the acquired result, thereby moving the vibration-proof lens 30B in the XY plane in a direction that cancels out the shake and by an amount that cancels out the shake.

[0057] The holding frame 28 is a frame formed by combining multiple frames. Examples of the multiple frames include a front frame 52 (see FIG. 3) and a rear frame (not shown). The holding frame 28 is formed by assembling the rear frame to the front frame 52.

[0058] As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the front frame 52 has a lens mount 14, and an opening 16 is formed in the lens mount 14. A flat surface 54 parallel to the XY plane is formed on the rear surface 53 of the front frame 52. A side wall 56 is formed on the outer periphery of the flat surface 54. The side wall 56 extends along the Z direction toward the rear side of the digital camera 10, and is formed integrally with the flat surface 54. The side wall 56 is roughly divided into a lower wall 56A and a left side wall 56B. The lower wall 56A extends along the Z direction from the lower edge of the outer periphery of the flat surface 54 as viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the rear side of the digital camera 10. The left side wall 56B extends along the Z direction from the left edge of the outer periphery of the flat surface 54 as viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the rear side of the digital camera 10.

[0059] Brackets 58, 60, and 62 are erected on the rear surface 53. The bracket 58 is formed in a thin plate shape and is disposed in the upper left when the flat surface 54 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The bracket 58 stands vertically to the flat surface 54. In other words, the bracket 58 extends from the flat surface 54 side to the rear side of the digital camera 10 along the Z direction. Among the surfaces of the bracket 58, a wide surface 58A is a plane parallel to a plane defined by the Y direction and the Z direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "YZ plane"). The bracket 58 has a notch 58B. The notch 58B is formed in a shape that widens with a step from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the center of the bracket 58.

[0060] The bracket 60 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is disposed in the lower right portion when the flat surface 54 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The bracket 60 stands perpendicular to the flat surface 54. In other words, the bracket 60 extends from the flat surface 54 side to the rear side of the digital camera 10 along the Z direction. Among the surfaces of the bracket 60, a wide surface 60A is a plane parallel to a plane defined by the X direction and the Z direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "XZ plane"). The bracket 60 has a notch 60B. The notch 60B is formed in a stepped shape that widens from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the center of the bracket 60.

[0061] The bracket 62 is formed in a thin plate shape and is disposed in the upper right part when the rear surface 53 of the front frame 52 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The bracket 58 stands upright with respect to the flat surface 54. In other words, the bracket 60 extends from the rear surface 53 side to the rear side of the digital camera 10 along the Z direction. The wide surface 62A of the surface of the bracket 62 is a plane that slopes downward from the upper right part to the right side of the digital camera 10 in the rear view from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The bracket 62 has a notch 62B. The notch 62B is formed in a shape that widens with a step from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the center of the bracket 58.

[0062] Friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 are provided on the flat surface 54. The friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 are interposed between the front frame 52 and the shutter unit 24, and use frictional force to restrict misalignment between the front frame 52 and the shutter unit 24. Here, cylindrical sponges are used as an example of each of the friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70.

[0063] The friction material 64 is disposed in the upper left portion when the flat surface 54 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10, and one end of the friction material 64 is fixed to the flat surface 54. The friction material 66 is disposed in the lower left portion when the flat surface 54 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10, and one end of the friction material 66 is fixed to the flat surface 54. The friction material 68 is disposed in the lower right portion when the flat surface 54 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10, and one end of the friction material 68 is fixed to the flat surface 54. The friction material 70 is disposed in the upper right portion when the flat surface 54 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10, and one end of the friction material 70 is fixed to the flat surface 54. The friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 protrude from the flat surface 54 toward the rear side of the digital camera 10 along the Z direction. The height in the Z direction of each of the friction materials 64, 66, 68 and 70 is such that, when the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the friction materials 64, 66, 68 and 70 can be pressed against the front surface 41 (see FIG. 5) of the shutter unit 24.

[0064] Although a cylindrical sponge is illustrated as an example of each of the friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 may have another shape such as a rectangular column. At least one of the friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 may be rubber or another material as long as it is a material that can regulate the positional deviation between the front frame 52 and the shutter unit 24 by frictional force.

[0065] Female threads 72, 74, 76, and 78 are formed on the rear surface 53 of the front frame 52. When viewed from the rear of the digital camera 10, the female thread 72 is located at the upper left of the rear surface 53. When viewed from the rear of the digital camera 10, the female thread 74 is located at the lower left of the rear surface 53. When viewed from the rear of the digital camera 10, the female thread 76 is located at the lower right of the rear surface 53. When viewed from the rear of the digital camera 10, the female thread 78 is located at the upper right of the rear surface 53.

[0066] A flat surface 80 parallel to the XY plane is formed on the back surface 79 of the shutter frame 42 of the shutter unit 24. The drive device 48 is attached to the flat surface 80. The drive device 48 is disposed on the right side of the opening 24A in a rear view of the digital camera 10. The drive device 48 has a drive source 82 and a power transmission mechanism 84. The power transmission mechanism 84 is disposed at a location adjacent to the opening 24A and to the right of the opening 24A in a rear view of the digital camera 10. The drive source 82 is mechanically connected to the power transmission mechanism 84, and power generated by the drive source 82 is transmitted to the power transmission mechanism 84.

[0067] Brackets 86, 88, and 90 are erected on the rear surface 79. The bracket 86 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is disposed in the upper left corner when the rear surface 79 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The shape and size of the bracket 86 are the same as those of the bracket 58. A wide surface 86A of the surface of the bracket 86 is a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The bracket 86 has a notch 86B. The notch 86B is formed in a shape that widens with a step from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the center of the bracket 86. The shape and size of the notch 86B are the same as those of the notch 58B of the bracket 58.

[0068] When the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the bracket 58 is positioned outside the shutter unit 24, the surface 58A of the bracket 58 faces the surface 86A of the bracket 86 in a parallel state, and the orientation and position of the notch 86B of the bracket 58 coincide with the orientation and position of the notch 86B of the bracket 86.

