JP2011066580A - Camera-shake correction device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera-shake correction device that facilitates wiring. <P>SOLUTION: The camera-shake correction device (30) is configured as follows. A camera module (20) for holding a lens and an image pickup element is rocked about a first axis (P) and a second axis (Y) orthogonal to the optical axis (O) and intersecting with each other, thereby correcting camera shake. The device has: an inner frame (32) for internally fixing the camera module (20); an intermediate frame (34) for supporting the inner frame freely rocking about the first axis (P) from the outside of the inner frame; and an outer frame (36) for supporting the intermediate frame freely rocking about the second axis (Y) from the outside of the intermediate frame; and a voice coil motor (40) provided on the bottom of the inner frame and the bottom of the outer frame. A plurality of flexible printed circuit boards (60) arranged between the inner frame and the outer frame act so as to return the camera module (20) to the neutral position of the camera module. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera shake correction apparatus for a camera, and more particularly to a camera shake correction apparatus that corrects camera shake (vibration) that occurs during still image shooting so that an image without image blur can be shot.

  Various camera shake correction devices (image blur correction devices) have been proposed in the past that prevent image blurring on the imaging plane and enable clear shooting even when camera shake (vibration) occurs during still image shooting. ing.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-65352 (Patent Document 1) discloses a specific lens group (hereinafter referred to as “correction lens”) in a photographing optical system (imaging optical system) including a plurality of lens groups. Discloses an “image blur correction device” that corrects image blur by controlling movement in two directions perpendicular to each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. In the image blur correction device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the correction lens is movable in the vertical direction (pitch direction) and the horizontal direction (yaw direction) with respect to the fixed frame via the pitching movement frame and the yawing movement frame. It is supported.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-26634 (Patent Document 2) includes a correction optical member that corrects blurring of an image formed by the imaging optical system by moving in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the imaging optical system. An image stabilization unit is disclosed. In the correction optical member disclosed in Patent Document 2, the lens holding frame that holds the correction lens is supported to be movable in the pitch direction and the yaw direction with respect to the housing cylinder via the pitch slider and the yaw slider.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-215095 (Patent Document 3) discloses an “image blur correction apparatus” that can move a correction lens with a small driving force and can perform image blur correction quickly and with high accuracy. ing. An image blur correction device disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes a holding frame that holds a correction lens, a first slider that supports the holding frame so as to be slidable in a first direction (pitch direction), and a holding frame. A second slider that is slidably supported in two directions (yaw direction), a first coil motor that drives the first slider in the first direction, and a second slider that is driven in the second direction. And a second coil motor.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-15159 (Patent Document 4) discloses a lens barrel provided with a blur correction optical system that is movably provided in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. In the blur correction optical system disclosed in Patent Document 4, the movable VR unit disposed in the VR main body unit holds the correction lens (third lens group) and is movable in the XY plane orthogonal to the optical axis. Is provided.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-212876 (Patent Document 5) makes it possible to move a correction lens held in a moving frame in first and second directions orthogonal to the optical axis of a lens system, and by driving means. An “image blur correction device” is disclosed in which image blur can be corrected by controlling the optical axis of the correction lens to coincide with the optical axis of the lens system.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-17957 (Patent Document 6) discloses a correction lens for correcting blurring of an image formed by a lens system in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens system and first orthogonal to each other. An “image blur correction device” is disclosed that is driven by the operation of a lens driving unit in the first direction and the second direction to correct image blur. In the image blur correction device disclosed in Patent Document 6, the lens driving unit is provided on one side in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the correction lens.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-17874 (Patent Document 7) moves a correction lens held in a moving frame in a first direction and a second direction that are orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens system and orthogonal to each other. An “image blur correction apparatus” is disclosed that enables image blur correction by controlling the optical axis of the correction lens to coincide with the optical axis of the lens system. The image blur correction device disclosed in Patent Document 7 includes a driving unit having a coil and a magnet that are relatively movable. One of the coil and the magnet is fixed to the moving frame, and the other is fixed to the support frame that supports the moving frame so as to be movable. The image blur correction device disclosed in Patent Document 7 includes a first Hall element that detects position information related to the first direction of the correction lens by detecting the magnetic force of the magnet, and a second correction lens. And a second Hall element that detects position information by detecting the magnetic force of the magnet.

  Each of the image blur correction devices (camera shake correction devices) disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 7 described above has a structure in which the correction lens is moved and adjusted in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. However, the image blur correction apparatus (camera shake correction apparatus) having such a structure has a problem that it has a complicated structure and is not suitable for downsizing.

