Driving apparatus and image pickup apparatus using the same

A driving apparatus includes: a first member including a first linear groove; a second member including a second linear groove; a plurality of first rolling bodies held between the first and the second linear grooves; a pressing member for pressing the first and second members; a pressing force applying member for pressing the pressing member; and second rolling bodies arranged on the same plane between the second member and the pressing member. A third linear groove for guiding the second rolling bodies is formed on one of the second member and the pressing member. At least one or more of the second rolling bodies are arranged on both sides of the central axis of the first rolling bodies, and the pressing force applying member applies a pressing force to the second rolling bodies such that rotational moment around the axis line is zero.

This Application claims benefit of Japanese Application No. 2008-328152 filed in Japan on Dec. 24, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a driving apparatus and an image pickup apparatus using the driving apparatus, and more particularly to a driving apparatus that moves a movable body in a predetermined direction with respect to a fixed body using a driving force of an actuator such as an electromagnetic motor, or an ultrasonic motor, and an image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera equipped with an image shake correction mechanism for correcting image shake by using the driving apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, image pickup apparatuses such as digital cameras which include an image shake correction mechanism are put into practical use and widely used. In such an image shake correction mechanism, image shake correction is performed using a driving apparatus that appropriately moves a movable body equipped with an image pickup device and the like in a predetermined direction at a predetermined timing with respect to a fixed body by means of a driving force of an actuator such as an electromagnetic motor, an ultrasonic motor, or the like.

As an image shake correction mechanism applied to a conventional image pickup apparatus, such a mechanism is known in which shake vibration in a pitch direction and shake vibration in a yaw direction of the image pickup apparatus are detected using shake detecting means such as an angular velocity sensor, and based on a detected shake signal, a part of photographing optical system or the image pickup device is moved independently in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the photographing optical system to cancel an image shake, thereby correcting the image shake of an optical image formed on an image pickup surface of the image pickup device.

Such an image shake correction mechanism includes a driving apparatus which moves optical elements (lenses) as a part of photographing optical system or the image pickup device in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction within the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system.

The driving apparatus is required to be capable of performing very precise driving (minute driving) so as to cause the image shake correction mechanism to follow image shake. When the image shake correction mechanism is driven by the driving apparatus, the driving apparatus is required to have a configuration and precision for accurately determining a position of a movable body, i.e., a position of an image pickup surface with respect to the photographing optical system. Furthermore, in order to drive the image shake correction mechanism by the driving apparatus, the driving apparatus is required to have a large amount of driving force to overcome the gravity of the movable body and obtain acceleration necessary for controlling the image shake correction mechanism. In addition, when the power is turned off, the driving apparatus is required to have a self-retaining property to retain the position of the movable body at a predetermined position. In addition to these conditions, it is needless to say that the image shake correction mechanism using the driving apparatus is preferably a size-reduced and inexpensive mechanism.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-172995 and the like propose various kinds of image shake correction mechanisms using conventional driving apparatuses.

A driving apparatus disclosed in the Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-172995 includes a sliding body arranged in a movable body, a transducer which vibrates by contacting the sliding body and is retained in a fixed body, and a plurality of rolling bodies arranged between the sliding body and the fixed body.

Specifically, the rolling bodies (balls) are arranged between a linear V-groove formed on a fixed body (frame or X-frame) and a linear V-groove formed on a movable body (X-frame or Y-frame), for example, which configures a guide portion for defining the moving direction of the movable body in the direction along the both linear V-grooves and guiding the movable body in the same direction. An ultrasonic actuator which generates elliptical vibration on a surface thereof is disposed on the sliding plate side of the movable body in the guide portion in a pressed manner. The movable body is driven in the rotational direction of the elliptical vibration generated by driving the ultrasonic actuator.

The guide portion is arranged on a region closer to one end of the movable body itself, and the ultrasonic actuator is arranged, pressed against the movable body side of the guide portion. In this case, the pressing force of the ultrasonic actuator is applied to the fixed body (frame or X-frame) through the movable body in a direction perpendicular to an axis line connecting the centers of the rolling bodies of the guide portion.

Accordingly, in order to secure a balance of the pressing state with respect to the movable body itself, an elastic member such as a spring, which applies a biasing force in a direction perpendicular to the axis line connecting the centers of the rolling bodies of the guide portion, is arranged on the region closer to the other end of the movable body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A driving apparatus of the present invention is a driving apparatus for moving a movable body with a driving force of a driving source which includes: a first member including a first linear groove; a second member including a second linear groove on one surface opposed to the first linear groove, the second member being arranged so as to be movable with respect to the first member; a plurality of first rolling bodies which are held between the first linear groove and the second linear groove and which are linearly arranged spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another; a pressing member for pressing the first member and the second member from a direction perpendicular to an axis line connecting centers of the plurality of first rolling bodies; a pressing force applying member for applying a pressing force to the pressing member; and a plurality of second rolling bodies arranged spaced at a predetermined distance apart from one another on the same plane, between the second member and the pressing member, wherein a plurality of third linear grooves for guiding the plurality of second rolling bodies are formed on either one of the second member or the pressing member, the plurality of second rolling bodies are arranged such that, when an axis line connecting the centers of the plurality of first rolling bodies is projected on a plane which is the same plane on which the plurality of second rolling bodies are arranged, at least one or more of the plurality of second rolling bodies are located on both sides opposed to each other with the axis line sandwiched therebetween within the plane, and the pressing force applying member applies a pressing force to the plurality of second rolling bodies through the pressing member such that a rotational moment around the axis line becomes zero.

Advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Description is made on one embodiment of the present invention taking, as an example, a driving apparatus that executes image shake correction operation by driving an image pickup unit including an image pickup device for performing photoelectrical conversion processing and obtaining image signals, and an image pickup apparatus equipped with an image shake correction mechanism using the driving apparatus. As the image pickup apparatus, a lens interchangeable single-lens reflex digital camera is exemplified in the present embodiment.

