JP7294340B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been disclosed an image pickup apparatus that corrects camera shake by driving an image sensor when camera shake is detected (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100003). This conventional imaging apparatus is provided with a mechanism for holding the imaging element at a predetermined position.

JP 2014-26147 A

The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a movable portion provided with an image pickup device and movably provided, a first driving portion for moving the movable portion, and a surface of the movable portion opposite to the surface on which the image pickup device is arranged. A first position that engages with the engaged portion provided on the surface of the movable portion to limit the movement of the movable portion, and a second position that does not engage the engaged portion and does not limit the movement of the movable portion. a second driving portion for moving the engaging portion between the first position and the second position; and a base for holding the second driving portion. a plate, a cam plate that rotates about an axis parallel to the optical axis by the second drive unit and has a slope whose thickness in the axial direction gradually changes, and a contact portion that contacts the slope, A configuration comprising: a moving plate that advances and retreats in the axial direction by the rotation of the cam plate and that is provided with the engaging portion; and a second elastic member that biases the moving plate toward the base plate. and

Further, in the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the image pickup device is disposed in a movable portion provided movably, a first driving portion for moving the movable portion, and an engaged portion provided in the movable portion. At least three movable parts provided movably between a first position that engages and restricts movement of the movable part and a second position that does not engage with the engaged part and does not restrict movement of the movable part an engaging portion; a second driving portion that moves the engaging portion between the first position and the second position; a base plate that holds the second driving portion; is rotated about an axis parallel to the optical axis by the driving portion of the cam plate, and has a slope whose thickness in the axial direction gradually changes; and a contact portion that contacts the slope. and a moving plate that advances and retreats in the axial direction and is provided with the engaging portion, and a second elastic member that biases the moving plate toward the base plate.

Further, in the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, an image pickup device is arranged, and a movable portion provided so as to be movable in a direction parallel to an image pickup surface of the image pickup device with respect to a fixed portion, and the image pickup device of the movable portion are arranged. The engaged portion provided on the opposite surface of the surface where the image is captured is pressed from the direction perpendicular to the imaging surface via an elastic member, and the frictional force causes the movable portion to move in the direction parallel to the imaging surface. a restricting portion for restricting; a first position for restricting movement of the movable portion by engaging with an engaged portion provided on a surface of the movable portion opposite to the surface on which the imaging device is arranged; an engaging portion that is movable between a second position that does not engage with the engaged portion and does not restrict movement of the movable portion; and an engaging portion that is moved between the first position and the second position. a base plate that holds the second driving portion; and the second driving portion rotates around an axis parallel to the optical axis, and the thickness in the axial direction gradually changes. a cam plate having a sloping surface that faces the slant surface; and a contact portion that abuts on the sloping surface. and a second elastic member that biases toward the base plate .

Further, in the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, an image pickup device is arranged, and a movable portion provided so as to be movable in a direction parallel to an image pickup surface of the image pickup device with respect to a fixed portion, and the image pickup device of the movable portion are arranged. a restricting portion for restricting movement of the movable portion by pressing an engaged portion provided on a surface opposite to the surface on which the image is captured from a direction parallel to the imaging surface; and the imaging element of the movable portion. A first position where the movable portion is restricted in movement by engaging with an engaged portion provided on the opposite surface of the first position, and a position where the engaged portion is not engaged and movement of the movable portion is not restricted an engaging portion movable between a second position; a second driving portion for moving the engaging portion between the first position and the second position; and the second driving portion. a base plate that holds a cam plate that rotates about an axis parallel to the optical axis by the second driving portion and has a slope whose thickness in the axial direction gradually changes; and a contact portion that contacts the slope. a moving plate that advances and retreats in the axial direction by the rotation of the cam plate and is provided with the engaging portion; and a second elastic member that biases the moving plate toward the base plate. , is provided.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a camera 1 of an embodiment and an interchangeable lens 2 detachable from the camera 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the imaging unit 20 and the movement restriction mechanism 40 as seen from the oblique front side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the imaging unit 20 and the movement restriction mechanism 40 as seen from the oblique rear side. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the movable portion 25; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the engaged portion 28 and the engaging portion 50. FIG. 4 is a rear view of a fixing portion 24; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 40 as seen obliquely from the front side; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 40 as seen obliquely from the rear side; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cam plate 43; FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control section 14 of the camera 1 in the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a movement restricting mechanism 140 according to a third embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front; FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 of the third embodiment as viewed obliquely from the rear; FIG. 11 is a rear view of a movement restricting mechanism 140 of a third embodiment; FIG. 14 is a front view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 in the first position restricting the movement of the engaged portion 28 in the third embodiment; FIG. 14 is a front view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 in the second position where movement of the engaged portion 28 is not restricted in the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a movement restricting mechanism 140 in a first state restricting movement of an engaged portion 28 in the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 in a second state in which movement of the engaged portion 28 is not restricted in the third embodiment;

(First embodiment)
A camera 1 as a first embodiment of an imaging device will be described below with reference to the drawings and the like. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a camera 1 of the first embodiment and an interchangeable lens 2 detachable from the camera 1. As shown in FIG. Note that the camera 1 in which the interchangeable lens 2 is detachable will be described in the first embodiment, but the camera 1 may be a lens-integrated camera.

(Camera 1)
The camera 1 includes an image pickup unit 20 having an image pickup device 23, a movement restriction mechanism 40 for limiting movement of a movable portion 25 including the image pickup device 23 in the image pickup unit 20, a release switch 11, a display section 12, and a shake detection sensor. 13 , a first drive section 21 , a position detection section 22 , a control section 14 and an operation section 15 .