  In order to solve this problem, a camera shake correction apparatus that corrects camera shake (image blur) by swinging a lens module (camera module) itself that holds a lens and an image sensor (image sensor). (Image blur correction device) has been proposed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-41455 (Patent Document 8) discloses a lens module that holds a lens and an imaging device, a frame structure that rotatably supports the lens module by a rotation shaft, and a rotation shaft. Driving means (actuator) for rotating the lens module with respect to the frame structure by applying a driving force to the driven part (rotor), and urging the driving means (actuator) to the driven part (rotor) of the rotating shaft An “image blur correcting device for an optical device” is disclosed that includes an urging means (plate spring). The frame structure is composed of an inner frame and an outer frame. The driving means (actuator) is disposed so as to come into contact with the driven portion (rotor) of the rotating shaft from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The driving means (actuator) includes a piezoelectric element and an action part on the rotating shaft side. The action portion drives the rotation shaft by longitudinal vibration and bending vibration of the piezoelectric element.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-93953 (Patent Document 9) houses a camera module in which a photographing lens and an image sensor are integrated in a housing, and the camera module is perpendicular to the photographing optical axis and perpendicular to each other. The first and second axes intersecting with each other are pivotally attached to the housing, and the posture of the entire camera module is controlled inside the housing according to the shake of the housing detected by the hand shake sensor. Thus, there is disclosed a “camera shake correcting apparatus” that corrects camera shake during still image shooting. The camera shake correction device disclosed in Patent Document 9 includes an inner frame that supports an inner frame to which a camera module is fixed so as to be swingable from the outside around the first axis, and an inner frame that is fixed to the housing. The outer frame is supported from the outside so as to be swingable around the second axis, and the inner frame is incorporated in the middle frame in accordance with a camera shake signal from a camera shake sensor (first sensor module for detecting a camera shake in the pitch direction). The first driving means for swinging the frame around the first axis and the middle frame according to the camera shake signal from the camera shake sensor (second sensor module for detecting camera shake in the yaw direction) are incorporated in the outer frame. Second driving means for swinging around two axes. The first driving means includes a first stepping motor, a first reduction gear train for reducing the rotation of the first stepping motor, and a first cam follower provided on an inner frame that rotates integrally with the gear of the final stage. And a first cam for swinging the frame. The second drive means includes a second stepping motor, a second reduction gear train for reducing the rotation of the second stepping motor, and a second cam follower provided in the middle frame that rotates integrally with the final stage gear. And a second cam for swinging the frame.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-41418 (Patent Document 10) can prevent dust and the like from adhering to a lens barrel (driven object) that is driven to swing by a shake correction mechanism (rotation support mechanism). (Image pickup apparatus) A rotation support mechanism capable of adjusting a relative position when attached to a main body or the like is disclosed. The rotation support mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 10 includes a fixed body that is integrated with the main body of the imaging apparatus, a movable body that is rotatably supported by the fixed body by a gimbal mechanism, and the movable body. And an actuator for applying a swinging force. The movable body is provided with a holding space for holding a predetermined driven object that is driven to swing, and an opening connected to the holding space. In addition, the rotation support mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 10 includes a first flexible substrate for an imaging unit, a second flexible substrate for an exposure control unit and a focus adjustment unit, and a third flexible substrate for an actuator. These flexible substrates are routed around the outer periphery of the fixed body.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-142938 (Patent Document 11) discloses a portable information terminal having a function of correcting camera shake during photographing using an angular velocity sensor such as a gyro. To correct camera shake in a captured image, set a reference pitch axis and yaw axis that are orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera lens, and rotate with the pitch axis as the central axis of rotation. It is necessary to detect both angular velocities and rotations with the yaw axis as the central axis of rotation. Patent Document 11 discloses a configuration in which a first gyro that detects a rotational angular velocity of rotation around a pitch axis and a second gyro that detects a rotational angular velocity of rotation around a yaw axis are arranged on a side surface of an imaging device. is doing.

JP 2006-65352 A JP 2008-26634 A JP 2006-215095 A JP 2008-15159 A JP 2007-212876 A JP 2007-17957 A JP 2007-17874 A JP 2007-41455 A JP 2007-93953 A JP 2007-41418 A JP 2007-142938 A (paragraph 0005, paragraph 0006, FIG. 2)

  In each of the image blur correction devices (camera shake correction devices) disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 7 described above, the correction lens is moved and adjusted in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, so the structure is complicated and the size is reduced. There is a problem that it is not suitable for.

