Patent ID: 8086097
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An image stabilizing apparatus comprising: an optical system that corrects an image blur; a fixed member; a movable member that holds the optical system and is movable with respect to the fixed member in the plane perpendicular to an optical axis; a guide member that guides the movable member to prevent the movable member from rotating in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis; three first rolling balls rollably interposed between the fixed member and the guide member; two second rolling balls rollably interposed between the guide member and the movable member; one third rolling ball rollably interposed between the fixed member and the movable member; a biasing unit that biases the movable member in a direction toward the fixed member; and a drive unit that drives the movable member with respect to the fixed member in two directions perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein: two of the first rolling balls are rollable only in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and the second rolling balls are rollable only in a second direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis and is different from the first direction; and the second rolling balls and the third rolling ball are arranged equiangularly in a rotating direction about the optical axis; abutting portions in which the first rolling balls and the second rolling balls abut against the guide member are arranged at positions different from each other in the rotating direction about the optical axis; abutting portions in which the two of the first rolling balls rollable only in the first direction abut against the guide member and the fixed member comprise guide grooves extended in the first direction; and abutting portions in which the second rolling balls abut against the movable member and the fixed member comprise guide grooves extended in the second direction.