JP2007140169A - Camera shake correcting unit and photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact camera-shake correcting unit having a camera shake correcting mechanism and to provide an imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The correcting unit includes: a movable optical element that transmits object light and moves within a two-dimensional plane perpendicular to the direction of the subject light, thereby changing the direction of the transmitted object light; a camera shake detecting section that detects a camera shake; a polymeric actuator that connects the movable optical element and a support member disposed apart from the movable optical element and supporting the movable optical element, and has a polymer film that expands or contracts by the application of a voltage, and a plurality of electrodes separately disposed on the surface of the polymer film in contact with the polymer film and used to partially apply a voltage to the polymer film; and a camera shake correcting section that moves the movable optical element within the two-dimensional plane by applying a voltage corresponding to the detection result of the camera-shake detecting section to the plurality of electrodes, thereby correcting the displacement of the object light resulting from the camera shake. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera shake correction unit including a mechanism for correcting camera shake, and a photographing apparatus for photographing a subject.

  In recent years, photographing apparatuses represented by digital cameras have become widespread, and many people can enjoy photographing.

  When photographing using such a photographing device, the photographing device is likely to move when the photographing button is pressed, and a problem such as camera shake that causes an image shift in the photographed image is likely to occur. In addition, as a form of shooting using a small camera, there is a wide range of forms such as holding a camera with only one hand and extending the hand to shoot yourself or a subject across the wall, causing camera shake. It has become easier.

To correct such camera shake, some photographic devices change the position of optical elements such as lenses and prisms and the position of the image sensor on the optical path, and correct the movement of the photographic device when the shooting button is pressed. There is also a photographing apparatus provided with a mechanism (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In such a photographing apparatus, a driving force by a small motor is often used as a driving force for changing the position of the optical element or the imaging element.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 50-80854 JP 62-47013 A

  In recent years, there has been a demand for downsizing of photographing devices such as digital cameras, and it is necessary to promote downsizing of photographing devices equipped with a mechanism for correcting such camera shake while maintaining high precision performance. Sex is increasing. However, the drive system using the small motor as described above has already been miniaturized to a level close to the limit, and it is difficult in designing the apparatus to further reduce the size while maintaining the performance.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a small camera shake correction unit and a photographing apparatus provided with a camera shake correction mechanism.

In order to achieve the above object, a first image stabilization unit of the present invention comprises:
A movable optical element that changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by transmitting the subject light and moving in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A polymer film that connects the movable optical element and a support member that is disposed apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and that expands and contracts upon application of a voltage; and A polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes that are arranged in contact with each other on the surface of the polymer film and that partially apply a voltage to the polymer film; and A camera shake correction unit for correcting a shift of subject light caused by camera shake by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the detection unit and moving the movable optical element in the two-dimensional plane is provided. To do.

  The first camera shake correction unit of the present invention corrects camera shake by moving the movable optical element in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of subject light only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is simple as described above, the first camera shake correction unit of the present invention is suitable for downsizing.

In order to achieve the above object, a second image stabilization unit of the present invention comprises:
A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A plurality of polymer films whose one side is fixed to the movable optical element, extend in the direction of subject light, and expand and contract upon application of voltage, and are arranged for each polymer film with respect to the polymer film, By tilting the movable optical element by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes, and a polymer actuator including a plurality of electrodes for applying a voltage to each polymer film In addition, a camera shake correction unit that corrects a shift in subject light caused by camera shake is provided.

  The second camera shake correction unit of the present invention can correct the camera shake by tilting the movable optical element only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is as simple as this, the second camera shake correction unit of the present invention is also suitable for downsizing.

In order to achieve the above object, a third image stabilization unit of the present invention comprises:
A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
The movable optical element is connected to a support member that is spaced apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and is expanded and contracted by applying a voltage. A polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes for partially applying a voltage to each polymer film, the polymer film being divided and disposed on the surface of each polymer film in contact with each polymer film; ,
A camera shake correction unit that corrects a shift in subject light caused by camera shake by tilting the movable optical element by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes. It is characterized by.

  The third camera shake correction unit of the present invention can correct the camera shake by tilting the movable optical element only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is simple as described above, the third camera shake correction unit of the present invention is also suitable for downsizing.

  In the first to third camera shake correction units of the present invention, the form “the movable optical element is a lens” is a preferable form.

  According to such a configuration, the lens is driven only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator, so that camera shake can be easily corrected.

  In the first and third image stabilization units of the present invention, “the movable optical element in the form of a film made of a light-transmitting material bonded to a transmission surface of the movable optical element through which subject light is transmitted. A form in which at least a part of the part excluding the part bonded to the element includes an optical film integrally connected to the polymer film is also a preferable form.

  According to such a form, the configuration is simplified without requiring a holder for supporting the movable optical element.

  Further, in the first and third camera shake correction units of the present invention, a form in which “the movable optical element is an optical wedge” may be employed.

  According to such a configuration, the optical wedge is driven only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator, and camera shake can be easily corrected.

In order to achieve the above object, a fourth image stabilization unit of the present invention comprises:
An image sensor that receives a subject light and generates an image signal, and changes a light receiving position of the subject light by rotating in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A state in which the imaging element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the imaging element and supports the imaging element, and expands and contracts upon application of a voltage, and is in contact with the polymer film And a polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes that are dividedly arranged on the surface of the polymer film and for partially applying a voltage to the polymer film; and A camera shake correction unit that corrects a shift of subject light caused by camera shake by applying a voltage according to a detection result and moving the image sensor in the two-dimensional plane is provided.

  The fourth camera shake correction unit according to the present invention corrects camera shake by moving the imaging element in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is simple as described above, the fourth camera shake correction unit of the present invention is also suitable for downsizing.

  In the first to fourth camera shake correction units of the present invention, it is preferable that “the camera shake correction unit applies a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the detection result of the camera shake detection unit”. It is a form.

  According to such a form, an appropriate amount of voltage is applied to the polymer actuator according to the detection result by the camera shake detection unit, thereby correcting the camera shake.

  In the first to fourth camera shake correction units of the present invention, it is also preferable that “the camera shake correction unit applies a pulse voltage having a pulse width corresponding to the detection result of the camera shake detection unit”. It is a form.

  Many polymer actuators have a slow response to the applied voltage. For such polymer actuators, using a pulse that is much shorter than the response time causes the pulse voltage to be leveled out in the response time, and is effectively constant. The same effect as the application of voltage can be produced. Furthermore, the effective constant voltage can be changed by changing the pulse width. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, an appropriate amount of voltage is effectively applied to the polymer actuator in accordance with the detection result by the camera shake detection unit, thereby correcting the camera shake.