  On the other hand, in the image shake correction apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 8, an actuator including a piezoelectric element and an action portion on the rotating shaft side is used as a driving unit (actuator). The operating part is moved elliptically to rotate the rotor (driven part). If wear occurs at the action point of the rotor (driven part) and the action part of the actuator, accurate contact may be hindered. Therefore, in order to reduce this wear, it is necessary to use a special material for the rotor (driven part). Furthermore, in an actuator composed of a piezoelectric element and an action part, the action part is brought into contact with the rotor (driven part), so it is difficult to return the lens module to its neutral position (initial position).

  Moreover, in the camera shake correction apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 9, a combination of a stepping motor, a reduction gear train, and a cam is used as a driving unit. Therefore, it is necessary to bring the cam follower into contact with the cam surface of the cam by urging the torsion spring. Therefore, the configuration of the driving means becomes complicated. Further, since the cam follower is brought into contact with the cam surface of the cam, it is difficult to return the camera module to its neutral position (initial position).

  In the shake correction mechanism (rotation support mechanism) disclosed in Patent Document 10, it is necessary to draw the flexible substrate around the outer periphery of the fixed body, which causes a problem that wiring becomes difficult.

  Note that the portable information terminal disclosed in Patent Document 11 merely discloses a handheld sensor using an angular velocity sensor such as a gyro.

  Therefore, a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera shake correction device that can easily perform wiring.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera shake correction device that can easily return the camera module to its neutral position (initial position).

  Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

  According to the present invention, the camera module (20) that holds the lens (L1, L2, L3) and the image sensor (28) is moved to the first axis (P) perpendicular to the optical axis (O) and intersecting each other. ) And the second axis (Y), in the camera shake correction device (30; 30A) configured to correct camera shake, an inner frame (32) for fixing the camera module (20) therein. ), An inner frame (34) that supports the inner frame from the outside so as to be swingable around the first axis (P), and the inner frame from the outside to the second axis (Y). The outer frame (36; 36A) that is slidably supported, the bottom of the inner frame, and the bottom of the outer frame are provided, and the inner frame (32) and the middle frame (34) are respectively connected to the first shaft (P ) And a voice coil motor (40) driven to swing about the second axis (Y), and an inner frame 32) and an outer frame (36; 36A), and a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards (60; 60A) that act to return the camera module (20) to its neutral position. Is obtained.

  In the camera shake correction device (30; 30A) according to the present invention, the voice coil motor (40) is a four-pole magnetized magnet (42) attached to the bottom of the outer frame (36; 36A). A 4-pole magnetized magnet (42) provided rotationally symmetrically around the central axis (C) of the outer frame, and a coil provided at the bottom of the inner frame (32) facing the 4-pole magnetized magnet Two coils (44) disposed on the substrate (44) at positions spaced apart by 90 degrees about the optical axis (O) so as to straddle between adjacent magnetic poles of the four-pole magnetized magnet (42). 44-1 and 44-2) are preferably arranged on the coil substrate (44).

  The camera shake correction device (30; 30A) according to the present invention may include position detection means (50) for detecting the position of the inner frame (32) with respect to the outer frame (36; 36A). The position detecting means (50) is mounted on the coil substrate (44), and detects the magnetic force of the quadrupole magnetized magnet (42), thereby causing the first detecting means to swing around the first axis (P). The first Hall element (51) for detecting the position of the second pole (44) is mounted on the coil substrate (44), and by detecting the magnetic force of the quadrupole magnetized magnet (42), And a second Hall element (52) for detecting a second position associated with the swinging motion. In this case, the first and second Hall elements (51, 52) are at positions different from the two coils (44-1, 44-2) and at an angular interval of 90 degrees centered on the optical axis (O). It is preferable that they are arranged at spaced positions.

  In the camera shake correction device (30; 30A) according to the present invention described above, the inner frame (32) has a rectangular tube shape composed of four side plates (322), and the outer frame (36; 36) has four sheets. It may have a quadrangular cylindrical shape composed of side plates (362; 362a). In this case, the plurality of flexible printed circuit boards are respectively arranged between the four side plates (322) of the inner frame (32) and the four side plates (362; 362A) of the outer frame (36; 36a). It is preferable to consist of four flexible printed circuit boards (60; 60A). Each of the four flexible printed circuit boards (60) may be bent into a U shape. Instead, each of the four flexible printed boards (60A) may be bridged across the side plates adjacent to each other.