[0069] The bracket 88 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is disposed in the lower right portion when the rear surface 79 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The shape and size of the bracket 88 are the same as those of the bracket 60. Of the surfaces of the bracket 88, a wide surface 88A is a plane parallel to the XZ plane. The bracket 88 has a notch 88B. The notch 88B is formed in a shape that widens with a step from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the center of the bracket 88. The shape and size of the notch 88B are the same as those of the notch 60B of the bracket 60.

[0070] When the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the bracket 60 is positioned outside the shutter unit 24, the surface 60A of the bracket 60 faces the surface 88A of the bracket 88 in a parallel state, and the orientation and position of the notch 60B of the bracket 60 coincide with the orientation and position of the notch 88B of the bracket 88.

[0071] The bracket 90 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is disposed in the upper right portion when the rear surface 79 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The shape and size of the bracket 90 are the same as those of the bracket 62. Among the surfaces of the bracket 90, a wide surface 90A is a plane that slopes downward from the upper right portion to the right side of the rear view of the digital camera 10 from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The bracket 90 has a notch 90B. The notch 90B is formed in a shape that widens with a step from the rear side of the digital camera 10 to the center of the bracket 90. The shape and size of the notch 90B are the same as those of the notch 62B of the bracket 62.

[0072] When the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the bracket 62 is positioned outside the shutter unit 24, the surface 62A of the bracket 62 faces the surface 90A of the bracket 90 in a parallel state, and the orientation and position of the notch 62B of the bracket 62 coincides with the orientation and position of the notch 90B of the bracket 90.

[0073] The shutter unit 24 has through holes 92, 94, 96, and 98. Each of the through holes 92, 94, 96, and 98 is formed in a rectangular shape with an opposite side along the X direction and an opposite side along the Y direction. The through hole 92 is disposed in the upper left portion of the shutter unit 24 when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The through hole 92 is wider than the diameter of the female screw 72, and when the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the female screw 72 is exposed from the through hole 92.

[0074] The through hole 94 is disposed in the lower left portion of the shutter unit 24 when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The through hole 94 is wider than the diameter of the female thread 74, and when the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the female thread 74 is exposed from the through hole 94.

[0075] The through hole 96 is disposed in the lower right portion of the shutter unit 24 when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The through hole 96 is wider than the diameter of the female screw 76, and when the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the female screw 76 is exposed from the through hole 96.

[0076] The through hole 98 is disposed in the upper right portion of the shutter unit 24 when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 10. The through hole 98 is wider than the diameter of the female screw 78, and when the shutter unit 24 is fitted into the front frame 52, the female screw 78 is exposed from the through hole 98.

[0077] The shutter unit 24 is attached to the front frame 52 by male screws 100, 102, 104 and 106 so as to be swingable along the XY plane.

[0078] The male screw 100 has a head 100A and a shaft 100B. The head 100A is formed in a disk shape and is larger than the through hole 92. That is, the size of the head 100A is set to be large enough to contact the peripheral portion of the through hole 92 in the Z direction. The shaft 100B is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in one direction from the center of the head 100A. The thickness of the shaft 100B is set to be large enough to allow the shaft 100B to swing in the through hole 92 when inserted into the through hole 92, that is, large enough to leave a gap between the shaft 100B and the peripheral surface of the through hole 92 in the X direction and the Y direction. A thread corresponding to the thread of the female screw 72 is formed at the tip of the shaft 100B.

[0079] The male screw 102 has a head 102A and a shaft 102B. The head 102A is formed in a disk shape and is larger than the through hole 94. That is, the size of the head 102A is set to be large enough to contact the peripheral portion of the through hole 94 in the Z direction. The shaft 102B is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in one direction from the center of the head 102A. The thickness of the shaft 102B is set to be large enough to allow the shaft 102B to swing in the through hole 94 when inserted into the through hole 94, that is, large enough to leave a gap between the shaft 102B and the peripheral surface of the through hole 94 in the X direction and the Y direction. A thread corresponding to the thread of the female screw 74 is formed at the tip of the shaft 102B.

[0080] The male screw 104 has a head 104A and a shaft 104B. The head 104A is formed in a disk shape and is larger than the through hole 96. That is, the size of the head 104A is set to a size that allows it to contact the peripheral portion of the through hole 96 in the Z direction. The shaft 104B is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in one direction from the center of the head 104A. The thickness of the shaft 104B is set to a thickness that allows it to swing within the through hole 96 when inserted into the through hole 96, that is, a thickness that allows a gap to be formed between the shaft 104B and the peripheral surface of the through hole 96 in the X direction and the Y direction. A thread corresponding to the thread of the female screw 76 is formed at the tip of the shaft 104B.

[0081] The male screw 106 has a head 106A and a shaft 106B. The head 106A is formed in a disk shape and is larger than the through hole 98. That is, the size of the head 106A is set to a size that allows the peripheral portion of the through hole 98 to contact in the Z direction. The shaft 106B is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in one direction from the center of the head 106A. The thickness of the shaft 106B is set to a thickness that allows the shaft 106B to swing in the through hole 98 when inserted into the through hole 98, that is, a thickness that allows a gap to be formed between the shaft 106B and the peripheral surface of the through hole 98 in the X direction and the Y direction. A thread corresponding to the thread of the female screw 78 is formed at the tip of the shaft 106B.

[0082] The shaft portion 100B of the male screw 100 is inserted into the through hole 92 of the shutter unit 24 fitted into the front frame 52 with the positions of the female screws 72, 74, 76, and 78 aligned with the positions of the through holes 92, 94, 96, and 98. The shaft portion 100B of the male screw 102 is inserted into the through hole 94. The shaft portion 102B of the male screw 102 is inserted into the through hole 96. The shaft portion 104B of the male screw 104 is inserted into the through hole 96. The shaft portion 106B of the male screw 106 is inserted into the through hole 98. Then, the tip of the shaft portion 100B of the male screw 100 is screwed into the female screw 72. Also, the tip of the shaft portion 102B of the male screw 102 is screwed into the female screw 74. Also, the tip of the shaft portion 104B of the male screw 104 is screwed into the female screw 76. Furthermore, the tip of the shaft portion 106B of the male screw 106 is screwed into the female screw 78.