The release switch 11 is a member for operating the camera 1 for photographing, and operates the timing of driving the shutter (not shown).

The imaging device 23 is provided on the intended focal plane of the photographic optical system of the interchangeable lens 2, and photoelectrically converts subject image light incident through the photographic optical system of the interchangeable lens 2 based on the control of the control unit 14 to generate a signal. Generate. The imaging device 23 is configured by, for example, a CCD, a CMOS, or the like.

The display unit 12 is provided on the rear surface of the camera 1 and is a color liquid crystal display that displays captured subject images (still images and moving images including live view images), information (menus) related to operations, and the like.

A shake detection sensor 13 is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, and detects shake caused by hand shake of the camera 1 .

The control unit 14 performs photographing control of the imaging device 23 by pressing the release switch 11 . In addition, the control unit 14 performs processing such as noise processing and A/D conversion on the signal output from the imaging device 23 to generate image data and displays it on the display unit 12 . Further, the control unit 14 detects the target position of the image pickup device 23 based on the shake signal of the image pickup device 23 detected by the shake detection sensor 13 . Based on the detected target position, the control unit 14 calculates a drive amount for correcting blurring of the image sensor 23, and drives the image sensor 23 via the first drive unit 21 based on the calculated drive amount. do.

(Imaging unit 20)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging unit 20 and the movement limiting mechanism 40 as seen from the oblique front side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the imaging unit 20 and the movement limiting mechanism 40 as seen from the oblique rear side.
In the following figures, an XY orthogonal coordinate system is provided as appropriate to facilitate explanation and understanding. In this coordinate system, the X plus direction is the direction toward the left side as seen from the photographer when the photographer takes a landscape image with the optical axis OA horizontal (normal position). Also, the upward direction in the normal position is the Y plus direction. Also, the object side in the direction of the optical axis OA is the front, the opposite side is the rear, the Y plus side is the top, the Y minus side is the bottom, and the rear side is the rear surface.

The imaging unit 20 includes a fixed section 24, a movable section 25 movable within the XY plane with respect to the fixed section 24, and the above-described first drive section 21 and position detection section 22 shown in FIG.

(Movable part 25)
4 is a rear view of the movable portion 25. FIG. The movable section 25 includes a movable frame 26 that holds the outer peripheral portion of the back surface of the imaging element 23 , and the imaging element 23 is attached to the front surface of the movable frame 26 .

(Movable frame 26)
In the movable frame 26, on the X-direction positive side of the imaging device 23 whose outer frame is indicated by the dotted line in FIG. On the lower side), coils 212 and 213 for driving in the Y direction and in the rotational direction are attached as the first driving portion 21 . A yoke 214 is attached to the front surface of the movable frame 26 .

(Engaged portion 28)
A movable-side opening 26 a is provided in a portion of the movable frame 26 positioned on the back side of the imaging device 23 . Arms 27 extend inward from three points on the inner edge of the movable-side opening 26a. The arm portions 27 extend in a direction toward the center of gravity G of the movable portion 25, and engaged portions 28 are provided at the ends of the arm portions 27, respectively.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the engaged portion 28 and an engaging portion 50, which will be described later. A surface 28a is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the three engaged portions 28 are arranged on a circumference S having the same diameter centered on the center of gravity G of the movable portion 25. As shown in FIG. That is, the engaged portion 28 is arranged with the center of gravity G of the movable portion 25 as the center, and the center of gravity G is at a position deviated from the point A through which the optical axis OA, which is the imaging center of the imaging element 23, passes. .

(fixed portion 24)
The fixed part 24 has a fixed frame 30 fixed to the housing of the camera 1 . FIG. 6 is a rear view of the fixed frame 30 and the magnets 311, 312 and 313 of the fixed portion 24. FIG.

(fixed frame 30)
The fixed frame 30 is provided with a fixed side opening 24a. The fixed side opening 24a is located on the back side of the movable side opening 26a. As shown in FIG. 3, the engaged portion 28 is exposed rearward through the fixed side opening 24a.
A magnet 311 for driving in the X direction as the first drive unit 21 is provided on the fixed frame 30 on the positive side in the X direction, and the first drive unit 21 is provided on the negative side (lower side) in the Y direction of the imaging device 23 . 312 and 313 for driving in the Y direction and driving in the rotational direction are attached.

(Position detector 22)
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 20 is provided with a position detection section 22 . The position detection section 22 detects the position of the movable section 25 with respect to the fixed section 24 . In the present embodiment, the position detection unit 22 is, for example, a hall element 22a attached to the movable unit 25 and a position detection magnet 22b attached to the fixed unit 24, but is not limited to this, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit (PSD ).

(First drive unit 21)
As described above, the first drive unit 21 includes the coils 211, 212, 213 and the yoke 214 provided on the movable frame 26 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and the fixed frame 30 shown in FIGS. a voice coil motor (VCM) with magnets 311, 312, 313; The first drive units 21 are arranged at three locations around the imaging device 23, as shown in FIGS.

The movable part 25 and the fixed part 24 are urged toward each other by a spring member via three balls (not shown). , is movably supported in the direction of rotation about the optical axis OA.

When a current is passed through the coils 211, 212, and 213, electromagnetic force acts on the portions of the coils 211, 212, and 213 where the direction of the current is perpendicular to the magnetic lines of force of the magnets 311, 312, and 313, and the movable portion 25 becomes the fixed portion. 24.
Reversing the directions of the currents flowing through the coils 211, 212, and 213 drives the movable portion 25 in the opposite direction. Further, the force acting on the movable portion 25 can be changed by changing the magnitude of the currents flowing through the coils 211 , 212 and 213 .