  In the first to fourth image stabilization units of the present invention, “when the fluctuation voltage is applied, the polymer film expands and contracts according to an average voltage of the fluctuation voltage”. Is also a preferred form.

  With such a configuration, even if the applied voltage fluctuates, the camera shake is easily corrected by setting the average voltage to an appropriate amount of voltage according to the camera shake.

  In the first to fourth camera shake correction units of the present invention, “the polymer film expands and contracts in response to release of an applied voltage, and the camera shake correction unit applies to the plurality of electrodes. A form of “releasing voltage from the plurality of electrodes instead of applying voltage” is also a preferable form.

  With this configuration, camera shake is easily corrected by releasing an appropriate amount of voltage according to camera shake.

In order to achieve the above object, a first photographing apparatus of the present invention provides:
In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
A movable optical element that changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by transmitting the subject light and moving in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A polymer film that connects the movable optical element and a support member that is disposed apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and that expands and contracts upon application of a voltage; and A polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes that are arranged in contact with each other on the surface of the polymer film and that partially apply a voltage to the polymer film; and A camera shake correction unit for correcting a shift of subject light caused by camera shake by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the detection unit and moving the movable optical element in the two-dimensional plane is provided. To do.

  In the first photographing apparatus of the present invention, the movable optical element moves in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator, thereby correcting camera shake. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is simple as described above, the first photographing apparatus of the present invention is suitable for downsizing.

In order to achieve the above object, the second photographing apparatus of the present invention provides:
In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A plurality of polymer films whose one side is fixed to the movable optical element, extend in the direction of subject light, and expand and contract upon application of voltage, and are arranged for each polymer film with respect to the polymer film, By tilting the movable optical element by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes, and a polymer actuator including a plurality of electrodes for applying a voltage to each polymer film In addition, a camera shake correction unit that corrects a shift in subject light caused by camera shake is provided.

  The second imaging apparatus of the present invention can correct camera shake by tilting the movable optical element only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is simple as described above, the second photographing apparatus of the present invention is also suitable for downsizing.

In order to achieve the above object, the third photographing apparatus of the present invention provides:
In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
The movable optical element is connected to a support member that is spaced apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and is expanded and contracted by applying a voltage. A polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes for partially applying a voltage to each polymer film, the polymer film being divided and disposed on the surface of each polymer film in contact with each polymer film; ,
A camera shake correction unit that corrects a shift in subject light caused by camera shake by tilting the movable optical element by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes. It is characterized by.

  The third imaging apparatus of the present invention can correct camera shake by tilting the movable optical element only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is as simple as this, the third photographing apparatus of the present invention is also suitable for downsizing.

In order to achieve the above object, a fourth photographing apparatus of the present invention provides:
In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
An image sensor that receives a subject light and generates an image signal, and changes a light receiving position of the subject light by rotating in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A state in which the imaging element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the imaging element and supports the imaging element, and expands and contracts upon application of a voltage, and is in contact with the polymer film And a polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes that are dividedly arranged on the surface of the polymer film and for partially applying a voltage to the polymer film; and A camera shake correction unit that corrects a shift of subject light caused by camera shake by applying a voltage according to a detection result and moving the image sensor in the two-dimensional plane is provided.

  In the fourth imaging apparatus of the present invention, the image pickup device moves in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light only by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator, and camera shake is corrected. Since the camera shake correction mechanism is simple as described above, the fourth photographing apparatus of the present invention is also suitable for downsizing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a small camera shake correction unit and a photographing apparatus that correct camera shake.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a photographing lens 10 that collects subject light, a flash light emitting unit 12 that emits flash light, and a finder objective window 13. A shutter button 14 is provided.

  On the rear surface (not shown) of the digital camera 1, various switches such as a zoom operation switch and a cross key, and an LCD (liquid crystal display) for displaying images and menu screens are provided.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG.

  In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, all processes are controlled by the CPU 120. The CPU 120 includes various switches provided in the digital camera 1 (the various switches include the shutter button 14 shown in FIG. 1, a zoom operation switch, a cross key, and the like. Operation signals from the group 101 are supplied. The CPU 120 has a ROM 110a, and various programs necessary for executing various processes by the digital camera 1 are written in the ROM 110a. When a power switch (not shown) included in the switch group 101 is turned on, power is supplied from the power source 102 to various elements of the digital camera 1, and the entire digital camera 1 is executed by the CPU 120 according to the program procedure written in the ROM 110a. Is controlled centrally.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described along the flow of image signals.

  The subject light indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure passes through the photographing lens 10 composed of a plurality of lenses and the diaphragm 30 and forms an image on the CCD 40, and an image signal representing the subject image is generated in the CCD 40.

  Among the plurality of lenses constituting the photographing lens 10, a camera shake correction lens 20 is also included. When camera shake is detected, the camera lens 10 is provided beside the camera shake correction lens 20, as will be described later. Due to the action of the polymer actuator 500, the camera shake correction lens 20 moves in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the subject light, thereby correcting camera shake.

  The generated image signal is roughly read out by the A / D unit 131, the analog signal is converted into a digital signal, and low resolution through image data is generated. The generated through image data is subjected to image processing such as white balance correction and γ correction in a white balance / γ processing unit 133. Here, a timing signal is supplied from the clock generator 132 to the CCD 40, and an image signal is generated at predetermined intervals in synchronization with the timing signal. The clock generator 132 outputs a timing signal based on an instruction from the CPU 120 transmitted via the optical CPU 120. The timing signal is output from the CCD 40, the A / D unit 131 in the subsequent stage, and the white balance / γ. It is also supplied to the processing unit 133. Therefore, the CCD 140, the A / D unit 131, and the white balance / γ processing unit 133 perform the processing of the image signals in order in synchronization with the timing signal generated from the clock generator 132.

  The image data subjected to the image processing in the white balance / γ processing unit 133 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 134. The low-resolution through image data stored in the buffer memory 134 is supplied to the YC / RGB conversion unit 138 via the bus 140 first from the through image data stored at the old time. Since the through image data is an RGB signal, the YC / RGB conversion unit 138 does not perform processing, but directly transmits the image to the image display LCD 160 via the driver 139, and the through image represented by the through image data is displayed on the image display LCD 160. Is displayed. Here, in the CCD 140, since the subject light is read at every predetermined timing and an image signal is generated, the subject in the direction in which the photographing lens is directed is always displayed as a subject image on the image display LCD 160. .

