JP4465981B2 - Foreign matter removal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a foreign matter removing device for removing foreign matter such as dust and dirt attached to the surface of a photoelectric conversion element and its peripheral optical member in an optical device such as an image input device or an electronic camera that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is known a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as “lens interchangeable DSC”) capable of exchanging a taking lens. In the interchangeable lens DSC, foreign matters such as dust are likely to enter the mirror box when the photographing lens is removed.
[0003]
In addition, since a movable mechanism for controlling the aperture of the mirror and the photographing lens is operated in the mirror box, dust may be generated inside the mirror box.
If these foreign substances adhere to the vicinity of the focal plane of the photographing lens, that is, the vicinity of the light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, reflection may occur in an image obtained by photoelectric conversion.
[0004]
Similarly, in an image input device such as a facsimile or a scanner, a foreign object is generated due to friction of a movable part when a document as a subject is transported or a document reading unit is operated, and this is near the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element. Or, if it adheres to the subject placement glass, the reflection may occur.
[0005]
Therefore, conventionally, the adhered foreign matter has been wiped off using a cleaning paper containing an organic solvent such as alcohol.
However, according to this method, when the wiping unevenness remains, there is a possibility that the image is reflected on the imaging screen.
[0006]
Therefore, as a technique for solving this problem and removing foreign matter, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, an inflow port for inflowing air and an outflow port for discharging air are provided, and three imaging tubes are provided. A technique for removing a foreign substance in a housing to which it is attached is disclosed.
[0007]
However, even when trying to remove foreign matter using the technique disclosed in the above publication, if the air flow path from the inlet to the outlet is not properly secured, the foreign matter will not be peeled off from the adhering member, There was a possibility of staying in.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-68177
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this way, when the foreign matter remaining inside the device is blown off using a blower, the blown-out foreign matter may reattach to another member.
[0010]
In order to remove the foreign matter remaining inside the apparatus with certainty, it is desirable to suck the attached foreign matter from a suction port close to the optical member.
However, if a suction tool having a suction port is inserted into a small space such as the mirror box of the above-described interchangeable lens DSC, members such as an optical low-pass filter and an image sensor may be damaged.
[0011]
Such scratches on the optical member have a significant effect on the image quality of the captured image together with the adhered foreign matter.
An object of this invention is to provide the apparatus which can remove the foreign material adhering to the surface of a member easily and more reliably compared with the past, without damaging the member surface.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the first invention provides a cleaner head (11) having a suction port (20) and an optical low-pass filter (8) of the interchangeable lens camera by sucking air from the suction port. The suction means (10, 14) for sucking the adhered foreign matter and the tip of the cleaner head (11) are arranged to separate the cleaner head (11) and the optical low-pass filter (8) when sucking the foreign matter. Spacers (100) and the optical low-pass filter are provided outside the suction port of the cleaner head at a distance from each other, and neutralize ions generated by corona discharge against the air flow caused by suction of the suction means. it not, leads to the periphery of the optical low-pass filter and the cleaner head by placing the flow of air by the suction of the suction means, before And a charge removing ion generator having a neutralization ability to neutralize the charge of the periphery of the optical low-pass filter and the cleaner head, static elimination performance of the charge removing ion generator, the charge removing ions and the optical low-pass filter It is determined by the distance to the generator.
[0014]
The second invention is characterized in that at least a contact surface of the spacer (100) with the optical low-pass filter (8) is formed of a flexible member.
The third invention is characterized in that the suction port of the cleaner head (11) has a tapered tip.
[0015]
The fourth invention is characterized in that the cleaner head (11) is provided with a cleaning brush (21) in the vicinity of the suction port (20).
The fifth invention is characterized in that the cleaning brush (21) has a function of a spacer for separating the cleaner head (11) and the optical member (8).