FIG. 1is a block configurational diagram showing an internal configuration of an image pickup apparatus including the driving apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, which mainly shows a simple overview of an electric configuration.FIG. 2is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a configuration of the image pickup unit in the image pickup apparatus inFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing by extracting the image shake correction mechanism (anti-vibration unit) including the driving apparatus used in the image pickup apparatus inFIG. 1.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view showing the image shake correction mechanism (anti-vibration unit) inFIG. 3in an exploded manner.FIG. 5is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing components related to a guide portion by extracting them from the driving apparatus of the image shake correction mechanism (anti-vibration unit) inFIG. 3.FIG. 6is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing components related to a driving portion by extracting them from the driving apparatus of the image shake correction mechanism (anti-vibration unit) inFIG. 3.FIG. 7is a front view showing a simple overview of the image shake correction mechanism (anti-vibration unit) inFIG. 3.FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [8]-[8] inFIG. 7.FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [9]-[9] inFIG. 7.FIG. 10is an arrow view in the [11] direction inFIG. 7.FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [10]-[10] inFIG. 7.FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [12]-[12] inFIG. 7.FIGS. 13 and 14are main-part enlarged cross-sectional views showing in an enlarged manner a part of the cross section taken along the line [8]-[8] inFIG. 7.FIG. 13schematically shows the guide portion in a normal state.FIG. 14schematically shows the guide portion in a case where an external force is applied to an end portion of a Y-frame.FIG. 15is a flowchart showing a simple overview of an image shake correction operation at the time of photographing still images which is a part of operation sequence of the image pickup apparatus using the driving apparatus according to the present embodiment.

First, description will be made below on the simple overview of the internal configuration of the image pickup apparatus which uses the driving apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference toFIG. 1.

The image pickup apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a camera) using the driving apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a body unit100as a camera main body, and a lens unit10as an interchangeable lens which is one of accessory apparatuses.

The lens unit10includes: a photographing lens1as an optical element that forms an optical image; a lens frame1athat holds the photographing lens1; a lens driving mechanism2that advances and retracts the lens frame1ain a direction along the optical axis O; a diaphragm3that adjusts an amount of light incident on the photographing lens1; a diaphragm driving mechanism4that drives the diaphragm3; a lens controlling microcomputer (hereinafter Lμcom)5that controls the lens unit10; a communication connector10b; and a lens mount10a.

The lens unit10is attachable and detachable to and from the body unit100through joint between the lens mount10aand a mount portion100aarranged on the front surface of the body unit100.

The communication connector10bis electrically connected with the Lμcom5. When the lens unit10is mounted to the body unit100, the communication connector10bof the lens unit10is electrically connected with a communication connector100b(to be described later) of the body unit100. As described later, the communication connector100bis electrically connected with a body controlling microcomputer (hereinafter Bμcom)50of the body unit100. Accordingly, when the lens unit10and the body unit100are coupled with each other, the Lμcom5and the Bμcom50are electrically connected to each other, and the Lμcom5and the Bμcom50cooperatively control the camera as a system.

Note that, in this state, the Lμcom5of the lens unit10is configured to operate subserviently in cooperation with the Bμcom50under the control of Bμcom50, thereby controlling the lens unit10.

The Lμcom5is electrically connected with the lens driving mechanism2and diaphragm driving mechanism4.

The lens driving mechanism2includes a lens driving source such as a DC motor for advancing and retracting the lens frame1ain the direction along the optical axis O at a predetermined timing, and a lens driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the lens driving source. In addition, the diaphragm driving mechanism4includes a diaphragm driving source such as a stepping motor for driving the diaphragm3at a predetermined timing, and a diaphragm driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the diaphragm driving source.

The lens driving mechanism2and the diaphragm driving mechanism4are driven and controlled by the Lμcom5based on the control from the Bμcom50.

The body unit100includes the Bμcom50which controls the entire camera in a centralized manner, and various kinds of components including: components (a quick return mirror11, a pentaprism12, a focusing screen12a, an eyepiece13, a mirror driving mechanism18, and the like) of a single-lens reflex finder optical system; components (a sub-mirror11a, an AF sensor unit16, an AF sensor driving circuit17, and the like) for implementing a TTL phase-difference detection auto focus function; components (a shutter unit15, a shutter charging mechanism19, a shutter controlling circuit20, and the like) of a focal plane shutter mechanism which is arranged on the optical axis O of the photographing lens1and controls exposure at the time of photographing operation; components (a photometric sensor21a, a photometric circuit21, and the like) for implementing a photometric function by detecting a luminous flux entering from the photographing lens1to pass through the finder optical system; components (a strobe light emitting portion49a, a strobe controlling circuit49, and the like) of a flush light emitting apparatus for irradiating photographing auxiliary light; components (an image pickup unit30, a CCD interface circuit23, an image processing controller28, an SDRAM25, a flash ROM26, a recording medium27, a nonvolatile memory29, a liquid crystal monitor24, and the like) of an image pickup system and image recording/displaying system which are arranged on the optical axis O of the photographing lens1so as to be located behind the shutter mechanism and which implement an image pickup function and an image recording/displaying function by photoelectrically converting an optical image formed by the photographing lens1to obtain an electronic image signal and by performing various kinds of processings on the obtained electronic image signal; components (an X-frame301, a frame302, a Y-frame303, an X-axis actuator320x, a Y-axis actuator320y, an anti-vibration driving circuit45, an X-axis gyroscope45x, a Y-axis gyroscope45y, an anti-vibration controlling circuit46, a position detecting sensor47and the like) of an anti-vibration unit which includes the image pickup unit30integrally mounted thereto and performs control for moving the image pickup unit30in a predetermined direction at a predetermined timing within a surface perpendicular to the optical axis O of the photographing lens1to configure an image shake correction mechanism; an operation displaying LCD51and an operation indicating LED51a; a camera operating SW52which includes various kinds of operation members and generates electric signals according to operation instructions in association with the operation members; a power supply battery54; and a power supply circuit53.

The image pickup unit30includes, as an integrated unit, an image pickup device (hereinafter, referred to as CCD)31as a photoelectric conversion device, an optical low-pass filter (LPF)32disposed on the front surface of the image pickup device31, and a dust-proof unit including a dust-proof filter33.

The dust-proof unit is configured of the dust-proof filter33, a piezoelectric device34, a dust-proof filter controlling circuit48which is electrically connected to the piezoelectric device34, and the like.

The piezoelectric device34has two electrodes. The two electrodes are energized by the dust-proof filter controlling circuit48to vibrate the piezoelectric device34at a predetermined frequency, thereby enabling the dust-proof filter33to vibrate.

The dust-proof unit thus vibrates the dust-proof filter33arranged in front of the CCD31, thereby capable of removing dust and the like adhered on a surface of the dust-proof filter33.

The SDRAM25is an area for temporarily storing image signals which operate a control program and the like of the camera and which are to be signal-processed. In addition, the SDRAM25is a memory area as a work area for various signal processings.