(Movement restriction mechanism 40)
When the coils 211 , 212 , 213 are energized, the electromagnetic force acting on the coils 211 , 212 , 213 of the movable part 25 holds the movable part 25 at a predetermined position. However, when the energization of the coils 211, 212 and 213 is stopped, the force for holding the movable portion 25 disappears. Then, when an external force is applied to the movable part 25, the movable part 25 can easily move. There is a possibility that the articles may come into contact with each other and various parts may be damaged.

For this reason, the embodiment has a movement limiting mechanism 40 that fixes the movable portion 25 when not energized. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the movement restriction mechanism 40 is arranged in the space behind the imaging unit 20 inside the housing of the camera 1 . FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the movement limiting mechanism 40 seen obliquely from the front side, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the movement limiting mechanism 40 seen obliquely from the rear side.

The movement restriction mechanism 40 includes, from the rear side, a base plate 41, a gear portion 42, a cam plate 43, a moving plate 47 having a pressure spring 44 (first elastic member), and a biasing spring 45 (second elastic member). ) and a cover plate 46 .

(Base plate 41)
The base plate 41 is a member that holds the gear portion 42, the cam plate 43, and the moving plate 47. The moving plate holding shaft 41a that holds the moving plate 47 and the moving plate holding shaft 41a are concentric with the moving plate holding shaft 41a. A cam plate holding ring 41b provided on the outer periphery of the cam plate holding ring 41b and a gear support shaft 41c provided outside the cam plate holding ring 41b extend forward from the front surface. Below the base plate 41, a moving plate rotation stop receiver 41d similarly extends forward from the front surface. The moving plate holding shaft 41a extends along the axis G1 around which the cam plate 43 rotates.

A motor 49, which is a second drive unit and an actuator, is fixed to the side of the base plate 41 on which the gear support shaft 41c is provided (X-minus side). A rotating shaft of the motor 49 extends in the Y direction, and a worm gear 49a is attached to the outer circumference of the rotating shaft.
2 and 3, the entire motor 49 is located on the rear side of the first driving section 21 in the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least a portion of the motor 49 may be located on the back side of the first driving section 21 .

(Gear portion 42)
The gear portion 42 is disc-shaped and has gear teeth 42a on its outer circumference, and is rotatably attached to a gear support shaft 41c provided on the base plate 41 .

(Cam plate 43)
8 is a perspective view of the cam plate 43. FIG. The cam plate 43 has an annular shape and is fitted on the outer peripheral side of a cam plate holding ring 41b provided on the base plate 41 so as to be relatively rotatable.
The cam plate 43 has cam gear teeth 43a formed on a part of the outer periphery thereof, and meshes with the gear teeth 42a of the gear portion 42. As shown in FIG. On the front surface of the cam plate 43, slopes 43b provided by gradually changing the thickness in the direction of the optical axis OA are provided at three locations equidistantly in the circumferential direction.

(Moving plate 47)
The moving plate 47 is disk-shaped, and a moving plate holding shaft 41a provided on the base plate 41 is inserted into a hole provided in the center, and is attached to the base plate 41 so as to be movable back and forth.
Engagement portions 50 are formed outward from three equidistant locations on the outer peripheral side of the moving plate 47 .
A rotation stopper 47a having a U-shaped tip extends outward from one position on the outer peripheral side of the moving plate 47. As shown in FIG. The relative rotation of the moving plate 47 with respect to the base plate 41 is prevented by the engagement between the rotation stop 47a and the moving plate rotation stopping receiver 41d of the base plate 41. As shown in FIG.
On the rear surface of the moving plate 47, projections 47b protruding rearward are provided at three locations on the same circumference with the same diameter as the slope 43b of the cam plate 43 and at equal intervals.

(Engaging portion 50)
The engaging portions 50 are formed outward from three equally spaced locations on the outer peripheral side of the moving plate 47 about the axis G1. FIG. 5 described above is a diagram showing the state of engagement between the engaging portion 50 and the engaged portion 28 provided on the movable frame 26 .
The engaging portion 50 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the moving plate 47 . A concave portion 51 is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the moving plate 47 so as to be concave toward the inside and concave toward the rear side. Each recess 51 has an outer peripheral surface 51a with a constant length extending in the circumferential direction around the axis G1, and two inner side surfaces 51b extending radially outward from both sides of the outer peripheral surface 51a in the circumferential direction. ing.

On the other hand, the engaged portion 28 provided on the movable frame 26 has an inner peripheral surface 28b extending in a constant length in the circumferential direction centered on the center of gravity G, and radially extending from both sides of the inner peripheral surface 28b in the circumferential direction. and two outer surfaces 28c extending directionally outward.

Here, the distance between the two outer side surfaces 28c, that is, the circumferential width of the contact surface 28a (engaged portion 28) is the distance between the two inner side surfaces 51b of the recess 51, that is, the circumferential width of the recess 51. Greater than width.
The diameter of the circumference of the engaging portion 50 on which the outer peripheral surface 51a is formed is smaller than the diameter of the circumference of the engaged portion 28 on which the inner peripheral surface 28b is formed.

Therefore, the engaging portion 50 moves forward, the outer peripheral surface 51a of the engaging portion 50 and the inner peripheral surface 28b of the engaged portion 28 face each other, and the inner surface 51b of the engaging portion 50 and the engaged portion When the engaged portion 28 enters the concave portion 51 of the engaging portion 50 so that the outer surface 28c of the engaging portion 28 is opposed to the outer surface 28c, between the opposing inner peripheral surface 28b and the outer peripheral surface 51a A gap is formed between the opposing inner surface 51b and outer surface 28c.