  The through image data stored in the buffer memory 134 is also supplied to the CPU 120, and the CPU 120 performs autofocus processing and automatic exposure adjustment based on the through image data.

  Here, when the photographer presses the shutter button 14 shown in FIG. 1 while confirming the through image displayed on the image display LCD 160, the CPU 120 is notified that the shutter button 14 has been pressed. When the subject is dark, the CPU 120 transmits a light emission instruction to the flash light emitting unit 12, and a flash light is emitted from the flash light emitting unit 12 in synchronization with the pressing of the shutter button 14.

  The digital camera 1 includes a camera shake detection unit 450 that measures angular velocity and detects camera shake, a voltage adjustment unit 503 that adjusts a voltage applied to the polymer actuator 500, and a controller 505 that controls the voltage adjustment unit 503. It has been. When camera shake occurs at the moment when the shutter button 14 is pressed, the camera shake detection unit 450 detects the camera shake and transmits the information to the controller 505. The controller 50 corrects camera shake by moving the camera shake correction lens 20 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the subject light by a mechanism described later.

  When the shutter button 14 is pressed and shooting is performed, the image signal generated by the CCD 40 is finely read by the A / D unit 131 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 120, and high-resolution captured image data is generated. The generated captured image data is subjected to image processing by the white balance / γ processing unit 133 and stored in the buffer memory 134.

  The captured image data stored in the buffer memory 134 is supplied to the YC processing unit 137 and converted from RGB signals to YC signals. The captured image data converted into the YC signal is subjected to compression processing in the compression / decompression unit 135, and the compressed captured image data is stored in the memory card 170 via the I / F 136.

  The captured image data stored in the memory card 170 is subjected to decompression processing in the compression / decompression unit 135, converted into RGB signals in the YC / RGB conversion unit 138, and then displayed on the image display LCD 160 via the driver 139. Reportedly. On the image display LCD 160, a captured image represented by the captured image data is displayed.

  The digital camera 1 is configured as described above.

  As described above, when a camera shake is detected when the shutter button 14 is pressed, the digital camera 1 moves the camera shake correction lens 20 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the subject light. And a mechanism for correcting camera shake. The details of this camera shake correction mechanism will be described below.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the camera shake correction lens illustrated in FIG. 2 and a mechanism for driving the camera shake correction lens.

  In order to drive the camera shake correction lens 20 shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 has a square shape with a circular hole in the center so as to surround the circular holder 506 that supports the camera shake correction lens 20. A polymer actuator 500 is provided. Further, an outer frame 507 for fixing the outer end of the polymer actuator 500 is provided around the polymer actuator 500. Here, the combination of the camera shake correction lens 20 and the holder 506 corresponds to an example of a movable optical element according to the present invention, and the outer frame 507 corresponds to an example of a support member according to the present invention.

  The polymer actuator 500 includes electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d and a dielectric elastomer 501 that is a type of polymer material that expands and contracts in response to voltage application. The electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d are electrodes each formed by bonding a highly conductive carbon fiber on a dielectric elastomer 501, and an upper surface of the polymer actuator 500 and a lower side (not shown). There are four each on the surface. The upper four electrodes are anodes, the lower four electrodes are cathodes, and a set of anodes and cathodes constitutes four sets of electrodes. In this figure, of the four sets of electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d, four anodes indicated by hatching provided on the upper surface are shown. The dielectric elastomer 501 has a shape surrounding the holder 506 and has a square shape with a circular hole in the center. This figure shows a state in which a part of the dielectric elastomer 501 is visible from between two adjacent electrodes among the four electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d.

  With this configuration, in this polymer actuator 500, voltages of different magnitudes are applied to the dielectric elastomer 501 at each of the four portions sandwiched between the upper surface electrode and the lower surface electrode. Can be applied. Hereinafter, a mechanism for applying voltages of different magnitudes to these four parts will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for applying a voltage to four sets of electrodes included in the polymer actuator shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, four sets of electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d and four voltage adjustment units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d are each set of electrodes and voltage adjustment units, and are connected in parallel to the power supply 102. Has been. The voltage adjustment unit 503 described with reference to FIG. 2 represents these four voltage adjustment units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d as a single voltage adjustment unit 503 for illustration. As shown in FIG. 4, there are four voltage adjustment units. The four voltage adjustment units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d have a role of adjusting voltages applied to the four sets of electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d, and are individually controlled by the controller 505. With such a configuration, different voltages can be applied to the four sets of electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d.

  In this embodiment, the voltage is received from the power source 102 as described above, but the present invention may use a high voltage supplied to the flash light emitting unit 12.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shake correction lens and polymer actuator shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the dielectric elastomer 501 sandwiched between the two electrodes 502c on the left side of the figure is applied with a voltage by the left electrode 502c, while the two electrodes on the right side of the figure A portion sandwiched between 502a is applied with a voltage by the right electrode 502a. This figure shows a state in which no voltage is applied, and therefore no expansion has occurred.

  Next, how the camera shake correction lens 20 and the holder 506 are moved by applying a voltage to the polymer actuator 500 to correct the camera shake will be described.

  When camera shake occurs and the camera shake detection unit 450 shown in FIG. 2 detects the camera shake, the controller 505 determines the distance and direction of movement of the camera shake correction lens 20 to correct the camera shake. The magnitude of the voltage applied to the polymer actuator 500 and the electrode to be applied necessary to realize the movement are determined, and the magnitudes determined by the four voltage adjustment units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d are determined. An instruction is given to apply the voltage to each electrode. A combination of the controller 505 and the four voltage adjustment units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d corresponds to an example of a camera shake correction unit according to the present invention.

  In the following, as an example, in order to correct camera shake, it is necessary to move the camera shake correction lens 20 to the right side from the state of FIG. 5, and a voltage is applied between the two electrodes 502c on the left side shown in FIG. An explanation will be given assuming that is determined.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a camera shake correction lens and a polymer actuator, showing a state when a voltage is applied to the left electrode in the state of FIG.

  In general, a dielectric elastomer has a property that when a voltage is applied, the dielectric elastomer expands in a direction along the electrode to which the voltage is applied, and the amount of expansion increases as the applied voltage increases. When the dielectric elastomer 501 expands and contracts with the applied voltage, the four sets of electrodes 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d expand and contract together with the expanded and contracted dielectric elastomer 501.