  The reference numerals in the parentheses are given for ease of understanding, and are merely examples, and of course are not limited thereto.

  In the present invention, since a plurality of flexible printed boards that act to return the camera module to its neutral position are arranged between the inner frame and the outer frame, there is an effect that wiring can be easily performed.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the camera unit containing the camera-shake correction apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the camera unit shown in FIG. 1. It is front sectional drawing of the camera unit shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the coil board | substrate of the voice coil motor (VCM) used for the camera-shake correction apparatus shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the assembly of an inner frame, a coil board | substrate, and four flexible printed boards used for the camera-shake correction apparatus (camera-shake correction mechanism) shown in FIG. 1 from the back surface side. It is a top view of the flexible printed circuit board used for the camera shake correction apparatus (camera shake correction mechanism) shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile phone with a camera carrying the camera unit shown in FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera shake correction actuator that controls the camera shake correction apparatus (camera shake correction mechanism) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the camera unit containing the camera-shake correction apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the flexible printed circuit board used for the camera shake correction apparatus (camera shake correction mechanism) shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The camera unit 10 including the camera shake correction device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the camera unit 10. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the camera unit 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the camera unit 10 shown in FIG.

  The camera unit 10 includes a camera module 20 and a camera shake correction device 30. The camera module 20 holds a lens and an image sensor described later. The illustrated camera module 20 includes an autofocus lens driving unit.

  The autofocus lens driving unit includes a lens movable unit and a lens driving unit. The lens driving unit drives the lens moving unit while supporting the lens moving unit so as to be slidable in the optical axis O direction.

  The camera module 20 includes a module housing 22. The module housing 22 includes a cup-shaped upper cover 24 and a lower base 26. The upper surface of the upper cover 24 has a circular opening 24a with the optical axis O of the lens as the central axis. On the other hand, an image sensor (described later) disposed on a substrate (not shown) is mounted at the center of the lower base 26. This imaging device captures a subject image formed by a lens (described later) and converts it into an electrical signal. The imaging device is configured by, for example, a CCD (charge coupled device) type image sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type image sensor, or the like.

  The camera shake correction device 30 corrects camera shake by swinging the camera module 20 around a first axis P and a second axis Y that are orthogonal to the optical axis O and intersect each other. It is. In the illustrated example, the first axis P is a pitch axis extending in the pitch direction, and the second axis Y is a yaw axis extending in the yaw direction.

  The camera shake correction device 30 includes an inner frame 32, an intermediate frame 34, and an outer frame 36. The inner frame 32 is for fixing (holding) the camera module 20 therein. The inner frame 32 has a pair of pitch support shafts 32a and 32a (only one is shown in FIG. 1) projecting outward toward the middle frame 34 in the direction (pitch direction) of the first axis (pitch axis) P. Have. The middle frame 34 supports the inner frame 32 so as to be swingable around the first axis (pitch axis) P from the outside. Therefore, the inner frame 34 has a pair of pitch receiving portions (receiving holes) 34a and 34a (only one is shown in FIG. 1) extending in the direction (pitch direction) of the first axis (pitch axis) P. The pair of pitch support shafts 32a and 32a are inserted into the pair of pitch receiving portions (receiving holes) 34a and 34a.

  The middle frame 34 has a pair of yaw support shafts 34b and 34b projecting outward toward the outer frame 36 in the direction of the second axis (yaw axis) Y (yaw direction). The outer frame 36 supports the middle frame 34 so as to be swingable around the second axis (yaw axis) Y from the outside. Therefore, the outer frame 36 has a pair of yaw receiving portions (receiving holes) 36a and 36a (only one is shown in FIG. 1) extending in the direction of the second axis (yaw axis) Y (yaw direction). The pair of yaw support shafts 34b and 34b are inserted into the pair of yaw receiving portions (receiving holes) 36a and 36a. The outer frame 36 includes a skirt portion 362 that swells on the lower end side.

  The outer frame 36 is fixed to a housing of a camera-equipped mobile phone 100 (FIG. 7) described later.

  In the said embodiment, the biaxial fitting part is formed in the uneven | corrugated cylindrical shape. That is, each of the pair of pitch support shafts 32a and 32a and the pair of yaw support shafts 34b and 34b has a convex cylindrical shape, and a pair of pitch receiving portions (receiving holes) 34a and 34a and a pair of yaw receiving portions. (Receiving holes) Each of 36a and 36a has a concave cylindrical shape. For this reason, some clearance may occur at the two-axis fitting portion. As a countermeasure, the support shaft may be conical and the receiving portion (receiving hole) may be mortar shaped.