The recording medium27is composed of semiconductor memory such as various memory cards, a magnetic recording medium such as an HDD, and is an external recording medium fixed to or detachably attached to the body unit100. In the recording medium27are recorded image data and the like obtained by photographing operation of the camera.

The nonvolatile memory29, such as an EEPROM, is a memory area for storing in advance various control parameters to be needed for controlling the camera.

The image processing controller28controls the CCD interface circuit23according to the instruction from the Bμcom50and captures image data outputted from the CCD31. The image data is converted into a video signal in the image processing controller28to be outputted on the liquid crystal monitor24. Then, the photographed image obtained by the CCD31is displayed on a display screen of the liquid crystal monitor24.

In addition, the operation displaying LCD51and the operation indicating LED51adisplay and notify the operation state of the camera under the control of the Bμcom50.

The camera operating SW52is a switch group including a plurality of operation members necessary for operating the camera, for example, a release SW, a mode changing SW, and a power SW.

The power supply circuit53converts the voltage of the power supply battery54to a required voltage for each circuit unit of the camera and supplies the required voltage to each circuit unit. In addition, the power supply circuit53includes a voltage detecting circuit that detects a voltage change when a current is supplied from an external power supply and the like via a connecting terminal (not shown).

The mirror driving mechanism18is a mechanism for driving the quick return mirror11at an up position and a down position. When photographing operation is performed, the mirror driving mechanism18moves the quick return mirror11away from the optical axis O and arrange it at the up position so as to guide the luminous flux passed through the photographing lens1toward the CCD31. When the optical image formed by passing through the photographing lens1is observed using the finder optical system, the driving mechanism18moves the quick return mirror11onto the optical axis O and arrange it at the down position.

When the quick return mirror11is located at the down position, the luminous flux from the photographing lens1is divided into a luminous flux guided toward the finder optical system via the pentaprism12and the like and a luminous flux guided toward the AF sensor unit16via the sub-mirror11a.

The luminous flux guided to the AF sensor unit16via the sub-mirror11ais received by an AF sensor in the AF sensor unit16. Upon receiving the luminous flux, the AF sensor outputs a signal and the outputted signal is transmitted to the Bμcom50via the AF sensor driving circuit17where a well-known ranging processing is carried out.

On the other hand, the luminous flux guided to the finder optical system via the pentaprism12is re-formed into an image by the eyepiece13, thereby enabling a user to observe the optical image. In addition, a part of the luminous flux guided to the finder optical system is guided to the photometric sensor21a. Upon receiving the luminous flux, the photometric sensor21aoutputs a signal and the outputted signal is transmitted via the photometric circuit21to the Bμcom50where the well-known photometric processing is carried out.

Next, description will be made below on a simple overview of the configuration of the image pickup unit30in the camera with reference toFIG. 2.

The image pickup unit30includes: the image pickup device (CCD31) configured by including a photoelectric conversion device such as a CCD chip31awhich receives an optical image formed by the luminous flux passed through the photographing lens1(not shown inFIG. 2) and irradiated on a photoelectric conversion surface and which performs photoelectric conversion processing to obtain an image signal corresponding to the optical image; the optical low-pass filter (LPF)32which is arranged opposed to the optical conversion surface of the CCD31and which removes high-frequency components from the luminous flux passed through the photographing lens1and irradiated on the photoelectric conversion surface of the CCD31; the dust-proof unit configured of the dust-proof filter33arranged opposed to the front surface of the optical LPF32at a predetermined distance therefrom and the piezoelectric device34which is disposed on one surface in the vicinity of the periphery of the dust-proof filter33and which applies a predetermined vibration to the dust-proof filter33; a fixing plate35for fixing a flexible printed circuit31bon which the CCD31is mounted; and a main circuit substrate36disposed on a back surface side of the fixing plate35.

The CCD31is configured of the CCD chip31a, a flexible printed circuit31bon which the CCD chip31ais mounted, connecting parts31c,31dwhich are respectively extended from opposite ends of the flexible printed circuit31b, a protection glass31efor protecting the photoelectric conversion surface on the front surface of the CCD chip31a, and a spacer31finterposed between the protection glass31eand the CCD chip31a.

The connecting parts31cand31dof the flexible printed circuit31bare connected to the connectors36aand36bmounted and arranged on the main circuit substrate36, respectively. This configuration makes it possible to secure the electric connection between the CCD31and the flexible printed circuit31b, and the main circuit substrate36.

In addition, a filter receiving member37made of an elastic member or the like is disposed between the CCD31and the optical LPF32. The filter receiving member37is disposed at a position on a front surface side periphery of the CCD31so as to avoid the effective area of the photoelectric conversion surface, and comes into contact with the vicinity of a back surface side periphery of the optical LPF32, thereby keeping the airtightness between the CCD31and the optical LPF32.

The CCD31and the optical LPF32are airtightly covered with the holder38. The holder38has, at substantially the center thereof, a rectangular-shaped opening38afor allowing the luminous flux passed through the photographing lens1to pass through. A stepped portion38bthat is substantially L-shaped in cross section is formed on the inner periphery of the opening38aon the dust-proof filter33side. The optical LPF32is disposed behind the opening38a, and the CCD31is disposed behind the optical LPF32through the filter receiving member37. At this time, the optical LPF32is disposed in such a manner that a front surface side periphery thereof substantially airtightly comes into contact with the stepped portion38b. According to this configuration, the stepped portion38brestricts the position of the optical LPF32along the direction of the optical axis O, thereby preventing the optical LPF32from dropping out from inside of the holder38to the front surface side.

On the other hand, the holder38has, along the entire front surface side periphery thereof, a dust-proof filter receiving portion38cformed for holding the dust-proof filter33in front of the optical LPF32at a predetermined distance from the optical LPF32. The dust-proof filter receiving portion38cis formed so as to protrude toward the front surface side beyond the stepped portion38bon the outer peripheral side of the stepped portion38b.

The dust-proof filter33is formed in a round or a polygonal plate-like shape as a whole. The dust-proof filter33is supported pressed against the dust-proof filter receiving portion38cby a pressing member40made of an elastic body such as a plate spring. In this case, the pressing member40is fixed to a plane part on the front surface side of the dust-proof filter receiving portion38cwith a screw39and the like. Note that a pressing sheet42which is made of resin and the like and formed in a circular ring shape is sandwiched between the pressing member40and the dust-proof filter33.