A V-shaped (L-shaped) leaf spring member 52 is attached to the concave portion 51 .
Both ends 52 a of the plate spring member 52 are fixed to both sides of the moving plate 47 with the concave portion 51 on the inner diameter side of the concave portion 51 interposed therebetween.
The central portion of the doglegged (L-shaped) leaf spring member 52 extends forward inside the concave portion 51, and the tip thereof is bent to form a pressing portion 52b.

(Cover plate 46)
A cover plate 46 is arranged on the front side of the moving plate 47 with an urging spring 45 interposed therebetween. The cover plate 46 is fixed to the base plate 41 . The moving plate 47 can move back and forth while being urged rearward by the urging spring 45 .

(motion)
During photographing, the engaging portion 50 of the movement limiting mechanism 40 is at the second position away from the engaged portion 28 . At this time, the engaging portion 50 does not engage with the engaged portion 28 and does not restrict the movement of the movable portion 25 with respect to the fixed portion 24 .
In this state, for example, when the photographer selects to turn off the main power of the camera 1, the stepping motor 49 fixed to the base plate 41 rotates before the power is completely turned off.
Then, the worm gear 49a of the rotation shaft of the motor 49 and the gear teeth 42a of the gear portion 42 mesh with each other, and the rotational force of the motor 49 is transmitted to the gear portion 42 to rotate the gear portion 42.

When the gear portion 42 rotates, the cam plate 43 rotates because the cam gear teeth 43 a of the cam plate 43 mesh with the gear portion 42 .

As a result, the height of the inclined surface 43b of the cam plate 43, which is in contact with the projection 47b of the moving plate 47, changes, so that the moving plate 47 is pushed forward by the inclined surface 43b.

When the engaging portion 50 moves forward, the outer peripheral surface 51a of the engaging portion 50 and the inner peripheral surface 28b of the engaged portion 28 face each other, and the inner surface 51b of the engaging portion 50 and the outer surface of the engaged portion 28 The engaged portion 28 is inserted into the concave portion 51 of the engaging portion 50 so as to face the side surface 28c.
That is, the engaging portion 50 engages with the engaged portion 28 provided on the surface of the movable portion 25 opposite to the surface on which the imaging device 23 is arranged, and the position of the engaging portion 50 is the same as that of the movable portion 25. This is the first position that restricts movement with respect to the fixed portion 24 .

At this time, the pressing portion 52b of the plate spring member 52 contacts the engaged portion 28, and elastically holds the engaged portion 28, that is, the movable portion 25 in the optical axis OA direction.
Here, when the engaged portion 28 enters the concave portion 51 of the engaging portion 50, the inner peripheral surface 28b and the outer peripheral surface 51a facing each other, and the inner surface 51b and the outer surface 28c facing each other. Since there is a gap between them, the movement of the engaged portion 28 within the XY plane is prevented by the frictional force of the leaf spring member 52. Movement of the engaging portion 28 is restricted within the recess 51 .
Therefore, the engaged portion 28 is securely held without being excessively restrained by the engaging portion 50 .

Further, the pressing portion 52b of the leaf spring member 52 contacts the engaged portion 28, and elastically holds the engaged portion 28, that is, the movable portion 25 in the optical axis OA direction. The movable portion 25 can be held while the pressure in the OA direction is suppressed, and the movement of the movable portion 25 in the optical axis OA direction can be suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain the position of the image sensor 23 in the optical axis OA direction with high accuracy in a state where the movement of the movable portion 25 including the image sensor 23 in the XY plane direction is restricted by the movement restriction mechanism 40 .

Since the movable portion 25 engages the engaged portion 28 with the engaging portion 50 at three points on the rear surface, and the movement of the movable portion 25 with respect to the fixed portion 24 is restricted, compared to the case where the movable portion 25 is held at one point, remain stable.
In addition, in the embodiment, the form of holding at three places has been described, but the number is not limited to three and may be at least three.

The engaging portion 50 is driven back and forth by the motor 49 . Here, the worm gear 49a of the rotation shaft of the motor 49 and the gear teeth 42a of the gear portion 42 constitute a worm gear. The protrusion 47b of the moving plate 47 is in contact with the top dead center (or bottom dead center) of the slope 43b of the cam plate 43 when the movement relative to the fixed portion 24 is restricted.
Therefore, since the movable part 25 including the imaging device 23 is fixed even when the power is off, the movable part 25 does not drop due to gravity or move due to vibration during transportation.
Therefore, the movable portion 25 including the imaging element 23 can be held without consuming power.
It should be noted that the movement restriction operation of the movable section 25 may be made selectable by the operator using the operation section 15, not only when the main power supply is turned off. Further, the movement restriction operation of the movable portion 25 may be automatically performed depending on the photographing mode.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the recess 51 is provided with the leaf spring member 52, and the pressing portion 52b of the leaf spring member 52 contacts the engaged portion 28 to generate friction between the pressing portion 52b and the engaged portion 28. The configuration for generating a force and restricting the movement of the movable portion 25 provided with the engaged portion 28 within the XY plane has been described. In addition to this, for example, an elastic member such as a leaf spring may be provided at a location other than the portion directly abutting against the engaged portion 28, such as by providing an inelastic member that abuts on the engaged portion 28 at the tip of the leaf spring member 52. It is good also as a structure provided. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to hold the movable portion 25 while suppressing the pressure of the movable portion 25 in the direction of the optical axis OA by bending the elastic member. movement can be suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain the position of the image sensor 23 in the optical axis OA direction with high accuracy in a state where the movement of the movable portion 25 including the image sensor 23 in the XY plane direction is restricted by the movement restriction mechanism 40 .