[0083] The digital camera 10 includes spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C. The spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C have the same configuration. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C, they will be referred to as "spring units 108."

[0084] The spring unit 108 has a compression coil spring 110, a first engagement member 112, and a second engagement member 114. The compression coil spring 110 is an example of an "elastic member" and a "compression coil spring" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The first engagement member 112 is fixed to one end of the compression coil spring 110, and the second engagement member 114 is fixed to the other end of the compression coil spring 110. Note that here, the one end of the compression coil spring 110 is an example of a "first end" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the other end of the compression coil spring 110 is an example of a "second end" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0085] The first engaging member 112 and the second engaging member 114 have the same shape and size. A curved recess 114A is formed in the side peripheral surface of the second engaging member 114. A recess (not shown) of the same shape and size as the recess 114A is also formed in the side peripheral surface of the first engaging member 112.

[0086] The spring unit 108A is used for the bracket 58 of the front frame 52 and the bracket 86 of the shutter unit 24. That is, the recess of the first engagement member 112 is inserted into the notch 58B of the bracket 58, so that the first engagement member 112 of the spring unit 108A engages with the bracket 58. Also, the recess 114A of the second engagement member 114 is inserted into the notch 86B of the bracket 86, so that the second engagement member 114 of the spring unit 108A engages with the bracket 86. In this way, the spring unit 108A is used for the bracket 58 of the front frame 52 and the bracket 86 of the shutter unit 24, so that the position of the end of the compression coil spring 110A in the spring unit 108A is maintained.

[0087] The spring unit 108B is used for the bracket 60 of the front frame 52 and the bracket 88 of the shutter unit 24. That is, the recess of the first engagement member 112 is inserted into the notch 60B of the bracket 60, so that the first engagement member 112 of the spring unit 108B engages with the bracket 60. Also, the recess 114A of the second engagement member 114 is inserted into the notch 88B of the bracket 88, so that the second engagement member 114 of the spring unit 108A engages with the bracket 88. In this way, the spring unit 108B is used for the bracket 60 of the front frame 52 and the bracket 88 of the shutter unit 24, so that the position of the end of the compression coil spring 110B in the spring unit 108B is maintained.

[0088] The spring unit 108C is used for the bracket 62 of the front frame 52 and the bracket 90 of the shutter unit 24. That is, the recess of the first engagement member 112 is inserted into the notch 62B of the bracket 62, so that the first engagement member 112 of the spring unit 108C engages with the bracket 62. Also, the recess 114A of the second engagement member 114 is inserted into the notch 90B of the bracket 90, so that the second engagement member 114 of the spring unit 108A engages with the bracket 90. In this way, the spring unit 108C is used for the bracket 62 of the front frame 52 and the bracket 90 of the shutter unit 24, so that the position of the end of the compression coil spring 110C in the spring unit 108C is maintained.

[0089] The first engaging member 112, the second engaging member 114, the bracket 58, the bracket 60, the bracket 62, the bracket 86, the bracket 88, and the bracket 90 are an example of a "retaining mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The first engaging member 112 is an example of a "first engaging member" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Each of the brackets 58, 60, and 62 is an example of a "first fastener" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The second engaging member 114 is an example of a "second engaging member" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Each of the brackets 86, 88, and 90 is an example of a "second fastener" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the first engagement member 112 is applied to the spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C, and the brackets 58, 60, and 62 are applied to the front frame 52, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of the brackets 58, 60, and 62, a member equivalent to the first engagement member 112 may be applied to the front frame 52, and instead of the first engagement member 112, a member equivalent to the brackets 58, 60, and 62 may be applied to the spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the second engagement member 114 is applied to the spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C, and the brackets 86, 88, and 90 are applied to the shutter unit 24, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of the brackets 86, 88, and 90, a member equivalent to the second engagement member 114 may be applied to the shutter unit 24, and instead of the second engagement member 114, a member equivalent to the brackets 86, 88, and 90 may be applied to the spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C.

[0092] 4, the power transmission mechanism 84 includes a link member 116, a connecting pin 118, and a connecting pin 120. The power transmission mechanism 84 also includes a link member 122, a connecting pin 124, and a connecting pin 126. The link members 116 and 122 are examples of the "rotating member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0093] One longitudinal end of a link member 116 is connected to one end in the X direction of the front curtain 44 by a connecting pin 118 whose axial direction is in the Z direction. The other longitudinal end of the link member 116 is connected to an attached portion 128 by a connecting pin 120 whose axial direction is in the Z direction.

[0094] One longitudinal end of a link member 122 is connected to one end of the rear curtain 46 in the X direction by a connecting pin 124 whose axial direction is in the Z direction. The other longitudinal end of the link member 122 is connected to an attached portion 128 by a connecting pin 126 whose axial direction is in the Z direction.

[0095] The rear curtain 46 is disposed above the front curtain 44 in the Y direction. The driving source 82 generates power under the control of the control device 36 (see FIG. 2 ) and applies the generated power to the link members 116 and 122. The link members 116 and 122 rotate in accordance with the power applied from the driving source 82, thereby opening and closing the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46.

[0096] 5, a shaft portion 102B of a male screw 102 is inserted into the through hole 94 in the Z direction, and a tip portion of the shaft portion 102B is screwed into the female screw 74 of the front frame 52. The male screw 102 restricts the shutter unit 24 from being excessively displaced in the Z direction relative to the front frame 52. Meanwhile, the male screw 102 provides a degree of freedom for the shutter unit 24 to move in the X direction and the Y direction relative to the front frame 52 at the portion where the through hole 94 is formed. Furthermore, when the shutter unit 24 is moved in the X direction and the Y direction more than necessary, the male screw 102 comes into contact with the periphery of the through hole 94 to restrict the excessive movement of the shutter unit 24.

