Abstract:
Provided is an optical unit with a shake correction function, said optical unit being capable of ensuring a space wherein a drive mechanism and the like are positioned between a side surface of an optical module and a side surface of a stationary body, even when the optical module is supported by a gimbal mechanism in such a manner as to be able to swing with respect to the stationary body. In the optical unit, a gimbal mechanism is disposed by utilizing corners of an optical module and corners of a square tube-shaped body section of a stationary body. In other words, the optical unit is configured in such a manner that: a rectangular movable frame is positioned between a rectangular second frame of the optical module and a rectangular frame secured to the square tube-shaped body section); and a first corner and a third corner of the movable frame are swingably supported by corners of the rectangular frame. The optical unit is further configured in such a manner that a second corner and a fourth corner of the moveable frame swingably support corners of the second frame.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is the U.S. national stage of application No. PCT/JP2014/062730, filed on May 13, 2014. Priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) and 35 U.S.C. §365(B) is claimed from Japanese Application No. 2013-114582, filed May 30, 2013; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    At least an embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical unit with a shake correction function which is mounted on a cell phone with a camera or the like. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In recent years, a cell phone is structured as an optical device on which an optical unit for photographing is mounted. In the optical unit, for restraining disturbance of a photographed image due to a shake of a user&#39;s hand, a structure has been proposed in which an optical module is swung to correct the shake. In order to perform the shake correction, an optical module is required to be swingably supported by a fixed body and, in this case, when a plate-shaped spring is used, there may occur problems, for example, an impact resistance characteristic is low. 
         [0004]    On the other hand, in an optical unit having a structure in which an optical module in a rectangular shape is surrounded by a rectangular tube-shaped body part of a fixed body, a structure has been proposed that a rectangular inside frame is provided between the optical module and the rectangular tube-shaped body part of the fixed body and a side part of a frame body is swung with respect to the fixed body through a shaft body on a side face of the fixed body and the optical module is swung with respect to the inside frame through a shaft body on the other side part of the inside frame (see Patent Literatures 1 and 2). According to this gimbal mechanism, even when a plate-shaped spring is not used, the optical module can be swingably supported by the fixed body. 
       PATENT LITERATURE 
       [0005]    [PTL 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-41455 
         [0006]    [PTL 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-93953 
         [0007]    However, as the structures described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, in a case that a gimbal mechanism is provided by utilizing a side face of the optical module, a side part of the inside frame and a side face of the fixed body, a free space is not provided between the side face of the optical module and the side face of the fixed body. Therefore, design is largely restricted such that a drive mechanism is required to provide on an outer side of the fixed body and a size of the optical module cannot be reduced. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In view of the problem described above, at least an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical unit with a shake correction function which is capable of securing a space for disposing a drive mechanism between a side face of an optical module and a side face of a fixed body even when the optical module is swingably supported by the fixed body through a gimbal mechanism. 
         [0009]    In order to attain the above, at least an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical unit with a shake correction function including an optical module, a fixed body having a body part which surrounds the optical module, a gimbal mechanism which swingably supports the optical module around a first axial line intersecting an optical axis direction and swingably supports the optical module around a second axial line intersecting the optical axis direction and the first axial line, and a shake correction drive mechanism structured to drive the optical module around the first axial line and the second axial line. The gimbal mechanism includes a rectangular movable frame having a first corner part, a second corner part adjacent to the first corner part, a third corner part separated in a direction of the first axial line from the first corner part, and a fourth corner part separated in a direction of the second axial line from the second corner part around an optical axis. The first corner part and the third corner part of the movable frame are swingably supported by the fixed body, and the second corner part and the fourth corner part of the movable frame swingably support the optical module. 
         [0010]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, a rectangular movable frame is disposed between the optical module and a body part of the fixed body, the first corner part and the third corner part of the movable frame are swingably supported by the fixed body, and the second corner part and the fourth corner part of the movable frame swingably support the optical module. Therefore, even when the optical module is swingably supported by the fixed body through the gimbal mechanism, a space for disposing the shake correction drive mechanism and the like can be secured between a side face of the optical module and a side face of the fixed body in the vicinity of a connecting part which connects one corner part with another corner part of the movable frame. 
         [0011]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a coil and a magnet structuring the shake correction drive mechanism are disposed in a space between a side face of the optical module and a side face of the body part. According to this structure, since the shake correction drive mechanism is not required to be provided on an outer side of the fixed body, the size of the optical unit can be reduced. 
         [0012]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the gimbal mechanism, a swing support part provided between the first corner part and the fixed body and a swing support part provided between the third corner part and the fixed body respectively include a protruded part provided in one of the movable frame and the fixed body and a receiving part in a concave shape provided in the other of the movable frame and the fixed body for receiving a tip end side of the protruded part, and a swing support part provided between the second corner part and the optical module and a swing support part provided between the fourth corner part and the optical module respectively include a protruded part provided in one of the movable frame and the optical module and a receiving part in a concave shape provided in the other of the movable frame and the optical module for receiving a tip end side of the protruded part. According to this structure, in comparison with a swingably supported structure through a shaft body, assembling process can be simplified. 
         [0013]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a tip end face of the protruded part located on the receiving part side is formed in a hemispheric shape. According to this structure, even when the movable frame and the optical module are swung in any posture, sliding of the protruded part on the receiving part is smooth. 
         [0014]    In this case, the protruded part may be, for example, structured of a spherical body. 
         [0015]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the movable frame, a first connecting part connecting the first corner part with the second corner part, a second connecting part connecting the second corner part with the third corner part, a third connecting part connecting the third corner part with the fourth corner part and a fourth connecting part connecting the fourth corner part with the first corner part are elastically deformable and, in all of the first corner part, the second corner part, the third corner part and the fourth corner part, the protruded parts and the receiving parts are elastically contacted with each other by respective elasticities of the first connecting part, the second connecting part, the third connecting part and the fourth connecting part. According to this structure, rattling is hard to be occurred between the protruded part and the receiving part. 
         [0016]    In this case, it may be structured that each of the first connecting part, the second connecting part, the third connecting part and the fourth connecting part is provided with a meandering part which meanders in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction. 
         [0017]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that each of a plurality of the protruded parts is provided on the movable frame. According to this structure, a structure of the gimbal mechanism can be simplified. 
         [0018]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that all of the plurality of the protruded parts are located in the same plane intersecting the optical axis. According to this structure, a structure of the gimbal mechanism can be simplified. 
         [0019]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that all of the plurality of the protruded parts are provided on an inner side of the movable frame, two receiving parts provided in the first corner part and the third corner part are formed in portions which are protruded in the optical axis direction from a side of the fixed body so as to be located on an inner side of the movable frame, and two receiving parts provided in the second corner part and the fourth corner part are formed in portions which are protruded in the optical axis direction from a side of the optical module so as to be located on an inner side of the movable frame. According to this structure, even when a plurality of the protruded parts is located in the same plane intersecting the optical axis, the protruded parts and the receiving parts can be abutted with each other appropriately. 
         [0020]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it may be structured that two receiving parts provided in the first corner part and the third corner part are formed in portions which are protruded from one side position in the optical axis direction relative to the movable frame to the other side in the optical axis direction so as to be located on the inner side of the movable frame, and two receiving parts provided in the second corner part and the fourth corner part are formed in portions which are protruded from the other side position in the optical axis direction relative to the movable frame to the one side in the optical axis direction so as to be located on the inner side of the movable frame. 
         [0021]    In this case, it may be structured that two receiving parts provided in the first corner part and the third corner part are respectively formed in a plate-shaped member which is fixed to the fixed body, and two receiving parts provided in the second corner part and the fourth corner part are respectively formed in a plate-shaped member which is fixed to the optical module. According to this structure, regardless of a structure and material of the fixed body and the optical module, the receiving part can be structured superior in slidability and durability against the protruded part. 
         [0022]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the fixed body includes two wall faces interposing each of the two protruded parts provided in the first corner part and the third corner part from both sides and two wall faces interposing each of the two protruded parts provided in the first corner part and the third corner part from both sides in the optical axis direction, and the optical module includes two wall faces interposing each of the two protruded parts provided in the second corner part and the fourth corner part from both sides and two wall faces interposing each of the two protruded parts provided in the second corner part and the fourth corner part from both sides in the optical axis direction. According to this structure, even when an impact is applied, the protruded part is hard to be disengaged from the receiving part. 
         [0023]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the movable frame, the first corner part is protruded to an outer side relative to extended lines of the connecting parts which are adjacent to the first corner part on both sides, and the third corner part is protruded to an outer side relative to extended lines of the connecting parts which are adjacent to the third corner part on both sides. According to this structure, the receiving part provided in the body part is not required to protrude largely to an inner side. 