In the embodiment, the movement restriction mechanism 40 is arranged in the space on the back side of the imaging unit 20, so the space on the back side of the imaging unit 20 can be used effectively. Therefore, since the internal space of the camera 1 can be effectively used, the size of the camera 1 can be reduced.

In the embodiment, when the holding center and the center of gravity of the movable portion do not match, a rotational moment is applied during holding according to the separation distance between the holding center and the center of gravity of the movable portion, and a large force is applied to hold down the movable portion 25 . Holding power may be required.
However, in the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the axis G1 passing through the holding center of the movement limiting mechanism 40 is arranged so as to pass through a position substantially coinciding with the center of gravity G. FIG. Therefore, the movable part 25 is held at three points on the circumference centered on the center of gravity G of the movable part 25, which are substantially evenly spaced from each other. Since the holding center and the center of gravity G of the movable portion 25 substantially coincide, the holding force for holding the movable portion 25 is relatively small. In addition, it is possible to reduce the inclination of the movable portion 25 due to mechanical play (backlash) of each member. Although the position of the engaged portion 28 with which the engaging portion 50 is engaged is on the circumference centered on the center of gravity G of the movable portion 25, it is not strictly limited to a form centered on the center of gravity G. , may be in the vicinity of the center of gravity G with a slight deviation. For example, the position may be closer to the center of gravity G than the imaging center.

When the imaging device 23 is pressed from the front side, it is difficult to hold the moving part 25 at a plurality of positions around the center of gravity G because the imaging surface cannot be blocked. However, in the embodiment, since the imaging device 23 is held from the back side, it is possible to hold the device at a plurality of locations around the center of gravity G.

In the voice coil motor of the embodiment, the magnets 311 , 312 and 313 are provided in the fixed portion 24 and the coils 211 , 212 and 213 are provided in the movable portion 25 . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnet may be provided on the movable portion and the coil may be provided on the fixed portion.
Further, in the embodiment, the engaged portion 28 enters the concave portion 51 of the engaging portion 50, but the movement restricting mechanism is not limited to this, and may take other forms.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. Hereinafter, in the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used.
As in the first embodiment, the camera 1 of the second embodiment also includes an image pickup unit 20 having an image pickup device 23 as shown in FIG. , a display unit 12 , a shake detection sensor 13 , a first drive unit 21 , a position detection unit 22 , and a control unit 14 .

The camera 1 has an acceleration sensor. Note that the acceleration sensor may be shared with the shake detection sensor 13 . Also, the movement restriction mechanism 40 of the second embodiment is not limited to the movement restriction mechanism 40 of the first embodiment, and may be another movement restriction mechanism 40 . The engaging portion 50 of the movement limiting mechanism 40 may engage with the engaged portion 28 of the movable portion 25 at two or one locations instead of three. The structure etc. which engage with the whole surface of the movable part 25 may be sufficient.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the control section 14 of the camera 1 according to the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is 0 G for a certain period of time or more (step S1, YES), the control unit 14 detects free fall (step S2).
When the free fall is detected, the control section 14 restricts the movement of the movable section by the movement restriction mechanism (step S3).
As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the drop of the camera 1 is detected, the movement of the movable portion is restricted, so the possibility of the movable portion colliding with other members and being damaged can be reduced.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a camera as a third embodiment of the imaging device will be described. The camera of the third embodiment is the same as the camera 1 of the first embodiment except for the movement restriction mechanism 140, so the description of the same parts will be omitted.

(Movement restriction mechanism 140)
As in the first embodiment, the movement restriction mechanism 140 of the third embodiment is arranged in the space on the back side of the imaging unit 20 inside the housing of the camera.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 viewed obliquely from the rear. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the movement limiting mechanism 140. FIG. FIG. 14 is a front view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 at the first position restricting movement of the engaged portion 28 (movement of the movable portion 25 with respect to the fixed portion 24). FIG. 15 is a front view of movement limiting mechanism 140 in a second position where movement of engaged portion 28 is not limited. FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 in the first state restricting the movement of the engaged portion 28. FIG. FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the movement restricting mechanism 140 in the second state in which the movement of the engaged portion 28 is not restricted.

The movement restriction mechanism 140 includes a base plate 141 , a rotary plate 143 arranged behind the base plate 141 , a gear portion 142 arranged on the side of the base plate 141 , and a gear portion 142 arranged on the front surface of the base plate 141 . and a holding member 144 .

(Base plate 141)
The base plate 141 has a substantially rectangular shape, and as shown in FIGS. A gear holding recess 141d provided outside the holding recess 141b and a gear support shaft 141c extending rearward from the gear holding recess 141d are provided. The rotary plate holding shaft 141 a extends along the axis G<b>1 , and the axis G<b>1 is arranged so as to pass through a position substantially coinciding with the center of gravity G of the movable portion 25 .

Long pin insertion holes 141e are provided through the bottom surface of the rotary plate holding recess 141b at three equally spaced locations on the circumference about the axis G1.
Further, on the bottom surface of the rotary plate holding recess 141b, claw insertion long holes 141f are formed at three equally spaced positions on a circumference centered on the axis G1 on the outer peripheral side of the three pin insertion long holes 141e. It is set through.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 to 17, on the front surface of the base plate 141, claw holding shafts 141i extending forward are provided at three equidistant locations on a circumference about the axis G1. there is
In addition, spring holding projections 141g are provided at three equidistant locations on the circumference centered on the axis G1. A coil spring 141h is inserted in each of the spring holding projections 141g.
Furthermore, a motor 149 which is a second drive unit and an actuator is fixed to the front surface of the base plate 141 . A rotating shaft of the motor 149 extends in the Y direction, and a worm gear 149a is attached to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft.