  When a voltage is applied between the two left electrodes 502c from the state shown in FIG. 5, the dielectric elastomer 501 sandwiched between the two left electrodes 502c is shown in FIG. To generate a driving force that pushes the camera shake correction lens 20 and the holder 506 to the right. The image stabilization lens 20 and the holder 506 pushed to the right side are illustrated as a whole while compressing the portion of the dielectric elastomer 501 sandwiched between the two electrodes 502a on the right side in FIG. It will move to the right side from the state shown in FIG. As a result, camera shake is corrected by applying this voltage. After the image stabilization, when the voltage application is stopped, the state shown in FIG. 5 is restored.

  By applying such a voltage to each portion of the dielectric elastomer 501 sandwiched between the electrode on the upper surface and the electrode on the lower surface, the camera shake correction lens 20 and the holder 506 are The camera shake is corrected by moving in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the subject light.

  As described above, the camera shake correction mechanism of the digital camera 1 can drive the camera shake correction lens 20 with a simpler configuration than a mechanism using a conventional small motor, and is a mechanism suitable for downsizing the photographing apparatus.

  5 and 6, the outer frame 507 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 serves to fix only the end of the polymer actuator 500 so that the polymer actuator 500 can freely expand and contract. The structure of the outer frame 507 for the purpose will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing the structure of the outer frame shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for fixing the end of the polymer actuator.

  As shown in this figure, the outer frame 507 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is paired with a first presser plate 507a and a second presser plate 507b sandwiching the ends of the polymer actuator 500 therebetween. A screw 507c is used as a component in order to maintain the first pressing plate 507a and the second pressing plate 507b in close contact with each other. The surface of the second pressing plate 507b that presses the polymer actuator 500 is provided with a convex portion 507d, and the surface of the second pressing plate 507b that presses the polymer actuator 500 mates with the convex portion 507d. It becomes the shape to do. In a state where the polymer actuator 500 is caught by the convex portion 507d, the first pressing plate 507a and the second pressing plate 507b are in close contact with the polymer actuator 500 interposed therebetween, and the state is maintained. The first pressing plate 507a and the second pressing plate 507b are attached to each other with the screws 507c.

  In this way, only the end of the polymer actuator 500 is firmly fixed with an extremely simple configuration.

  The above is the description of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the camera shake correction lens 20 is connected to the polymer actuator 500 through the holder 506. However, by using a transparent and excellent dielectric elastomer, the holder 506 is not used. In addition, an embodiment in which the camera shake correction lens and the polymer actuator are directly connected is also possible. In the following, such an embodiment will be described. The second embodiment described below is different from the first embodiment in that the camera shake correction lens and the polymer actuator are directly connected without using a holder. The appearance and configuration of the camera and the mechanism for correcting camera shake are the same as those of the imaging apparatus described in the first embodiment and the mechanism for correcting camera shake. Accordingly, the description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake will be omitted, and in the following, the focus will be on the fact that the camera shake correction lens 20 and the polymer actuator 500 are directly connected. To explain.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a camera shake correction lens and a polymer actuator are directly connected.

  The dielectric elastomer 501 ′ of this embodiment has an excellent light transmittance, and a part of the dielectric elastomer 501 ′ is in close contact with the surface of the camera shake correction lens 20 as shown in the figure. Here, the dielectric elastomer 501 ′ in close contact with the surface of the camera shake correction lens 20 to support the camera shake correction lens 20 corresponds to an example of an optical film according to the present invention. With such a configuration, the camera shake correction lens 20 moves as the dielectric elastomer 501 'expands and contracts. The mechanism for correcting camera shake by moving the camera shake correction lens 20 when camera shake occurs is the same as in the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the camera shake correction lens 20 is a single lens, but an embodiment in which camera shake is corrected using a combination lens (lens group) is also possible. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which such a combination lens is used as a camera shake correction lens will be described. The third embodiment described below differs from the second embodiment in that the camera shake correction lens is a combination lens, and the number of lenses increases and the weight increases. In addition to these points, the appearance and configuration of the imaging apparatus, and the mechanism for correcting camera shake, the appearance and configuration of the imaging apparatus described in the second embodiment, and The mechanism is the same as that for correcting camera shake. Accordingly, redundant description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake will be omitted, and the following description will focus on different points.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the combination lens and the polymer actuator are connected.

  As shown in this figure, the dielectric elastomer 501 'is in close contact with the surface of the lens 20 on the upper side in the figure with respect to the combination lens for correcting camera shake including the two lenses 20 and 20'. Further, a flange 506A is provided around the upper lens 20, and this flange 506A includes a guide 506B extending from the outer frame 507 toward the lens 20, and lower electrodes 502a and 502c of the polymer actuator 500. The structure sandwiched between the two lenses prevents the positions of the two lenses 20 and 20 'from shifting downward in the figure, and the number of lenses increases and the weight increases. The part that was made is reinforced.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments described above, the cross section perpendicular to the direction of the subject light of the outer frame 507 to which the polymer actuator is fixed has a square shape. In addition, an embodiment having a circular cross section is possible. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the cross section of the outer frame is a circle will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a polymer actuator and an eccentricity correcting lens fixed to an outer frame having a circular cross section.

  In this fourth embodiment, as shown in this figure, as in the case of the square cross section shown in FIG. 3, there are provided four sets of electrodes each consisting of a set of an anode and a cathode. A voltage is applied to the sandwiched dielectric elastomer 501. The appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake other than the difference in the shape of the outer frame 507 ′ are the same as the appearance and structure of the photographing apparatus described in the first embodiment and the mechanism for correcting camera shake. is there. Therefore, redundant description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake is omitted.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the amount of voltage applied to the four sets of electrodes is adjusted for the drive control of the polymer actuator. However, as another method, for example, voltage application The embodiment adopting a system (so-called PWM control system) that controls driving of the optical element for camera shake correction by adjusting the application time (time during which it is turned on) in two stages of on / off. In the following, such an embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for applying ON / OFF two-stage voltages to four sets of electrodes of a polymer actuator.