[0097] A shaft portion 104B of a male screw 104 is inserted into the through hole 96 in the Z direction, and a tip portion of the shaft portion 104B is screwed into the female screw 76 of the front frame 52. The male screw 104 restricts the shutter unit 24 from being excessively displaced in the Z direction relative to the front frame 52. On the other hand, the male screw 104 provides a degree of freedom for the shutter unit 24 to move in the X direction and the Y direction relative to the front frame 52 at the portion where the through hole 96 is formed. Furthermore, when the shutter unit 24 is moved in the X direction and the Y direction more than necessary, the male screw 104 comes into contact with the periphery of the through hole 96, thereby restricting the excessive movement of the shutter unit 24.

[0098] A shaft portion 100B of a male screw 100 is inserted into the through hole 92 in the Z direction, and a tip portion of the shaft portion 100B is screwed into the female screw 72 of the front side frame 52. The male screw 100 restricts the shutter unit 24 from being excessively displaced in the Z direction relative to the front side frame 52. Meanwhile, the male screw 100 provides a degree of freedom for the shutter unit 24 to move in the X direction and the Y direction relative to the front side frame 52 at the portion where the through hole 92 is formed. Furthermore, when the shutter unit 24 is moved in the X direction and the Y direction more than necessary, the male screw 100 comes into contact with the periphery of the through hole 92, thereby restricting the excessive movement of the shutter unit 24.

[0099] A shaft portion 106B of a male screw 106 is inserted into the through hole 98 in the Z direction, and a tip portion of the shaft portion 106B is screwed into the female screw 78 of the front frame 52. The male screw 106 restricts the shutter unit 24 from being excessively displaced in the Z direction relative to the front frame 52. Meanwhile, the male screw 106 provides a degree of freedom for the shutter unit 24 to move in the X direction and the Y direction relative to the front frame 52 at the portion where the through hole 98 is formed. Furthermore, when the shutter unit 24 is moved in the X direction and the Y direction more than necessary, the male screw 106 comes into contact with the periphery of the through hole 98, thereby restricting the excessive movement of the shutter unit 24.

[0100] When the shutter unit 24 is attached to the front frame 52 using the male screws 100, 102, 104, and 106 and the female screws 72, 74, 76, and 78 in this manner, the frictional materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 interposed between the flat surface 54 and the front surface 41 are pressed toward the flat surface 54 by the front surface 41. When the shutter unit 24 moves on the XY plane with the frictional materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 in pressure contact with the front surface 41, the frictional forces generated between the front surface 41 and the frictional materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 suppress misalignment between the front frame 52 and the shutter unit 24.

[0101] As an example, as shown in Fig. 6, the shutter unit 24 has a center of gravity G (see also Fig. 7). The center of gravity G is the point of action of the resultant force of gravity acting on each part of the shutter unit 24. For example, the center of gravity G can be found as the intersection of the line of action of the tension of a thread when one point of the shutter unit 24 is suspended by a thread and held still, and the line of action of the tension of a thread when another point of the shutter unit 24 is suspended by a thread and held still.

[0102] The spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C are inserted between the shutter unit 24 and the front frame 52 on the side of the shutter unit 24, so that the elastic forces of the compression coil spring 110 of the spring unit 108A (hereinafter also referred to as "compression coil spring 110A"), the compression coil spring 110 of the spring unit 108B (hereinafter also referred to as "compression coil spring 110B"), and the compression coil spring 110 of the spring unit 108C (hereinafter also referred to as "compression coil spring 110C") act on the side of the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side.

[0103] The compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are disposed at positions forming a triangle 130 with the positions of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C as vertices. The interval between adjacent vertices of the triangle 130 is less than 180 degrees in the circumferential direction centered on a specific position (intersection P (described later) in the example shown in FIG. 6) when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the triangle 130, the interval between the vertex corresponding to the position of the compression coil spring 110A and the vertex corresponding to the position of the compression coil spring 110B is 90 degrees, the interval between the vertex corresponding to the position of the compression coil spring 110B and the vertex corresponding to the position of the compression coil spring 110C is 110 degrees, and the interval between the vertex corresponding to the position of the compression coil spring 110C and the vertex corresponding to the position of the compression coil spring 110A is 160 degrees.

[0104] The compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are disposed on the outer periphery of a contour 132 of the shutter unit 24 when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the Z direction, and support the shutter unit 24 by pressing the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side. That is, the shutter unit 24 is supported from the outer periphery side of the shutter unit 24 by the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C in a state in which the shutter unit 24 can swing against the elastic forces of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C.

[0105] Each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C is elastically deformed in a first direction, which is a direction in which the shutter unit 24 is pressed from the front frame 52 side, and a second direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. For each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C, the elastic force in the first direction is greater than the elastic force in the second direction. Furthermore, the first direction of the compression coil spring 110B coincides with the vertical direction, i.e., the Y direction, when the digital camera 10 captures an image in a standard position. Furthermore, the first directions of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C intersect with each other at a specific point inside the contour 132. The specific point is located inside the triangle 130.

[0106] Here, the specific location refers to, for example, a location inside the contour 132. The location inside the contour 132 refers to a location that coincides with the center of gravity G when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the Z direction. In the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, an intersection P between the XY plane in the shutter frame 42 when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the Z direction and a virtual line 134 that passes through the center of gravity G along the Z direction is shown as an example of the location inside the contour 132.

[0107] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the shutter unit 24 is in the reference position. The reference position refers to the position of the shutter unit 24 when the digital camera 10 is in a standard posture and no vibration is applied to the digital camera 10. When the shutter unit 24 is in the reference position, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are arranged on the side of the shutter unit 24, i.e., on the outer periphery of the contour 132, between the front frame 52 and the shutter unit 24 in a state of being compressed in the first direction, and the elastic deformation amount of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C when the shutter unit 24 is in the reference position is equal to or greater than the movable amount of the shutter unit 24. In this case, the elastic deformation amount of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C can be, for example, 1 to 2 times the movable amount of the shutter unit 24.

[0108] In this case, the movable amount of the shutter unit 24 corresponds to the movable amount of the shafts 100B, 102B, 104B, and 106B relative to the shutter unit 24 within the through holes 92, 94, 96, and 98 (see FIGS. 3 and 5), for example.