         [0024]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the first corner part and the third corner part of the movable frame are supported by corner parts of a fixed body side rectangular frame which is fixed to an inner face of the body part, and the second corner part and the fourth corner part of the movable frame support corner parts of a module side rectangular frame which is fixed to an outer face of the optical module. According to this structure, the gimbal mechanism can be structured by using the fixed body side rectangular frame, the movable frame and the module side rectangular frame and thus assembling of the optical unit can be easily performed. 
         [0025]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the fixed body side rectangular frame is provided with an engagement protruded part which is engaged with a cut-out part formed in the body part. According to this structure, the fixed body side rectangular frame can be firmly fixed to the rectangular tube-shaped body part. 
         [0026]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it may be structured that the magnet is held by the optical module and the coil is held on an inner face of the body part. According to this structure, an electric current for shake correction is not required to supply to the optical module. 
         [0027]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it may be structured that the coil is held by the optical module and the magnet is held on an inner face of the body part. According to this structure, a coil whose weight is lighter than a magnet is provided in the optical module and thus a drive current for shake correction can be reduced and responsibility of the shake correction can be improved. 
         [0028]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the optical module includes an optical component and a holder which holds the optical component, and the holder includes an optical component holding part which holds the optical component, a movable frame arrangement space where the movable frame is disposed on an outer side in a radial direction of the optical component holding part, and a coil holding part which holds the coil on an outer side of the movable frame arrangement space. According to this structure, the gimbal mechanism can be provided in an inner side relative to an outward form of the holder when viewed in the optical axis direction. 
         [0029]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the coil holding part is provided at each of positions on an outer side in the radial direction of a middle position between the first corner part and the second corner part, on an outer side in the radial direction of a middle position between the second corner part and the third corner part, on an outer side in the radial direction of a middle position between the third corner part and the fourth corner part, and on an outer side in the radial direction of a middle position between the fourth corner part and the first corner part. According to this structure, since the coil holding parts are provided at angular positions displaced from the corner parts of the movable frame, the outward form of the holder can be reduced when viewed in the optical axis direction. 
         [0030]    In at least an embodiment of the present invention, a rectangular movable frame is disposed between the optical module and a body part of the fixed body, the first corner part and the third corner part of the movable frame are swingably supported by the fixed body, and the second corner part and the fourth corner part of the movable frame swingably support the optical module. Therefore, even when the optical module is swingably supported by the fixed body through the gimbal mechanism, a space for disposing the shake correction drive mechanism and the like can be secured between a side face of the optical module and a side face of the fixed body in the vicinity of a connecting part which connects one corner part with another corner part of the movable frame. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several Figures, in which: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is an explanatory view schematically showing a state in which an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on an optical device such as a cell phone. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are views showing an outward appearance of an optical unit with a shake correction function and the like in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C  are exploded perspective views showing an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C  are explanatory views showing structural members of a gimbal mechanism which is structured in an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are explanatory views showing a gimbal mechanism which is structured in an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views showing an outward appearance of an optical unit with a shake correction function and the like in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are explanatory views showing a cross sectional structure of an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention which is further disassembled. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D  are perspective views showing a gimbal mechanism and the like of an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view showing a gimbal mechanism and the like of an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are explanatory views showing plan structures of members used in a gimbal mechanism of an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a structure for preventing a hand shake in a photographing unit will be described as an example. Further, in the following description, three directions perpendicular to each other are set to be an “X”-axis, a “Y”-axis and a “Z”-axis and a direction along an optical axis “L” (lens optical axis/optical axis of an optical element) is set to be the “Z”-axis. Further, in the following description, regarding swings of the respective directions, turning around the “X”-axis corresponds to a so-called pitching (vertical swing), turning around the “Y”-axis corresponds to a so-called yawing (lateral swing), and turning around the “Z”-axis corresponds to a so-called rolling. Further, “+X” indicates one side of the “X”-axis, “−X” indicates the other side, “+Y” indicates one side of the “Y”-axis, “−Y” indicates the other side, “+Z” indicates one side (opposite side to an object side/rear side in an optical axis direction) of the “Z”-axis, and “−Z” indicates the other side (object side/front side in the optical axis direction). 
       First Embodiment 
     (Entire Structure of Optical Unit for Photographing) 
       [0044]      FIG. 1  is an explanatory view schematically showing a state in which an optical unit with a shake correction function in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on an optical device such as a cell phone. 
         [0045]    An optical unit  100  (optical unit with a shake correction function) shown in  FIG. 1  is a thin camera used in an optical device  1000  such as a cell phone with a camera and is mounted in a supported state by a chassis  2000  (device main body) of the optical device  1000 . In the optical unit  100 , when a shake such as a hand shake is occurred in the optical device  1000  at the time of photographing, disturbance occurs in a photographed image. Therefore, the optical unit  100  in this embodiment includes, as described below, a shake correction drive mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) which swingably supports an optical module  10  having a photographing unit  1  in an inside of a fixed body  20  and is structured to swing the photographing unit  1  on the basis of a detection result for a hand shake by a shake detection sensor such as a gyroscope mounted on the optical unit  100  or a gyroscope mounted on a main body side of the optical device  1000 . Further, a flexible circuit board  1900  is led out from the optical unit  100  for supplying power to the photographing unit  1  and the shake correction drive mechanism and the flexible circuit board  1900  is electrically connected with a host control section or the like which is provided on a main body side of the optical device  1000 . Further, the flexible circuit board  1900  is also provided with a function for outputting a signal from the photographing unit  1 . In this embodiment, when viewed in a direction of an optical axis “L”, a lens  1   a  is circular but the optical module  10  is formed in a rectangular shape. 
       (Schematic Structure of Optical Unit  100 ) 
       [0046]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are views showing an outward appearance of an optical unit with a shake correction function and the like in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view showing the optical unit when viewed from an object side and  FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view showing the optical unit.  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C  are exploded perspective views showing an optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view showing the optical unit  100 ,  FIG. 3B  is its exploded perspective view further disassembled, and  FIG. 3C  is an exploded perspective view showing a state that magnets are detached from the optical module  10 . In  FIGS. 2A and 2B  and  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C , a case  200  is not translucent but the case  200  is expressed in a see-through state. 
         [0047]    In  FIGS. 2A and 2B  and  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C , the optical unit  100  includes a fixed body  20 , an optical module  10  having a cover  110  within which a photographing unit  1  is accommodated, a gimbal mechanism  30  which supports the optical module  10  so as to be capable of displacing with respect to the fixed body  20 , and a shake correction drive mechanism  500  structured to generate a magnetic drive force for relatively displacing the optical module  10  with respect to the fixed body  20  between the optical module  10  and the fixed body  20 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C , the fixed body  20  includes a case  200 . The case  200  is provided with a rectangular tube-shaped body part  210  surrounding the optical module  10  and a rectangular end plate part  220  which closes an opening part on an object side of the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210 . The end plate part  220  is formed with a window  220   a  through which a light from an object to be photographed is incident. The rectangular tube-shaped body part  210  of the case  200  is formed with an open end at an end part on an opposite side (“+Z” side) to an object side (side where the optical axis “L” is extended). Each of four side plate parts  211  of the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210  of the case  200  is formed on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction with a cut-out part  211   a  which is extended from one side “+Z” toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. In this embodiment, each inner face of four side plate parts  211  is fixed with a drive coil structured of an air-core coil  560 . Further, a photo reflector  590  is fixed to inner faces of the side face parts  211  located on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. In this embodiment, the air-core coil  560  is disposed at a position displaced to one side from a center position of the side plate part  211  and the photo reflector  590  is fixed on a side of the air-core coil  560 . 
       (Structure of Optical Module  10 ) 
       [0049]    The optical module  10  includes the photographing unit  1  and the cover  110  formed in a rectangular box shape which accommodates the photographing unit  1  in its inside. The cover  110  structures an outer peripheral portion of the optical module  10  and four side face parts  11  of the optical module  10  are structured of four side faces of the cover  110 . A plate-shaped magnet  520  is disposed on each of outer faces of four side face parts  11  at a position facing an air-core coil  560 . The magnets  520  structure a shake correction drive mechanism  500  together with the air-core coils  560 . The magnet  520  is magnetized so that a magnetic pole of its outer face side and a magnetic pole of its inner face side are different from each other. The magnet  520  is divided in two pieces in an optical axis direction and is magnetized so that magnetic poles located on the air-core coil  560  side are different from each other. Further, long side portions of the air-core coil  560  on the upper and lower sides are utilized as an effective side. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , the magnet  520  and the air-core coil  560  are disposed at positions displaced from each other in the “Z”-axis direction and the center in the “Z”-axis direction of the magnet  520  is located on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction with respect to the center in the “Z”-axis direction of the air-core coil  560 . Therefore, when an electric current is supplied to the air-core coil  560 , a large moment can be acted on the optical module  10  around a swing center “O” of the optical module  10  (around first axial line “L1” and second axial line “L2” described below). In other words, a direction of an electro-magnetic force generated in the long side portion by supplying an electric current to the air-core coil  560  is substantially coincided with a tangential direction of a circle passing the long side portion with the swing center “O” as a center. Therefore, a magnetic flux generated from the magnet  520  can be utilized effectively and thus a drive force of the shake correction drive mechanism  500  can be increased. 