  As shown in this figure, instead of the four voltage adjusting units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d shown in FIG. 4, four switches 503a ′, 503b ′, 503c ′, and 503d ′ are provided. However, by switching the wiring between the power supply 102 and the ground side shown in the figure, voltage application to each electrode is turned on and off, and the operation of this switch is controlled by the controller 505. In such switch control, the voltage itself for each electrode has only a binary value of zero voltage and the power supply voltage. However, the controller 505 switches the binary voltage value by the switch control to switch the period. A typical square wave voltage. The period of the rectangular wave voltage is sufficiently shorter than the response time of the dielectric elastomer 501 with respect to voltage application. Therefore, the rectangular wave voltage is smoothed by the response time, and is effectively smaller than the power supply voltage for the dielectric elastomer 501. The same effect as when a constant voltage is applied is produced. The magnitude of this effective voltage is determined according to the voltage application time (on time) of the rectangular wave voltage at this time, and the effective voltage applied to each electrode is controlled by the controller 505. The voltage value is controlled properly.

  In addition, in this 5th Embodiment, although the system which controls an effective voltage value by the voltage application time (time which is turned on) of the rectangular wave voltage in this way is adopted, in the present invention, in addition to this, A method in which effective voltage value control is performed by controlling the period of rectangular wave voltages having the same width and height is also possible.

  In the fifth embodiment, the voltage applied to the polymer actuator 500 is turned on / off by four switches. The present invention uses a circuit element such as a thyristor or a MOS type FES, for example, to apply a pulse voltage. The voltage applied to the polymer actuator 500 may be turned on / off through on / off of current passing through the circuit element.

  In the fifth embodiment, the voltage is received from the power supply 102 as described above. However, the present invention may use a high voltage supplied to the flash light emitting unit 12.

  Regarding the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake in the fifth embodiment, except that the optical device for camera shake correction is driven by controlling the voltage application time in two stages of voltage application ON / OFF. The appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus described in the first embodiment and the mechanism for correcting camera shake are the same. Therefore, redundant description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake is omitted.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the first to fifth embodiments, the camera shake correction is performed by changing the direction of the transmitted subject light by moving the camera shake correction lens in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the subject light. In the present invention, an optical element other than a lens may be used as long as it changes the direction of subject light. Further, as a form different from the form in which the optical element is moved in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the subject light in this way, the direction of the transmitted subject light is changed by tilting the optical element with respect to the direction of the subject light. It is also possible to correct camera shake. As such an optical element, in addition to the lens, an optical element such as an optical wedge that changes the direction of the transmitted subject light can be employed. In the following, an embodiment in which the camera shake correction lens driving mechanism described in the first to fifth embodiments is applied to tilt control of an optical wedge to correct camera shake will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the optical wedge and the polymer actuator are connected via a holder.

  As shown in the figure, an optical wedge 201 that changes the direction of transmitted light is fixed to a holder 506, and two polymer actuators are provided so as to surround the optical wedge 201 in parallel with the optical wedge 201. 500 (in the figure, two polymer actuators divided into an upper side and a lower side) are arranged.

  When camera shake occurs and the optical wedge 201 is driven, a voltage is applied to each of the two polymer actuators 500 with the configuration shown in FIG. At this time, the same size is simultaneously applied to one of the electrodes of the upper polymer actuator 500 and one of the electrodes of the lower polymer actuator 500 of FIG. 12 so that the optical wedge 201 is rotated by application of voltage. Is applied. Specifically, for example, when a voltage is applied to the left electrode 502c of the upper polymer actuator 500, the same voltage is also applied to the right electrode 502a of the lower polymer actuator 500. Is done. As a result, the vicinity of the left electrode 502c of the upper polymer actuator 500 extends in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and the vicinity of the right electrode 502a of the lower polymer actuator 500 extends in the direction of arrow B in the figure. The optical wedge 201 receiving torque from both sides rotates in the direction of arrow C in the figure. Similarly, the same voltage is applied to the right electrode 502a of the upper polymer actuator 500 and the left electrode 502c of the lower polymer actuator 500, so that the polymer in the vicinity of each electrode is applied. The actuator 500 extends in the direction of arrow E and arrow D in the drawing, respectively, and the optical wedge 201 receiving torque from both sides rotates in the direction of arrow F in the drawing. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an optical wedge 201 is used in place of the camera shake correction lens, and thus the camera shake is corrected by rotating the optical wedge 201 in this way. The external appearance and configuration of the imaging apparatus other than this point are the same as the external appearance and configuration of the imaging apparatus described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, duplicate description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus is omitted.

  Here, as an example, the case where the camera shake correction is performed by tilting the optical wedge 201 with respect to the direction of the subject light has been described, but the camera shake correction is performed in the same manner when the lens tilts.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a mode in which camera shake correction is performed using a tilt mechanism different from that of the sixth embodiment described above will be described. Here, a case where camera shake correction is performed by rotating the camera shake correction lens 20 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for rotating the camera shake correction lens.

As shown in the figure, two polymer actuators 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d are provided at two ends of the lens frame 512 provided with the camera shake correction lens 20 and extending in the vertical direction in the figure. ing. Each of the four polymer actuators 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d is a square film, and one side of the square is fixed to the end of the lens frame 512. Further, of the four sides of the square film, the side facing the side fixed to the end of the lens frame 512 is fixed by a mechanism (not shown). Each polymer actuator has a configuration in which a dielectric elastomer 501 is sandwiched between two electrodes indicated by diagonal lines, and only one electrode of each polymer actuator is shown in the figure. When a voltage is applied, each polymer actuator expands in a direction along the electrode and pushes the end of the lens frame 512 to which each polymer actuator is fixed. The lens frame 512 by the pressed force, passes through the center of the lens frame 512, so as to rotate around the Z ₀ axis of FIG respect two opposing polymer actuator diagonally to each other across the lens frame 512 A voltage of the same magnitude is applied. For example, when a voltage is applied to the polymer actuator 500a on the left side in the figure, the same voltage is also applied to the polymer actuator 500d that is diagonally opposed to each other across the polymer actuator 500a and the lens frame 512. Similarly, when a voltage is applied to the polymer actuator 500c on the front left side of the drawing, the polymer actuator 500b and the polymer actuator 500b opposite to each other with the lens frame 512 interposed therebetween have the same size. Is applied. The configuration for applying a voltage to each electrode of these four polymer actuators 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d is the same as the configuration for applying a voltage to the four electrodes shown in FIG. Is omitted.

  When a camera shake occurs and the camera shake detection unit 450 shown in FIG. 2 detects the camera shake, the controller 505 determines the angle and direction of rotation of the camera shake correction lens 20 to correct the camera shake. The voltage of the magnitude determined by the four voltage adjustment units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d in FIG. 4 is determined by determining the magnitude of the applied voltage and the electrode to be applied, which are necessary to realize the rotation. Is applied to each electrode.

