Image blur correction apparatus and imaging apparatus

An image blur correction apparatus including a lens unit configured to include at least one lens and configured to be turnable in a first direction which is a direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to a light axis of the lens with respect to an outer housing, and in a second direction which is a direction about a second supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis, a fixed member configured to be arranged on an outer periphery side of the lens unit and configured to turnably support the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction, a first drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the first direction, and a second drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the second direction.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates to a technical field regarding image blur correction apparatuses and imaging apparatuses. More specifically, the present technology relates to a technical field for making the configuration simpler and more compact by forming a spherical slide portion on an outer periphery of a lens unit and forming a spherical support portion that is configured so that the slide portion can slide along an inner periphery of a fixed member.

In an imaging apparatus such as a video camera and a still camera, an image blur correction apparatus may be provided for correcting image blur by moving a lens in a direction orthogonal to the light axis direction.

The image blur correction apparatus provided in such an imaging apparatus may be configured so that a lens unit, which has a lens, turns in a first direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis of the lens with respect to an outer housing, and in a second direction that is a direction about a second supporting axis orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis (e.g., refer to JP H7-274056A).

Image blur correction is performed by the lens unit being turned in a yaw direction about the first supporting axis, and in a pitch direction about the second supporting axis.

In the image blur correction apparatus described in JP H7-274056A, two gimbal mechanisms, each having a base plate curved in an L shape, are provided to turn the lens unit in the yaw direction and the pitch direction.

The image blur operation is carried out in the pitch direction by turning the lens unit in the pitch direction with respect to one of the gimbal mechanisms, and in the yaw direction by turning the lens unit together with the first gimbal mechanism in the yaw direction with respect to the other gimbal mechanism.

SUMMARY

However, in the image blur correction apparatus described in JP H7-274056A, two gimbal mechanisms are provided to turn the lens unit in the yaw direction and the pitch direction, so that the number of parts is unfortunately increased and the configuration becomes more complex by their presence.

Further, since a part of the two gimbal mechanisms overlap in the direction orthogonal to the light axis, therefore, the size in the direction orthogonal to the light axis is increased, which hinders making the apparatus more compact.

Accordingly, there is a need for an image blur correction apparatus and an imaging apparatus to make the configuration simpler and more compact.

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an image blur correction apparatus including a lens unit configured to include at least one lens and configured to be turnable in a first direction which is a direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to a light axis of the lens with respect to an outer housing, and in a second direction which is a direction about a second supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis, a fixed member configured to be arranged on an outer periphery side of the lens unit and configured to turnably support the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction, a first drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the first direction, and a second drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the second direction. A spherical slide portion is formed on an outer periphery of the lens unit using, as a center, a reference point that is a point in the lens unit. A spherical support portion is formed on an inner periphery of the fixed member using the reference point as a center. The slide portion is capable of sliding along the support portion when the lens unit is turned in each of the first direction and the second direction.

Therefore, in the image blur correction apparatus, the slide portion slides along the support portion, and the lens unit is turned in the first direction and the second direction.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, the reference point may be positioned on the light axis.

By positioning the reference point on the light axis, the lens unit is turned in the first direction and the second direction about a point on the light axis.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, a plurality of spheres capable of rolling when the lens unit is turned may be arranged between the slide portion of the lens unit and the support portion of the fixed member.

By arranging between the lens unit slide portion and the fixed member support portion a plurality of spheres that are capable of rolling when the lens unit is turned, the spheres are made to roll when the lens unit turns.

According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, at least one of the plurality of spheres may be arranged on each of both sides sandwiching an outermost periphery of the slide portion in a light axis direction.

By arranging at least one sphere on each of both sides sandwiching an outermost periphery of the slide portion in the light axis direction, the movement of the lens unit in the light axis direction is regulated by the spheres.

According to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, at least three of the plurality of spheres may be arranged spaced apart in a circumferential direction.

By arranging at least three spheres spaced apart in a circumferential direction, the interval between the lens unit slide portion and the fixed member is fixed.

According to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, a sphere holding frame that has a concave insertion portion into which a part of the plurality of spheres is inserted may be attached to an outer periphery side of the slide portion.