         [0051]    In  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C , in four side face parts  11  of the optical module  10 , a reflection layer  580  is adhesively fixed to inner faces of the side face parts  11  located on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction at positions facing the photo reflector  590 . In this embodiment, the magnet  520  is disposed at a position displaced to one side from the center position of the side face part  11  and the reflection layer  580  is adhesively fixed on a side of the magnet  520 . 
         [0052]    In order to dispose the magnets  520  in the optical module  10 , four magnets  520  are adhesively fixed or joined by soldering between a rectangular first frame  41  and a rectangular second frame  42  and then inner faces of the magnets  520 , an inner face of the first frame  41  and an inner face of the second frame  42  are adhesively fixed to the side face part  11  of the optical module  10 . Further, in this embodiment, in the first frame  41  and the second frame  42 , the second frame  42  located on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction is utilized as a rectangular part of the optical module  10  when viewed in the optical axis “L” direction to structure a gimbal mechanism  30  which swingably supports the optical module  10  with respect to the fixed body  20 . 
       (Structure of Gimbal Mechanism  30 ) 
       [0053]      FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C  are explanatory views showing structural members of the gimbal mechanism  30  which is structured in the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view showing the gimbal mechanism  30 ,  FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view showing the gimbal mechanism  30 , and  FIG. 4C  is an explanatory view showing a movable frame used in the gimbal mechanism  30 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are explanatory views showing the gimbal mechanism  30  which is structured in the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  is a plan view showing the gimbal mechanism  30  and  FIG. 5B  is its side view. 
         [0054]    In the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, in order to correct a shake of a hand, the optical module  10  is required to be swingably supported around a first axial line “L1” (see  FIG. 5A ) intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the optical module  10  is required to be swingably supported around a second axial line “L2” (see  FIG. 5A ) intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the first axial line “L1”. Therefore, the gimbal mechanism  30  is structured between the optical module  10  and the fixed body  20  at a substantially center position in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical unit  100  as described below with reference to  FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C  and  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
         [0055]    In this embodiment, the gimbal mechanism  30  is structured by using the second frame  42  (rectangular part/module side rectangular frame) of the optical module  10 , a rectangular movable frame  32 , and a rectangular frame  25  (fixed body side rectangular frame) which is fixed to the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210  of the case  200  (fixed body  20 ) by welding, adhesion or the like. Therefore, the gimbal mechanism  30  swingably supports the optical module  10  on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction with respect to the magnets  520 . In this embodiment, the second frame  42 , the movable frame  32  and the rectangular frame  25  are formed in a square shape when viewed in the optical axis “L” direction and thus the optical axis “L”, the first axial line “L1” and the second axial line “L2” are perpendicular to each other. 
         [0056]    In this embodiment, the second frame  42  is provided with a first corner part  421 , a second corner part  422 , a third corner part  423  and a fourth corner part  424  around the optical axis “L” and is provided with a first side part  426 , a second side part  427 , a third side part  428  and a fourth side part  429  between the first corner part  421  and the second corner part  422 , between the second corner part  422  and the third corner part  423 , between the third corner part  423  and the fourth corner part  424 , and between the fourth corner part  424  and the first corner part  421 . 
         [0057]    The movable frame  32  is provided with a first corner part  321 , a second corner part  322 , a third corner part  323  and a fourth corner part  324  around the optical axis “L” and is provided with a first connecting part  326  (first side part), a second connecting part  327  (second side part), a third connecting part  328  (third side part) and a fourth connecting part  329  (fourth side part) between the first corner part  321  and the second corner part  322 , between the second corner part  322  and the third corner part  323 , between the third corner part  323  and the fourth corner part  324 , and between the fourth corner part  324  and the first corner part  321 . 
         [0058]    The rectangular frame  25  is provided with a first corner part  251 , a second corner part  252 , a third corner part  253  and a fourth corner part  254  around the optical axis “L” and is provided with a first side part  256 , a second side part  257 , a third side part  258  and a fourth side part  259  between the first corner part  251  and the second corner part  252 , between the second corner part  252  and the third corner part  253 , between the third corner part  253  and the fourth corner part  254 , and between the fourth corner part  254  and the first corner part  251 . The rectangular frame  25  is formed with engagement protruded parts  25   a  protruding toward outer sides at centers in length directions of the first side part  256 , the second side part  257 , the third side part  258  and the fourth side part  259 . The engagement protruded parts  25   a  are fitted into cut-out parts  211   a  formed in the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210 . Therefore, the rectangular frame  25  is firmly fixed to the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210 . 
         [0059]    The first side parts  256 ,  326  and  426  are extended in the “X”-axis direction on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction and the third side parts  258 ,  328  and  428  are extended in the “X”-axis direction in parallel to the first side parts  256 ,  326  and  426  on the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. The second side parts  257 ,  327  and  427  are extended in the “Y”-axis direction on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction and the fourth side parts  259 ,  329  and  429  are extended in the “Y”-axis direction in parallel to the second side parts  257 ,  327  and  427  on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction. Therefore, the first corner parts  251 ,  321  and  421  are located on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, the second corner parts  252 ,  322  and  422  are located on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction and one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, the third corner parts  253 ,  323  and  423  are located on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, and the fourth corner parts  254 ,  324  and  424  are located on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in this embodiment, the optical module  10  is swingably supported around the first axial line “L1” intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the optical module  10  is swingably supported around the second axial line “L2” intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the first axial line “L1” by using the rectangular frame  25 , the movable frame  32  and the second frame  42 . In other words, the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  located on the first axial line “L1” are swingably supported by the first corner part  251  and the third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25  (fixed body  20 ), and the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  located on the second axial line “L2” swingably support the second corner part  422  and the fourth corner part  424  of the second frame  42  (optical module  10 ). 
         [0061]    More specifically, swing support parts structured between the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  and the first corner part  251  and the third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25  respectively include a protruded part  38   a  provided in one of the movable frame  32  and the rectangular frame  25  and a receiving part in a concave shape which receives a tip end side of the protruded part  38   a  provided in the other of the movable frame  32  and the rectangular frame  25 . In this embodiment, a protruded part  38   a  is provided in the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  and a receiving part  280  in a concave shape is provided in the first corner part  251  and the third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25 . The protruded part  38   a  is a metal spherical body  38  which is welded in the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  and a tip end side of the protruded part  38   a  is formed in a hemispheric shape. On the other hand, the receiving part  280  is a bottomed hemispheric recessed part formed on an outer face side of each of plate parts  271  and  273  which are protruded to the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from an inner edge of the first corner part  251  and an inner edge of the third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25 . Inner face sides of the plate parts  271  and  273  are protruded in a hemispheric shape when the receiving part  280  is formed. The rectangular frame  25  is located to one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the movable frame  32  and the size of the rectangular frame  25  is larger than the movable frame  32 . Therefore, tip end sides of the protruded parts  38   a  of the movable frame  32  are fitted to the receiving parts  280  of the rectangular frame  25  from outer sides and, as a result, the movable frame  32  is swingably supported around the first axial line “L1” by the rectangular frame  25  (fixed body  20  side). 
         [0062]    Further, in this embodiment, swing support parts structured between the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  and the second corner part  422  and the fourth corner part  424  of the second frame  42  respectively include a protruded part  38   b  provided in one of the movable frame  32  and the second frame  42  (optical module  10  side) and a receiving part in a concave shape which receives a tip end side of the protruded part  38   b  provided in the other of the movable frame  32  and the second frame  42 . In this embodiment, the protruded part  38   b  is provided in the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32 , and the receiving part  480  in a concave shape is provided in the second corner part  422  and the fourth corner part  424  of the second frame  42 . As described above, in this embodiment, two protruded parts  38   a  and two protruded parts  38   b  are formed in the movable frame  32  and are located on the same plane (“XY” plane) intersecting the optical axis “L”. The protruded part  38   b  is a metal spherical body  38  which is welded to the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  and a tip end side of the protruded part  38   b  is formed in a hemispheric shape. On the other hand, the receiving part  480  is a bottomed hemispheric recessed part formed on an outer face side of each of plate parts  472  and  474  which are protruded to one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from an outer edge of the second corner part  422  and an outer edge of the fourth corner part  424  of the second frame  42 . The second frame  42  is located to the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the movable frame  32  and the size of the second frame  42  is smaller than the movable frame  32 . Therefore, the protruded parts  38   b  of the movable frame  32  are fitted to the receiving parts  480  of the second frame  42  from outer sides and, as a result, the movable frame  32  swingably supports the second frame  42  (optical module  10  side) around the second axial line “L2”. In this embodiment, the first side part  426 , the second side part  427 , the third side part  428  and the fourth side part  429  of the second frame  42  are formed so that width dimensions on the sides where the plate parts  472  and  474  are formed are set larger than those of the other sides. 