In addition, the piezoelectric device34is disposed on a back surface side outer periphery of the dust-proof filter33, as described above. A circular sticker41is interposed between the piezoelectric device34and the dust-proof filter receiving portion38c, thereby securing airtight state between the piezoelectric device34and the dust-proof filter receiving portion38c.

The image pickup unit30thus includes the holder38which is formed in a desired size and includes the CCD31integrally mounted thereon, thereby providing an airtight structure between the dust-proof filter33and the holder38.

Next, the image shake correction mechanism in the camera will be described.

In the present embodiment, it is supposed that the direction along the optical axis O of the photographing lens1is a Z-axis direction, and the CCD31is displaced and moved in an X-axis direction as a first direction and a Y-axis direction as a second direction which are perpendicular to each other on an XY plane perpendicular to the optical axis O, thereby compensating for the image shake. To this end, the image shake correction mechanism in the camera, that is, the anti-vibration unit using the driving apparatus for image shake correction uses an X-axis actuator (320x) and Y-axis actuator (320y) such as electromagnetic rotary motors (stepping motors and the like, for example) as driving sources for driving the driving apparatus to be described later, and the holder38to which the CCD31of the image pickup unit30is mounted is set as a final object to be moved.

Note that the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are defined by the arrows shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 12. Specifically, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction indicate the left/right direction and the up/down direction when facing the front of the camera, respectively, and the Z-axis direction indicates the direction along the optical axis O.

The configuration of the anti-vibration unit using the driving apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 3 to 12.

First, the anti-vibration unit300sets the Y-frame303(holder38) to which the CCD31is mounted along with the optical LPF32, the dust-proof filter33and the like, as the final object to be moved in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction.

The anti-vibration unit300is configured by including: the Y-frame303as the holder38to which the CCD31is mounted; an X-frame301to which the Y-frame303is mounted so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction; a frame302to which the X-frame301is mounted so as to be movable in the X-axis direction, the frame302being fixedly arranged on the camera main body side; an X-axis driving mechanism portion310xthat displaces and moves the X-frame301in the X-axis direction with respect to the frame302; a Y-axis driving mechanism portion310ythat displaces and moves the Y-frame303(holder38) in the Y-axis direction with respect to the X-frame301.

According to this configuration, the Y-frame303(holder38), together with the X-frame301, is displaced and moved in the X-axis direction with respect to the frame302by the X-axis driving mechanism portion310x. Meanwhile, the Y-frame303is displaced and moved in the Y-axis direction with respect to the X-frame301by the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310y. Therefore, the CCD31mounted to the Y-frame303(holder38) is independently displaced and moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction within the XY plane, thereby capable of compensating for the shake in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

In this case, though the detailed configuration will be described later, in the anti-vibration unit300as the image shake correction mechanism, the Y-frame303is configured integrally with a bearing331yand a ball receiver332yof the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310y, and a driving portion311yof the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yis configured integrally with the X-frame301. Therefore, in the relationship between the Y-frame303and the X-frame301, the Y-frame303(plus the bearing331yand the ball receiver332y) works as a movable body with respect to the X-frame301(plus driving portion311y) as a fixed body.

In addition, the X-frame301is configured integrally with a bearing331xand a ball receiver332xof the X-axis driving mechanism portion310x, and the driving portion311xof the X-axis driving mechanism portion310xis configured integrally with the frame302. Therefore, in the relationship between the X-frame301and the frame302, the X-frame301(plus the bearing331xand the ball receiver332x) works as a movable body with respect to the frame302(plus the driving portion311x) as a fixed body.

Now, the configuration of the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yis described in detail. Note that the basic structure of the X-axis driving mechanism portion310xis the same as that of the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310y. Therefore, in the description below, only the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310ywill be detailed, and detailed description of the X-axis driving mechanism portion310xwill be omitted. In addition, the components of the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yare denoted by the reference numerals with suffix y, while the corresponding components of the X-axis driving mechanism portion310xare denoted by the same reference numerals with suffix x.

The Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yis mainly composed of two mechanism portions (units). One of the units is the driving portion311yincluding the Y-axis actuator320ysuch as a stepping motor as a driving source. The other of the units is a guide portion312yfor guiding the Y-frame303(holder38) to smoothly displace and move the Y-frame303(holder38) with respect to the X-frame301.

First, the configuration of the driving portion311yis described. The driving portion311yincludes: the Y-axis actuator320yfixed with a screw and the like to a motor base324y(seeFIGS. 3,4,5and the like. Illustration is omitted inFIG. 7) fixed with a screw and the like to the X-frame301; a pinion gear320yafixed to a rotational axis of the Y-axis actuator320y; a screw shaft321y, both ends of which are rotatably supported with respect to the X-frame301; a screw gear321yafixed to the screw shaft321yand to be meshed with the pinion gear320ya; and a nut322yscrewed with the screw shaft321y.

One end of the screw shaft321yis rotatably pivotably-supported in a hole portion (not shown) on the motor base324yintegrally fixed to the X-frame301. The other end of the screw shaft321yis rotatably pivotably-supported in a hole portion on a screw shaft plate325yfixed to the motor base324ywith a screw and the like (seeFIGS. 3,4,5,7and the like).

As shown inFIG. 11, the nut322yis formed by including a protrusion322ybprotruding toward the X-frame301which is disposed behind the nut322y. The protrusion322ybis fitted into a groove301aformed parallel to the screw shaft321yon the X-frame301or the motor base324y. Accordingly, the protrusion322yband the groove301aare fitted to each other, thereby regulating the rotation of the nut322ywith respect to the X-frame301.

An engaging portion322yaof the nut322yis engaged with a portion to be engaged303yaof the Y-frame303. Therefore, when the nut322ymoves in the Y-axis direction, the Y-frame303is displaced and moved in the same direction along with the movement of the nut322y.

Note that a tensional tensile spring323y(elastic means; a first elastic member) is stretched between the Y-frame303and the X-frame301. The compressing force of the tensile spring323yworks so as to press the portion to be engaged303yaof the Y-frame303against the engaging portion322yaof the nut322y. Therefore, engagement between the engaging portion322yaof the nut322yand the portion to be engaged303yaof the Y frame303, and screw fitting between the screw shaft321yand the nut322yare maintained without backlash.

Note that the tensile spring323yis arranged parallel to an axis line connecting centers of guide balls334y(a plurality of first rolling bodies) to be described later and has a biasing force in the direction along the axis line (biasing force in the compressing direction).