(Gear portion 142)
The gear portion 142 is provided with first gear teeth 142a on the rear side of the outer circumference and second gear teeth 142b on the front side of the outer circumference. The gear portion 142 is disk-shaped and is rotatably attached to a gear support shaft 141c provided in the base plate 141 at its center. A worm gear 149a of a motor 149 meshes with the second gear teeth 142b.

(Rotating plate 143)
The rotating plate 143 has an annular shape, and an insertion hole 143a provided in the center thereof is inserted into a rotating plate holding shaft 141a of the base plate 141 and held inside a rotating plate holding concave portion 141b of the base plate 141 so as to be relatively rotatable. ing.
The rotary plate 143 has gear teeth 143 b formed on a part of the outer periphery thereof and meshes with the first gear teeth 142 a of the gear portion 142 .
First holding claws 143c extending radially outward are provided from three locations on the outer periphery of the rotating plate 143 at equal intervals. The first holding claw 143c has a radially extending first holding surface 143d.
The first holding claw 143c is inserted into the claw insertion long hole 141f provided in the base plate 141, and moves in the claw insertion long hole 141f in the circumferential direction as the rotary plate 143 rotates. Further, pin members 143e extend forward from three locations on the circumference centered on the axis G1 on the front surface of the rotary plate 143 at equal intervals.

(Holding member 144)
Three holding members 144 are provided and have the same shape. The respective holding members 144 are arranged at regular intervals along the circumference around the axis G1.
The holding member 144 has a rotation center hole 144a, an arm portion 144b extending in the circumferential direction from a portion where the rotation center hole 144a is provided, and a second holding claw 144c extending radially outward from the tip of the arm portion 144b. Prepare.
The pawl holding shaft 141i of the base plate 141 is inserted into the rotation center hole 144a, and the holding member 144 is rotatable around the pawl holding shaft 141i.
A cam surface 144e is formed on the radially inner surface of the arm portion 144b. A pin member 143e provided on the rotary plate 143 penetrates the pin insertion elongated hole 141e of the base plate 141 and contacts the cam surface 144e.
Further, a spring engaging portion 144f is provided at a portion of the arm portion 144b opposite to the rotation center hole 144a. One end of a coil spring 141h attached to the spring holding projection 141g of the base plate 141 abuts against the spring engaging portion 144f, and the holding member 144 is rotated by the coil spring 141h around the rotation center hole 144a in FIG. Clockwise biased.
The second holding claw 144c is provided with a second holding surface 144d facing the rotation center hole 144a.
When the holding member 144 rotates about the pawl holding shaft 141i, the second holding surface 144d moves between a position retracted from the front side of the pawl insertion slot 141f and a state of entering the front side of the pawl insertion slot 141f.

(motion)
(second position)
13, 15 and 17, the movement limiting mechanism 140 is at the second position where the movement of the engaged portion 28 described in the first embodiment is not limited during photographing.

(Position of first holding surface 143d)
At the second position shown in FIG. 13, the first holding surface 143d is at a position retracted from the rear surface of the claw insertion elongated hole 141f.

(Position of second holding surface 144d)
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the pin member 143e is positioned on the rotation center hole 144a side of the cam surface 144e of the holding member 144. As shown in FIGS.
The spring engaging portion 144f is urged by a coil spring 141h and is urged counterclockwise in the drawing around the rotation center hole 144a (claw holding shaft 141i), that is, in a direction in which the tip of the cam surface 144e approaches the axis 1G. ing.
Therefore, the second holding surface 144d exists at a second position away from the claw insertion elongated hole 141f, that is, away from the engaged portion 28. As shown in FIG.

(first position)
(Position of first holding surface 143d)
For example, when the photographer selects to turn off the main power of the camera, the motor 149 fixed to the base plate 141 rotates before the power is completely turned off.
Then, the worm gear 149a of the rotating shaft of the motor 149 and the first gear tooth 142a of the gear portion 142 are engaged with each other, and the rotational force of the motor 149 is transmitted to the gear portion 142 so that the gear portion 142 moves in the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. rotate to
When the gear portion 142 rotates in the A1 direction, the rotating plate 143 rotates in the arrow A2 direction shown in FIG. 13 due to the engagement between the first gear teeth 142a and the gear teeth 143b.
When the rotary plate 143 rotates in the A2 direction, the first holding surface 143d also moves in the arrow A2 direction shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 around the rotary plate holding shaft 141a (G1).

(Position of second holding surface 144d)
Further, when the rotating plate 143 rotates, the pin member 143e also moves in the circumferential direction indicated by the arrow A2 in FIGS. 14 and 15 around the rotating plate holding shaft 141a (G1). Then, the cam surface 144e is moved by the pin member 143e, and the holding member 144 rotates around the rotation center hole 144a (claw holding shaft 141i) against the force of the coil spring 141h.
When the holding member 144 rotates, the second holding surface 144d also moves in the direction of arrow A3 shown in FIG. 15 around the rotation center hole 144a (claw holding shaft 141i).
As a result, the second holding surface 144d and the first holding surface 143d move toward each other on the XY plane, and the engaged portion 28 is sandwiched between the second holding surface 144d and the first holding surface 143d. 14 states.

