Image shake correction device and optical instrument

Abstract

To provide an image shake correction device that can stably move a movable member during image shake correction and can reduce the entire size of the device, and to provide an optical instrument.SOLUTION: A lens vibration proof group 301 being an image shake correction device comprises: a base member 310; a movable lens barrel 330 that is movable in Z / Y axis directions orthogonal to an optical axis O101 direction; and a flexible substrate 601 having a first connection part 610 and a second connection part 620 that connect the base member 310 and the movable lens barrel 330 to each other. The first connection part 610 and the second connection part 620 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual straight line VL1 connecting the optical axis O101 and the center of a ball movable part 701. The first connection part 610 has a first deformed part 611 that is curved and deformed at a position farther from the virtual straight line VL1 than a first stationary part 313. The second connection part 620 has a second deformed part 621 that is curved and deformed at a position farther from the virtual straight line VL1 than a second stationary part 314.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image blur correction apparatus and an optical apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] In optical apparatuses such as digital cameras, video cameras, and interchangeable lenses that are detachably attached to cameras, camera shake or the like is likely to occur when a user holds the optical apparatus to take an image. For this reason, some optical apparatuses include an image blur correction apparatus that prevents image blur caused by camera shake or the like. An image blur correction apparatus generally includes a movable member that holds a correction lens, a driving unit that moves and drives the movable member (correction lens) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a position detection unit that detects the position of the movable member. The driving unit is configured by an electromagnetic actuator having a coil and a magnetic circuit including a permanent magnet. The position detection unit may be configured by a magnet and a magnetic detection element (Hall element), or may be configured by a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In addition, when electrical components such as coils and magnetic detection elements are arranged on the movable member, a flexible substrate that electrically connects these electrical components to a fixed member of the optical apparatus is often used. Patent Document 1 discloses an image blur correction apparatus in which, when viewed from the optical axis direction, a flexible substrate is bent a plurality of times into a predetermined shape in the longitudinal direction and symmetrically arranged within the space between the movable member and the fixed member. [Prior Art] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-15187 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, the image shake correction device described in Patent Document 1 attempts to maintain the shape of the flexible substrate within the device by bending the flexible substrate multiple times, but it is difficult to maintain the shape by bending. Furthermore, the force acting from the flexible substrate on the movable member is unstable due to changes in bending over time and variations in bending causing the bent parts to open up. As a result, the driving characteristics of the shake correction device may deteriorate, meaning that it may become difficult for the movable member to move stably during image shake correction. In addition, depending on the bending angle of the flexible substrate, it is possible to miniaturize the image shake correction device. However, when miniaturizing the image shake correction device, the bending angle becomes steep, and as a result, a relatively large force is generated at the bent part in the direction of opening the bend, which may lead to a deterioration in the driving characteristics of the shake correction device. As a configuration to mitigate the bending angle, a configuration in which the flexible substrate is routed in a bypass manner can be considered, but this configuration increases the space required to arrange the flexible substrate, thus hindering the miniaturization of the device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to provide an image shake correction device and optical instrument that can stably move a movable member during image shake correction and can also be miniaturized as a whole device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an image shake correction device comprising: a fixed member; a lens; a holding part for holding the lens; a movable member that is movable relative to the fixed member in a planar direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens; a rolling member that is rotatably disposed between the fixed member and the movable member and supports the movable member so as to be movable in the planar direction by rolling; a first connecting part that connects the fixed member and the movable member; and a second connecting part that connects the fixed member and the movable member at a position different from the first connecting part, wherein at least one of the fixed member and the movable member is provided at a position spaced apart from the optical axis, and the rolling of the rolling member in the planar direction The fixing member has a restricting portion that restricts the range of motion, and the fixing member has a first fixing portion that fixes the first connecting portion and a second fixing portion that fixes the second connecting portion, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are arranged via the restricting portion when viewed from the optical axis direction, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual line connecting the optical axis and the center of the restricting portion when viewed from the optical axis direction, the first connecting portion has a first deformed portion that is bent or curved at a position further from the virtual line than the first fixing portion when viewed from the optical axis direction, and the second connecting portion has a second deformed portion that is bent or curved at a position further from the virtual line than the second fixing portion when viewed from the optical axis direction. The fixing member has at least two support portions that support a member used to prevent the rolling member from falling out between the fixing member and the movable member, the two support portions being arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual line and positioned further from the optical axis than the regulating portion. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the movable member can be moved stably during image shake correction, and the overall size of the device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of an interchangeable lens according to an embodiment of the present invention and a digital camera to which the interchangeable lens is detachably attached. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical and optical configurations of the interchangeable lens and digital camera. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens in its zoomed-out state, cut across the XY plane containing the optical axis. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens in its zoomed-out state, cut along the XY plane containing the optical axis. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the lens image stabilization group of an interchangeable lens, viewed from the front. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the lens image stabilization group of an interchangeable lens, viewed from the rear. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the lens image stabilization group of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 8] This is a rear view of the lens image stabilization group of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 9] This is a magnified front view showing a portion of the lens image stabilization group of an interchangeable lens. [Figure 10] This is a magnified, perspective view of a portion of the lens image stabilization group of an interchangeable lens, seen from the front. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform a similar function. In addition, any additional components may be added. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an interchangeable lens that is detachably attached to a camera is given as an example of an optical device equipped with an image shake correction device, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may be integrated with the camera.