By attaching a sphere holding frame that has concave insertion portions into which a part of the spheres is inserted to an outer periphery side of the slide portion, the spheres are prevented by a sphere holding portion from falling out of the lens unit.

According to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, the first drive unit and the second drive unit may be provided on an outer face side of the lens unit in a light axis direction.

By providing the first drive unit and the second drive unit on an outer face side of the lens unit in the light axis direction, the first drive unit and the second drive unit are not present on the lens unit outer face side.

According to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, the lens unit may be turnably supported by the fixed member in the direction about the light axis.

By supporting the lens unit on the fixed member so that it can turn in the direction about the light axis, in addition to the first direction and the second direction, the lens unit also turns in the direction about the light axis.

According to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, as for the image blur correction apparatus, a turning actuator may be configured from the first drive unit and the second drive unit. The lens unit may be turned in the direction about the light axis by the turning actuator.

By configuring a turning actuator from the first drive unit and the second drive unit, and making the lens unit be turned in the direction about the light axis by the turning actuator, a dedicated drive unit for turning the lens unit in the direction about the light axis is not necessary.

According to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging apparatus including an image blur correction apparatus configured to include a lens unit that includes at least one lens and an outer housing that has the lens unit arranged therein. The lens unit is configured to correct image blur by turning in a first direction which is a direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to a light axis of the lens with respect to the outer housing, and in a second direction which is a direction about a second supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis. The image blur correction apparatus includes a fixed member configured to be arranged on an outer periphery side of the lens unit and configured to turnably support the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction, a first drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the first direction, and a second drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the second direction. A spherical slide portion is formed on an outer periphery of the lens unit using, as a center, a reference point that is a point in the lens unit. A spherical support portion is formed on an inner periphery of the fixed member using the reference point as a center. The slide portion is capable of sliding along the support portion when the lens unit is turned in each of the first direction and the second direction.

Therefore, for the imaging apparatus, in the image blur correction apparatus, the slide portion slides along the support portion, and the lens unit is turned in the first direction and the second direction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an image blur correction apparatus including a lens unit configured to include at least one lens and configured to be turnable in a first direction which is a direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to a light axis of the lens with respect to an outer housing, and in a second direction which is a direction about a second supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis, a fixed member configured to be arranged on an outer periphery side of the lens unit and configured to turnably support the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction, a first drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the first direction, and a second drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the second direction. A spherical slide portion is formed on an outer periphery of the lens unit using, as a center, a reference point that is a point in the lens unit. A spherical support portion is formed on an inner periphery of the fixed member using the reference point as a center. The slide portion is capable of sliding along the support portion when the lens unit is turned in each of the first direction and the second direction.

Therefore, the lens unit is turned in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the fixed member, which allows the configuration of the image blur correction apparatus to be made simpler and more compact.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference point may be positioned on the light axis.

Therefore, the lens unit is turned in a first direction and a second direction about a point on the light axis, so that a blur correction operation can be carried out more smoothly and blur correction precision can be improved.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of spheres capable of rolling when the lens unit is turned may be arranged between the slide portion of the lens unit and the support portion of the fixed member.

Therefore, the spheres are made to roll when the lens unit turns, so that a smooth operational state during the turning of the lens unit can be ensured.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the plurality of spheres may be arranged on each of both sides sandwiching an outermost periphery of the slide portion in a light axis direction.

Therefore, without any movement of the lens unit in the light axis direction, a smooth turning operation of the lens unit can be ensured. Further, since a dedicated regulating member for regulating movement of the lens unit in the light axis direction is not necessary, a reduction in the number of parts and a simpler configuration can be achieved.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least three of the plurality of spheres may be arranged spaced apart in a circumferential direction.

Therefore, the interval between the lens unit slide portion and the fixed member support portion is fixed, so that a more appropriate blur correction operation can be carried out.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sphere holding frame that has a concave insertion portion into which a part of the plurality of spheres is inserted may be attached to an outer periphery side of the slide portion.

Therefore, the spheres can be prevented from falling out of the lens unit, and the spheres can be prevented from moving.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first drive unit and the second drive unit may be provided on an outer face side of the lens unit in a light axis direction.