[0109] Furthermore, when the digital camera 10 captures an image in a standard position, the amount of movement of the shutter unit 24 in the vertical direction, i.e., in the Y direction, is set to be equal to or less than the amount of movement of the shutter unit 24. That is, the elastic force of at least the compression coil spring 110B among the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C is set so that the amount of movement in the Y direction is equal to or less than the amount of movement of the shutter unit 24. Note that an example of the amount of movement in the Y direction here is an amount of movement equal to or less than one-third of the amount of movement of the shutter unit 24.

[0110] Incidentally, when the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are opened and closed by the rotational movement of the link members 116 and 122 (see FIG. 4), a rotational force generated by the rotational movement of the link members 116 and 122 is applied to the shutter unit 24. As a result, the shutter unit 24 swings along the direction of the circular arc arrow (for example, the direction in which the shutter unit 24 rotates in the XY plane around the intersection point P) shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 as an example. That is, the shutter unit 24 rotates along the direction of the circular arc arrow (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 8) around the center of gravity G due to the inertial force generated by the rotational movement of the link members 116 and 122 and / or the impact force generated by the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 colliding with the shutter frame 42 when the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are opened and closed by the rotational movement of the link members 116 and 122. Specifically, the shutter unit 24 swings along the tangential direction of the arc arrow direction (see FIGS. 6 and 8), that is, along the second direction.

[0111] In this way, when the shutter unit 24 swings along the second direction, the compression coil spring 110 elastically deforms in the direction in which the shear stress is applied, i.e., in the second direction, as shown in Fig. 8 as an example. The elastic force of the compression coil spring 110 is set to an elastic force that makes the amount of swing of the shutter unit 24 along the second direction less than the maximum swing amount that the shutter unit 24 can swing along the second direction. For example, the elastic force of the compression coil spring 110 is set so that the amount of swing of the shutter unit 24 along the second direction is about half of the maximum swing amount that the shutter unit 24 can swing along the second direction.

[0112] Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 6 as an example, the shutter unit 24 is pressed toward the intersection P from the front frame 52 side by each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C arranged on the outer periphery of the contour 132. The compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C support the shutter unit 24 by pressing the shutter unit 24 toward the intersection P from the front frame 52 side. When the digital camera 10 captures an image in a standard position (see FIG. 1), the first direction of the compression coil spring 110B coincides with the vertical direction, that is, the Y direction, as shown in FIG. 6 as an example. Therefore, when the digital camera 10 captures an image in a standard position, the shutter unit 24 can be more easily held in the reference position than when the first direction of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C does not coincide with any of the first directions of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C.

[0114] In this manner, when the shutter unit 24 is supported by each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C, and power generated by the drive source 82 is applied to the link members 116 and 122 (see FIG. 4), the link members 116 and 122 rotate. The rotational force generated by the rotational movement of the link members 116 and 122 is transmitted to the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46. As a result, the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 open and close.

[0115] In this case, the shutter unit 24 swings in the second direction due to the inertial force generated by the rotational movement of the link members 116 and 122 and / or the impact force generated when the leading curtain 44 and the trailing curtain 46 collide with the shutter frame 42.

[0116] At this time, the elastic forces of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C in the second direction act on the shutter unit 24 so as to resist the oscillation of the shutter unit 24 in the second direction. That is, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C act on the shutter unit 24 in a direction to return the shutter unit 24 to the reference position. Even when the shutter unit 24 is oscillating along the second direction, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C arranged on the outer periphery of the contour 132 continue to support the shutter unit 24 by pressing the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 and to hold the position of the shutter unit 24 with high accuracy, compared to a case in which the shutter unit 24 is supported from the front frame 52 side by two or less elastic members.

[0117] Furthermore, in the digital camera 10, the shutter unit 24 is supported from the front frame 52 side by the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C in a state in which it can swing against the elastic forces of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C. In other words, if the shutter unit 24 were directly supported by the front frame 52, vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 would be transmitted to the shutter unit 24, whereas the shutter unit 24 is supported from the front frame 52 side by the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C via the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C, and therefore vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are absorbed by the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C. Therefore, with this configuration, vibrations generated by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are less likely to be transmitted to the front frame 52 than when the shutter unit 24 is directly supported by the front frame 52.

[0118] 2, the imaging lens 18 is attached to the front frame 52 via the lens mount 14. That is, the optical shake correction mechanism 32 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the front frame 52. Also, the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40 (see FIG. 2) is held by the holding frame 28. That is, the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40 is attached to the holding frame 28.

[0119] Therefore, vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are transmitted to the optical shake correction mechanism 32 and the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40 via the holding frame 28. If vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are transmitted to the optical shake correction mechanism 32 and the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40, this leads to a deterioration in the image quality of the captured image obtained by capturing an image with the digital camera 10.

[0120] However, the vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are absorbed by the elastic deformation of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C. In particular, the vibrations caused along the second direction by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are absorbed by the elastic deformation of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C in the second direction. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the quality of the captured image caused by the vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 being transmitted to the optical shake correction mechanism 32 and the camera body side shake correction mechanism 40.

[0121] In the digital camera 10, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C press the shutter unit 24 from the outer periphery of the contour 132 (see FIG. 6) toward one location on the inside of the contour 132. As a result, the pressing forces on the shutter unit 24 by the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C, i.e., the pressing forces in the first direction, are concentrated at one location on the inside of the contour 132. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is easier to maintain the position of the shutter unit 24 at the reference position, and it is easier for the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C to absorb vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46, compared to a case in which the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C press the shutter unit 24 toward different locations on the inside of the contour 132.

[0122] Here, the one point on the inside of the contour 132 refers to the intersection point P (see FIG. 6). The intersection point P is located on a virtual line 134 (see FIG. 7) that passes through the center of gravity G in the Z direction. As a result, the pressing forces on the shutter unit 24 by each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C, i.e., the pressing forces in the first direction, are concentrated on the intersection point P on the inside of the contour 132. Therefore, according to this configuration, compared to a case in which the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C press the shutter unit 24 toward a point other than on the virtual line 134, it is easier to maintain the position of the shutter unit 24 at the reference position, and it is easier for the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C to absorb vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46.