Here, as an example, the electrode of the polymer actuator 500a located on the far left side of the figure,
A case where it is determined to apply a voltage to the electrode of the polymer actuator 500d located on the front side on the right side of the drawing will be described. The polymer actuator 500a located on the far left side of the figure receives a voltage application and expands in the direction indicated by the arrow A in the figure, while the polymer actuator 500d located on the near right side of the figure Is extended in the direction indicated by arrow C in the figure. As a result, the lens frame 512, cause the torque to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow E about the Z ₀ axis of FIG. In response to the torque, the lens frame 512 are not subjected to a voltage, FIG. while compressing the polymer actuator 500c positioned on the front side of the polymer actuator 500b and diagrams located at the back side of the right-to-left, so that the rotating in the direction indicated about a Z ₀ axis of Figure by an arrow E . Then, when the camera shake is corrected and the application of the voltage to each electrode of the polymer actuators 500a and 500d is stopped, the original state (the state shown in FIG. 13) is restored from the rotated state.

Similarly, a voltage of the same magnitude is applied to the electrode of the polymer actuator 500c located on the front side on the left side of the figure and the electrode of the polymer actuator 500b located on the back side of the figure on the right side. The polymer actuator 500c located on the left front side of the figure extends in the direction B in the figure, while the polymer actuator 500b located on the back side of the figure in the figure extends in the direction D. , the lens frame 512, around the Z ₀ axis, and to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow F.

Such mechanism, four polymer actuators 500a, 500b, 500c, through voltage application to 500d of the electrodes, and the lens frame 512 is rotated about the _{Z 0} axis, the horizontal direction (FIG. 13 of the object image , The direction of connecting the front side and the back side) is corrected.

  Except for the fact that the camera shake correction is performed through the rotation of the lens frame 512, the appearance and configuration of the imaging apparatus are the same as those of the imaging apparatus described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, duplicate description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus is omitted.

  Here, as an example, the case where the camera shake correction is performed by rotating the camera shake correction lens 20 has been described. However, the camera shake correction is performed in the same manner when the optical wedge is rotated.

  Further, when the camera shake correction is performed through the rotation of the lens frame 512, the voltage control may be the voltage application time control as described with reference to FIG. Omitted.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the seventh embodiment described above, camera shake correction in the horizontal direction of the subject image (in FIG. 13, the direction connecting the front side and the back side) is performed, but by adding four more polymer actuators, Camera shake in the vertical direction of the subject image (vertical direction in FIG. 13) can also be corrected. In the following, such an embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism in which the camera shake correction lens rotates in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

  As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, in addition to the four polymer actuators 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d described in FIG. 13, the direction perpendicular to these four polymer actuators 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d is shown. Four new polymer actuators 500e, 500f, 500g, and 500h having a widened surface are provided. In FIG. 14, illustration of wirings connected to the four polymer actuators 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d described in FIG. 13 is omitted.

These four new polymer actuators 500e, 500f, 500 g, by 500h, the same mechanism as in the seventh embodiment, the lens frame 512 is rotated the _{Y 0} axis passing through the center of the lens frame 512 as the center axis, Camera shake correction in the vertical direction of the subject image (vertical direction in FIG. 14) is performed. In order to apply a voltage to these four new polymer actuators 500e, 500f, 500g, and 500h, a circuit similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 4 is provided.

  As described above, in the eighth embodiment, with respect to the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake, except that camera shake correction is performed by rotation around two axes, FIGS. This is the same as the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus described in FIG. Therefore, duplicate description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus is omitted.

  Here, as an example, the case where the camera shake correction is performed by the rotation of the camera shake correction lens 20 has been described, but the camera shake correction is similarly performed when the optical wedge described in the fourth embodiment rotates. Done.

  Further, even when the camera shake correction is performed through the rotation of the lens frame 512, the voltage control may be the voltage application time control as described in FIG. Omitted.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In the eighth embodiment described above, camera shake correction in the horizontal and vertical directions of the subject image is performed by eight polymer actuators. However, the horizontal and vertical directions of the subject image are corrected by four polymer actuators and four springs. An embodiment in which camera shake correction in the vertical direction is performed is also possible. In the following, such an embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism in which a camera shake correction lens rotates in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction by four polymer actuators and four springs.

  As shown in this figure, in the ninth embodiment, among the eight polymer actuators shown in FIG. 14, the four polymer actuators 500b, 500d, 500g, and 500h on the right side are four springs 600a, 600c, and 600e. , 600f, respectively. The lengths of these four springs 600a, 600c, 600e, and 600f are natural lengths when no voltage is applied to any of the four polymer actuators on the left side of FIG. The springs 600 a, 600 c, 600 e, and 600 f serve as a buffer material for reducing sudden rotation of the camera shake correction lens 20 when a voltage is applied to any one of the left four polymer actuators. I'm in charge. Voltage application to these four polymer actuators is performed using a circuit having the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and in FIG. 15, illustration of wiring to each electrode is omitted. In this embodiment, unlike the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment, the polymer actuator is arranged only on one side (the left side in the figure) of the lens frame 512, and therefore, the camera shake in the horizontal direction is corrected. In this case, voltage is applied only to one of the polymer actuator 500a on the back side of the drawing and the polymer actuator 500c on the front side of the drawing, and similarly, when correcting the camera shake in the vertical direction, A voltage is applied only to one of the upper polymer actuator 500e and the lower polymer actuator 500f. Hereinafter, a case where a voltage is applied only to the electrode of the polymer actuator 500e located on the upper side of the drawing will be described as an example.

When a voltage is applied only to the electrode of the polymer actuator 500e located on the upper side of the figure, the polymer actuator 500e expands in the direction indicated by the arrow C in the figure. In this case, considering the balance of forces, the center axis Y ₂ axis of FIG. Through the lower surface of the lens frame 512, the lens frame 512 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. At this time, the spring 600e at a position facing the polymer actuator 500e and the lens frame 512 is contracted from the natural length to generate an elastic force in the direction opposite to the arrow C in the figure, so that the lens frame 512 is A sudden rotation in the direction C in the figure can be mitigated.

By applying a voltage to the four polymer actuators 500f, 500c, and 500a by the same mechanism, the Y ₁ axis passing through the upper surface of the lens frame 512 and the Z ₁ axis passing through the inner surface of the lens frame 512, respectively. , about axis Z ₂ axis passing through the front surface of the lens frame 512, the lens frame 512 is rotated in the direction of extension of the polymer actuator, the correction of the camera shake is performed.