Therefore, the image blur correction apparatus can be made more compact in the direction orthogonal to the light axis.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens unit may be turnably supported by the fixed member in the direction about the light axis.

Therefore, the lens unit can also be turned in the direction about the light axis, so that a blur correction operation can also be performed in the direction about the light axis, thereby enabling a substantial improvement in image quality to be achieved.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a turning actuator may be configured from the first drive unit and the second drive unit. The lens unit may be turned in the direction about the light axis by the turning actuator.

Therefore, a dedicated drive unit for turning the lens unit in the direction about the light axis is not used, so that the configuration of the lens unit can be made simpler and more compact due to a reduction in the number of parts and necessary space.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging apparatus including an image blur correction apparatus configured to include a lens unit that includes at least one lens and an outer housing that has the lens unit arranged therein. The lens unit is configured to correct image blur by turning in a first direction which is a direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to a light axis of the lens with respect to the outer housing, and in a second direction which is a direction about a second supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis. The image blur correction apparatus includes a fixed member configured to be arranged on an outer periphery side of the lens unit and configured to turnably support the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction, a first drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the first direction, and a second drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the second direction. A spherical slide portion is formed on an outer periphery of the lens unit using, as a center, a reference point that is a point in the lens unit. A spherical support portion is formed on an inner periphery of the fixed member using the reference point as a center. The slide portion is capable of sliding along the support portion when the lens unit is turned in each of the first direction and the second direction.

Therefore, in the image blur correction apparatus, the lens unit turns in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the fixed member, which allows the configuration of the image blur correction apparatus to be made simpler and more compact.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

A best mode for implementing out the image blur correction apparatus and imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology will now be described with reference to the attached drawings.

The below-illustrated best mode applies the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology in a video camera, and applies the image blur correction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology as an image blur correction apparatus provided in this video camera.

The applicable scope of the imaging apparatus and image blur correction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology is not limited, respectively, to a video camera and an image blur correction apparatus provided in a video camera. The imaging apparatus and image blur correction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology can be widely applied as an imaging apparatus incorporated in various devices, for example, a still camera, a mobile telephones, a personal computer and the like, or as an image blur correction apparatus provided in such an imaging apparatus.

In the following description, the front/rear, up/down (hereinafter “vertical”), and left/right (hereinafter, “horizontal”) directions represent the directions as seen by the photographer when capturing an image with the video camera. Therefore, the object side becomes the front, and the photographer's side becomes the rear.

It is noted that the front/rear, vertical, and horizontal directions mentioned below are to facilitate the description. The present technology is not limited to these directions.

Further, the lens illustrated below can mean either a lens configured from a single lens, or a lens that is configured as a lens group by a plurality of lenses.

[Overall Configuration of the Imaging Apparatus]

An imaging apparatus1has various parts arranged in and externally to an outer housing2(refer toFIGS. 1 and 2). The outer housing2is formed in the shape of a casing that is long in the front/rear direction. A front edge portion is provided as a front panel3, and an upper edge portion at a rear edge portion is provided as a storage case portion4that is open to the rear.

Microphones5and5, an interface cover6, and operating switches7and7are arranged in order from the front on an upper face2aof the outer housing2. The operating switches7and7are, for example, a zoom lever and imaging buttons.

Various operating buttons8,8. . . , such as a power button and an image playback button, are arranged on one side face2bof the outer housing2. A memory card9is mounted on one side face2bof the outer housing2.

Operating buttons10and10, such as a mode switching button and a recording button, are arranged on a rear face2cof the outer housing2.

A battery11is mounted on the rear face of the outer housing2. A part of the battery11protrudes towards the rear from the rear face2cof the outer housing2.

A flash12is arranged on an upper edge portion of the front panel3. The flash12, which is used when capturing images at night, irradiates auxiliary light12toward the front.

A display unit13is turnably and rotatably attached to a side face portion of the outer housing2. The front edge portion of the display unit13is connected to the outer housing2. The display unit13has a display face13a.