         [0063]    In this manner, the optical module  10  is swingably supported by the fixed body  20  around the first axial line “L1” and around the second axial line “L2” through the movable frame  32  used in the gimbal mechanism  30 . 
         [0064]    The movable frame  32  is structured of metal material or the like having elasticity and is provided with elasticity so that the movable frame  32  is not resiliently bent to a lower side by the own weight of the optical module  10  but, when an impact is applied from the outside, the impact can be absorbed. Further, the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329  of the movable frame  32  are respectively capable of being elastically deformed to an inner side and an outer side. Therefore, in all of the first corner part  321 , the second corner part  322 , the third corner part  323  and the fourth corner part  324 , the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480  are elastically contacted with each other by elasticities of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329 . Accordingly, rattling is not occurred between the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480 . 
         [0065]    Especially, in this embodiment, in the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324 , the protruded parts  38   b  (spherical body  38 ) are disposed on inner sides on respective extended lines of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329 . On the other hand, in the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323 , the protruded parts  38   a  (spherical body  38 ) are disposed on outer sides on the respective extended lines of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329 . Therefore, when the protruded part  38   b  of the movable frame  32  is pressed to an outer side by the receiving part  480  of the second frame  42 , the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329  are resiliently bent and, as a result, the protruded parts  38   a  of the movable frame  32  are displaced to inner sides. Accordingly, in all of the first corner part  321 , the second corner part  322 , the third corner part  323  and the fourth corner part  324 , the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and receiving parts  280  and  480  are elastically contacted with each other by elasticities of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329 . 
         [0066]    Further, in the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323 , the movable frame  32  is curved to inner sides from both sides and then curved toward outer sides and the protruded parts  38   a  (spherical body  38 ) are located on outer sides relative to the respective extended lines of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329 . Therefore, even when the movable frame  32  is deformed so that the protruded parts  38   a  of the movable frame  32  are displaced to inner sides, sufficient gap spaces are secured between the movable frame  32  and the plate parts  271  and  273  of the rectangular frame  25  and thus, even when the movable frame  32  is swung, the movable frame  32  and the rectangular frame  25  are not interfered with each other. Further, in the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323 , the protruded parts  38   a  (spherical body  38 ) are located on outer sides relative to the respective extended lines of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329 . Therefore, the receiving parts  280  are not required to be protruded largely to inner sides in the rectangular frame  25 . 
       (Structure and Basic Operation of Shake Correction Drive Mechanism  500  and the Like) 
       [0067]    In the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, when the optical device  1000  shown in  FIG. 1  is shaken, the shake is detected by a gyroscope or the like and a control IC (not shown) controls the shake correction drive mechanism  500 . In other words, a drive current for canceling the shake detected by the gyroscope is supplied to the air-core coil  560 . In this case, the electric current is supplied to a part of four air-core coils  560  and the electric current is not supplied to other air-core coils  560 . Alternatively, the electric current is supplied to all of four air-core coils  560  but balance of the electric current supplied to the four air-core coils  560  is controlled. As a result, the optical module  10  is swung around the first axial line “L1” or around the second axial line “L2” to correct the shake of a hand. Alternatively, the optical module  10  is swung around the first axial line “L1” and is swung around the second axial line “L2” to correct the shake of a hand. In this case, the second photo reflector  590  detects a distance (displacement) to the optical module  10  and the shake correction drive mechanism  500  is controlled based on a detected result by the photo reflector  590 . 
         [0000]    (Principal Effects in this Embodiment) 
         [0068]    As described above, in the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, the optical module  10  includes the second frame  42  (rectangular part), the fixed body  20  includes the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210  surrounding the rectangular part of the optical module  10 , and the gimbal mechanism  30  is provided by utilizing free spaces formed at corners between the optical module  10  and the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210 . In other words, in this embodiment, the rectangular movable frame  32  is disposed between the second frame  42  of the optical module  10  and the rectangular frame  25  fixed to the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210 . Further, the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  are swingably supported by the corner parts of the fixed body  20  (first corner part  251  and third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25 ), and the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  swingably support the corner parts of the second frame  42  (second corner part  422  and fourth corner part  424 ). Therefore, even when the optical module  10  is swingably supported by the gimbal mechanism  30  with respect to the fixed body  20 , a space for disposing the air-core coils  560  and the magnets  520  of the shake correction drive mechanism  500  and the like can be secured between the side face of the optical module  10  and the side face of the fixed body  20 . Accordingly, the shake correction drive mechanism  500  is not required to be provided on an outer side of the fixed body  20  and thus the size of the optical unit  100  can be reduced. 
         [0069]    Further, in all the swing support parts of the gimbal mechanism  30  in this embodiment, the tip end sides of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are supported by the concave-shaped receiving parts  280  and  480 . Therefore, in comparison with a structure that a shaft body is penetrated through a shaft hole so as to be swingably supported, the assembling process can be simplified. Further, the tip end faces of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  located on the sides of the receiving parts  280  and  480  are formed in a hemispheric shape and thus, even when the movable frame  32  and the optical module  10  is swung to be any posture, sliding of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  with the receiving parts  280  and  480  is smooth. Further, the gimbal mechanism  30  is disposed at a substantially center position in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical unit  100  and thus the gimbal mechanism  30  supports the optical module  10  at a gravity center position in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module  10 . Therefore, unnecessary inclination is hard to be occurred in the optical module  10 . 
         [0070]    In addition, in all the swing support parts of the gimbal mechanism  30  in this embodiment, the tip end sides of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480  are elastically abutted with each other. Therefore, rattling is hard to be occurred between the tip end sides of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480 . 
         [0071]    Further, a plurality of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  is provided on the movable frame  32  and a plurality of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  is located in the same plane intersecting the optical axis. Therefore, in comparison with a structure that the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are disposed at different positions in the optical axis direction, the structure of the gimbal mechanism  30  can be simplified. 
         [0072]    Further, two receiving parts  280  provided in the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  are protruded from the fixed body  20  side in the “Z”-axis direction and are located on an inner side of the movable frame  32 . Further, two receiving parts  480  provided in the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  are protruded from the second frame  42  side of the optical module  10  in the “Z”-axis direction and are located on an inner side of the movable frame  32 . Therefore, even when all of a plurality of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are located in the same plane intersecting the optical axis, the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480  are abutted with each other appropriately. In addition, two receiving parts  280  are protruded toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from the fixed body  20  side and two receiving parts  480  are protruded toward one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from the second frame  42  of the optical module  10 . Therefore, the second frame  42  and the rectangular frame  25  can be disposed on opposite sides to each other with respect to the movable frame  32  and thus interference of the plate parts  472  and  474  of the second frame  42  with the rectangular frame  25  and interference of the plate parts  271  and  273  of the rectangular frame  25  with the second frame  42  are not occurred. 
         [0073]    Further, in this embodiment, the second frame  42  (module side rectangular frame) fixed to an outer face of the optical module  10  is utilized as a rectangular part of the optical module  10 , and the gimbal mechanism  30  is structured by utilizing the second frame  42 , the movable frame  32  and the rectangular frame  25  (fixed body side rectangular frame) fixed to an inner face of the rectangular tube-shaped body part  210 . Therefore, in comparison with a structure that an outer face of optical module  10  and an inner face of rectangular tube-shaped body part  210  are directly utilized, assembling of the gimbal mechanism  30  and the like are easily performed. 
       Modified Example of First Embodiment 
       [0074]    In the first embodiment, the optical module  10  is formed in a rectangular shape. However, in a case that a rectangular part is formed in a part of a circular optical module  10  when viewed in the optical axis direction, the gimbal mechanism  30  may be structured by utilizing the rectangular part. 
         [0075]    In the first embodiment, two receiving parts  280  are formed in portions protruded toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from the fixed body  20  side and two receiving parts  480  are formed in portions protruded toward one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from the second frame  42  of the optical module  10 . However, the receiving part  280  and the receiving part  480  may be formed in portions protruding in the same direction of the “Z”-axis direction. In other words, a structure may be adopted in which the second frame  42  and the rectangular frame  25  are disposed on the same side with respect to the movable frame  32 . 