  The camera shake correction apparatus 30 further includes a voice coil motor (VCM) 40 (described later) provided at the bottom of the inner frame 32 and the bottom of the outer frame 36. The voice coil motor 40 drives the inner frame 32 and the middle frame 34 to swing around a first axis (pitch axis) P and a second axis (yaw axis) Y, respectively.

  Next, the voice coil motor (VCM) 40 used in the camera shake correction apparatus 30 will be described.

  The voice coil motor (VCM) 40 includes a base 41 attached to the bottom of the outer frame 36, a four-pole magnetized magnet 42 composed of four single-pole magnets disposed on the base 41, and the four-pole magnet. The coil substrate 44 is provided on the inner frame 32 so as to face the magnetized magnet 42, and the back yoke 46 is attached to the back surface of the quadrupole magnetized magnet 42.

  The four magnetic poles of the four-pole magnetized magnet 42 are provided rotationally symmetrically about the central axis C of the outer frame 36. On the coil substrate 44, the first and second coils 44-1 disposed at positions spaced apart by 90 degrees with the optical axis O as the center so as to straddle between adjacent magnetic poles of the four-pole magnetized magnet 42. And 44-2 are arranged.

  The illustrated coil substrate 44 is formed of a multilayer substrate having a plurality of layers. Accordingly, the first and second coils 44-1 and 44-2 are formed inside the coil substrate (multilayer substrate) 44.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the coil substrate 44. The first coil 44-1 is disposed away from the optical axis O in the pitch direction P. The second coils 44-2 are arranged away from each other in the yaw direction Y from the optical axis O. Since the first coil 44-1 is used for swinging the camera module 20 around the first axis (pitch axis) P, it is also called a pitching coil pattern. Since the second coil 44-2 is used to swing the camera module 20 around the second axis (yaw axis) Y, it is also called a yawing coil pattern.

  In a state where no current flows through the first and second coils 44-1 and 44-2 (when no power is supplied), the later-described four flexible printed circuit boards 60 place the camera module 20 in its neutral position (initial position). Hold on. Therefore, at the time of non-energization, as is clear from FIG. 3, the optical axis O and the center axis C of the outer frame 36 coincide.

  The quadrupole magnetized magnet 42 is disposed on the bottom surface of the outer frame 36 so as not to affect the autofocus compatible camera module 20 with a magnetic field.

  In the example shown in the figure, the magnet 42 is a magnet in which four flat single-pole magnets are arranged on the back yoke 46, but one quadrupole magnetized magnet may be used. Of course.

  The illustrated camera shake correction apparatus 30 further includes position detection means 50 for detecting the position of the inner frame 32 with respect to the outer frame 36. The illustrated position detection means 50 includes first and second Hall elements 51 and 52 mounted on the coil substrate 44. The first Hall element 51 is mounted on the coil substrate 44 at a position facing the first coil 44-1 in the pitch direction P from the optical axis O. The second Hall element 52 is mounted on the coil substrate 44 at a position facing the second coil 44-1 in the yaw direction Y from the optical axis O. The first hall element 51 detects the magnetic force of the quadrupole magnetized magnet 42 to detect the first position (pitching position) accompanying the swing around the first axis (pitch axis) P. The second Hall element 52 detects the second position (yawing position) associated with the swing around the second axis (yaw axis) Y by detecting the magnetic force of the quadrupole magnetized magnet 42.

  In other words, the first and second Hall elements 51 and 52 are separated from the first and second coils 44-1 and 44-2 at an angular interval of 90 degrees around the optical axis O. Placed in position.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the first and second Hall elements 51 and 52 are arranged at the opposing portions of the first and second coils 44-1 and 44-2, the other axis is inclined. However, the fluctuation of the gap (the gap between the Hall element and the magnet 42) can be reduced. As a result, the sensitivity variation of the first and second Hall elements 51 and 52 can be reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of the inner frame 32, the coil substrate 44, and the four flexible printed circuit boards 60 as viewed from the back side. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing one flexible printed board 60.