Here, as for the arrangement configuration of the tensile spring323y,FIG. 3andFIG. 7show different arrangement configuration examples. Details of the arrangement configuration of the tensile spring323ywill be described later.

The working of the driving portion311yaccording to such a configuration is as follows.

First, when the rotational axis of the Y-axis actuator320yis rotated, the pinion gear320yais rotated. The pinion gear320yarotates the screw gear321yameshed therewith. The screw gear321yarotates the screw shaft321yto which the screw gear321yais fixed.

When the screw shaft321yis rotated, the screw shaft321ytries to rotate the nut322yscrewed therewith. However, as described above, the nut322has the protrusion322ybfitted into the groove301aof the X-frame301, which regulates the rotation of the nut322with respect to the X-frame301.

Accordingly, when the screw shaft321yis rotated, the nut322yscrewed with the screw shaft321ymoves in the Y-axis direction along the screw shaft321y. Since the engaging portion322yaof the nut322yis engaged with the portion to be engaged303yaof the Y frame303at this time, the nut322ydisplaces and moves the Y frame303in the Y-axis direction which is a direction parallel to the screw shaft321y(a guiding direction of a guide mechanism to be described later).

Next, the configuration of the guide portion312ywill be described.

The guide portion312yincludes: a guide333y(a first member) having a V-groove333ya(a first linear groove) which is linear along the Y-axis direction and has a V-shaped cross section; the bearing331y(a second member) having a V-groove331ya(a second linear groove) which is linear along the Y-axis direction and has a V-shaped cross section; the guide balls334yas a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) first rolling bodies held between the V-groove333yaof the guide333yand the V-groove331yaof the bearing331y; a rectangular plate-shaped retainer335ythat defines a distance (relative position) between the two guide balls334y; the ball receiver332yintegrally fixed with a screw and the like to the bearing331yon a surface (front surface side) on which the V-groove331yais not arranged; a pressing plate338yas a pressing member arranged opposed to the front surface side of the ball receiver332y; balls336yas a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) second rolling bodies held between the pressing plate338yand the ball receiver332y; a retainer337ymade of a predetermined polygonal-shaped plate member that defines a distance (relative position) among the plurality of balls; a plate spring339y(pressing force applying member to be described later) as an elastic member for pressing the pressing plate338yfrom the front surface side toward the ball receiver332ywith a pressing force in the Z-axis direction; two screws341y(pressing force applying member to be described later) that fasten the plate spring339yto the X-frame301, and fixes the components of the guide portion312y(unit) to the X-frame301in a pressing manner; and two spacers340y(pressing force applying member to be described later) as a pair of support shafts that define a distance between the components of the guide portion312y(unit) and the plate spring339y.

The guide333yis fixed on one surface (front surface side) of the X-frame301with two screws312yato be described later.

As shown inFIG. 8, the bearing331yhas a laterally extending arm portion331ycfixed to the Y frame303with a screw and the like. The bearing331yis arranged opposed to the guide333y. In this case, the arrangement relationship between the bearing331yand the guide333yis described below. That is, the V-groove331yaof the bearing331yand the V-groove333yaof the guide333yare arranged opposed to each other. The two guide balls334yare held in a region formed between the both V-grooves331yaand333ya, spaced by the retainer335ya predetermined distance (at relative positions) apart from each other. In order to achieve this configuration, the retainer335yhas two holes drilled spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. The two holes are each formed to have a size capable of accommodating the guide ball334y.

On the other hand, on the surface of the bearing331ywhich is opposite to the surface on which the V-groove331yais formed, that is, the front surface side of the guide portion312yin an assembling state, the ball receiver332yis integrally fixed with a screw and the like.

The ball receiver332yhas, as third linear grooves for guiding a plurality of balls336y, long grooves332yawhich are formed as many as the number of the balls336y.

In the present embodiment, three balls336yare provided. Therefore, also three long grooves332yaare formed. The long grooves332yaare formed such that the longitudinal axis direction extends in the driving direction, that is, Y-axis direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the three long grooves332yaare arranged such that one of the three long grooves is positioned on one side with respect to a straight line connecting the centers of the two guide balls334y(straight line extending in the Y-axis direction) and other two grooves are positioned on the other side.

The bearing331yand the ball receiver332yare configured as separate members in the present embodiment. However, the bearing331yand the ball receiver332ymay be integrally configured as one member. In this case, the V-groove331ya(the second linear groove) may be formed on one surface, and the long grooves332ya(the third linear grooves) may be formed on the other surface.

The pressing plate338yis arranged opposed to the front surface side of the ball receiver332y. Three balls336yare held between the ball receiver332yand the pressing plate338y, spaced by the retainer337ya predetermined distance (at relative positions) apart from one another. In order to achieve this configuration, the retainer337yhas three holes drilled, spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another, that is, at positions corresponding to the three long grooves332yaof the ball receiver332y. The three holes are each formed in a size capable of accommodating the ball336y.

Now, further description will be made on the arrangements of the three balls336yas the plurality of second rolling bodies and the three long grooves332ya. When the axis line connecting the centers of the guide balls334yas the plurality of first rolling bodies is projected on the same plane on which the three balls336y(the plurality of second rolling bodies) are arranged, that is, on the surface on the retainer337yor the pressing plate338y, at least one or more of the three balls336yand at least one or more of the long grooves332yaare arranged on both sides opposed to each other with the axis line of the guide balls334ysandwiched therebetween within the plane (in the present embodiment, one is arranged on one side of the axis line and two are arranged on the other side). Specifically, in the examples shown inFIGS. 3,4and5, two are arranged on the outer side, and one is arranged on the inner side. On the other hand, in the examples shown inFIGS. 7,8,9,12,13and14, one is arranged on the outer side, and two are arranged on the inner side.

Note that the long grooves332ya(the third linear grooves) which guide the balls336yare formed on the ball receiver332yin the present embodiment. However, no limitation is placed on the arranging position. For example, the long grooves332ya(the third linear grooves) may be formed on the pressing plate338ydisposed at the position opposed to the ball receiver332yso as to sandwich the balls336ytherebetween.

The plate spring339yhas a hole339yaformed on one end thereof and a U-shaped cutout339ybformed on the other end thereof. In addition, the plate spring339yincludes, at a middle part thereof, raised bent projection portions339ycwhich are bent backward from both sides and which have distal ends formed in a projected shape.

The hole339yaof the plate spring339yis formed such that a distal end side stepped portion340yaof the spacer340yfixed to the X-frame301is fitted thereinto. In addition, the U-shaped cutout339ybof the plate spring339yis similarly formed such that a distal end side stepped portion340yaof the other spacer340is fitted thereinto.