[0123] Furthermore, with the intersection point P positioned inside the triangle 130, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C press the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side toward the intersection point P. Therefore, according to this configuration, compared to the case where the shutter unit 24 is supported by applying the pressing forces of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C toward locations outside the triangle 130, it is easier to hold the shutter unit 24 at the reference position and easier to absorb vibrations caused by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46.

[0124] In addition, in triangle 130, the distance between the vertex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110A and the vertex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110B, the distance between the vertex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110B and the vertex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110C, and the distance between the vertex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110C and the vertex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110A are all less than 180 degrees. Therefore, with this configuration, compared to a case in which any of the distances between the apex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110A and the apex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110B, the distance between the apex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110B and the apex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110C, and the distance between the apex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110C and the apex corresponding to the position of compression coil spring 110A is an interval of 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction around intersection point P, it is easier to maintain the shutter unit 24 in the reference position and to absorb vibrations generated by the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46.

[0125] In addition, for each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C, the elastic force in the first direction is greater than the elastic force in the second direction. In this case, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C support the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side, i.e., the pressing force in the first direction, and the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are more likely to elastically deform along the second direction, compared to when the elastic force in the first direction is less than the elastic force in the second direction. Therefore, according to this configuration, in a situation where the first direction of the compression coil spring 110 coincides with the vertical direction, i.e., the Y direction, it is possible to suppress the shutter unit 24 from shifting from the reference position due to its own weight, and to increase the absorbing power of the shutter unit 24 against the vibration in the second direction, compared to when the elastic force in the first direction of the compression coil spring 110 is smaller than the elastic force in the second direction.

[0126] When the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 are opened and closed, depending on the magnitude (amplitude) of vibration caused by the opening and closing operation of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46, it is considered that the shutter unit 24 is located at the end of the movable range (for example, the shaft portion 100B is in contact with the outer periphery of the through hole 92). However, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are arranged in a state compressed in the first direction between the front frame 52 and the shutter unit 24 on the outer periphery of the contour 132 when the shutter unit 24 is in the reference position, and the elastic deformation amount of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C when the shutter unit 24 is in the reference position is set to be equal to or larger than the movable amount of the shutter unit 24, so that the elastic force of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C can continue to act on the shutter unit 24 even when the shutter unit 24 is located at the end of the movable range.

[0127] When the digital camera 10 captures an image in a standard position, the shutter unit 24 may move in the vertical direction, i.e., in the Y direction, and reach the end of the movable range. The shutter unit 24 reaching the end of the movable range means, for example, that the shaft portion 100B comes into contact with the outer periphery of the through hole 92. If the shaft portion 100B hits the outer periphery of the through hole 92 with force, vibrations will occur. For this reason, the amount of movement of the shutter unit 24 in the vertical direction, i.e., in the Y direction, when the digital camera 10 captures an image in a standard position is set to be equal to or less than the movable amount of the shutter unit 24. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress some member (for example, the shaft portion 100B hitting the outer periphery of the through hole 92 with force, causing vibrations) caused by the shutter unit 24 moving beyond the movable range, compared to a case in which the amount of movement of the shutter unit 24 in the vertical direction when the digital camera 10 captures an image in a standard position exceeds the movable amount of the shutter unit 24.

[0128] In addition, in the digital camera 10, the shutter unit 24 swings in the second direction due to the rotational force generated by the rotational movement of the link members 116 and 122. Therefore, the elastic force of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C is set to an elastic force that makes the amount of swing of the shutter unit 24 in the second direction less than the maximum swing amount by which the shutter unit 24 can swing in the second direction. The amount of swing of the shutter unit 24 in the second direction is suppressed to less than the maximum swing amount by the elastic force of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C. Therefore, according to this configuration, the swing of the shutter unit 24 in the second direction can be suppressed compared to a case in which the amount of swing of the shutter unit 24 in the second direction is not limited.

[0129] Furthermore, in the digital camera 10, when the position of the shutter unit 24 is the reference position, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are disposed between the front frame 52 and the shutter unit 24 on the outer periphery of the shutter unit 24. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to contribute to improving the QCD compared to the case where an elastic member having a more complicated structure than the compression coil spring 110 or an elastic member having less elastic force than the compression coil spring 110 is used.

[0130] Furthermore, in the digital camera 10, the positions of the ends of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are held by the first engagement member 112, the second engagement member 114, the bracket 58, the bracket 60, the bracket 62, the bracket 86, the bracket 88, and the bracket 90. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress displacement of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C compared to a case in which the positions of the ends of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are not held.

[0131] In the digital camera 10, the first engagement member 112 fixed to one end of the compression coil spring 110A engages with the bracket 58. The first engagement member 112 fixed to one end of the compression coil spring 110B engages with the bracket 60. The first engagement member 112 fixed to one end of the compression coil spring 110C engages with the bracket 62. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is easier to hold one end of each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C at an appropriate position on the front frame 52 than when one end of each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C is directly fixed to an appropriate position on the front frame 52. Note that the appropriate positions on the front frame 52 refer to positions corresponding to the brackets 58, 60, and 62, for example.

[0132] In the digital camera 10, the second engagement member 114 fixed to the other end of the compression coil spring 110A engages with the bracket 86. The second engagement member 114 fixed to the other end of the compression coil spring 110B engages with the bracket 88. The second engagement member 114 fixed to the other end of the compression coil spring 110C engages with the bracket 90. Therefore, according to this configuration, the other ends of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C can be easily held at appropriate positions of the shutter unit 24 compared to the case where the other ends of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are directly fixed to appropriate positions of the shutter unit 24. Note that the appropriate positions of the shutter unit 24 refer to the positions corresponding to the brackets 86, 88, and 90, for example.