[0010] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of an interchangeable lens according to an embodiment of the present invention and a digital camera to which the interchangeable lens is detachably attached. Figure 1(a) is a perspective view from the front. Figure 1(b) is a perspective view from the rear. Hereinafter, the direction in which the optical axis of the imaging optical system housed in the interchangeable lens 101 extends will be referred to as the X-axis direction. One direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction will be referred to as the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction), and the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions will be referred to as the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). The Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction may also be collectively referred to as the "Z / Y axis direction". The direction of rotation around the Z-axis will be referred to as the pitch direction, and the direction of rotation around the Y-axis will be referred to as the yaw direction. The pitch direction and the yaw direction may also be collectively referred to as the "pitch / yaw direction". The direction in which the arrows for each axis point will be referred to as the "positive side", and the opposite direction will be referred to as the "negative side". Therefore, the positive side in the X-axis direction will be the rear side of the digital camera 1, and the negative side in the X-axis direction will be the front side of the digital camera 1.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1(a), the digital camera 1 has a detachable interchangeable lens 101 mounted on its front side. The digital camera 1 has a grip section 2, a power control section 3, a mode dial 4, a shutter release button 5, an accessory shoe 6, and a camera mount 7. The grip section 2 is located on the left side of the digital camera 1 when viewed from the front (subject side). This grip section 2 allows the user to hold the digital camera 1 by hand when taking pictures. The top of the digital camera 1 has a power control section 3, a mode dial 4, a shutter release button 5, and an accessory shoe 6. The power control section 3 can be turned on by the user when the digital camera 1 is powered off, enabling image capture with the digital camera 1. Conversely, the digital camera 1 can be turned off by the user when the digital camera 1 is powered on by turning off the power control section 3. The user can switch between imaging modes by rotating the mode dial 4. Imaging modes include manual still image mode, auto still image mode, and video recording mode. The manual still image capturing mode allows the user to arbitrarily set imaging conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value. The auto still image capturing mode automatically obtains the appropriate exposure. The video capturing mode is for capturing video. By half-pressing the release button 5, the user can instruct the digital camera 1 to perform imaging preparation operations such as autofocus and automatic exposure control. By fully pressing the release button 5, the user can instruct the digital camera 1 to take an image. Accessories such as an external flash and an external viewfinder (EVF), not shown, can be attached to the accessory shoe 6. The digital camera 1 is also equipped with an image sensor 16 (see Figure 2) that photoelectrically converts (images) the subject image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 101.

[0012] The interchangeable lens 101 has a lens mount 102 and a zoom operating ring 103. The interchangeable lens 101 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera mount 7 of the digital camera 1 via the lens mount 102. As mentioned above, the interchangeable lens 101 houses an imaging optical system that forms an image of the subject by focusing light from the subject. The outer circumference of the interchangeable lens 101 is provided with a zoom operating ring 103 that can be rotated around the optical axis O101 by user operation. The outer circumference of the zoom operating ring 103 is provided with knurling. This allows the user's hand to grip the outer circumference of the zoom operating ring 103 when rotating it, enabling smooth rotation of the zoom operating ring 103. In addition, the rotation of the zoom operating ring 103 moves the zoom group 200 constituting the imaging optical system to a predetermined optical position corresponding to the rotation angle of the zoom operating ring 103. This allows the user to take pictures at the desired angle of view.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1(b), the digital camera 1 has a rear control panel 8 and a display panel 9 located on its back. The rear control panel 8 includes multiple buttons and dials to which various functions are assigned. When the digital camera 1 is powered on and manual still image capture mode, auto still image capture mode, or video capture mode is set, the display panel 9 displays a through image of the subject being captured by the image sensor 16. The display panel 9 also displays imaging parameters indicating imaging conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value. The user can then change the settings of the imaging parameters by operating the rear control panel 8 while checking the display. The rear control panel 8 includes a playback button for instructing playback of recorded images. When the user operates this playback button, the captured images are played back and displayed on the display panel 9.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration and optical configuration of the interchangeable lens and the digital camera shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 comprises a power supply unit 10 that supplies power to the digital camera 1 and the interchangeable lens 101, and an operation unit 11 including a touch panel function. The digital camera 1 includes a camera control unit 12 and a storage unit 13, and the interchangeable lens 101 includes a lens control unit 104. Control of the entire system including the digital camera 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 is performed by the camera control unit 12 and the lens control unit 104 operating in cooperation with each other. The camera control unit 12 reads and executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 13. At this time, the camera control unit 12 communicates various control signals, data, and the like with the lens control unit 104 via the communication terminal of the electrical contact 105 provided on the lens mount 102. The electrical contact 105 includes a power supply terminal that supplies power from the aforementioned power supply unit 10 to the interchangeable lens 101.