       Second Embodiment 
     (Schematic Structure of Optical Unit  100 ) 
       [0076]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views showing an outward appearance of an optical unit  100  with a shake correction function and the like in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view showing the optical unit which is viewed from an object side and  FIG. 6B  is an exploded perspective view of the optical unit.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  are explanatory views showing a cross sectional structure of the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  is an “XZ” cross-sectional view showing the optical unit and  FIG. 7B  is a “YZ” cross-sectional view showing the optical unit.  FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention which is further disassembled. Basic structures of the optical unit in this embodiment are similar to the first embodiment and thus the same reference signs are used in corresponding portions for explanation. 
         [0077]    In  FIGS. 6A and 6B ,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  and  FIG. 8 , an optical unit  100  in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, also includes a fixed body  20 , an optical module  10 , a gimbal mechanism  30  which supports the optical module  10  so as to be capable of displacing with respect to the fixed body  20 , and a shake correction drive mechanism  500  structured to generate a magnetic drive force for relatively displacing the optical module  10  with respect to the fixed body  20  between the optical module  10  and the fixed body  20 . 
         [0078]    The fixed body  20  includes an upper case  1200 . The upper case  1200  is provided with a rectangular tube-shaped body part  1210  (body part) surrounding the optical module  10  and an end plate part  1220  in a rectangular frame shape which is protruded to an inner side in a radial direction from an end part on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the rectangular tube-shaped body part  1210 . The end plate part  1220  is formed with a window  1221 . The rectangular tube-shaped body part  1210  of the upper case  1200  is provided with a rectangular frame-shaped flange part  1218 , which is extended to an outer side in the radial direction on an opposite side (“+Z” side) to an object side (side where the optical axis “L” is extended), and a rectangular tube part  1219  extended to one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction from an outer side edge of the rectangular frame-shaped flange part  1218 . 
       (Structure of Shake Correction Drive Mechanism  500 ) 
       [0079]    Also in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the shake correction drive mechanism  500  is a magnetic drive mechanism utilizing plate-shaped magnets  1520  and coils  1560 . The coils  1560  are held by the optical module  10  and the magnets  1520  are held by inner faces of four side plate parts  1211  of the rectangular tube-shaped body part  1210  of the upper case  1200 . In this embodiment, the magnet  1520  is magnetized so that its outer face side and its inner face side have different poles. Further, the magnet  1520  is divided in two pieces in an optical axis direction and is magnetized so that magnetic poles located on the coil  1560  side are different from each other. Therefore, long side portions of the coil  1560  on the upper and lower sides are utilized as an effective side. In this embodiment, magnetized patterns of four magnets  1520  are the same as each other on their outer face sides and inner face sides. Therefore, the magnets  1520  adjacent in a circumferential direction do not attract to each other and thus assembling and the like are easily performed. 
         [0080]    The upper case  1200  is structured of magnetic material and functions as a yoke for the magnets  1520 . The end plate part  1220  of the upper case  1200  is formed with the opening part  1221  whose opening edge is located on an outer side in a radial direction relative to faces of the magnets  1520  facing the coils  1560  when viewed in the optical axis “L” direction. Therefore, magnetic lines of force of the magnet  1520  are restrained to direct toward the end plate part  1220  of the upper case  1200  (yoke) on a front side in the optical axis “L” direction. 
       (Structure of Optical Module  10 ) 
       [0081]    The optical module  10  includes a photographing unit  1 , a holder  1110  which holds a lens  1   a  (optical component) of the photographing unit  1 , and a circuit module  1090  fixed to an end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the holder  1110 . 
         [0082]    The holder  1110  structures an outer peripheral portion of the optical module  10  and is generally provided with an optical component holding part  1120 , which is formed in a tube shape and holds the lens  1   a , and a thick flange part  1130  which is enlarged from an end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical component holding part  1120 . The holder  1110  is formed with a through hole  1111  penetrating through the optical component holding part  1120  and the flange part  1130 . The through hole  1111  is formed so that a portion located on an inner side of the flange part  1130  has a larger diameter than a portion located on an inner side of the optical component holding part  1120 . 
         [0083]    On an outer side in a radial direction of the optical element holding part  1120 , the holder  1110  is provided with a movable frame arrangement space  1140  where a movable frame  32  of the gimbal mechanism  30  is disposed and coil holding parts  1150  which hold the coils  1560  on an outer side of the movable frame arrangement space  1140 . The coil holding part  1150  is a portion which is stood up from an outer side edge of the flange part  1130  toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction on an outer side in the radial direction of the movable frame arrangement space  1140  and is formed at four positions in the circumferential direction. The coil holding part  1150  is comprised of a plate-shaped part  1151  which is stood up from the outer side edge of the flange part  1130  toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction and a protruded part  1152  which is protruded from the plate-shaped part  1151  to an outer side in the radial direction. The coil  1560  is an air-core coil and is adhesively bonded to the coil holding part  1150  in a state that the protruded part  1152  is fitted to an opening part of the air-core coil. In this state, a part of the protruded part  1152  is protruded from an outer face of the coil  1560  (face which faces the magnet  1520 ). 
         [0084]    In the optical module  10  structured as described above, a flexible circuit board  1900  is connected with an end part of the optical module  10  on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction (end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of a circuit module  1090 ). The flexible circuit board  1900  is extended along the “Y”-axis direction and led out to the outside of the optical unit  100 . A connector  1990  is connected with an end part of the flexible circuit board  1900  outside the optical unit  100  and power is supplied to the coils  1560  through the connector  1990  and the flexible circuit board  1900 . Further, a photographed result of an imaging element  1   b  is outputted through the flexible circuit board  1900  and the connector  1990 . 
       (Detailed Structure of Fixed Body  20 ) 
       [0085]    The fixed body  20  includes a rectangular lower case  1400  which covers one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the upper case  1200 . The lower case  1400  is provided with a rectangular bottom plate part  1420  and pillar shaped parts  1410  which are protruded from four corners of the bottom plate part  1420  toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. When the upper case  1200  is fitted so as to cover the lower case  1400 , the flange part  1218  of the upper case  1200  is abutted with the pillar shaped parts  1410 . Therefore, the upper case  1200  and the lower case  1400  are fixed to each other by fastening the flange part  1218  to the pillar shaped parts  1410  by using screws. In this embodiment, the lower case  1400  is provided with side plate parts  1440  on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and on the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. 
         [0086]    The fixed body  20  includes a cover  1600  and a plate-shaped stopper  1700  on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. The cover  1600  is a nonmagnetic metal plate and is provided with a front plate part  1610  in a rectangular frame shape which is overlapped with a face of the end plate part  1220  of the upper case  1200  on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction, a tube part  1620  in a rectangular tube shape which is protruded from an inner circumferential edge of the front plate part  1610  toward one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction (rear side in the optical axis direction) through the opening part  1221  of the upper case  1200  so as to surround an end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical module  10 , and a rear plate part  1630  in a rectangular frame shape which is protruded from an end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the tube part  1620  to an inner side in the radial direction. 
         [0087]    The fixed body  20  includes a plate-shaped stopper  1700  which is fixed to the front plate part  1610  of the cover  1600 . The plate-shaped stopper  1700  surrounds an end part on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical module  10 . More specifically, a center of the plate-shaped stopper  1700  is formed with a window  1710  through which an end part on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical module  10  is penetrated. A dimension of an inner diameter of the window  1710  is larger than a dimension of an outer diameter of the end part on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical module  10 . Therefore, a movable range in the “X”-axis direction and a movable range in the “Y”-axis direction of the optical module  10  are restricted by the plate-shaped stopper  1700 . 
       (Structure of Flexible Circuit Board  1900 ) 
       [0088]    In the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, the bottom plate part  1420  of the lower case  1400  is formed with an opening part  1421  and the flexible circuit board  1900  which is connected with the end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical module  10  is extended outside the optical unit  100  through the opening part  1421 . 
         [0089]    The flexible circuit board  1900  is connected with the end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical module  10  and then, first, is extended to one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction (first direction) and, after that, is extended outside through the opening part  1421  of the bottom plate part  1420  of the lower case  1400  and then, is further extended to one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. In this case, the flexible circuit board  1900  is provided with a first curved part  1910  which is bent in a circular arc shape at a position on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relative to a portion superposed on the optical module  10  on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction toward the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, a strip-shaped part  1930  which is extended from the first curved part  1910  to the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, and a second curved part  1920  which is bent in a circular arc shape at an end part of the strip-shaped part  1930  located on the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction relative to the portion superposed on the optical module  10  on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction toward one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. In this embodiment, the first curved part  1910  and the second curved part  1920  are curved with the same radius of curvature as each other. 