[0017]
The sixth invention is characterized in that the cleaner head (11) has an ultrasonic wave generating means (16) for irradiating the optical low-pass filter (8) with ultrasonic waves.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by taking the interchangeable lens DSC shown in FIG. 1 as an example.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an interchangeable lens DSC.
The lens 2 is detachably attached to the camera body 1 via the lens mount 3.
[0020]
A subject image (not shown) obtained through the lens 2 is reflected by the quick return mirror 4 and the pentaprism 5 and can be observed by the photographer through the eyepiece 6.
[0021]
When the operation member 22 is operated by the photographer, the quick return mirror 4 is retracted in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1 and at the same time, the shutter 7 is opened for a set time, and an optical low-pass filter (hereinafter referred to as an optical low-pass filter). A subject image is formed on the image pickup surface of the CCD 9 via 8.
[0022]
The subject image formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 9 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 9 and converted into an electric signal, and then subjected to predetermined signal processing and stored as a digital signal in a storage medium (not shown).
[0023]
The optical LPF 8 transmits only the low frequency component of the optical image incident from the left direction (A surface) in FIG. 1 and reduces the moire generated when the CCD 9 captures the subject image. It is an optical element that reduces the above.
[0024]
In general, a crystal such as a quartz plate having birefringence characteristics is used as the optical LPF 8. Since these crystals have a piezoelectric effect, the crystals themselves are easily charged by vibration or the like, and the charged charges are difficult to escape.
[0025]
The optical LPF 8 is not always necessary when the imaging device does not have a pixel structure, for example, as in the case of an imaging tube or the like.
Further, since an insulating material such as plastic or ceramic is used as the material of the CCD 9 package, it is difficult for the charge to escape when the photoelectric conversion element is charged.
[0026]
Hereinafter, the structure of the cleaner by this invention is demonstrated.
2 and 3 are explanatory views for explaining a configuration example of the cleaner according to the present invention.
In the cleaner of FIG. 2, a cleaner body 10 having a discharge port 13 for discharging an air flow generated by the fan 12 and a cleaner head 11 are integrally configured.
[0027]
On the other hand, the cleaner of FIG. 3 is configured such that the cleaner body 10 and the cleaner head 11 having the same configuration as the cleaner body shown in FIG. 2 are separated from each other. The coupling member 14 is coupled.
[0028]
By bringing the tip of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 close to the member to which foreign matter is adhered, the foreign matter on the member is sucked by the air flow generated by the rotation of the fan 12 and sucked from the discharge port 13. The discharged foreign matter is discharged.
[0029]
In particular, according to the cleaner having the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the cleaner head 11 is separated from the cleaner body and coupled by the coupling member 14, so that the cleaning head 11 used for cleaning is smaller than the cleaner of FIG. 2. In addition, it is lightweight and easy to handle.
[0030]
Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily remove foreign matters on a member arranged in a narrow space such as a mirror box in the interchangeable lens DSC.
In addition, as for the cleaner head 11 shown by FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the housing | casing is comprised with a non-insulating material. The housing of the cleaner head 11 is connected to a ground potential by a grounding means (not shown), and static electricity generated on the surface of the housing is discharged to the ground potential via the grounding means.
[0031]
Accordingly, when at least the cleaner head 11 is inserted into the camera body 1 and discharged from the foreign body by the method described later, the static electricity generated in the cleaner head 11 adheres to the cleaner head 11 outside the camera body 1. Foreign substances can be prevented from being brought into the camera body 1.
[0032]
4 is a view of the optical LPF 8 and the CCD 9 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the left in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cleaner head 11 according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 4, the optical LPF 8 usually has a shape larger than the effective image pickup area 90 of the CCD 9, and the cleaner head 11 according to the present invention, which will be described in detail later, passes through the spacer 100 and the optical LPF 8. It is in contact with the outside of the effective imaging area 90 above.
[0033]
The foreign substance suction capability of the cleaner head 11 is determined by the distance between the cleaner head 11 and the surface of the optical LPF 8.