  As described above, in the ninth embodiment, the appearance of the photographing apparatus is excluding that the four polymer actuators 500a, 500e, and 500f are driven and the camera shake correction is performed by the four springs 600a, 600c, 600e, and 600f. The configuration and the mechanism for correcting camera shake are the same as the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus described in the first embodiment and the mechanism for correcting camera shake. Therefore, redundant description of the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus and the mechanism for correcting camera shake is omitted.

  Here, as an example, the case where the camera shake correction is performed by the rotation of the camera shake correction lens 20 has been described. However, when the optical wedge described in the fourth embodiment is rotated, the camera shake is similarly corrected. Correction is performed.

  Further, even when the camera shake correction is performed through the rotation of the lens frame 512, the voltage control may be the voltage application time control as described in FIG. Omitted.

[Tenth embodiment]
In the above-described embodiments, camera shake correction is performed by driving an optical element such as a camera shake correction lens or an optical wedge. Hereinafter, an imaging element (specifically, a CCD) is driven. An embodiment in which camera shake correction is performed will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of a digital camera in which camera shake is corrected by driving a CCD.

  In the internal configuration shown in this figure, the same components as those in the internal configuration shown in FIG.

  In the internal configuration shown in FIG. 16, the polymer actuator 500 is attached to the CCD 40 in place of the camera shake correction lens 20 shown in FIG. 2, and drives the CCD 40. Except for this point, the configuration is the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a CCD and a mechanism for driving the CCD.

  The mechanism for driving the CCD shown in this figure is different from the mechanism shown in FIG. 3 in that the holder 506 ′ in FIG. 17 supports the CCD 40 instead of the camera shake correction lens 20. Except for this point, the configuration and function of the polymer actuator are the same as those described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that four sets of electrodes (only the anode is shown) 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d of the polymer actuator shown in FIG. 17 are applied with a voltage by the configuration shown in FIG. The voltage adjustment unit 503 described with reference to FIG. 16 represents these four voltage adjustment units 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d as one voltage adjustment unit 503 for the sake of illustration. As shown in FIG. 4, there are four voltage regulators.

  18 is a cross-sectional view of the CCD and polymer actuator shown in FIG.

  The holder 506 'in FIG. 17 supports the CCD 40 instead of the camera shake correction lens 20 shown in FIG. 2, and further includes a CCD support plate 511 that supports the CCD 40 from the back. The CCD support plate 511 is an insulator and is configured such that the CCD 40 is not electrically affected by an electric circuit (not shown) provided around the CCD 40. The CCD support plate 511 has a shape that is gently curved upward and convex in the figure. With such a shape, the CCD support plate 511 supports the CCD 40 without hindering the expansion and contraction of the polymer actuator that drives the CCD 40. Further, a flexible substrate 513 electrically connected to the CCD 40 is disposed on the surface of the CCD 40 on the side in contact with the CCD support plate 511, and this flexible substrate 513 is further connected to the main body of the digital camera via a connector 514. The flexible substrate 513 is also connected to the main body substrate 515, and the flexible substrate 513 has a sufficient length so that the presence of the flexible substrate 513 does not hinder the driving when the CCD 40 is driven. The configuration other than these points and the mechanism for correcting camera shake by driving the CCD 40 when camera shake occurs are the same as the configuration and mechanism described with reference to FIGS.

  Further, even when the camera shake correction is performed through the driving of the CCD 40 as described above, the voltage control may be the voltage application time control as described with reference to FIG. 11, and the redundant description thereof is omitted here.

[Eleventh embodiment]
When the CCD is driven, the outer frame may be an outer frame having a circular cross section perpendicular to the direction of the subject light, as shown in FIG. 11, as in the case of driving the camera shake correction lens. . Hereinafter, such an embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an outer frame having a circular cross section perpendicular to the direction of the subject light when the CCD is driven.

  This figure is different from the case where the outer frame 507 ′ having a circular cross section shown in FIG. 11 is used. The holder 506 ′ in FIG. 17 is different from the camera shake correction lens 20 shown in FIG. It is in the point that supports. The configuration other than these points and the mechanism for correcting the camera shake by driving the CCD 40 when the camera shake occurs are the same as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description thereof is omitted here.

[Twelfth embodiment]
In the embodiment described above, a voltage is applied according to the detected camera shake and the camera shake is corrected. In addition to such a form, the voltage is released according to the detected camera shake. In other words, a mode in which camera shake correction is performed is also possible. Hereinafter, a mode in which a voltage is released according to camera shake will be described as a twelfth embodiment.

  In the twelfth embodiment, the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus are the same as the appearance and configuration of the photographing apparatus described in the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted. In the twelfth embodiment, voltage is applied to the polymer actuator before camera shake detection. When occurrence of camera shake is detected, an appropriate electrode is selected according to the detected camera shake. The voltage is released to the electrode. By releasing the voltage, the stretched dielectric elastomer is contracted, and the camera shake correction lens is driven by the contracting force at this time to correct the camera shake.

  Here, the case where the camera shake correction lens is driven by releasing the voltage has been described as an example. However, as in the tenth embodiment, the CCD may be driven by releasing the voltage. This form is the same as that of the twelfth embodiment except that the object to be driven is a CCD instead of a camera shake correction lens, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  The above is the description of the embodiment of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic internal block diagram of the digital camera shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a camera shake correction lens illustrated in FIG. 2 and a mechanism for driving the camera shake correction lens. It is a figure showing the structure for applying a voltage to four sets of electrodes which the polymer actuator shown in FIG. 3 has. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shake correction lens and polymer actuator shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a camera shake correction lens and a polymer actuator, showing a state when a voltage is applied to the left electrode in the state of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a structure of an outer frame shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for fixing an end of a polymer actuator. It is sectional drawing showing a mode that the camera-shake correction lens and the polymer actuator were directly connected. It is sectional drawing showing a mode that the combination lens and the polymer actuator were connected. It is a figure showing the polymer actuator and the lens for decentration correction | amendment fixed to the outer frame which has a circular cross section. It is a figure showing the structure for applying the voltage of two steps of ON / OFF to four sets of electrodes of a polymer actuator. It is sectional drawing showing a mode that the optical wedge and the polymer actuator were connected through the holder. It is a figure showing the mechanism in which the camera-shake correction lens rotates. It is a figure showing the mechanism in which the camera-shake correction lens rotates in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. It is a figure showing the mechanism in which the camera-shake correction lens rotates in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction by four polymer actuators and four springs. FIG. 2 is a schematic internal configuration diagram of a digital camera in which camera shake is corrected by driving a CCD. It is a figure showing CCD and the mechanism which drives this CCD. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the CCD and polymer actuator shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outer frame having a circular cross section perpendicular to the direction of subject light when the CCD is driven.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 10 Shooting lens 12 Flash light emission part 13 Finder objective window 14 Shutter button 20, 20 'Lens 201 Optical wedge 30 Aperture 101 Switch group 110a ROM
102 Power supply 120 CPU
140 bus 40 CCD
131 A / D unit 133 White balance / γ processing unit 132 Clock generator 134 Buffer memory 138 YC / RGB conversion unit driver 160 Image display LCD
137 YC processing part 136 I / F
170 Memory card 450 Camera shake detection unit 500, 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d Polymer actuator 500e, 500f, 500g, 500h Polymer actuator 501, 501 ′ Dielectric elastomer 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d Electrodes 503a, 503b, 503c, 503d Voltage adjuster 503a ′, 503b ′, 503c ′, 503d ′ switch 505 controller 506, 506 ′ holder 506A collar 506B guide 507, 507 ′ outer frame 507a first presser plate 507b second presser plate 507c screw 507d convex portion 511 CCD support plate 512 Lens frame 513 Flexible substrate 514 Connector 515 Main substrate 600a, 600c, 600e, 600f Spring