Each of the two spacers340yis formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion, and includes the distal end side stepped portion340yaon one end and a rear end side stepped portion340ybon the other end. The rear end side stepped portions340ybare fitted into the holes333ybdrilled in the vicinity of the both ends of the guide333y, respectively.

That is, the two spacers340yare fitted into the two holes333ybdrilled on the front surface side on the guide333yas the first member, and implanted so as to project toward the front surface. At this time, the arrangement relationship between the two spacers340yis such that the two spacers are arranged spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other on a straight line parallel to the V-groove333yaas the first linear groove of the guide333y.

In this state, the two screws341yare inserted into the hollow portions of the spacers340y, and the screws341yare screwed to the screw holes formed on the X-frame301. As a result, the plate spring339yand the X-frame301are fastened to each other, and thereby the guide portion312yis positioned and fixed with respect to the X-frame301.

In this state, the plate spring339yis pressed backward by head portions of the screws341yby a predetermined amount. This causes the plate spring339yto press the pressing plate338ybackward with a predetermined force.

Therefore, in this case, the screws341yfix the both ends of the plate spring339y(elastic member) to the two spacers340y(a pair of support shafts) and serve as adjusting members for adjusting the elastic force at the time that the plate spring339ypresses the pressing plate338y(pressing member). When the elastic force is adjusted by the screwed amount of the screws341y, it is preferable that the spacers340yare fixed to the guide333yby an adhesive and the like, and after the adjustment of the elastic force, the screws341yare also fitted to the guide333ywith an adhesive and the like.

In addition, the raised bent projection portions339ycof the plate spring339yare fitted into hole portions338ya(seeFIG. 5) formed on the front surface side of the pressing plate338y. The hole portions338yaare formed at symmetrical positions with respect to the axis line (straight line extending in the Y-axis direction) connecting the centers of the two guide balls334y.

Accordingly, the pressing force of the plate spring339yis applied, via the pressing plate338y, from the front surface side to the back side, that is, in the Z-axis direction. Then, the pressing force applied to the pressing plate338yis transmitted, via the three balls336y, to the ball receiver332y. As a result, the guide portion312yis evenly pressed toward the X-frame301, and the pressing state is maintained by the plate spring339y.

Note that the unit composed of the plate spring339y, the two screws341y, the two spacers340yand the like is referred to as a pressing force applying member that applies a pressing force to the pressing plate338yas a pressing member.

As described above, the raised bent projection portions339ycof the plate spring339yare formed at symmetrical positions with respect to the axis line connecting the centers of the two guide balls334y(the first rolling bodies). Accordingly, the pressing force applying member (the plate spring339y) applies the pressing force such that the rotational moment around the axis line becomes zero to the three balls336y(the plurality of second rolling bodies), via the pressing plate338y(pressing member). It is needless to say that the three balls336yare arranged such that the rotational moment around the axis line becomes zero.

The pressing force in the Z-axis direction is applied to the guide portion312yof the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yby the plate spring339y.

Though only the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yhas been detailed in the description above, also the X-axis driving mechanism portion310xhas basically the same configuration and has substantially the same working. Therefore, as for the X-axis driving mechanism portion310x, only the points different from the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yare described and detailed description will be omitted.

In the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310y, the driving portion311yis fixed to the X-frame301. In contrast, in the X-axis driving mechanism portion310x, the driving portion311xis fixed to the frame302.

In the X-axis driving mechanism portion310x, the X-frame301is guided by the guide portion312x.

In addition, the direction (Y-axis direction) in which the Y-frame303is guided by the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yand the direction (X-axis direction) in which the X-frame301is guided by the X-axis driving mechanism portion310xare substantially perpendicular to each other.

Furthermore, in order to prevent the X-frame301from rotating around the straight line connecting the centers of the two guide balls334xwhen a strong external force is applied to the guide portion312xof the X-axis driving mechanism portion310x, a spring351x(second elastic member) is stretched between the X-frame301and the frame302, as shown inFIG. 10.

In addition, in order to achieve smooth displacement and movement of the X-frame301, a ball350xis held at a predetermined position between the X-frame301and the frame302, as shown inFIG. 7. The ball350xis stored in a long groove301bformed on the X-frame301and held between the X-frame301and the frame302. The long side of the long groove301bis set parallel to the direction in which the X-frame301is driven, that is, the X-axis direction.

Note that, as described above, as far as the tensile spring323yis arranged so as to be stretched between the Y-frame303and the X-frame301, various different arrangement may be adopted. Specifically, the arrangement configurations shown inFIG. 3orFIG. 7may be adopted, for example.

In the arrangement configuration shown inFIG. 3, one end of the tensile spring323yis hooked on a projected spring hook portion303bformed on the Y-frame303(holder38). The other end of the tensile spring323yis hooked on the stepped portion formed on the distal end part of the spacer340yin the guide portion312y. Note that the spacer340yon which the other end of the tensile spring323yis hooked may be a stepped screw formed integrally with the screw341y, for example.

According to this configuration, the tensile spring323yis stretched between the Y-frame303and the guide portion312yon the X-frame301.

By arranging the tensile spring323yas such, the axis line of the tensile spring323yoverlaps the axis line connecting the centers of the two guide balls334yin the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the pulling force by the tensile spring323yis exerted in the direction parallel to the axis line connecting the centers of the two guide balls334yof the guide portion312ywhich guides the Y-frame303.

According to this configuration, when the biasing force of the tensile spring323yapplied to the Y-frame303is exerted on the Y-frame303, unnecessary moment (moment for causing the rotation in the XY plane) is not generated. As a result, there is an advantage that very stable driving can be secured.

Note that, also in this configuration, a moment is generated in the YZ plane including the axis line of the tensile spring323yand the axis line connecting the centers of two guide balls334y. In order to address this situation, the pressing force of the plate spring339yin the Z-axis direction works to suppress the moment. The level of the pressing force of the plate spring339yis about ten times as large as that of the biasing force of the tensile spring323y, for example, so that the pressing force can sufficiently suppress the moment.

On the other hand, in the arrangement configuration shown inFIG. 7, one end of the tensile spring323yis hooked on the projected spring hook portion303bformed on the Y-frame303(holder38). In addition, the other end of the tensile spring323yis hooked on a projected spring hook portion301cformed on the X-frame301.