[0133] In addition, in the digital camera 10, the frictional materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 are interposed between the front surface 41 of the shutter unit 24 and the flat surface 54 of the front frame 52, and the frictional materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 erected on the front frame 52 are pressed against the front surface 41 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, when the shutter unit 24 moves along the X direction and the Y direction, frictional forces are generated between the front surface 41 and the frictional materials 64, 66, 68, and 70. The movement of the shutter unit 24 in the X direction and the Y direction is restricted by frictional forces generated between the front surface 41 and the frictional materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 as the shutter unit 24 moves along the X direction and the Y direction. Therefore, according to this configuration, the swing of the shutter unit 24 in the second direction can be converged more quickly than when there is simply a space between the front surface 41 of the shutter unit 24 and the flat surface 54 of the front frame 52. Furthermore, compared to a case where there is simply a space between the front surface 41 of the shutter unit 24 and the flat surface 54 of the front frame 52, tilting of the shutter unit 24 towards the front frame 52 can be suppressed.

[0134] It should be noted that, although an example has been given here in which the friction materials 64, 66, 68 and 70 are interposed between the front surface 41 of the shutter unit 24 and the flat surface 54 of the front side frame 52, this is merely one example, and it is sufficient to interpose at least one friction material having the same function as the friction materials 64, 66, 68 and 70 between the inner wall of the front side frame 52 and the outer wall of the shutter unit 24.

[0135] In addition, a shake suppression method applied to the digital camera 10 includes arranging the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C on the outer periphery of the contour 132 of the shutter unit 24, supporting the shutter unit 24 by pressing the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side against the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C, elastically deforming each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C in a first direction in which each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C presses the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and causing the first directions of each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C to intersect with each other at a specific location (e.g., intersection point P) inside the contour 132 of the shutter unit 24. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress vibrations caused by the opening and closing movements of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46 while maintaining the position of the shutter unit 24 with a high degree of accuracy, compared to when the shutter unit 24 is supported from the front frame 52 side by two or less elastic members.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the compression coil springs 110 are arranged at the vertices of the triangle 130. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the compression coil springs may be arranged at the vertices of a polygon other than the triangle 130 (e.g., a rectangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the compression coil springs 110 are arranged at the vertices of a rectangle 136. The example shown in FIG. 9 differs from the example shown in FIG. 6 in that spring units 108D and 108E are used instead of the spring unit 108C. The spring units 108D and 108E have the same configuration as the spring unit 108 described in the above embodiment.

[0137] Spring unit 108D is disposed on the outer periphery of contour 132 of shutter unit 24 when shutter unit 24 is viewed from the Z direction, at a location facing spring unit 108A across shutter unit 24. Spring unit 108E is disposed on the outer periphery of contour 132 of shutter unit 24 when shutter unit 24 is viewed from the Z direction, at a location facing spring unit 108B across shutter unit 24.

[0138] The spring unit 108D has a compression coil spring 110D, and the spring unit 108E has a compression coil spring 110E. The positions of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, 110D, and 110E correspond to the positions of the vertices of a rectangle 136. An intersection point P is located inside the rectangle 136. The interval between adjacent vertices of the rectangle 136 is 90 degrees in the circumferential direction centered on the intersection point P when the shutter unit 24 is viewed from the Z direction. The compression coil springs 110D and 110E support the shutter unit 24 by pressing the shutter unit 24 from the front frame 52 side toward the intersection point P. As an example, even when the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, 110D, and 110E are arranged as shown in FIG. 9, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the elastic forces of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are applied toward the intersection point P, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the elastic forces of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C may be applied toward the center of gravity G. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10 as an example, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B (not shown in the example shown in FIG. 10) and 110C are arranged so that their positions in the Z direction match, and one end of each of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C faces the center of gravity G. That is, the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are arranged so that the first directions of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C intersect with each other at the center of gravity G.

[0140] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the front side frame 52 has extension frames 138 and 140. The shutter unit 24 has flat plate-shaped standing portions 142 and 144. The extension frame 138 is a frame in which a portion of the front side frame 52 that is in contact with the spring unit 108C extends in the Z direction. The standing portion 142 is a flat portion in which a portion of the shutter unit 24 that is in contact with the spring unit 108C extends in the Z direction. The compression coil spring 110C is disposed in a compressed state between the extension frame 138 and the standing portion 142 so that an elastic force is applied toward the center of gravity G.

[0141] The extension frame 140 is a frame extending in the Z direction from a portion of the front frame 52 with which the spring unit 108A is in contact. The standing plate portion 144 is a flat plate portion extending in the Z direction from a portion of the shutter unit 24 with which the spring unit 108A is in contact. The compression coil spring 110A is disposed in a compressed state between the extension frame 140 and the standing plate portion 144 so that an elastic force is applied toward the center of gravity G. Although not shown, an extension frame and a standing plate portion having the same configuration as the extension frame 138 (140) and the standing plate portion 142 (144) are used for the spring unit 108B for the same purpose.

[0142] Therefore, with this configuration, it is easier to maintain the position of the shutter unit 24 at the reference position and to absorb vibrations (particularly, swinging of the shutter unit 24 in the second direction) that occur due to the opening and closing operations of the front curtain 44 and the rear curtain 46, compared to a case in which the first directions of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C do not intersect with each other at the center of gravity G.

[0143] In the above embodiment, one point, the intersection point P, is exemplified, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a specific location having a spread rather than a point (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "specific location having a spread"). The specific location having a spread may be, for example, a three-dimensional region including the intersection point P (for example, a region including the intersection point P in the XYZ space) or a two-dimensional region (for example, a region including the intersection point P in the XY plane) as long as it is a location inside the triangle 130, or may be a three-dimensional region including the center of gravity G (for example, a region including the center of gravity G in the XYZ space) or a two-dimensional region (for example, a region including the center of gravity G in the XY plane).

[0144] The specific location having an extension is a predetermined range 146 inside the outline 132 of the shutter unit 24. The range 146 is a location located inside the triangle 130.