         [0090]    The first curved part  1910 , the strip-shaped part  1930  and the second curved part  1920  of the flexible circuit board  1900  are divided into two portions in the “X”-axis direction (second direction) through a slit  1950  extended along the “Y”-axis direction. 
       (Structure of Gimbal Mechanism  30 ) 
       [0091]      FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D  are perspective views showing a gimbal mechanism and the like of the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  is a perspective view showing a state that a gimbal mechanism is attached to the holder,  FIG. 9B  is a perspective view showing a state that a movable frame and a fixed body side rectangular frame are detached from the holder,  FIG. 9C  is a perspective view showing a state that the fixed body side rectangular frame is detached from the holder, and  FIG. 9D  is a perspective view showing a first corner part of the fixed body side rectangular frame.  FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view showing a gimbal mechanism and the like of the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  are explanatory views showing a plan structure of members used in a gimbal mechanism of the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11A  is a plan explanatory view showing a positional relationship of a plate-shaped member provided with a receiving part and a movable frame and  FIG. 11B  is a plan explanatory view showing a structure in a state that the plate-shaped member provided with the receiving part is detached from the movable frame. In  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the holder, the movable frame and the fixed body side rectangular frame are respectively shown from the left side to the right side in the drawing. 
         [0092]    In the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, in order to correct a shake of a hand, the optical module  10  is required to be swingably supported around a first axial line “L1” intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the optical module  10  is required to be swingably supported around a second axial line “L2” intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the first axial line “L1”. Therefore, a gimbal mechanism  30  which will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 9A through 11B  is structured between the optical module  10  and the fixed body  20 . 
         [0093]    In this embodiment, in order to structure the gimbal mechanism  30  shown in  FIGS. 9A through 11B , the holder  1110  of the optical module  10 , a rectangular movable frame  32 , and a rectangular frame  25  (fixed body side rectangular frame) which is fixed to the upper case  1200  (fixed body  20 ) by welding, adhesion or the like are used. 
         [0094]    In this embodiment, the movable frame  32  is provided with a first corner part  321 , a second corner part  322 , a third corner part  323  and a fourth corner part  324  around the optical axis “L”, and a first connecting part  326  (first side part), a second connecting part  327  (second side part), a third connecting part  328  (third side part) and a fourth connecting part  329  (fourth side part) are provided between the first corner part  321  and the second corner part  322 , between the second corner part  322  and the third corner part  323 , between the third corner part  323  and the fourth corner part  324 , and between the fourth corner part  324  and the first corner part  321 . 
         [0095]    A metal spherical body  38  is fixed to inner sides of the first corner part  321 , the second corner part  322 , the third corner part  323  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  by welding or the like. The spherical body  38  structures protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  whose hemispheric convex surfaces are directed to inner sides in the radial direction. Therefore, all of a plurality of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are located on the same plane (“XY” plane) intersecting the optical axis “L”. 
         [0096]    In this embodiment, the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329  are provided with meandering parts  326   a,    327   a,    328   a  and  329   a  which are curved in a direction perpendicular to their extending directions and the “Z”-axis direction. 
         [0097]    The cover  1600  is fixed to the end plate part  1220  of the upper case  1200  (fixed body  20 ) and the rectangular frame  25  is fixed to a face on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the rear plate part  1630  of the cover  1600  by welding, adhesion or the like. The rectangular frame  25  is provided with a first corner part  251 , a second corner part  252 , a third corner part  253  and a fourth corner part  254  around the optical axis “L”, and is provided with a first side part  256 , a second side part  257 , a third side part  258  and a fourth side part  259  between the first corner part  251  and the second corner part  252 , between the second corner part  252  and the third corner part  253 , between the third corner part  253  and the fourth corner part  254 , and between the fourth corner part  254  and the first corner part  251 . 
         [0098]    The first side part  256  and the first connecting part  326  are extended in the “Y”-axis direction on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction, and the third side part  258  and the third connecting part  328  are extended in the “Y”-axis direction on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction. Further, the second side part  257  and the second connecting part  327  are extended in the “X”-axis direction on one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, and the fourth side part  259  and the fourth connecting part  329  are extended in the “X”-axis direction on the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. Therefore, the first corner parts  251  and  321  are located on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, the second corner parts  252  and  322  are located on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, the third corner parts  253  and  323  are located on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction and one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction, and the fourth corner parts  254  and  324  are located on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. 
         [0099]    The rectangular frame  25  is provided with support plate parts  255  which are protruded from the first corner part  251  and the third corner part  253  (one side in the optical axis “L” direction) to one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction (the other side in the optical axis “L” direction). In this embodiment, the support plate part  255  is provided with wall faces  255   a  and  255   b  which face each other on both sides in a circumferential direction and a recessed part which is opened outside in a radial direction is formed between the wall faces  255   a  and  255   b.  Further, an inner side in the radial direction between the wall faces  255   a  and  255   b  is closed by a wall face  255   d.    
         [0100]    A plate-shaped member  33  which is bent in an “L” shape is fixed between the wall faces  255   a  and  255   b.  The plate-shaped member  33  is located at the same height position as the coil holding parts  1150  in the “Z”-axis direction. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped member  33  is provided with a first plate part  331  which is extended in the “Z”-axis direction and a second plate part  332  which is bent outside in the radial direction at an end part on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the first plate part  331 . The first plate part  331  is fixed to the wall face  255   d  and the wall faces  255   a  and  255   b  of the support plate part  255  formed in the rectangular frame  25 . Therefore, a recessed part which is opened outside in the radial direction is formed at the first corner part  251  and the third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25  so as to be surrounded by the second plate part  332  of the plate-shaped member  33 , the wall face  255   d  and the wall faces  255   a  and  255   b  of the support plate part  255  and a wall face  255   c  of the support plate part  255 . The first plate part  331  of the plate-shaped member  33  is located on an inner side in the radial direction of the recessed part. In this embodiment, a receiving part  280  which is recessed in a hemispheric shape is formed on an outer side face in the radial direction of the first plate part  331 . 
         [0101]    In the holder  1110  which is used in the optical module  10 , an outer peripheral face of the optical element holding part  1120  which is protruded from one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction (the other side in the optical axis “L” direction) toward the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction (one side in the optical axis “L” direction) is formed with recessed parts  1160  on one side “+X” in the “X”-axis direction and one side “+Y” in the “Y”-axis direction and on the other side “−X” in the “X”-axis direction and the other side “−Y” in the “Y”-axis direction. In the “Z”-axis direction, the recessed part  1160  is located at the same height position as the coil holding part  1150 . 
         [0102]    Both sides of the recessed part  1160  are surrounded by wall faces  1161  and  1162  and its one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction is closed by a wall face  1163 . Further, an inner side in the radial direction of the recessed part  1160  is closed by an outer face of the optical element holding part  1120 . 
         [0103]    A plate-shaped member  34  which is bent in an “L” shape is fixed to an inner side of the recessed part  1160 . The plate-shaped member  34  is located at the same height position as the coil holding part  1150  in the “Z”-axis direction. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped member  34  is provided with a first plate part  341  extended in the “Z”-axis direction and a second plate part  342  which is bent at an end part on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the first plate part  341  toward an outer side in the radial direction. The first plate part  341  is fixed to the wall faces  1161  and  1162  of the recessed part  1160  and an outer face of the optical component holding part  1120 . Therefore, the holder  1110  is formed with a recessed part which is surrounded by the wall faces  1161 ,  1162  and  1163  of the holder  1110  and the second plate part  342  of the plate-shaped member  34  and is opened toward an outer side in the radial direction. The first plate part  341  of the plate-shaped member  34  is located on an inner side in the radial direction of the recessed part. In this embodiment, a receiving part  480  which is recessed in a hemispheric shape is formed on an outer side face in the radial direction of the first plate part  341 . 
         [0104]    The optical module  10  is swingably supported around the first axial line “L1” intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the optical module  10  is swingably supported around the second axial line “L2” intersecting the optical axis “L” direction and the first axial line “L1” by using the rectangular frame  25 , the movable frame  32  and the holder  1110  structured as described above. 
         [0105]    More specifically, in the swing support part between the first corner part  321  of the movable frame  32  and the first corner part  251  of the rectangular frame  25  and, in the swing support part between the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  and the third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25 , the plate-shaped members  33  provided in the rectangular frame  25  are located on inner sides of the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable body  32  and thus the protruded parts  38   a  are supported by the receiving parts  280 . As a result, the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  located on the first axial line “L1” are swingably supported by the first corner part  251  and the third corner part  253  of the rectangular frame  25  (fixed body  20 ). 