[0015] The imaging optical system included in the interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom group 200 that is connected to a zoom operation ring 103 and moves in the direction of an optical axis O101 to change the angle of view, and a lens image stabilization group 301 including a shift lens as an image stabilization element that reduces image blur. The lens image stabilization group 301 performs an image stabilization operation to reduce image blur by moving (shifting) the shift lens in the Z / Y axis directions orthogonal to the direction of the optical axis O101, that is, in the ZY plane direction (plane direction). The imaging optical system also includes an aperture group 401 that performs a light amount adjustment operation, and a focus group 501 including a focus lens that moves in the direction of the optical axis O101 to perform focus adjustment. The interchangeable lens 101 includes an image stabilization drive unit 302 that drives the lens image stabilization group 301 to shift the shift lens, an aperture drive unit 402 that drives the aperture group 401, and a focus drive unit 502 that drives the focus group 501 to move the focus lens.

[0016] The interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom operation ring 103 for changing the angle of view of the imaging optical system, and a zoom detection unit 106 for detecting the rotation angle of the zoom operation ring 103. The zoom detection unit 106 detects the rotation angle of the zoom operation ring 103 as an absolute value and is composed of, for example, a resistive linear potentiometer. The angle of view information detected by the zoom detection unit 106 is transmitted to the lens control unit 104 and reflected in various controls by the camera control unit 12. In addition, some of the various control information is recorded in the storage unit 13 or other recording media along with the captured image.

[0017] The digital camera 1 also includes a shutter unit 14, a shutter drive unit 15, an image sensor 16, an image processing unit 17, and a focus detection unit 18. The shutter unit 14 controls the amount of light focused by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 101 and exposed by the image sensor 16. The image sensor 16 converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system into an image signal. The image processing unit 17 performs various image processing on the image signal and then generates an image signal. The display unit 9 then displays the image signal (through image) output from the image processing unit 17. The camera control unit 12 controls the driving of the aperture group 401 and the shutter unit 14 via the aperture drive unit 402 and the shutter drive unit 15 according to the aperture value and shutter speed settings received from the operation unit 11. The camera control unit 12 also controls the driving of the focus group 501 according to the image preparation operation (half-press operation) on the operation unit 11 (release button 5). For example, when autofocus operation is instructed, the focus detection unit 18 determines the focus state of the subject image formed by the image sensor 16 based on the image signal generated by the image processing unit 17. The focus detection unit 18 also generates a focus signal and transmits it to the camera control unit 12. In conjunction with the operation of the focus detection unit 18, the focus drive unit 502 detects the current position of the focus group 501 and transmits this signal to the camera control unit 12 via the lens control unit 104. The camera control unit 12 compares the focus state of the subject image with the current position of the focus group 501, calculates the focus drive amount based on the comparison result, i.e., the amount of deviation, and transmits it to the lens control unit 104. The lens control unit 104 drives the focus group 501 to the target position via the focus drive unit 502 and corrects the focus deviation of the subject image. Furthermore, when automatic exposure control operation is instructed, the camera control unit 12 receives the luminance signal generated by the image processing unit 17 and performs photometering calculations. Based on the photometric calculation results, the camera control unit 12 controls the drive of the aperture group 401 in response to the image capture instruction operation (full press operation) on the operation unit 11 (release button 5). In conjunction with this control, the camera control unit 12 controls the drive of the shutter unit 14 via the shutter drive unit 15 to perform exposure processing by the image sensor 16.

[0018] The digital camera 1 includes a pitch shake detection unit 19 and a yaw shake detection unit 20 as shake detection means capable of detecting image shake such as camera shake caused by a user. The pitch shake detection unit 19 and the yaw shake detection unit 20 are each constituted by an angular velocity sensor (vibration gyro sensor) or an angular acceleration sensor. The pitch shake detection unit 19 detects image shake in the pitch direction (the rotational direction about the Z-axis) and outputs a shake signal. The yaw shake detection unit 20 detects image shake in the yaw direction (the rotational direction about the Y-axis) and outputs a shake signal. The camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position of the lens image stabilization group 301 (shift lens) in the Y-axis direction based on the shake signal from the pitch shake detection unit 19. Further, the camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position of the lens image stabilization group 301 in the Z-axis direction based on the shake signal from the yaw shake detection unit 20. Then, the camera control unit 12 drives and controls the lens image stabilization group 301 to the target position in accordance with the calculated shift positions in the pitch / yaw directions, and performs an image stabilization operation to reduce image shake during exposure and through-image display.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens in a zoom retracted state, taken along the XY plane including the optical axis O101. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens in a zoom extended state, taken along the XY plane including the optical axis O101. The center line in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the optical axis O101 of the imaging optical system. In the present embodiment, the imaging optical system is configured to include six zoom groups, as an example. Each zoom group moved to a predetermined optical position corresponding to the angle of view forms an image of light from a subject on the imaging surface of the image sensor 16. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the imaging optical system includes a first zoom group 201, a second zoom group 202, a third zoom group 203, a fourth zoom group 204, a fifth zoom group 205, and a sixth zoom group 206 arranged in order from the front side. The third zoom group 203 is composed of the lens image stabilization group 301 and an aperture group 401. The fifth zoom group 205 is composed of a focus group 501. Note that although the imaging optical system has six zoom groups in the present embodiment, the number of arranged zoom groups is not particularly limited. Further, the imaging optical system may be one in which movement of a part of the zoom groups is restricted, that is, a part of the zoom groups is fixed.