A finder14is attached to a rear edge portion of the imaging apparatus1. The finder14can slide in the front/rear direction and can be turned in a tilt direction with respect to the storage case portion4.

The finder14can slide between a storage position, in which the section excluding the rear edge portion is stored in the storage case portion4, and a pulled-out position, in which the finder14has been pulled out from the storage case portion4. Further, the finder14can be turned in a tilt direction about the front edge portion at the pulled-out position.

[Configuration of the Image Blur Correction Apparatus]

An image blur correction apparatus20is arranged in the outer housing2(refer toFIG. 1). The image blur correction apparatus20has a lens unit21and a fixed member22that supports the lens unit21(refer toFIGS. 3 to 5).

The lens unit21is formed in, for example, a roughly cylindrical shape that extends in a light axis direction (refer toFIGS. 3 to 5). A plurality of lenses or a lens group arrayed in a light axis direction is provided in the lens unit21. An imaging lens23, called a “front lens”, is arranged at the front-most side (object side).

A spherically-shaped slide portion24, which has a diameter greater than the other outer peripheries, is provided on a outer periphery of an intermediate portion in the light axis direction of the lens unit21(refer toFIGS. 4,6, and7). The slide portion24is formed in the shape of a sphere around a reference point M, which is a point in the lens unit21. The reference point M is, for example, positioned on the light axis S.

A sphere holding frame25is slidably supported on the slide portion24. The sphere holding frame25is formed in a roughly circular shape. The inner periphery of the sphere holding frame25is formed in a spherical shape that has the same curvature as the slide portion24. When supported on the slide portion24, the inner periphery of the sphere holding frame25is in close contact with the slide portion24.

Concave insertion portions25a,25a, . . . , which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, are open in the radial direction, and have a roughly hemispherical shape, are formed on the sphere holding frame25. The concave insertion portions25a,25a, . . . are, for example, formed in groups of three at the front edge portion and the rear edge portion, and are positioned, for example, spaced apart in equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

Spheres26,26, . . . are respectively inserted in a rotatable state in the concave insertion portions25a,25a, . . . of the sphere holding frame25. About half of the spheres26protrudes from the concave insertion portions25awhen the spheres26have been inserted into the concave insertion portions25a.

At least one, and for example three, spheres26,26, . . . are positioned in the light axis direction (front/rear direction) on either side, respectively, of the outermost periphery of the slide portion24, i.e., sandwiching a center line24ain the front/rear direction of the slide portion24. The spheres26,26, . . . are positioned so that, for example, pairs of two spheres are each spaced apart in the front/back direction, thereby making a total of six spheres that are provided. It is noted that as long as a plurality of spheres26are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the number of spheres26is arbitrary.

The fixed member22is formed in a roughly circular shape that is slightly larger than the sphere holding frame25. The fixed member22is arranged on the outer periphery side of the sphere holding frame25, and its inner periphery is formed as a spherical support portion22aabout the reference point M.

First drive magnets27and27and second drive magnets28and28are attached to the rear face of the lens unit21(refer toFIG. 8). The first drive magnets27and27are vertically positioned sandwiching the light axis, and are magnetized so that the N pole and the S pole are in the horizontal direction. The second drive magnets28and28are horizontally positioned sandwiching the light axis, and are magnetized so that the N pole and the S pole are in the vertical direction.

A turning actuator29is arranged on the rear face side of the lens unit21. The turning actuator29is configured so as to include the first drive magnets27and27and the second drive magnets28and28.

A circular substrate30, for example, facing in the front/rear direction is provided on the turning actuator29. First drive coils31and31and second drive coils32and32are attached to the front face of the substrate30. The first drive coils31and31are vertically positioned sandwiching the light axis, and the second drive coils32and32are horizontally positioned sandwiching the light axis.

First detection units33and33are arranged in a center portion of the first drive coils31and31, respectively, and second detection units34and34are arranged in a center portion of the second drive coils32and32, respectively.

In the thus-configured lens unit21and fixed member22, the lens unit21is turnably supported on the fixed member22via the spheres26,26, . . . (refer toFIGS. 3,6, and9). When the lens unit21is supported on the fixed member22, the support portion22ais in contact with the spheres26,26, . . . , and the lens unit21is turned via the spheres26,26, . . . . Therefore, the slide portion24of the lens unit21slides along the support portion22aof the fixed member22via the spheres26,26, . . . .