Claims (15)

A movable optical element that changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by transmitting the subject light and moving in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
The movable optical element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and is stretched by applying a voltage. A polymer actuator, which is divided and arranged on the surface of the polymer film in contact with the polymer film, and a plurality of electrodes for applying a voltage to the polymer film; and A camera shake correction unit is provided for correcting a shift of subject light caused by camera shake by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the detection unit and moving the movable optical element in the two-dimensional plane. A camera shake correction unit. A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A plurality of polymer films whose one side is fixed to the movable optical element and extends in the direction of subject light and expands and contracts upon application of voltage, and are arranged for each polymer film with respect to the polymer film, By tilting the movable optical element by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes, and a polymer actuator including a plurality of electrodes for applying a voltage for each polymer film A camera shake correction unit comprising a camera shake correction unit for correcting a shift of subject light caused by camera shake. A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
The movable optical element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and is expanded and contracted by applying a voltage. A polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes for partially applying a voltage to each polymer film, the polymer film being divided and disposed on the surface of each polymer film in contact with each polymer film; ,
A camera shake correction unit configured to apply a voltage according to a detection result of the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes and tilt the movable optical element to correct a shift of subject light caused by camera shake. An image stabilization unit characterized by   The camera shake correction unit according to claim 1, wherein the movable optical element is a lens.   At least a part of a part of the movable optical element excluding the part adhered to the movable optical element, which is made of a light-transmitting material adhered on a transmission surface through which subject light is transmitted, The camera shake correction unit according to any one of claims 1 and 3, further comprising an optical film integrally connected to the polymer film.   The camera shake correction unit according to claim 1, wherein the movable optical element is an optical wedge. An image sensor that receives a subject light and generates an image signal, and changes a light receiving position of the subject light by rotating in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A state in which the imaging element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the imaging element and supports the imaging element, and expands and contracts upon application of a voltage, and is in contact with the polymer film And a polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes for partially applying a voltage to the polymer film, which are dividedly arranged on the surface of the polymer film; and A camera shake correction unit comprising a camera shake correction unit that corrects a subject light shift caused by camera shake by applying a voltage according to a detection result and moving the image pickup device in the two-dimensional plane. .   The camera shake correction unit according to claim 1, wherein the camera shake correction unit applies a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to a detection result of the camera shake detection unit.   8. The camera shake correction unit according to claim 1, wherein the camera shake correction unit applies a pulse voltage having a pulse width corresponding to a detection result of the camera shake detection unit. 9.   8. The polymer film according to claim 1, wherein, when a variable voltage is applied, the polymer film expands and contracts according to an average voltage of the variable voltage. 9. An image stabilization unit. The polymer film expands and contracts in response to release of an applied voltage,
8. The camera shake correction unit according to claim 1, wherein the camera shake correction unit releases voltage from the plurality of electrodes in place of voltage application to the plurality of electrodes. . In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
A movable optical element that changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by transmitting the subject light and moving in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
The movable optical element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and is stretched by applying a voltage. A polymer actuator, which is divided and arranged on the surface of the polymer film in contact with the polymer film, and a plurality of electrodes for applying a voltage to the polymer film; and A camera shake correction unit is provided for correcting a shift of subject light caused by camera shake by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the detection unit and moving the movable optical element in the two-dimensional plane. Shooting device to do. In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A plurality of polymer films whose one side is fixed to the movable optical element and extends in the direction of subject light and expands and contracts upon application of voltage, and are arranged for each polymer film with respect to the polymer film, By tilting the movable optical element by applying a voltage according to a detection result by the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes, and a polymer actuator including a plurality of electrodes for applying a voltage for each polymer film An imaging apparatus comprising a camera shake correction unit that corrects a shift in subject light caused by camera shake. In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
A movable optical element that transmits the subject light and changes the direction of the transmitted subject light by tilting with respect to the direction of the subject light; and
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
The movable optical element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the movable optical element and supports the movable optical element, and is expanded and contracted by applying a voltage. A polymer actuator comprising a plurality of electrodes for partially applying a voltage to each polymer film, the polymer film being divided and disposed on the surface of each polymer film in contact with each polymer film; ,
A camera shake correction unit configured to apply a voltage according to a detection result of the camera shake detection unit to the plurality of electrodes and tilt the movable optical element to correct a shift of subject light caused by camera shake. An imaging device characterized by the above. In a photographing device for photographing a subject,
An image sensor that receives a subject light and generates an image signal, and changes a light receiving position of the subject light by rotating in a two-dimensional plane intersecting the direction of the subject light;
A camera shake detection unit for detecting camera shake;
A state in which the imaging element is connected to a support member that is disposed apart from the imaging element and supports the imaging element, and expands and contracts upon application of a voltage, and is in contact with the polymer film A polymer actuator that is divided and arranged on the surface of the polymer film, and that includes a plurality of electrodes for partially applying a voltage to the polymer film; and An imaging apparatus, comprising: a camera shake correction unit configured to apply a voltage according to a detection result and move the imaging device in the two-dimensional plane to correct a shift in subject light caused by camera shake.

Images