[0020] The interchangeable lens 101 has a straight guide tube 107 and a cam tube 108 arranged concentrically with the straight guide tube 107 on its outer circumference. The straight guide tube 107 is a fixing member fixed to the lens mount 102 via a fixing tube (not shown). The straight guide tube 107 has claws (not shown) arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of its outer circumference. The cam tube 108 has a groove provided on its inner circumference and is connected to the zoom operation ring 103. By rotating the zoom operation ring 103, the cam tube 108 rotates around the optical axis O101. The straight guide tube 107 also has a straight guide groove (not shown) that restricts the rotational movement of each zoom group and guides it to move in a straight line in the direction of the optical axis O101. The cam tube 108 has cam grooves that correspond to each zoom group and have trajectories at different angles in the rotational direction. On the other hand, the first to sixth zoom groups are each provided with a cam follower. Each cam follower engages with a corresponding linear guide groove and cam groove. The cam cylinder 108 rotates when the user rotates the zoom operating ring 103. This rotation allows each zoom group to be moved forward and backward together along the optical axis O101 direction.

[0021] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lens vibration isolation group of the interchangeable lens, viewed from the front. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lens vibration isolation group of the interchangeable lens, viewed from the rear. Figure 7 is a front view of the lens vibration isolation group of the interchangeable lens. Figure 8 is a rear view of the lens vibration isolation group of the interchangeable lens. The lens vibration isolation group 301 is an image shake correction device that corrects image shake during imaging. As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the lens vibration isolation group 301 has a base member (fixing member) 310, a first yoke 320, and a second yoke 321 arranged in order from the rear. The lens vibration isolation group 301 also has a first drive magnet 323 and a second drive magnet 324. The base member 310 is a member fixed within the interchangeable lens 101. The first yoke 320 is made of a magnetic material and is screwed to the base member 310 by yoke fixing screws 322. The first drive magnet 323 is provided on the first yoke 320. The first drive magnet 323 is fixed to the first yoke 320 by magnetic attraction. The second yoke 321 is made of a magnetic material and is positioned opposite the first yoke 320 via the first drive magnet 323. The second drive magnet 324 is also provided on the second yoke 321. The second drive magnet 324 is fixed to the second yoke 321 by magnetic attraction. The first drive magnet 323 and the second drive magnet 324 are permanent magnets, for example, neodymium magnets. The first drive magnet 323 and the second drive magnet 324 are positioned by protrusions provided on the first yoke 320 and the second yoke 321, respectively. The second yoke 321 is fixed to the first yoke 320 by the magnetic attraction force generated between the first drive magnet 323 and the second drive magnet 324. A support column 325 is sandwiched between the first yoke 320 and the second yoke 321.

[0022] The lens vibration isolation group 301 includes a movable lens barrel (movable member) 330 and a first rolling ball (rolling member) 332. The movable lens barrel 330 includes a lens 300 that constitutes the lens vibration isolation group 301 and a ring-shaped holding part 303 that holds the lens 300 inside. The movable lens barrel 330, together with the lens 300, is movable relative to the base member 310 in the Z / Y axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis O101. This allows for correction of image shake. Note that the movable lens barrel 330 is not limited to moving in a direction strictly perpendicular to the optical axis O101, but is only required to be movable in a direction intersecting the optical axis O101. Multiple first ball seats 311 are attached to the base member 310, arranged at equal angular intervals around the optical axis O101. A second ball seat 331 is attached to the movable lens barrel 330. Each first ball seat 311 and each second ball seat 331 face each other. A first rolling ball (rolling member) 332 is positioned between the first ball seat 311 (base member 310) and the second ball seat 331 (movable lens barrel 330). The first rolling ball 332 can roll by contacting the first ball seat 311 and each of the second ball seats 331. This rolling motion allows the movable lens barrel 330 to be supported so as to move smoothly, i.e., with low friction, relative to the base member 310 in the Z / Y axis direction. Note that the first ball seat 311 is not limited to being a separate part from the base member 310, but may be, for example, integrated with the base member 310. Similarly, the second ball seat 331 is not limited to being a separate part from the movable lens barrel 330, but may be, for example, integrated with the movable lens barrel 330.