The lens unit21can be turned with respect to the fixed member22in a first direction (yaw direction) about a first supporting axis P that is orthogonal to the light axis S and vertically extends through the reference point M, and in a second direction (pitch direction) about a second supporting axis Q that is orthogonal to the light axis S and the first supporting axis P, and horizontally extends through the reference point M. Further, the lens unit21can also be turned in the direction about the light axis (roll direction), which is a third direction.

The first drive magnets27and27attached to the lens unit21and the first drive coils31and31are respectively positioned facing the front/rear direction. A first drive unit35that turns the lens unit21in the first direction or the third direction is configured from the first drive magnets27and27and the first drive coils31and31. In the first drive unit35, one of the first drive magnets27and one of the first drive coils31act as a first thrust generation unit that imparts on the lens unit21a turning force (thrust) in the first direction or the third direction. Further, the other first drive magnet27and the other first drive coil31also act as a first thrust generation unit that imparts on the lens unit21a turning force (thrust) in the first direction or the third direction.

On the other hand, the second drive magnets28and28attached to the lens unit21and the second drive coils32and32are respectively positioned facing the front/rear direction. A second drive unit36that turns the lens unit21in the first direction or the third direction is configured from the second drive magnets28and28and the second drive coils32and32. In the second drive unit36, one of the second drive magnets28and one of the second drive coils32act as a second thrust generation unit that imparts on the lens unit21a turning force (thrust) in the second direction or the third direction. Further, the other second drive magnet28and the other second drive coil32also act as a second thrust generation unit that imparts on the lens unit21a turning force (thrust) in the second direction or the third direction.

It is noted that an example was described above in which the first drive magnets27and27and the first drive coils31and31of the first drive unit35are positioned vertically spaced apart, and the second drive magnets28and28and the second drive coils32and32of the second drive unit36are positioned horizontally spaced apart. However, the first drive magnets27and27and the first drive coils31and31of the first drive unit35may be positioned horizontally spaced apart, and the second drive magnets28and28and the second drive coils32and32of the second drive unit36may be positioned vertically spaced apart.

Further, although an example was described above in which the first drive magnets27and27and the second drive magnets28and28are arranged in the lens unit21, and the first drive coils31and31and the second drive coils32and32are arranged on the substrate30, conversely, the drive coils may be arranged on the lens unit21and the drive magnets may be arranged on the substrate30.

In addition, although an example was described above in which pairs of two spheres26,26, . . . are spaced apart in the front/rear direction, and each pair is spaced art at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the spheres26,26, . . . may also be positioned alternately in the front/rear direction spaced apart in the circumferential direction (refer toFIG. 10). Even in this case, it is preferred that the spheres26,26, . . . are positioned alternately in a front/rear direction spaced apart in the circumferential direction sandwiching the center line24aof the slide portion24.

Moreover, although an example was described above in which the lens unit21is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape, and the fixed member22is formed in a roughly circular shape, these respective parts are not limited to a cylindrical shape and a circular shape. For example, like the image blur correction apparatuses20A and20B illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, fixed members22A and22B having a rectangular external shape may be provided, in which the fixed members22A and22B are respectively configured from frame-shaped portions22band22cand protrusions22d,22d,22d,22e,22e, and22e, which protrude inwardly from frame-shaped portions22band22cand are formed having a spherical tip face.

In this case, lens units21A and21B having an external shape that is not cylindrical can be provided by forming the portion that slides along the fixed member22A via the spheres26,26, . . . in a spherical shape.

The lens unit21A is an example in which slide portions24A,24A, and24A, which have a spherical shape, are positioned on the same circumference (refer toFIG. 11). The lens unit21B is an example in which at least one of slide portions24B,24B, and24B is not positioned on the same circumference (refer toFIG. 12).

By configuring so that at least one of the slide portions24B,24B, and24B is not positioned on the same circumference, like in lens unit21B, an improvement in the degree of design freedom can be obtained.