  The inner frame 32 has a substantially rectangular tube shape, and the outer frame 36 also has a substantially rectangular tube shape. In other words, the inner frame 32 is composed of four side plates 322, and the skirt portion 362 of the outer frame 36 is also composed of four side plates. Four flexible printed boards 60 are arranged between the four side plates 322 of the inner frame 32 and the skirt portions (four side plates) 362 of the outer frame. Each flexible printed circuit board 60 is bent into a U shape as shown in FIG. These four flexible printed boards 60 act to return the camera module 20 to its neutral position (initial position).

  The four flexible printed circuit boards 60 are used as camera output signal paths, position detection signal paths from the first and second Hall elements 51 and 52, and first and second coils 44-1 and 44-. 2 is used as a path for applying a current to 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, each flexible printed circuit board 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the first end 61 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is electrically connected to the coil substrate 44 by solder. On the other hand, the second end 62 of the flexible printed board 60 is electrically connected to the printed wiring board 70 by solder as shown in FIG. Instead of the printed wiring board 70, a flexible printed board may be used.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, since the four flexible printed boards 60 are arranged between the inner frame 32 and the outer frame 36, wiring can be easily performed. In addition, since the four flexible printed boards 60 are also used as neutral holding springs, the spring property can be stabilized. Since the neutral position of the camera module 20 is held by only the four flexible printed boards 60, the load around the axis can be reduced.

  Next, the operation of the voice coil motor (VCM) 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the first and second coils 44-1 and 44-2 are not energized, the optical axis O coincides with the central axis C of the outer frame 36. That is, the camera module 20 is placed at the neutral position (initial position). At this time, the first and second Hall elements 51 and 52 do not generate an output voltage.

  In this state, it is assumed that a current is passed through the first coil (pitching coil pattern) 44-1. In this case, an electromagnetic force (thrust) is applied to the pitching coil pattern 44-1 according to Fleming's left-hand rule by the interaction between the magnetic field (magnetic flux) of the quadrupole magnetized magnet 42 and the current flowing through the pitching coil pattern 44-1. ) Occurs. As a result, the inner frame 32 (camera module 20) swings around the first axis (pitch axis) P.

  When the thrust of the coil and the biasing force of the neutral holding spring 60 are balanced, the inner frame 32 (camera module 20) is held with respect to the outer frame 36.

  At this time, the first hall element 51 generates a voltage corresponding to the first position (pitching position) because the first position (pitching position) with respect to the quadrupole magnetized magnet 42 is shifted.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that a current is passed through the second coil (yawing coil pattern) 44-2. In this case, due to the interaction between the magnetic field (magnetic flux) of the quadrupole magnetized magnet 42 and the current flowing through the yawing coil pattern 44-2, an electromagnetic force (thrust) is applied to the yawing coil pattern 44-2 according to Fleming's left-hand rule. ) Occurs. As a result, the inner frame 32 (camera module 20) swings around the second axis (yaw axis) Y. When the thrust of the coil and the biasing force of the neutral holding spring 60 are balanced, the inner frame 32 (camera module 20) is held with respect to the outer frame 36. The second Hall element 52 generates a voltage corresponding to the second position (yawing position) because the second position (yawing position) with respect to the quadrupole magnetized magnet 42 is shifted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera-equipped mobile phone 100 in which the camera unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is mounted.

  The camera module 20 holds a plurality of lenses L 1, L 2, L 2 and an image sensor 28. In the illustrated example, the lens L2 is an autofocus lens.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone 100 has an overall control unit 110. The overall control unit 110 includes a shake correction control unit 112. The overall control unit 100 is connected to a timing generator (TG) 122. A signal picked up by the image pickup device 28 is supplied to an analog processing unit (AFE) 124. The timing generator (TG) 122 supplies timing signals to the image sensor 28 and the analog processing unit (AFE) 124. The signal processed by the analog processing unit (AFE) 124 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 126 and then recorded (saved) in the image memory 128. The image processing unit 126 and the image memory 128 are controlled by the overall control unit 110.

  A display unit 130 and an image recording unit 132 are connected to the overall control unit 110. Further, the overall control unit 110 sends a focus command signal to the focus control unit 134. In response to the focus command signal, the focus control unit 134 moves the lens L2 in the camera module 20 along the optical axis. The overall control unit 110 sends a shutter control signal to the shutter drive unit 136. In response to the shutter control signal, the shutter drive unit 136 drives a shutter (not shown) of the camera unit 10.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera shake correction actuator 200 that controls the camera shake correction device (camera shake correction mechanism) 30.