[0023] The lens vibration isolation group 301 has a flexible substrate 601. The flexible substrate 601 is a flexible circuit board. The flexible substrate 601 is electrically connected to a coil 326 attached to the movable lens barrel 330 via solder. When the coil 326 is energized, a magnetic circuit is formed consisting of a first yoke 320, a second yoke 321, a first drive magnet 323, and a second drive magnet 324. This generates a Lorentz force, which allows the movable lens barrel 330 to move in the Z / Y axis direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the coil 326, the first yoke 320, the second yoke 321, the first drive magnet 323, and the second drive magnet 324 function as a drive unit (vibration isolation drive unit 302) that drives the movable lens barrel 330 to move in the Z / Y axis direction. The coil 326, the first drive magnet 323, and the second drive magnet 324 are arranged in the Y axis direction and the Z axis direction, respectively. As a result, the movable lens barrel 330 can move freely in the Z / Y directions by the resultant force of the driving force in the Y direction and the driving force in the Z direction. The flexible substrate 601 is electrically connected to the position detection element 341 attached to the movable lens barrel 330 via solder. A sensor magnet 340 is attached to the base member 310. The position detection element 341 detects the relative position of the movable lens barrel 330 with respect to the base member 310 by converting the magnetic flux density of the sensor magnet 340 into an electrical signal. Two sets of sensor magnets 340 and position detection elements 341 are arranged facing each other in the X direction. Each set detects the position in the pitch direction and the yaw direction.

[0024] The lens vibration isolation group 301 includes a first guide plate 350, a second guide plate 352, a third guide plate 354, a second rolling ball 353, and a third rolling ball 355. The first guide plate 350 is screwed to the movable lens barrel 330 by a first set screw 351. This allows the first guide plate 350 to move together with the movable lens barrel 330. The second guide plate 352 is arranged via a plurality of second rolling balls 353. Two of these second rolling balls 353 abut in grooves extending in the pitch direction formed in the first guide plate 350 and the second guide plate 352. In addition, one of these second rolling balls 353 abuts in the second guide plate 352 and the first ball seat 311. The third guide plate 354 is positioned relative to the second guide plate 352 via third rolling balls 355. The third rolling balls 355 abut against grooves extending in the yaw direction formed in the second guide plate 352 and the third guide plate 354. The third guide plate 354 is positioned in the Z / Y axis direction relative to the base member 310. The third guide plate 354 and the base member 310 are biased toward each other in the X axis direction by a biasing spring 356.

[0025] With the above configuration, the third guide plate 354 is restricted from moving in the Z / Y axis direction relative to the base member 310. The second guide plate 352 is restricted from moving only in the yaw direction relative to the third guide plate 354. The first guide plate 350 and the movable lens barrel 330 are restricted from moving only in the pitch direction relative to the second guide plate 352. Due to these restrictions, the rotation of the movable lens barrel 330 around the optical axis O101 relative to the base member 310 is suppressed. This prevents false detection by the position detection element 341. The shaft screw 357 is attached to the third guide plate 354 so as to pass through a groove provided in the second guide plate 352. This prevents the second guide plate 352 and the third guide plate 354 from separating more than necessary, and thus prevents the second rolling ball 353 from falling out of the groove.

[0026] A first stopper member 358 and a second stopper member 359 are attached to the base member 310. The first stopper member 358 has a surface that is spaced apart in the X-axis direction from the movable lens barrel 330, the second guide plate 352, and the third guide plate 354. If these parts are lifted in the X-axis direction due to impact or the like, for example, they will come into contact with the first stopper member 358. This prevents the first rolling ball 332, the second rolling ball 353, and the third rolling ball 355 from falling off. The second stopper member 359 is spaced apart in the X-axis direction from the third guide plate 354. If the third guide plate 354 is lifted in the X-axis direction due to impact or the like, for example, it will come into contact with the second stopper member 359. This prevents the first rolling ball 332 and the second rolling ball 353 from falling off.

[0027] The lens vibration isolation group 301 includes a lock ring 360 and a lock motor 361. The lock ring 360 is supported on the base member 310 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis O101. The lock ring 360's movement in the X-axis direction relative to the base member 310 is restricted by a bayonet structure (not shown). The lock motor 361 is electrically connected to the flexible substrate 601 via solder. In this embodiment, the lock motor 361 is a stepping motor. The lock motor 361 has a pinion, and the lock ring 360 has a rack that meshes with the pinion. As a result, when the lock motor 361 is activated, the lock ring 360 rotates around the optical axis O101.

[0028] The lens vibration isolation group 301 has a photointerrupter 362 attached to the base member 310. The photointerrupter 362 is electrically connected to the flexible substrate 601 via solder. When a light-shielding portion (not shown) provided on the lock ring 360 approaches the photointerrupter 362, the photointerrupter 362 detects whether it is shielded or not. Depending on the detection result, it is determined whether the lock ring 360 is in a locked position or an unlocked position. In the locked state, a projection provided on the inner circumference of the lock ring 360 and a projection provided on the outer circumference of the movable lens barrel 330 are in a positional relationship opposite each other on the ZY plane. When the projections come into contact with each other, the movement of the movable lens barrel 330 in the Z / Y axis direction is restricted. In the unlocked state, the positional relationship between the projections is resolved, and the movable lens barrel 330 becomes movable in the Z / Y axis direction. When the interchangeable lens 101 is not in use, it is preferable to restrict the movement of the movable lens barrel 330. This helps to prevent damage to the lens vibration damping group 301, even if it is subjected to an impact such as a fall.