[Operation of the Image Blur Correction Apparatus]

The blur correction operation performed in the image blur correction apparatus20will now be described.

In a state before the blur correction operation is carried out, the image blur correction apparatus20is at a reference position where there has been no turning in the first direction, the second direction, or the third direction.

In the image blur correction apparatus20, when power is supplied to the first drive coils31and31of the first drive unit35so that, for example, thrust is produced in the same direction, a blur correction operation is carried out by the lens unit21being turned in the first direction about the first supporting axis P (refer toFIG. 13). At this stage, the blur correction operation of the lens unit21is smoothly carried out by the sphere holding frame25sliding along the slide portion24in conjunction with the rolling of the spheres26,26, . . . along the fixed member22due to the turning of the lens unit21.

On the other hand, when power is supplied to the second drive coils32and32of the second drive unit36so that, for example, thrust is produced in the same direction, a blur correction operation is carried out by the lens unit21being turned in the second direction about the second supporting axis Q (refer toFIG. 14). At this stage, the blur correction operation of the lens unit21is smoothly carried out by the sphere holding frame25sliding along the slide portion24in conjunction with the rolling of the spheres26,26, . . . along the fixed member22due to the turning of the lens unit21.

Further, when power is supplied to the first drive coils31and31of the first drive unit35so that, for example, thrust is produced in different directions, and power is supplied to the second drive coils32and32of the second drive unit36so that, for example, thrust is produced in different directions, a blur correction operation is carried out by the lens unit21being turned in the third direction (refer toFIG. 15). It is noted that even when the supply of power to the first drive coils31and31of the first drive unit35so that, for example, thrust is produced in different directions, and the supply of power to the second drive coils32and32of the second drive unit36so that, for example, thrust is produced in different directions, is carried out simultaneously, the lens unit21can turn in the third direction. At this stage, the blur correction operation of the lens unit21is smoothly carried out by the sphere holding frame25sliding along the slide portion24in conjunction with the rolling of the spheres26,26, . . . along the fixed member22due to the turning of the lens unit21.

During the above blur correction operation, the position of the lens unit21in the first direction is continuously detected by detecting changes in the magnetic field of the first drive magnets27and27with the first detection units33and33, and the position of the lens unit21in the second direction is continuously detected by detecting changes in the magnetic field of the second drive magnets28and28with the second detection units34and34. Simultaneously with this, the position of the lens unit21in the third direction is continually detected by the first detection units33and33or the second detection units34and34, or both of these.

As described above, in the image blur correction apparatus20, the first drive unit35and the second drive unit36are provided on the outer face side (rear face side) of the lens unit21in the light axis direction.

Therefore, the image blur correction apparatus20can be made more compact in the direction orthogonal to the light axis S.

Further, the lens unit21can be turned on the fixed member22in the direction about the light axis.

Therefore, the lens unit21can also be turned in the direction about the light axis, which is the third direction, so that a blur correction operation can also be performed in the direction about the light axis. Consequently, a substantial improvement in image quality can be achieved.

In addition, the lens unit21is turned in the direction about the light axis by the turning actuator29, which is configured from the first drive unit35and the second drive unit36that turn the lens unit21in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

Therefore, a dedicated drive unit for turning the lens unit21in the direction about the light axis is not used, so that the configuration of the lens unit21can be made simpler and more compact due to a reduction in the number of parts and necessary space.

Other Examples

Although an example was described above in which the lens unit21is turnably supported on the fixed member22via the spheres26,26, . . . , the lens unit21can also be turnably supported on the fixed member22without providing the spheres26,26, . . . (refer toFIG. 16). In this case, the slide portion24of the lens unit21and the support portion22aof the fixed member22are formed in a spherical shape having the same curvature, and when these two parts are brought close together, and the lens unit21is turned, the slide portion24slides along the support portion22a.

Thus, the number of parts can be reduced and the apparatus can be made more compact by enabling the lens unit21to turn without the use of spheres26,26, . . . .

FIG. 17illustrates a block diagram of a video camera according to an embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present technology.