According to the configuration, the tensile spring323yis directly stretched between the Y-frame303itself and the X-frame301itself.

According to this configuration, the tensile spring323ycan be arranged only by providing the spring hook portions303band301cat predetermined parts of the frame members as needed. As a result, the initial object can be easily achieved with a simple configuration.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 1, the anti-vibration unit300includes the X-axis gyroscope45xthat detects the shake about the X-axis (shake in the pitch direction) of the body unit100and the Y-axis gyroscope45ythat detects the shake about the Y-axis (shake in the yaw direction) of the body unit100. The X-axis gyroscope45xand the Y-axis gyroscope45yare fixed to the predetermined parts on the body unit100.

The signals from the X-axis gyroscope45xand the Y-axis gyroscope45yare outputted to the anti-vibration controlling circuit46. Upon receiving the signals, the anti-vibration controlling circuit46executes operation for controlling the anti-vibration driving circuit45according to the instruction from the Bμcom50. Then the anti-vibration driving circuit45controls the Y-axis actuator320yof the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yand the X-axis actuator320xof the X-axis driving mechanism portion310x.

The configuration described above can achieve the structure for facilitating the assembling work.

Even if the pressing force of the plate spring339yis set to a very high level, by increasing the rigidity of the components pressed with the pressing force of the plate spring339y, such as the bearing331(y, x), the guide333(y, x), the guide balls334(y, x), the balls336(y, x), and the pressing plate338(y, x), it is possible to prevent the components from deforming, and to precisely retain and guide the movable body (Y-frame303or the X-frame301) with respect to the fixed body (the X-frame301or the frame302). In addition, size-reduction of the guide portion312(y, x) itself can be achieved.

Furthermore, since it is unnecessary to set high rigidity for the components other than the guide portions312(y, x), that is, the components to which the pressing force of the plate springs339(y, x) is not applied, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the entire driving apparatus.

In addition, only rolling friction is generated in the movable portions. Accordingly, even if a 10 N (Newton) pressing force is set, for example, the rolling friction force applied to the movable portions is only 0.1 N (Newton) level, for example. Therefore, the loss of driving force is very small, so that the driving force from the driving portion311(y, x) can be efficiently transmitted substantially as-is to the movable body (the Y-frame303or the X-frame301).

Furthermore, in this case, even if 10 N (Newton) pressing force is applied to the bearing331(y, x), the guide portion312(y, x) can precisely retain the Y-frame303or the X-frame301to which the bearing331(y, x) is fixed. Accordingly, even when an external force (inertial force) is applied to the Y-frame303or the X-frame301, for example, a strong force to restore it to the original state is generated. Therefore, the movable body can be stably retained. In the specific examples (FIG. 13,FIG. 14) shown below, though only the guide portion312yof the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310yis described, the configuration and the working of the X-axis driving mechanism portion310xare substantially the same as those of the Y-axis driving mechanism portion310y.

For example, in the state shown inFIG. 13, that is, in the normal state where external force is not applied to the guide portion312y, the pressing force of the plate spring339yevenly works in the Y-axis direction with respect to the two raised bent projection portions339ycformed at the middle part of the plate spring339y. That is, the pressing force of the plate spring339yin this case is shown by the arrows X1, X2inFIG. 13. Furthermore, the pressing force of the plate spring339yapplied to the bearing331ythrough the three balls336yis shown by the arrows X3, X4and X5inFIG. 13. In this case, the pressing force shown by the arrow X1works evenly on the two balls336ylocated on the inner side. Therefore, X3is equal to X4. In addition, the pressing force shown by the arrow X2works on the one ball336ylocated on the outer side. The relationship among the pressing force amounts is shown by the equation below.
X1+X2=X3+X4+X5
According to the relationship, both sides opposed to each other with the axis line connecting the centers of the two guide balls334y(shown with the reference numeral J inFIG. 13) sandwiched therebetween are balanced against each other.

In this case, when the distances from the axis line J to the centers of the balls336yare defined as L1and L2, the relationship expressed by the following equation is established.
X3·L1+X4·L1=X5·L2
Therefore, the moment with respect to the axis line J becomes zero. This enables the guide portion312yto be stable in the state shown inFIG. 13.

When the guide portion312is in the state shown inFIG. 13, if an external force (the arrow Xg) shown inFIG. 14is applied to the Y-frame303as the movable body, for example, a twisting force R1works on the plate spring339yas shown inFIG. 14. Then, a force in a direction to cancel the twisting force R1is generated in the plate spring339y. As a result, pressing forces X1a, X2awhich are different in the Y-axis direction are applied to the two raised bent projection portions339yc, respectively.

That is, when an external force is applied to the Y-frame303and the Y-frame303becomes the state shown inFIG. 14, a moment to bring the state back into the state shown inFIG. 13is generated in the plate spring339y. In this case, when the relationship among the pressing force amounts shown by the following equation is established, the stable state is maintained.
X1a+X2a=X3a+X4a+X5a
At this time, when the distances from the axis line J to the centers of the balls336yare defined as L1and L2, and the distance from the axis line J to the external force application point is defined as Lg, the relationship expressed by the following equation is established.
X3a·L1+X4a·L1=X5·L2+Xg·Lg
Accordingly, the moment with respect to the axis line J becomes zero.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, even when an external force (inertial force) is exerted on the movable body, it is possible to easily restore the movable body to the original state.

Note that the bearing331(y, x), the guide333(y, x) and the pressing plate338(y, x) which are included in the guide portion312(y, x) tend to be deformed or abraded, because the guide balls334(y, x) or the balls336(y, x) are pressed and contact. In order to prevent such deformation or abrasion, the guide balls334(y, x) or the balls336(y, x) made of a material that can be quenched, such as quenched ferritic stainless steel, for example, may be used to increase the rigidity and abrasion resistance.

Furthermore, when a strong external force is exerted on the movable body, it is considered that a rotational force around the axis line connecting the centers of the two guide balls334(y, x) is applied to the bearing331(y, x) of the guide portion312(y, x).

In order to suppress the rotational force, the long groove (303a,301b) is arranged at a position apart from the guide portion312(y, x) to which the movable body (the Y-frame303or the X-frame301) is integrally fixed, to hold the balls350(y, x) between the long groove (303a,301b) and the fixed body (the X-frame301or the frame302), and the spring351(y, x) stretched between the movable body and the fixed body is arranged in the vicinity of the ball350(y, x).