[0029] Figure 9 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the lens vibration isolation group of the interchangeable lens. Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the lens vibration isolation group of the interchangeable lens, viewed from the front. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the base member 310 has a ball movable part 701 as a restricting part that restricts the rolling range of the first rolling ball 332 in the Z / Y axis direction. The ball movable part 701 is provided at a position spaced apart from the optical axis O101. This ball movable part 701 consists of a cylindrical part 312 that protrudes cylindrically from the base member 310 and a first ball seat 311 that covers the cylindrical part 312 from the negative side in the X axis direction. The first rolling ball 332 receives a biasing force from the biasing spring 356 while its rolling is restricted by the ball movable part 701. This biasing force is part of the biasing force that the second guide plate 352 receives from the biasing spring 356 in the X axis direction. The ball movable portion 701 is preferably the same distance from each biasing spring 356. This allows for a good balance of the biasing forces acting on each of the first rolling balls 332, second rolling balls 353, and third rolling balls 355. In this embodiment, the ball movable portion 701 is provided by the base member 310, but it is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if at least one of the base member 310 and the movable lens barrel 330 provides it.

[0030] The flexible substrate 601 has a first connection portion 610 and a second connection portion 620 positioned differently from the first connection portion 610. The first connection portion 610 is strip-shaped, with one end connected to the base member 310 and the other end connected to the movable lens barrel 330. Thus, the base member 310 and the movable lens barrel 330 are electrically connected via the first connection portion 610. The second connection portion 620 is also strip-shaped, with one end connected to the base member 310 and the other end connected to the movable lens barrel 330. Thus, the base member 310 and the movable lens barrel 330 are electrically connected via the second connection portion 620.

[0031] As shown in Figure 9, the first connecting portion 610 has a first deformed portion 611 that is gently curved and deformed in the middle of its longitudinal direction. The second connecting portion 620 also has a second deformed portion 621 that is gently curved and deformed in the middle of its longitudinal direction. Thus, neither the first deformed portion 611 nor the second deformed portion 621 is bent. If there is a bend, the bent portion may open up due to changes over time or variations in the bend. In this case, the force due to the opening at the bent portion will act excessively on the movable lens barrel 330, hindering the accurate movement of the movable lens barrel 330 and potentially degrading the driving characteristics of the lens vibration isolation group 301 (image shake correction device). In contrast, both the first deformed portion 611 and the second deformed portion 621 are gently curved. This eliminates factors that hinder the movement of the movable lens barrel 330, thereby enabling accurate movement of the movable lens barrel 330 during image shake correction, that is, allowing the movable lens barrel 330 to move stably. The first deformation portion 611 and the second deformation portion 621 may be gently bent to produce an effect comparable to that of curvature.

[0032] The base member 310 has a first fixing part 313 that fixes one end of the first connecting part 610 and a second fixing part 314 that fixes one end of the second connecting part 620. In this embodiment, the first fixing part 313 and the second fixing part 314 are made of grooves along the Z-axis direction. This allows the first connecting part 610 to be inserted into and fixed to the first fixing part 313, and the second connecting part 620 to be inserted into and fixed to the second fixing part 314. As shown in Figure 9, the first fixing part 313 and the second fixing part 314 are arranged via the ball movable part 701 when viewed from the direction of the optical axis O101. That is, in Figure 9, the first fixing part 313 is located to the left of the ball movable part 701, and the second fixing part 314 is located to the right of the ball movable part 701. As a result, the first connection part 610 and the second connection part 620 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual line VL1 that connects the optical axis O101 and the center O701 of the ball movable part 701, when viewed from the direction of the optical axis O101. Hereafter, this state will be referred to as the "line-symmetric arrangement state".

[0033] Incidentally, when the movable lens barrel 330 moves in the Z / Y axis direction, it receives reaction forces from the first deformation part 611 (first connection part 610) and the second deformation part 621 (second connection part 620). Due to the symmetrical arrangement, the reaction force from the first deformation part 611 and the reaction force from the second deformation part 621 are approximately equal, and the difference between them can be kept as small as possible. For example, when the movable lens barrel 330 moves toward the positive side of the Y axis direction, the first deformation part 611 and the second deformation part 621 deform in the same way in the Y axis direction due to the symmetrical arrangement. The difference between the amount of deformation at the first deformation part 611 and the amount of deformation at the second deformation part 621 can also be kept as small as possible, and thus the difference in reaction forces received by the movable lens barrel 330 can be kept sufficiently small. As a result, the movable lens barrel 330 can move stably and smoothly toward the positive side of the Y axis direction. As mentioned above, the first deformation section 611 and the second deformation section 621 are each gently curved. The larger the curvature (the gentler the curve), the smaller the reaction force generated per unit deformation at each deformation section. This suppresses the influence of changes in reaction force from each deformation section when the movable lens barrel 330 moves. Furthermore, when viewed from the direction of the optical axis O101, the first deformation section 611 curves at a position further from the virtual straight line VL1 than the first fixed section 313, and the second deformation section 621 curves at a position further from the virtual straight line VL1 than the second fixed section 314. As a result, when the movable lens barrel 330 moves, each deformation section can deform smoothly without being affected by the fixed section, thus contributing to the stable movement of the movable lens barrel 330. As described above, in the lens vibration isolation group 301 (image shake correction device), the first deformation part 611 and the second deformation part 621 are gently curved and arranged symmetrically, which stabilizes the driving characteristics during image shake correction.