In the first embodiment, the pressing portion 52b of the leaf spring member 52 contacts the engaged portion 28, and elastically holds the engaged portion 28, that is, the movable portion 25 in the optical axis OA direction. However, in the third embodiment, the engaged portion 28, that is, the movable portion 25 is held by the holding member 144 from the direction of the XY plane orthogonal to the optical axis OA. Therefore, it is possible to hold the movable portion 25 without pressing it from the direction of the optical axis OA, and it is possible to suppress the movement of the movable portion 25 in the direction of the optical axis OA. This makes it possible to maintain the position of the image pickup device 23 in the optical axis OA direction with high accuracy in a state where the movement of the movable portion 25 including the image pickup device 23 in the XY plane direction is restricted by the movement limiting mechanism 140 .

Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the movable portion 25 including the imaging element 23 is fixed even when the power is off, so the movable portion 25 does not drop due to gravity or move due to vibration during transportation. Therefore, the movable portion 25 including the imaging element 23 can be held without consuming power.

As in the first embodiment, the movement restriction mechanism 140 described in the third embodiment is arranged in the space on the back side of the imaging unit 20, so the space on the back side of the imaging unit 20 can be effectively used. can. Therefore, since the internal space of the camera 1 can be effectively used, the size of the camera 1 can be reduced.

As in the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, since the holding center and the center of gravity G of the movable part 25 are substantially aligned, the holding force for holding down the movable part 25 is relatively small. In addition, it is possible to reduce the inclination of the movable portion 25 due to mechanical play (backlash) of each member.

As in the first embodiment, when the imaging element 23 is pressed from the front side, the imaging plane cannot be blocked, so it is difficult to hold the movable part 25 at multiple points around the center of gravity G. However, in the third embodiment, since the imaging device 23 is held from the back side, it is possible to hold the device at a plurality of locations around the center of gravity G. FIG.

In the above-described third embodiment, the chair coil motor has the magnets 311 , 312 and 313 in the fixed portion 24 and the coils 211 , 212 and 213 in the movable portion 25 . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnet may be provided on the movable portion and the coil may be provided on the fixed portion.

Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the movable portion 25 includes the three engaged portions 28, and the three engaged portions 28 are held by the holding member 144 from the direction of the XY plane perpendicular to the optical axis OA. I explained the configuration. Alternatively, the movable portion 25 may include one engaged portion 28, and the one engaged portion 28 may be held by the holding member 144 from the direction of the XY plane. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to hold the movable portion 25 without pressing the movable portion 25 in the direction of the optical axis OA, and it is possible to suppress the movement of the movable portion 25 in the direction of the optical axis OA. It becomes possible. This makes it possible to maintain the position of the imaging element 23 in the optical axis OA direction with high accuracy.

Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the configuration in which the engaged portion 28 provided on the movable portion 25 is sandwiched and held by the holding member 144 has been described. Apart from this, for example, the movable portion 25 is provided with a concave engaged portion instead of a convex engaged portion, and a holding member applies force to the concave engaged portion from the inside within the XY plane. It is good also as a structure which holds down. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to hold the movable portion 25 without pressing the movable portion 25 in the direction of the optical axis OA, and it is possible to suppress the movement of the movable portion 25 in the direction of the optical axis OA. It becomes possible. This makes it possible to maintain the position of the imaging element 23 in the optical axis OA direction with high accuracy.

Although preferred embodiments have been described above, various modifications and changes are possible without being limited to these embodiments.

G: center of gravity, G1: axis, OA: optical axis, 1: camera, 13: shake detection sensor, 14: control section, 20: imaging unit, 21: first drive section, 22: position detection section, 22a: hall Element 22b: Position detection magnet 23: Imaging element 24: Fixed part 24a: Fixed side opening 25: Movable part 26: Movable frame 26a: Movable side opening 27: Arm 28: Engaged portion 28a: contact surface 28b: inner peripheral surface 28c: outer surface 30: fixed frame 40: movement limiting mechanism 41: base plate 41a: moving plate holding shaft 41b: cam plate holding Ring 41c: Gear support shaft 41d: Receptacle 42: Gear portion 42a: Gear teeth 43: Cam plate 43a: Cam gear teeth 43b: Inclined surface 44: Spring 45: Biasing spring 46: Cover plate , 46b: projection, 47: moving plate, 47a: rotation stop, 49: motor, 49a: threaded portion, 50: engaging portion, 51: recessed portion, 51a: outer peripheral surface, 51b: inner surface, 52: leaf spring member, 52a: both ends 52b: pressing portion 211: coil 212: coil 213: coil 214: yoke 311: magnet 312: magnet 313: magnet 140: movement limiting mechanism 141: base plate 141a: rotation Plate holding shaft 141b: Rotary plate holding recess 141c: Gear support shaft 141d: Gear holding recess 141e: Pin insertion long hole 141f: Claw insertion long hole 141g: Spring holding projection 141h: Coil spring 141i: Claw holding shaft 142: Gear portion 142a: First gear tooth 142b: Second gear tooth 143: Rotary plate 143a: Insertion hole 143b: Gear tooth 143c: First holding claw 143d: First holding Surface 143e: Pin member 144: Holding member 144a: Rotation center hole 144b: Arm portion 144c: Second holding claw portion 144d: Second holding surface 144e: Cam surface 144f: Spring engagement portion 149: motor, 149a: worm gear