  A housing (not shown) of the camera-equipped mobile phone 100 includes a pitch direction gyro 202 for detecting pitch direction shake (running around the pitch axis P), and yaw direction shake (around the yaw axis Y). And a yaw direction gyro 204 for detecting a vibration of the yaw direction.

  The pitch direction gyro 202 detects an angular velocity in the pitch direction, and outputs a pitch direction angular velocity signal (first angular velocity signal) representing the detected angular velocity in the pitch direction. The yaw direction gyro 204 detects an angular velocity in the yaw direction and outputs a yaw direction angular velocity signal (second angular velocity signal) representing the detected angular velocity in the yaw direction. The first and second angular velocity signals are supplied to the shake correction control unit 112. A shutter operation command signal is supplied from the shutter button 206 to the shake correction control unit 112.

  The shake correction control unit 112 includes a shake detection circuit 212 that detects a shake of the housing of the camera-equipped mobile phone 100 from the first and second angular velocity detection signals, and a sequence control circuit 214 that receives a shutter operation command signal. The shake detection circuit 212 includes a filter circuit and an amplifier circuit. The shake detection circuit 212 supplies a shake detection signal to the shake amount detection circuit 216. The shake amount detection circuit 216 detects the shake amount of the housing of the camera-equipped mobile phone 100 from the shake detection signal, and sends the shake amount detection signal to the coefficient conversion circuit 218. The coefficient conversion circuit 218 performs coefficient conversion on the shake amount detection signal, and sends the coefficient-converted signal to the control circuit 220. The control circuit 220 is supplied with a position detection signal from a position detection means (position sensor) 50 provided in the camera shake correction device (hand correction mechanism) 30.

  In response to the coefficient-converted signal, the control circuit 220 outputs a control signal that cancels out the shake detected by the shake detection circuit 212 based on the position detection signal. The sequence control circuit 214 controls the timing of the shake amount detection circuit 216, the coefficient conversion circuit 218, and the control circuit 220 in response to the shutter operation command signal. The control signal is supplied to the drive circuit 222.

  As described above, the camera shake correction device (hand touch correction mechanism) 30 as the voice coil motor 40 is a pitching coil pattern 44-for swinging the camera module 20 around the first axis (pitch axis) P. 1 and a yawing coil pattern 44-2 for swinging the camera module 20 around a second axis (yaw axis) Y. The pitching coil pattern 44-1 is also called a first direction actuator 44P, and the yawing coil pattern 44-2 is also called a second direction actuator 44Y. At any rate, the camera shake correction device (hand touch correction mechanism) 30 includes a first direction actuator 44P and a second direction actuator 44Y.

  The drive circuit 222 drives the first direction actuator 44P and the second direction actuator 44Y in response to the control signal.

  With such a configuration, the camera module 20 can be swung so as to cancel the shake of the housing of the camera-equipped mobile phone 100. As a result, camera shake can be corrected.

  With reference to FIG. 9, a camera unit 10A including a camera shake correction device 30A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the camera unit 10A.

  The illustrated camera shake correction apparatus 30A has the same configuration as the camera shake correction circuit 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 except that the outer frame and the four flexible printed boards are changed as described later. . Therefore, reference numerals 36A and 60A are respectively attached to the outer frame and the four flexible printed boards. The same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points will be described below for simplification of description.

  The outer frame 36A has a substantially rectangular tube shape. That is, the outer frame 36A is composed of four side plates 362A. Four flexible printed boards 60A are arranged between the four side plates 322 of the inner frame 32 and the four side plates 362A of the outer frame 36A.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view showing one flexible printed board 60A.

  Although the flexible printed circuit board 60 shown in FIG. 6 extends in the vertical direction, the flexible printed circuit board 60A shown in FIG. 10 extends in the horizontal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 9, each flexible printed board 60 </ b> A is bridged across adjacent side plates. These four flexible printed circuit boards 60A act to return the camera module 20 to its neutral position (initial position).

  As shown in FIG. 10, each flexible printed circuit board 60A has a first end 61A and a second end 62A. The first end 61A of the flexible printed board 60A is electrically connected to the coil board 44 by solder. On the other hand, the second end 62A of the flexible printed board 60A is electrically connected to a printed wiring board 70 as shown in FIG. 2 by soldering.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment of the present invention, since the four flexible printed boards 60A are arranged between the inner frame 32 and the outer frame 36A, wiring can be easily performed. Further, since the four flexible printed boards 60A are also used as neutral holding springs, the spring property can be stabilized. Furthermore, in the illustrated camera shake correction apparatus 30A, the urging force of the four flexible printed circuit boards 60A that function as neutral holding springs can be made smaller than that of the flexible printed circuit board 60 used in the camera shake correction apparatus 30. Thereby, the influence of the four flexible printed boards 60A on the rotational movement of the inner frame 32 can be reduced. In addition, since the current flowing through the first and second coils 44-1 and 44-2 can be reduced, power consumption can be reduced.