[0034] Depending on the distance of the first fixed part 313 from the optical axis O101, the first deformable part 611 may protrude beyond the maximum outer diameter of the lens vibration damping group 301, requiring avoidance of interference with peripheral components of the lens vibration damping group 301. Similarly, depending on the distance of the second fixed part 314 from the optical axis O101, the second deformable part 621 may protrude beyond the maximum outer diameter of the lens vibration damping group 301, requiring avoidance of interference with peripheral components of the lens vibration damping group 301. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first deformable part 611 and the second deformable part 621 are arranged as follows to prevent protrusion. When viewed from the direction of the optical axis O101, both the first fixed part 313 and the second fixed part 314 are positioned so that their distance from the optical axis O101 is shorter than the distance from the optical axis O101 to the furthest part of the ball movable part 701. This prevents each deformable part from protruding and eliminates the need to avoid interference with peripheral components.

[0035] Furthermore, both the first deformation section 611 and the second deformation section 621 are curved toward the opposite side of the virtual straight line VL1. This allows the first deformation section 611 and the second deformation section 621 to be positioned at a distance from the ball movable section 701 when viewed from the direction of the optical axis O101. This allows the flexible substrate 601 to be positioned without interfering with the ball movable section 701 or the stopper fixing section 315 described later, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the lens vibration isolation group 301.

[0036] As shown in Figure 9, the base member 310 has a stopper fixing part (support part) 315. The first stopper member 358 is fixed (supported) to the stopper fixing part 315 by screw fastening. The first stopper member 358 comes into contact with the third guide plate 354 when it lifts up in the X-axis direction. This prevents the second rolling ball 353 from falling out. In consideration of preventing the second rolling ball 353 from falling out, it is preferable that two stopper fixing parts 315 (first stopper members 358) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual straight line VL1, as close as possible to the ball movable part 701. Furthermore, if each stopper fixing part 315 is placed close to the optical axis O101, depending on the position, the space for placing the flexible substrate 601 may be reduced, making it difficult to lay out the flexible substrate 601. Therefore, it is preferable to place each stopper fixing part 315 further from the optical axis O101 than the ball movable part 701. As mentioned above, the first fixing part 313 and the second fixing part 314 are arranged on the left and right sides in Figure 9 via the ball movable part 701. This allows the flexible substrate 601 to be positioned so as not to interfere with the ball movable part 701 and the stopper fixing part 315. Note that the number of stopper fixing parts 315 is not limited to two, but may be three or more, for example.

[0037] As mentioned above, the first connecting portion 610 and the second connecting portion 620 are curved, and therefore generate an opening force in the Y-axis direction. The base member 310 has contact portions (fixed side contact portions) 316 that abut against the first connecting portion 610 and the second connecting portion 620, respectively. The movable lens barrel 330 has contact portions (movable side contact portions) 333 that abut against the first connecting portion 610 and the second connecting portion 620, respectively. When the movable lens barrel 330 moves, the positions in which the first connecting portion 610 and the second connecting portion 620 contact the contact portions 316 and 333 change, but it is preferable that each contact portion always abuts against the same plane. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the load (reaction force) on the movable lens barrel 330. When viewed from the direction of the optical axis O101, each contact portion 316 is positioned on a virtual straight line VL2 connecting the first fixing portion 313 and the second fixing portion 314. This arrangement contributes to the miniaturization of the lens vibration damping group 301 (image shake correction device). However, if the stopper fixing portion 315 is to be positioned closer to the optical axis O101, it is not possible to position the stopper fixing portion 315 further inward than the virtual straight line VL2.

[0038] As shown in Figure 10, the base member 310 has a third fixing portion 317 for fixing the flexible substrate 601. When viewed from the direction of the optical axis O101, the third fixing portion 317 is positioned further from the optical axis O101 than the ball movable portion 701. The first connection portion 610 and the second connection portion 620 of the flexible substrate 601 merge near the third fixing portion 317, and this merging portion is fixed to the third fixing portion 317 with screws. A photointerrupter 362 is also installed on the third fixing portion 317. The overlapping positional relationship between the merging portion and the photointerrupter 362 allows the shape of the merging portion (flexible substrate 601) to be simplified, making the manufacturing of the flexible substrate 601 easier.