         [0106]    More specifically, in the swing support part between the second corner part  322  of the movable frame  32  and the holder  1110  and, in the swing support part between the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  and the holder  1110 , the plate-shaped members  34  provided in the holder  1110  are located on inner sides of the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  and thus the protruded parts  38   b  are supported by the receiving parts  480 . As a result, the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  located on the second axial line “L2” swingably support the holder  1110  (optical module  10 ). 
         [0107]    In this manner, the optical module  10  is swingably supported around the first axial line “L1” and is swingably supported around the second axial line “L2” by the fixed body  20  through the movable frame  32  which is used in the gimbal mechanism  30 . Further, all of the movable frame  32  and the plate-shaped members  33  and  34  are located at the same height position as the coil holding part  1150 . Therefore, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, the gimbal mechanism  30  is provided at a position overlapping with the shake correction drive mechanism  500 . Especially, in this embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, the gimbal mechanism  30  is provided at a position overlapping with the center in the “Z”-axis direction of the shake correction drive mechanism  500 . 
         [0108]    In this embodiment, the movable frame  32  is structured of metal material having elasticity which is not resiliently bent to a lower side by the weight of the optical module  10  itself but, when an impact is applied from the outside, the movable frame  32  is provided with elasticity capable of absorbing the impact. Further, each of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329  of the movable frame  32  is capable of being elastically deformed to an inner side and an outer side. Therefore, the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480  are elastically contacted with each other at each of the first corner part  321 , the second corner part  322 , the third corner part  323  and the fourth corner part  324  by elasticities of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329 . Accordingly, rattling is not occurred between the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480 . 
       (Structure of Plate-Shaped Spring  70 ) 
       [0109]    The optical module  10  in this embodiment includes a plate-shaped spring  70  which is connected with the optical module  10  and the fixed body  20  to restrict a posture of the optical module  10  when the shake correction drive mechanism  500  is set in a stopped state. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped spring  70  is a spring member which is formed by processing a metal plate in a predetermined shape and is provided with a fixed body side connection part  71  in a rectangular frame shape, a movable body side connection part  72  in a circular ring shape, and plate spring parts  73  which connect the fixed body side connection part  71  with the movable body side connection part  72 . In this embodiment, the plate spring part  73  is extended from a corner portion of the fixed body side connection part  71  to the movable body side connection part  72  while meandering from one side to the other side in a circumferential direction. 
         [0110]    The fixed body side connection part  71  is fixed to a face on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the rectangular frame  25  and the movable body side connection part  72  is fixed to an end face  1121  on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical component holding part  1120  of the holder  1110  by welding, adhesion or the like. In this embodiment, the end face  1121  on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the optical component holding part  1120  is formed with a protruded part  1123  in a circular ring shape along an inner circumferential edge. The movable body side connection part  72  is fitted to an outer side in a radial direction of the protruded part  1123 . 
         [0111]    The plate-shaped spring  70  is also provided at a position overlapping with the shake correction drive mechanism  500  when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction. However, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, although the gimbal mechanism  30  is provided at a position overlapping with the center in the “Z”-axis direction of the shake correction drive mechanism  500 , the plate-shaped spring  70  is located on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction relative to the position overlapping with the center in the “Z”-axis direction of the shake correction drive mechanism  500 . Therefore, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, the gimbal mechanism  30  is provided at a nearer position to the center position in the optical axis “L” direction of the shake correction drive mechanism  500  than the plate-shaped spring  70 . 
       (Structure of Photo Reflector  590 ) 
       [0112]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , in the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, a photo reflector  590  is mounted on a portion of the flexible circuit board  1900  which is overlapped with the optical module  10  on one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction so as to direct to one side “+Z” in the “Z”-axis direction. Further, a reflecting plate  1490  is formed at a position facing the photo reflector  590  on a face on the other side “−Z” in the “Z”-axis direction of the bottom plate part  1420  of the lower case  1400 . In this embodiment, the reflecting plate  1490  is a metal block shaped component and thus its dimension in the “Z”-axis direction (thickness) is large. Therefore, since a distance between the photo reflector  590  and the reflecting plate  1490  is short, its detection sensitivity is high. 
       (Structure and Basic Operation of Shake Correction Drive Mechanism  500  and the Like) 
       [0113]    Also in the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the optical device  1000  shown in  FIG. 1  is shaken, the shake is detected by a gyroscope or the like and a control IC (not shown) controls the shake correction drive mechanism  500 . In other words, a drive current for canceling the shake detected by the gyroscope is supplied to the air-core coils  560 . In this case, the electric current is supplied to a part of four air-core coils  560  and the electric current is not supplied to other air-core coils  560 . Alternatively, the electric current is supplied to all of four air-core coils  560  but balance of the electric current supplied to the four air-core coils  560  is controlled. As a result, the optical module  10  is swung around the first axial line “L1” or around the second axial line “L2” to correct the shake of a hand. Alternatively, the optical module  10  is swung around the first axial line “L1” and is swung around the second axial line “L2” to correct the shake of a hand. In this case, the second photo reflector  590  detects a distance (displacement) to the optical module  10  and the shake correction drive mechanism  500  is controlled based on a detected result by the photo reflector  590 . 
         [0000]    (Principal Effects in this Embodiment) 
         [0114]    As described above, also in the optical unit  100  in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the rectangular movable frame  32  is disposed between the optical module  10  and the rectangular tube-shaped body part  1210  of the fixed body  20 , and the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  are swingably supported by the fixed body  20  and the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  swingably support the optical module  10 . Therefore, even when the optical module  10  is swingably supported by the fixed body  20  through the gimbal mechanism  30 , a space for disposing the shake correction drive mechanism  500  can be secured near the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329  of the movable frame  32  between a side face of the optical module  10  and a side face of the fixed body  20 . 
         [0115]    Further, in this embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, the gimbal mechanism  30  is provided at a position overlapping with the shake correction drive mechanism  500 . Therefore, when the optical module  10  is swung, displacement of a portion of the optical module  10  where the coils  1560  and the magnets  1520  are disposed is small and thus, even when the coil  1560  and the magnet  1520  are disposed at a near position to each other, the coil  1560  and the magnet  1520  are hard to be contacted with each other. Accordingly, the coil  1560  and the magnet  1520  can be approached to each other and thus a large drive force is obtained. Further, in a case of the gimbal mechanism  30 , when driving is stopped, a force for returning the optical module  10  to its original posture is small or no force for returning the optical module  10  to its original posture is generated. However, in this embodiment, the plate-shaped spring  70  is connected with the optical module  10  and the fixed body  20  and thus, when driving is stopped, the optical module  10  can be surely returned to its original posture. Further, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, the plate-shaped spring  70  is provided at a position overlapping with the shake correction drive mechanism  500 . Therefore, when the optical module  10  is swung, displacement of a portion of the optical module  10  where the plate-shaped spring  70  is disposed is small and thus deformation of the plate-shaped spring  70  is small. Accordingly, a resistance force by the plate-shaped spring  70  is small and thus, when the optical module  10  is swung, a large swing force can be applied to the optical module  10 . Further, since deformation of the plate-shaped spring  70  is small, a structure of the plate-shaped spring  70  can be simplified. 
         [0116]    Further, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, the gimbal mechanism  30  is provided at a near position to the center position in the optical axis “L” direction of the shake correction drive mechanism  500  relative to the plate-shaped spring  70 . Therefore, when the optical module  10  is swung, displacement of the portion of the optical module  10  where the coil  1560  and the magnet  1520  are disposed can be made small. Accordingly, the coils  1560  and the magnets  1520  can be approached to each other and thus a large drive force is obtained. 
         [0117]    Further, the fixed body  20  structures the gimbal mechanism  30  by utilizing the rectangular frame  25  (fixed body side rectangular frame) with which the plate-shaped spring  70  is connected and thus assembling is easily performed and the number of components can be reduced. 
         [0118]    Further, the coils  1560  are held by the optical module  10  and the magnets  1520  are held by an inner face of the rectangular tube-shaped body part  1210  of the fixed body  20 . Therefore, the coil  1560  whose weight is lighter than the magnet  1520  is provided in the optical module  10  and thus a drive current for shake correction can be made small and responsibility of shake correction can be improved. 
         [0119]    In addition, in the optical module  10 , the holder  1110  is provided with the optical component holding part  1120 , the movable frame arrangement space  1140  where the movable frame  32  is disposed on an outer side in a radial direction of the optical component holding part  1120 , and the coil holding parts  1150  which hold the coils  1560  on an outer side of the movable frame arrangement space  1140 . Therefore, when viewed in the optical axis “L” direction, the gimbal mechanism  30  can be provided on an inner side relative to an outward form of the holder  1110 . Further, the coil  1560  is an air-core coil and the coil holding part  1150  is provided with the protruded part  1152  which is fitted to an opening part of the coil  1560 . Therefore, the coil  1560  can be easily and surely provided at a predetermined position. Further, the protruded part  1152  is protruded toward the magnet  1520  from a face of the coil  1560  facing the magnet  1520 . Therefore, even in a case that the optical module  10  is swung due to an impact or the like or, even in a case that the optical module  10  is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis “L” direction, the coil  1560  does not contact with the magnet  1520 . Accordingly, damage of the coil  1560  can be prevented. 