An imaging apparatus (video camera)100(corresponding to the imaging apparatus1) has a lens unit101(corresponding to lens units21,21A, and21B) that is responsible for an imaging function, a camera signal processing unit102that performs signal processing such as analog-digital conversion of a captured image signal, and an image processing unit103that performs recording and playback processing of the image signal. Further, the imaging apparatus100includes an image display unit104such as a liquid crystal panel, which displays captured images and the like, a R/W (reader/writer)105that reads/writes image signals from/to a memory card1000, a CPU (central processing unit)106that controls the whole imaging apparatus100, an input unit107(corresponding to operating switch7, operating button8, and operating button10) configured from various switches and the like, on which operations are performed by the user, and a lens drive control unit108that controls the drive of the lenses arranged in the lens unit101.

The lens unit101is configured from, for example, an optical system that includes a lens group109(corresponding to the lens group provided in the lens units21,21A, and21B), and an image sensor110such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and the like.

The camera signal processing unit102performs various types of signal processing, such as conversion of an output signal from the image sensor110into a digital signal, noise reduction, image correction, and conversion into luminance/color difference signal.

The image processing unit103performs, for example, compression and encoding/decompression and decoding of image signals based on a predetermined image data format, and conversion processing of the data specification, such as the resolution.

The image display unit104has a function for displaying various data, such as an operation state and captured images, on the input unit107of the user.

The R/W105performs writing of the image data encoded by the image processing unit103onto the memory card1000and reading of the image data recorded on the memory card1000.

The CPU106functions as a control processing unit that controls the respective circuit blocks provided in the imaging apparatus100, and controls the respective circuit blocks based on instruction input signals and the like from the input unit107.

The input unit107is configured from, for example, a shutter release lever for performing a shutter operation, and a selection switch for selecting an operation mode. The input unit107outputs instruction input signals to the CPU106based on the operation made by the user.

The lens drive control unit108controls (not illustrated) motors and the like that drive the respective lenses of the lens group109based on control signals from the CPU106.

The memory card1000is, for example, a semiconductor memory that can be inserted into and removed from a slot connected to the R/W105.

The operations performed by the imaging apparatus100will now be described.

In an imaging standby state, under the control of the CPU106, an image signal captured by the lens unit101is output to the image display unit104via the camera signal processing unit102, and is displayed as a camera still image. Further, when an instruction input signal for zooming is input from the input unit107, the CPU106outputs a control signal to the lens drive control unit108, and a predetermined lens in the lens group109is moved based on a control from the lens drive control unit108.

When a (not illustrated) shutter in the lens unit101is operated by an instruction input signal from the input unit107, the captured image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit102to the image processing unit103, subjected to compression and encoding processing, and is converted into digital data having a predetermined data format. The converted data is output to the R/W105, and is written in the memory card1000.

Focusing and zooming are performed by the lens drive control unit108moving a predetermined lens in the lens group109based on a control signal from the CPU106.

When playing back image data recorded in the memory card1000, based on an operation on the input unit107, predetermined image data is read from the memory card1000by the R/W105, and decompression and decoding processing is performed by the image processing unit103. Then, the playback image signal is output to the image display unit104, and the playback image is displayed.

As described above, for the imaging apparatus1, spherical slide portions24,24A, and24B of lens units21,21A, and21B can slide along a spherical support portion22aof fixed members22,22A, and22B, and lens units21,21A, and21B are turnably supported on fixed members22,22A, and22B.

Therefore, lens units21,21A, and21B are turned in a first direction and a second direction with respect to fixed members22,22A, and22B, so that the configuration of image blur correction apparatuses20,20A, and20B can be simplified and made more compact.

Further, by positioning the reference point M on the light axis S, lens units21,21A, and21B are turned in the first direction and the second direction about a point on the light axis S, so that the blur correction operation can be carried out more smoothly and blur correction precision can be improved.

In addition, in blur correction apparatuses20,20A, and20B, a plurality of spheres26,26, . . . that are capable of rolling are arranged between slide portions24,24A, and24B of lens units21,21A, and21B and support portions22a,22a, and22aof fixed members22,22A, and22B.

Therefore, a smooth operational state during turning of lens units21,21A, and21B can be ensured.