  As described above, the camera shake correction apparatus according to the present invention can correct camera shake as long as the camera module 20 is a standardized camera module.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment described above, the voice coil motor is composed of a quadrupole magnetized magnet provided on the outer frame and a coil substrate provided on the inner frame, but is limited to such a structure. Not. For example, the voice coil motor may be composed of a four-pole magnetized magnet provided on the inner frame and a coil substrate provided on the outer frame. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although a Hall element is used as a position detection means (position sensor), you may use another position detection means (position sensor). Note that an EMC measure may be taken by attaching a conductive shield case to the outside of the camera unit.

10, 10A Camera unit 20 Camera module 28 Image sensor 30, 30A Camera shake correction device (camera shake correction mechanism)
32 Inner frame 32a Pitch support shaft 34 Medium frame 34a Pitch receiving portion (receiving hole)
34b Yaw spindle 36 Outer frame 36a Yaw receiving portion (receiving hole)
40 Voice coil motor (VCM)
42 4-pole magnetized magnet 44 Coil substrate 44-1, 44-2 Coil 44P First direction actuator 44Y Second direction actuator 50 Position detection means (position sensor)
51, 52 Hall element 60, 60A Flexible printed circuit board L1, L2, L3 Lens 100 Mobile phone with camera 112 Shake correction control unit 200 Shake correction actuator 202 Pitch direction gyro 204 Yaw direction gyro 212 Shake detection circuit 214 Sequence control circuit 216 Shake amount Detection circuit 218 Coefficient conversion circuit 220 Control circuit 222 Drive circuit O Optical axis C Center axis of outer frame P First axis (pitch axis, pitch direction)
Y second axis (yaw axis, yaw direction)

Claims (7)

Camera shake correction that corrects camera shake by swinging the camera module that holds the lens and the image sensor around the first axis and the second axis that are orthogonal to the optical axis and intersect each other. In the device
An inner frame for fixing the camera module inside;
An inner frame that swingably supports the inner frame from the outside around the first axis;
An outer frame that swingably supports the inner frame from the outside around the second axis;
Voice coils provided at the bottom of the inner frame and the bottom of the outer frame, and driving the inner frame and the middle frame so as to swing around the first axis and the second axis, respectively. A motor,
A plurality of flexible printed circuit boards arranged between the inner frame and the outer frame and acting to return the camera module to its neutral position;
A camera shake correction device having The voice coil motor is
A quadrupole magnetized magnet attached to the bottom of the outer frame, wherein the four magnetic poles are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the outer frame;
A coil substrate provided at the bottom of the inner frame so as to face the 4-pole magnetized magnet, and is 90 degrees around the optical axis so as to straddle between adjacent magnetic poles of the 4-pole magnetized magnet. The coil substrate in which two coils arranged at angularly spaced positions are arranged; and
The camera shake correction device according to claim 1, comprising:   The camera shake correction device according to claim 2, further comprising position detection means for detecting a position of the inner frame with respect to the outer frame. The position detecting means includes
A first Hall element mounted on the coil substrate and detecting a first position associated with swinging around the first axis by detecting the magnetic force of the quadrupole magnetized magnet;
A second Hall element mounted on the coil substrate and detecting a second position associated with swinging around the second axis by detecting the magnetic force of the quadrupole magnetized magnet;
Consisting of
4. The camera shake correction according to claim 3, wherein the first and second Hall elements are arranged at positions different from the two coils and at an angular interval of 90 degrees about the optical axis. 5. apparatus. The inner frame has a quadrangular cylindrical shape composed of four side plates, and the outer frame has a quadrangular cylindrical shape composed of four side plates,
5. The plurality of flexible printed circuit boards each include four flexible printed circuit boards respectively disposed between four side plates of the inner frame and four side plates of the outer frame. The camera shake correction apparatus according to any one of the above.   The camera shake correction device according to claim 5, wherein each of the four flexible printed circuit boards is bent into a U shape.   The camera shake correction device according to claim 5, wherein each of the four flexible printed boards is bridged across adjacent side plates.

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