         [0120]    Further, the coil holding parts  1150  are provided on outer sides in a radial direction of the middle positions of the first connecting part  326 , the second connecting part  327 , the third connecting part  328  and the fourth connecting part  329  of the movable frame  32 . Therefore, the coil holding parts  1150  are provided at angular positions displaced from the first corner part  321 , the second corner part  322 , the third corner part  323  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  and thus, when viewed in the optical axis “L” direction, an outward form of the holder  1110  can be made small. 
         [0121]    Further, when viewed in the optical axis “L” direction, the end plate part  1220  of the upper case  1200  is formed with the opening part  1221  whose opening edge is located on an outer side in a radial direction relative to a face of the magnet  1520  facing the coil  1560  and thus magnetic lines of force of the magnet  1520  can be restrained from directing to the end plate part  1220  of the upper case  1200  (yoke) on the front side in the optical axis “L” direction. Accordingly, intensity of the magnetic field interlinking with the coil  1560  can be increased. 
         [0122]    Further, the nonmagnetic cover  1600  is fixed to the end plate part  1220  of the upper case  1200 . The cover  1600  is provided with the tube part  1620  which is protruded from an inner circumferential edge of the front plate part  1610  overlapped with the end plate part  1220  toward a rear side in the optical axis “L” direction through the opening part  1221  of the upper case  1200  and surrounds the front side end part in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module  10 . Therefore, dust and the like can be suppressed from entering into the inside. Further, the cover  1600  is nonmagnetic and thus, even when the cover  1600  is provided, magnetic lines of force of the magnet  1520  can be suppressed from directing in an unnecessary direction. Therefore, intensity of the magnetic field interlinked with the coil  1560  can be increased. 
         [0123]    Further, the front plate part  1610  of the cover  1600  is fixed with the plate-shaped stopper  1700  which surrounds the front side end part in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module  10  when viewed from a front side in the optical axis “L” direction. Therefore, even in a case that the optical module  10  is swung or the optical module  10  is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction due to an impact or the like, its displaced amount can be restricted by the plate-shaped stopper  1700 . Further, the plate-shaped stopper  1700  restricts displacement of the optical module  10  by abutting with the front side end part in the optical axis “L” direction of the optical module  10  and thus the plate-shaped stopper  1700  is located at a separated position from a swing center of the optical module  10 . Therefore, in comparison with a case that displacement of the optical module  10  is restricted by abutting of the coil  1560  with the magnet  1520  or the like, influence of attaching accuracy of components is hardly affected and thus a displacement allowance amount can be set with a high degree of accuracy. 
         [0124]    Further, the flexible circuit board  1900  which is connected with the optical module  10  is provided with the first curved part  1910  and the second curved part  1920  which are bent in a circular arc shape on the way of its extended portion along the “Y” direction. Therefore, even when the optical module  10  is swung in the “Y” direction, the flexible circuit board  1900  does not apply a large resistance force to the optical module  10 . Further, the first curved part  1910  and the second curved part  1920  are curved in reverse directions to each other and, in addition, the first curved part  1910  and the second curved part  1920  are curved with the same radius of curvature as each other. Therefore, when the optical module  10  is swung in the “Y” direction, resistance forces applied to the optical module  10  can be canceled by the first curved part  1910  and the second curved part  1920 . Further, in the flexible circuit board  1900 , the first curved part  1910 , the strip-shaped part  1930  and the second curved part  1920  are branched into two portions in the “X” direction (second direction) by the slit  1950  extending along the “Y” direction (first direction). Therefore, even when the optical module  10  is swung in the “X” direction, the flexible circuit board  1900  does not apply a large resistance force to the optical module  10 . 
         [0125]    Further, the gimbal mechanism  30  is structured so that the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are supported by the receiving parts  280  and  480  in a concave shape and thus, in comparison with a case swingably structured through a shaft body, assembling process can be simplified. In addition, the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are formed so that their tip end faces located on the sides of the receiving parts  280  and  480  are formed in a hemispheric shape. Therefore, even when the movable frame  32  and the optical module  10  are swung in any posture, sliding of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  on the receiving parts  280  and  480  is smooth. Further, the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480  are elastically contacted with each other by elasticity of the movable frame  32 . Therefore, rattling is hard to be occurred between the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  and the receiving parts  280  and  480 . 
         [0126]    Further, all of a plurality of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are provided on the movable frame  32 . Further, all of a plurality of the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are located on the same plane intersecting the optical axis “L”. Therefore, the structure of the gimbal mechanism  30  can be simplified. 
         [0127]    Further, the receiving parts  280  and  480  are respectively formed in the plate-shaped members  33  and  34  which are separately formed from the fixed body  20  and the holder  1110 . Therefore, regardless of structure and material of the fixed body  20  and the holder  1110  of the optical module  10 , the receiving parts  280  and  480  can be structured superior in slidability and durability for the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b.    
         [0128]    Further, the protruded parts  38   a  provided in the first corner part  321  and the third corner part  323  of the movable frame  32  are surrounded by the wall faces  255   a ,  255   b  and  255   c  of the fixed body  20  side and the second plate parts  332  (wall face) of the plate-shaped members  33 . Further, the protruded parts  38   b  provided in the second corner part  322  and the fourth corner part  324  of the movable frame  32  are surrounded by the wall faces  1161 ,  1162  and  1163  of the optical module side and the second plate parts  342  (wall face) of the plate-shaped members  34 . Therefore, even when an impact is applied, the protruded parts  38   a  and  38   b  are hard to be disengaged from the receiving parts  280  and  480 . 
       [Other Structural Examples of Optical Unit  100 ] 
       [0129]    In the embodiment described above, the present invention is, as an example, applied to the optical unit  100  which is used in a cell phone with a camera. However, at least an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the optical unit  100  which is used in a thin digital camera or the like. Further, other than a cell phone, a digital camera and the like, the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function to which at least an embodiment of the present invention is applied may be fixed in an apparatus such as a refrigerator in which vibration is occurred in a certain interval and mounted so as to be capable of being remote controlled. According to the apparatus, a service can be provided in which information in the inside of the refrigerator is obtained at a visit place, for example, at the time of shopping. According to this service, the camera system is provided with a posture stabilizing device and thus a stable image can be transmitted even when vibration may occur in the refrigerator. Further, this device may be fixed to a device such as a bag, a satchel or a cap of a child and a student which is carried at a time of commuting or attending school. In this case, states of surroundings are photographed at a constant interval and, when the image is transmitted to a predetermined server, the parent or the like watches the image at a remote place to secure security of the child. In this application, without conscious of a camera, a clear image is photographed even when vibration occurs at the time of moving. Further, when a GPS is mounted in addition to a camera module, the position of a target person can be obtained simultaneously and thus, when an accident occurs, its position and situation can be confirmed immediately. In addition, when the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function to which at least an embodiment of the present invention is applied is mounted at a position which is capable of photographing toward a front side in a car, it can be used as a drive recorder. Further, it may be structured that the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function to which at least an embodiment of the present invention is applied is mounted at a position which is capable of photographing toward a front side in a car and a front side image is photographed automatically at a constant interval and the image is automatically transmitted to a predetermined server. Further, when this image is distributed while interlocking with traffic jam information in the Vehicle Information and Communication System or the like, the situation of a traffic jam can be provided further in detail. According to this service, similarly to a drive recorder mounted on a car, the situation when an accident has occurred can be recorded by a third person of passer-by without intention to utilize an inspection of the situation. Further, a clear image can be acquired without affected by vibration of a car. In a case of the application, when a power supply is turned on, a command signal is outputted to the control section and the shake control is started on the basis of the command signal. 
         [0130]    Further, the optical unit  100  with a shake correction function to which at least an embodiment of the present invention is applied may be applied to shake correction of an optical device from which a light beam is emitted such as a laser beam pointer, a portable or on-vehicle projection display device and a direct viewing type display device. Further, in an observation system with a high magnification such as an astronomical telescope system or a binocular system, the optical unit  100  may be used to observe without using an auxiliary locking device such as three-legged supports. In addition, when at least an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a rifle or a turret of a tank, its attitude can be stabilized against vibration at the time of trigger and thus hitting accuracy can be enhanced. 
         [0131]    While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 
         [0132]    The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.