In addition, at least one of the spheres26,26, . . . is arranged on either side, respectively, sandwiching the outermost periphery of slide portions24,24A, and24B in the light axis direction.

Therefore, without any movement of lens units21,21A, and21B in the light axis direction, a smooth turning operation of lens units21,21A, and21B can be ensured. Further, since a dedicated regulating member for regulating movement in the light axis direction of lens units21,21A, and21B is not necessary, a reduction in the number of parts and a simpler configuration can be achieved.

Further, by arranging at least three spheres26,26, . . . in the circumferential direction, the interval between slide portions24,24A, and24B of lens units21,21A, and21B and support portions22a,22a, and22aof fixed members22,22A, and22B is fixed, so that a more appropriate blur correction operation can be carried out.

In addition, since a sphere holding frame25is provided that has concave insertion portions25a,25a, . . . into which a part of the spheres26,26, . . . is inserted, the spheres26,26, . . . can be prevented from falling out of lens units21,21A, and21B, and the spheres26,26, . . . can be prevented from moving.

(1) An image blur correction apparatus including:

a lens unit configured to include at least one lens and configured to be turnable in a first direction which is a direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to a light axis of the lens with respect to an outer housing, and in a second direction which is a direction about a second supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis;

a fixed member configured to be arranged on an outer periphery side of the lens unit and configured to turnably support the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction;

a first drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the first direction; and

a second drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the second direction,

wherein a spherical slide portion is formed on an outer periphery of the lens unit using, as a center, a reference point that is a point in the lens unit,

wherein a spherical support portion is formed on an inner periphery of the fixed member using the reference point as a center, and

wherein the slide portion is capable of sliding along the support portion when the lens unit is turned in each of the first direction and the second direction.

(2) The image blur correction apparatus according to (1), wherein the reference point is positioned on the light axis.

(3) The image blur correction apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein a plurality of spheres capable of rolling when the lens unit is turned are arranged between the slide portion of the lens unit and the support portion of the fixed member.

(4) The image blur correction apparatus according to (3), wherein at least one of the plurality of spheres is arranged on each of both sides sandwiching an outermost periphery of the slide portion in a light axis direction.

(5) The image blur correction apparatus according to (3) or (4), wherein at least three of the plurality of spheres are arranged spaced apart in a circumferential direction.

(6) The image blur correction apparatus according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein a sphere holding frame that has a concave insertion portion into which a part of the plurality of spheres is inserted is attached to an outer periphery side of the slide portion.
(7) The image blur correction apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first drive unit and the second drive unit are provided on an outer face side of the lens unit in a light axis direction.
(8) The image blur correction apparatus according to (7), wherein the lens unit is turnably supported by the fixed member in the direction about the light axis.
(9) The image blur correction apparatus according to (8),

wherein a turning actuator is configured from the first drive unit and the second drive unit, and

wherein the lens unit is turned in the direction about the light axis by the turning actuator.

an image blur correction apparatus configured to include a lens unit that includes at least one lens and an outer housing that has the lens unit arranged therein,

wherein the lens unit is configured to correct image blur by turning in a first direction which is a direction about a first supporting axis that is orthogonal to a light axis of the lens with respect to the outer housing, and in a second direction which is a direction about a second supporting axis that is orthogonal to the light axis and the first supporting axis, and

wherein the image blur correction apparatus includesa fixed member configured to be arranged on an outer periphery side of the lens unit and configured to turnably support the lens unit in the first direction and the second direction,a first drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the first direction, anda second drive unit configured to turn the lens unit in the second direction,wherein a spherical slide portion is formed on an outer periphery of the lens unit using, as a center, a reference point that is a point in the lens unit,wherein a spherical support portion is formed on an inner periphery of the fixed member using the reference point as a center, andwherein the slide portion is capable of sliding along the support portion when the lens unit is turned in each of the first direction and the second direction.

The specific shapes and structures of the respective parts illustrated in the above-described best mode are merely illustrative of one example of a specific implementation of the present technology. The technical scope of the present technology is not to be interpreted in a limited manner by these.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-122334 filed in the Japan Patent Office on May 29, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.