[0039] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) Fixing member and The device comprises a lens and a holding portion for holding the lens, and a movable member that is movable relative to the fixed member in a planar direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, A rolling member is disposed between the fixed member and the movable member so as to be rotatable, and the rolling motion supports the movable member so as to be movable in the planar direction, A flexible substrate having a first connecting portion that connects the fixed member and the movable member, and a second connecting portion that connects the fixed member and the movable member at a position different from the first connecting portion, At least one of the fixed member and the movable member is provided at a position spaced apart from the optical axis and has a restricting portion that restricts the rolling range of the rolling member in the planar direction. The fixing member has a first fixing portion for fixing the first connecting portion and a second fixing portion for fixing the second connecting portion. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are arranged via the restricting portion when viewed from the optical axis direction, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual line connecting the optical axis and the center of the restricting portion when viewed from the direction of the optical axis. The first connecting portion has a first deformed portion that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, is bent or curved at a position further from the virtual straight line than the first fixed portion. The second connecting portion has a second deformed portion that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, is bent or curved at a position further from the virtual straight line than the second fixing portion. The fixing member has at least two support portions that support a member used to prevent the rolling member from falling out between the fixing member and the movable member, The two support parts are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual line and are positioned further from the optical axis than the regulating part. An image shake correction device characterized by the following: (Configuration 2) The image shake correction device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that both the first fixed part and the second fixed part are positioned such that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, their distance from the optical axis is shorter than the distance from the optical axis to the furthest part of the regulating part. (Configuration 3) The fixing member has a fixing-side contact portion that contacts the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, respectively. The movable member has a movable side contact portion that contacts the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, respectively. The fixed contact portion is characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, it is positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion. Configuration 1 or 2 Image shake correction device as described above. (Configuration 4) The fixing member is characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, it is positioned further from the optical axis than the restricting portion and has a third fixing portion that fixes the flexible substrate. Configurations 1 to 3 Image shake correction device as described in any one of the items. (Configuration 5) Both the first deformed portion and the second deformed portion are characterized by being bent or curved in the direction opposite to the virtual straight line. Configurations 1 to 4 Image shake correction device as described in any one of the items. (Configuration 6) Both the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion are characterized in that they are positioned at a distance from the restricting portion when viewed from the direction of the optical axis. Configurations 1 to 5 Image shake correction device as described in any one of the items. (Configuration 7) The configuration is characterized by comprising a drive unit that drives the movable member to move in the planar direction. Configurations 1 to 6 Image shake correction device as described in any one of the items. (Configuration 8) An optical instrument characterized by comprising the image shake correction device described in Configuration 1.

[0040] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors of the computer in that system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions. In addition, although the target of application for optical equipment is an interchangeable lens 101 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a camera (imaging device). [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 101 Replacement Lenses 301 Lens Image Stabilization Group 310 Base member 313 1st fixed part 314 Second fixed part 330 Movable Telescope Tube 610 First connection section 611 First deformation section 620 Second connection section 621 Second deformation section

Claims

1. Fixing member and The device comprises a lens and a holding portion for holding the lens, and a movable member that is movable relative to the fixed member in a planar direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, A rolling member is disposed between the fixed member and the movable member so as to be rotatable, and the rolling motion supports the movable member so as to be movable in the planar direction, A flexible substrate having a first connecting portion that connects the fixed member and the movable member, and a second connecting portion that connects the fixed member and the movable member at a position different from the first connecting portion, At least one of the fixed member and the movable member is provided at a position spaced apart from the optical axis and has a restricting portion that restricts the rolling range of the rolling member in the planar direction. The fixing member has a first fixing portion for fixing the first connecting portion and a second fixing portion for fixing the second connecting portion. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are arranged via the restricting portion when viewed from the optical axis direction, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the optical axis and the center of the restricting portion when viewed from the direction of the optical axis. The first connecting portion has a first deformed portion that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, is bent or curved at a position further from the virtual straight line than the first fixed portion. The second connecting portion has a second deformed portion that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, is bent or curved at a position further from the virtual straight line than the second fixing portion. The fixing member has at least two support portions that support a member used to prevent the rolling member from falling out from between the fixing member and the movable member. The image shake correction device is characterized in that the two support parts are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual line and are positioned further from the optical axis than the regulating part.

2. The image shake correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that both the first fixed part and the second fixed part are positioned such that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, their distance from the optical axis is closer than the distance from the optical axis to the furthest part of the regulating part.

3. The fixing member has a fixing-side contact portion that contacts the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, respectively. The movable member has movable contact portions that abut against the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, respectively. The image shake correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed contact portion is arranged on a virtual straight line connecting the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion when viewed from the optical axis direction.

4. The image shake correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing member is positioned further from the optical axis than the regulating portion when viewed from the optical axis direction, and has a third fixing portion for fixing the flexible substrate.

5. The image shake correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that both the first deformed portion and the second deformed portion are bent or curved in the direction opposite to the virtual straight line.

6. The image shake correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that both the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion are positioned at a distance from the regulating portion when viewed from the direction of the optical axis.

7. The image shake correction device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit for driving the movable member to move in the planar direction.

8. An optical instrument characterized by comprising the image shake correction device described in claim 1.

Images