Claims (18)

a movable part in which an imaging element is arranged and provided movably;
a first drive unit that moves the movable unit;
a first position that engages with an engaged portion provided on a surface of the movable portion opposite to the surface on which the imaging device is arranged to restrict movement of the movable portion; an engaging portion that is movable between a second position that does not align and does not restrict the movement of the movable portion;
a second driving section for moving the engaging section between the first position and the second position;
a base plate that holds the second drive unit;
a cam plate that rotates about an axis parallel to the optical axis by the second driving unit and has a slope whose thickness in the axial direction changes gradually;
a moving plate provided with an abutting portion that abuts on the inclined surface, moving back and forth in the axial direction by the rotation of the cam plate, and provided with the engaging portion;
a second elastic member that biases the moving plate toward the base plate;
An imaging device comprising: The second drive section has an actuator that moves the engagement section between the first position and the second position,
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least part of said actuator is located on the side opposite to the surface of said movable portion on which said imaging element is arranged. Equipped with a fixed part,
The movable portion is provided movably with respect to the fixed portion,
3. The first driving section is a voice coil motor having a coil arranged on one of the fixed section and the movable section, and a magnet arranged on the other of the fixed section and the movable section. The imaging device according to . 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of said voice coil motors arranged asymmetrically with respect to the imaging center of said imaging device. 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the actuator is arranged at a position not overlapping the voice coil motor in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging device. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least three of said engaging portions. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the engaged portions with which the at least three engaging portions are engaged are located at equal positions from the vicinity of the center of gravity of the movable portion. a movable part in which an imaging element is arranged and provided movably;
a first drive unit that moves the movable unit;
A first position that engages with an engaged portion provided on the movable portion to limit movement of the movable portion, and a second position that does not engage with the engaged portion and does not limit the movement of the movable portion. at least three engaging portions movably provided between positions;
a second driving section for moving the engaging section between the first position and the second position;
a base plate that holds the second drive unit;
a cam plate that rotates about an axis parallel to the optical axis by the second driving unit and has a slope whose thickness in the axial direction changes gradually;
a moving plate provided with an abutting portion that abuts on the inclined surface, moving back and forth in the axial direction by the rotation of the cam plate, and provided with the engaging portion;
a second elastic member that biases the moving plate toward the base plate;
An imaging device comprising: 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the engaged portions with which the at least three engaging portions are engaged are located at equal positions from the vicinity of the center of gravity of the movable portion. Equipped with a fixed part,
The movable portion is provided movably with respect to the fixed portion,
9. The first driving section is a voice coil motor having a coil arranged on one of the fixed section and the movable section, and a magnet arranged on the other of the fixed section and the movable section. Or the imaging device according to 9. 11. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a plurality of said engaged portions are provided, and are provided on the same circumference around a position spaced apart from the imaging center of said imaging device. 12. Any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a first elastic member that biases the engaging portion in a direction away from the engaged portion when the engaging portion abuts against the engaged portion. The imaging device according to . The engaging portion is provided on the outer diameter side in a radial direction centering on the axis ,
13. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a cover plate fixed to said base plate. a movable part in which an imaging device is arranged and which is provided so as to be movable in a direction parallel to an imaging surface of the imaging device with respect to a fixed part;
An engaged portion provided on a surface of the movable portion opposite to the surface on which the imaging element is arranged is pressed from a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface via an elastic member, and the imaging of the movable portion is performed by a frictional force. a restricting portion that restricts movement in a direction parallel to the plane;
a first position that engages with an engaged portion provided on a surface of the movable portion opposite to the surface on which the imaging device is arranged to restrict movement of the movable portion; an engaging portion that is movable between a second position that does not align and does not restrict the movement of the movable portion;
a second driving section for moving the engaging section between the first position and the second position;
a base plate that holds the second drive unit;
a cam plate that rotates about an axis parallel to the optical axis by the second driving unit and has a slope whose thickness in the axial direction changes gradually;
a moving plate provided with an abutting portion that abuts on the inclined surface, moving back and forth in the axial direction by the rotation of the cam plate, and provided with the engaging portion;
a second elastic member that biases the moving plate toward the base plate;
An imaging device comprising: a movable part in which an imaging device is arranged and which is provided so as to be movable in a direction parallel to an imaging surface of the imaging device with respect to a fixed part;
a restricting portion that restricts movement of the movable portion by pressing an engaged portion provided on a surface of the movable portion opposite to the surface on which the imaging element is arranged from a direction parallel to the imaging surface;
a first position that engages with an engaged portion provided on a surface of the movable portion opposite to the surface on which the imaging device is arranged to restrict movement of the movable portion; an engaging portion that is movable between a second position that does not align and does not restrict the movement of the movable portion;
a second driving section for moving the engaging section between the first position and the second position;
a base plate that holds the second drive unit;
a cam plate that rotates about an axis parallel to the optical axis by the second driving unit and has a slope whose thickness in the axial direction changes gradually;
a moving plate provided with an abutting portion that abuts on the inclined surface, moving back and forth in the axial direction by the rotation of the cam plate, and provided with the engaging portion;
a second elastic member that biases the moving plate toward the base plate;
An imaging device comprising: 16. The imaging apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the movable section has at least three or more engaged sections provided at equal positions from the vicinity of the center of gravity of the movable section. Having a first drive unit that moves with respect to the movable unit and the fixed unit,
15. The first driving section is a voice coil motor having a coil arranged on one of the fixed section and the movable section, and a magnet arranged on the other of the fixed section and the movable section. Or the imaging device according to 16. the second driving unit has an actuator that moves the restricting unit between the first position and the second position;
18. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein at least part of the actuator is located on the side opposite to the surface of the movable section on which the image pickup device is arranged.

Images