[0145] However, due to a change in the specifications of the digital camera 10 or other reasons, it may become necessary to shift the positions of the spring units 108A, 108B, and 108C. In such a case, the elastic coefficient of at least one of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C is adjusted. The range 146 may be set to a range that provides vibration damping performance equivalent to that of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C for the shutter unit 24 when the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are arranged so that the first directions intersect with each other at the intersection point P or the center of gravity G (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 10).

[0146] Therefore, according to this configuration (the example shown in FIG. 11), even if the arrangement of at least one of the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C is changed, it is possible to achieve vibration damping performance for the shutter unit 24 provided by the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C when the compression coil springs 110A, 110B, and 110C are arranged so that each of the first directions intersect with each other at the intersection point P or the center of gravity G, and it is also possible to increase the degree of freedom in the layout of components within the digital camera 10.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 are exemplified as sponges, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a resin member having elasticity and viscosity may be used together with or instead of the sponge member. Examples of the resin member include a silicone rubber member or a urethane rubber member. The number of friction materials may be any number. At least one of the friction materials 64, 66, 68, and 70 may have a surface that contacts the front surface 41 of the shutter unit 24 made of a material having a higher friction coefficient than that of sponge.

[0148] In addition, in the above embodiment, the compression coil spring 110 is exemplified, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a spring other than the compression coil spring 110 may be applied together with or instead of the compression coil spring 110, or a rubber member may be applied, or it is sufficient to apply an elastic member that has at least elasticity among elasticity and viscosity.

[0149] The above description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the configuration, function, action, and effect of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replaced with respect to the description and illustrations shown above, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustrations shown above omit explanations of technical common sense that do not require explanation in order to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0150] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. In addition, in this specification, the same idea as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0151] All publications, patent applications, and standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising a shutter unit having a shutter for adjusting an amount of subject light incident on an image sensor via an imaging optical system, the shutter unit being attached to a frame, At least three elastic members are provided, The at least three elastic members are a shutter unit support member that is disposed on an outer periphery of a contour of the shutter unit in a front view and that supports the shutter unit by pressing the shutter unit from the frame side; each of the at least three elastic members is elastically deformed in a first direction in which the shutter unit is pressed from the frame side, and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the first directions of the at least three elastic members intersect with each other at a center of gravity of the shutter unit at one point inside the contour, The shutter unit has a rotating member, The rotating member is connected to the shutter and rotates to open and close the shutter. the shutter unit is swung along the second direction by a rotational force generated by the rotational motion of the rotating member; The elastic forces of the at least three elastic members are elastic forces that make the amount of swing of the shutter unit along the second direction less than a maximum swing amount that the shutter unit can swing along the second direction. Imaging device.

2. the at least three or more elastic members are disposed at locations that form a polygon having vertices at the positions of the at least three or more elastic members, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the one location is located inside the polygon.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the interval between adjacent vertices of the polygon is less than 180 degrees in a circumferential direction around the one point in the front view.

4. a shake correction mechanism that corrects shake by moving the image sensor within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the image stabilization mechanism is attached to the frame.

5. the imaging optical system is attachable to the frame; 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging optical system includes an anti-vibration lens that corrects vibration by moving within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging optical system.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic force in the first direction is greater than the elastic force in the second direction for the at least three elastic members.

7. 7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the shutter unit is supported from the outer periphery side by the at least three elastic members in a state in which the shutter unit can swing against the elastic force of the at least three elastic members.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the one location coincides with a center of gravity of the shutter unit in the front view.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first direction of at least one of the at least three or more elastic members coincides with a vertical direction when the imaging device is in a standard posture.

10. the at least three elastic members are disposed in a state of being compressed in the first direction between the frame and the shutter unit on the outer periphery when the position of the shutter unit is a reference position, The at least three elastic portions when the position of the shutter unit is the reference position.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein an amount of elastic deformation of the material is equal to or greater than an amount of movement of the shutter unit.

11. 11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein a vertical movement amount of the shutter unit when the imaging device captures an image in a standard attitude is equal to or less than a movable amount of the shutter unit.

12. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the shutter is a focal plane shutter.

13. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least three elastic members is a compression coil spring.

14. The imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a holding mechanism for holding a position of an end of the elastic member.

15. The retention mechanism includes a first fastener and a first engagement member that engages with the first fastener. one of the first fastener and the first engagement member is provided on one of the frame and a first end of the elastic member; The imaging device according to claim 14 , wherein the other of the first fastener and the first engagement member is provided on the other of the frame and the first end.

16. The retention mechanism includes a second fastener and a second engagement member that engages with the second fastener. one of the second fastener and the second engagement member is provided on one of the shutter unit and the second end of the elastic member, 16. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein the other of the second fastener and the second engagement member is provided on the other of the shutter unit and the second end portion.

17. 17. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a friction material interposed between the frame and the shutter unit, the friction material restricting misalignment between the frame and the shutter unit by friction.

18. the one location is a predetermined range on the inside, 18. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined range is a range in which vibration damping performance equivalent to the vibration damping performance of the at least three or more elastic members for the shutter unit when the one location is the center of gravity is exhibited by adjusting the elastic coefficient of at least one of the at least three or more elastic members.

19. A shake suppression method applied to an imaging device including a shutter unit having a shutter that adjusts the amount of subject light incident on an image sensor via an imaging optical system, and at least three or more elastic members, the shutter unit being attached to a frame, comprising: The at least three elastic members are disposed on an outer periphery of an outline of the shutter unit in a front view; supporting the shutter unit by pressing the shutter unit from the frame side against the at least three or more elastic members; Elastically deforming each of the at least three or more elastic members in a first direction in which the at least three or more elastic members press the shutter unit from the frame side, and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and The first directions of the at least three or more elastic members intersect with each other at a point inside the contour, the point being the center of gravity of the shutter unit. Including, The shutter unit has a rotating member, The rotating member is connected to the shutter and rotates to open and close the shutter. the shutter unit is swung along the second direction by a rotational force generated by the rotational motion of the rotating member; The elastic forces of the at least three elastic members are elastic forces that make the amount of swing of the shutter unit along the second direction less than a maximum swing amount that the shutter unit can swing along the second direction. Method of suppressing vibration.

Images