According to this configuration, the rotation of the bearing331(y, x) can be suppressed without a strong tensile force of the spring351(y, x). In addition, a large moment of the plate spring339(y, x) is exerted on the movable body (the Y-frame303or the X-frame301), so that it is possible to easily remove the influence of the external force with little increase in the driving load.

Note that a roller member as a rolling body may be used instead of each of the balls (334,336and350).

The image shake correction operation by the camera equipped with the driving apparatus of the present embodiment will be described below.

When a shake correction SW (not shown) of the camera operation SW52is on-state, if the main SW is turned on, a signal for causing the anti-vibration driving circuit45to perform initial operation is transmitted to the anti-vibration controlling circuit46from the Bμcom50. In response to the signal, a predetermined pulse voltage is applied from the anti-vibration driving circuit45to the X-axis actuator320xfor X-axis driving and the Y-axis actuator320yfor Y-axis driving. According to the application of the pulse voltage, the X-frame301and the Y-frame303(holder38) are driven in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction such that the center of the CCD31is positioned on the optical axis O.

It is the same as described above that the X-axis actuator320xand the Y-axis actuator320yare stepping motors. In addition, the camera is not equipped with an absolute position detecting apparatus, but includes a mechanism capable of detecting only the initial position. Furthermore, the number of pulses, which are required for driving to move the CCD31located at the initial position and arrange the center of the CCD31on the optical axis O, are stored as data for the X-axis and the Y-axis in the nonvolatile memory29(EEPROM). Accordingly, the data is used for the above-described control, that is, the driving control to move the CCD31onto the optical axis O.

Shake signals of the body unit100which are detected by the X-axis gyroscope45xand the Y-axis gyroscope45yare captured in the anti-vibration controlling circuit46.

In the X-axis gyroscope45xand the Y-axis gyroscope45y, the output signals from the angular velocity sensors for detecting the shake about the corresponding axes are amplified in the processing circuit, and thereafter A/D converted and inputted to the anti-vibration controlling circuit46.

The anti-vibration controlling circuit46calculates the shake correction amount based on the output signals from the X-axis gyroscope45xand the Y-axis gyroscope45y. In accordance with the shake correction amount thus calculated, the Y-frame303(holder38) to which the CCD31is mounted and the X-frame301are driven by the X-axis actuator320xfor X-axis driving and the Y-axis actuator320yfor Y-axis driving which are operated in response to the instruction signal from the anti-vibration driving circuit45.

That is, in the anti-vibration controlling circuit46, a reference value is calculated based on the signals (hereinafter referred to as “shake signals” or “shake angular velocity signals”) inputted from the X-axis gyroscope45xand the Y-axis gyroscope45y.

The calculation of the reference value is continuously performed during the period from the power-on operation of the main power supply of the camera to execution of exposure operation for still-image photographing. The method of reference value calculation includes a method of calculating a moving average value of shake signals for a relatively long time period, a method of calculating DC components by using a low-pass filter, the cut-off frequency of which is relatively low, or the like, and any one of such methods may be used.

By calculating the difference between the reference value obtained by the calculation and the shake signal, a signal from which the low-frequency components of the shake signal is removed can be obtained. Then the anti-vibration driving circuit45is controlled based on the signal, thereby moving the position of the CCD31(Y-frame303(holder38)) so as to compensate for the image shake.

Now the image shake correction operation at the time of still image photographing is described with reference to the flowchart inFIG. 15. Note that the image shake correction operation is not performed before instruction to start the photographing preparation is given through the release SW (before a first release is turned on (1R-ON)). When the instruction to start the photographing preparation is given through the release SW (the first release is turned on (1R-ON)), the image shake correction operation is started.

When the operation is started, the correction amount is calculated based on the above-described reference value, and the image shake correction driving is started according to the calculated correction amount (step S11).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the instruction to start the photographing preparation has been canceled through the release SW (a first release has been turned off (1R-OFF)) (step S12).

When the instruction has been canceled (step S12; branching to “YES”), the image shake correction driving started in step S11is stopped and operation for centering the CCD31is performed (step S17). After that, the operation will be in an instruction waiting state of the photographing preparation start (first release (1R) waiting state).

On the other hand, when the instruction to start the photographing preparation is not canceled (step S12; branching to NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not the instruction to start photographing has been given through the release SW (second release has been turned on (2R-ON) (step S13).

When the instruction to start photographing is not given (step S13; branching to NO), the operation returns to step S12to be in the instruction waiting state.

When the instruction to start photographing has been given through the release SW (step S13; branching to YES), the image shake correction driving started in step S11is stopped and the operation for centering the CCD31is executed (step S14).

Subsequently, a correction amount is calculated by using the retained reference value, and the image shake correction driving is started according to the correction amount (step S15).

Then exposure operation by the photographing operation is performed (step S16).

When the exposure operation is completed, the image shake correction driving is stopped and the operation for centering the CCD31is executed (step S17). After that, the operation will be in the instruction waiting state of the photographing preparation start (first release (1R) waiting state).

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the V-groove for guiding is arranged both on the fixed body side and the movable body side and at least two guide balls are arranged between the V-grooves, thereby reducing the frictional loss of the guide portion. In addition, other balls are arranged on a surface which is opposite side of the V-groove on the movable body so as to be located at positions facing each other with the axis line forming the V-groove sandwiched therebetween, and these other balls are pressed by the pressing member in the Y-axis direction, thereby extremely reducing the frictional loss of the pressing mechanism side of the movable body. Furthermore, it is possible to stably press the movable body with a large pressing force (the pressing force can be set at a level several tens of times to one-hundred times larger than the driving force), so that it is possible to prevent the backlash from occurring in the guide portion for guiding the movable body and to support and guide the movable body side with respect to the fixed body side with one axis. Therefore, precise driving can be stably performed with a simple configuration, which results in a size reduction of the driving apparatus.

In addition, a rotary motor and the like can be used without limiting a kind of actuator for driving the movable body, thereby realizing a simpler driving mechanism. Therefore it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the driving apparatus with a reduced cost.

In addition to these effects, the present invention can achieve high efficiency and high precision of the entire driving apparatus while reducing the cost as well as the size and weight of the apparatus.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications are possible without changing the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment includes inventions of various stages, and by combining a plurality of constituent components disclosed in the embodiment as needed, inventions of various stages can also be extracted. For example, even if some constituent components are deleted from all the constituent components shown in the above-described present embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained, the configuration in which some constituent components are deleted can be extracted as an invention. The present invention is not limited by specific embodiments but is defined by appended claims.