By providing the spacer 100 on the cleaner head 11, the distance between the cleaner head 11 and the optical LPF 8 can always be kept in an appropriate state, and good foreign matter removal can be performed without damaging the optical LPF 8.
[0034]
Here, in order to prevent the surface of the optical LPF 8 from being damaged by the spacer 100, the spacer 100 is composed of at least a contact surface with the optical LPF 8 by a member having elasticity such as rubber or felt. It is desirable to be composed of a flexible member such as a cloth-like member.
[0035]
With such a configuration, the possibility of damaging the surface of the optical LPF 8 can be further reduced.
Hereinafter, the operation of removing foreign substances using the cleaner according to the present invention will be described.
[0036]
The operator removes the lens 2 fixed to the camera body 1 through the lens mount 3, moves and stores the quick return mirror 4 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, and opens the shutter 7. The cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted from the opening B near the lens mount 3, and the spacer 100 of the cleaner head 11 is disposed in contact with the A surface of the optical LPF 8.
[0037]
At least the discharge port 13 of the cleaner body 10 is disposed outside the camera body 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the operator removes at least the foreign matter on the surface of the optical LPF 8 on the effective imaging area 90 of the CCD 9 while moving the cleaner head 11 in the longitudinal direction of the imaging surface of the CCD 9, for example.
[0038]
6 to 10 are explanatory views for explaining the foreign substance removal operation using the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG.
The cleaner head 11 in FIGS. 6 to 10 shows the shape of the cleaner head 11 as seen from the X cross section indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4 and is close to the optical LPF 8 using a spacer 100 (not shown). Are arranged.
[0039]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a view showing a first embodiment according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matters are attached.
[0040]
The tip of the cleaner head 11 has a tapered shape, and in the vicinity of the cleaner head 11 and the optical LPF 8, a high-speed air flow is generated in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. To do.
[0041]
The air flow flowing from the outside of the cleaner head 11 into the suction port 20 is concentrated in the region between the tip of the cleaner head 11 and the optical LPF 8, and the tip of the cleaner head 11 is configured in a tapered shape. Therefore, the air flow has a wind direction substantially along a tapered shape. For this reason, the air flow can promote the separation of the foreign matter on the optical LPF 8 indicated by a circle in FIG.
[0042]
In this way, the foreign matter peeled off from the A surface of the optical LPF 8 is sucked from the suction port 20 of the cleaner head 11 and discharged from the discharge port 13 of the cleaner body 1.
[0043]
The operator can remove the foreign matter by moving the cleaner head 11 and repeating the above operation over the entire surface A of the optical LPF 8.
When the cleaning of the optical LPF 8 is finished in this way, the operator takes out the cleaner head 11 from the camera body 1 while keeping the suction state in which the fan 12 is rotated. Of course, the cleaner head 11 may be removed from the camera body 1 after the rotation of the fan 12 is stopped.
[0044]
According to the present embodiment, since the foreign matter is sucked from the cleaner head 11, the foreign matter can be removed without scattering the attached foreign matter as in the case of removing the foreign matter by a conventional blower or the like.
[0045]
In addition, since the cleaner head 11 is arranged to be separated from the member to be cleaned via the spacer 100, the cleaner head 11 and the optical member are also used when removing foreign matter from the optical member arranged in a narrow space. Can be maintained at an appropriate interval, and foreign matter can be removed without damaging the optical member.
[0046]
Furthermore, since at least the contact surface of the spacer 100 with the optical member is made of a flexible member such as rubber or felt, the possibility of damaging the optical member can be further reduced.
[0047]
In addition, since the foreign matter suction port arranged in the vicinity of the foreign matter and the foreign matter discharge port arranged outside the camera body are coupled by the coupling means, the foreign matter sucked from the suction port It can be reliably discharged outside.
[0048]
Furthermore, since the tip of the cleaner head 11 has a tapered configuration, the tip of the cleaner head 11 and the optical head can be formed without using a generating means for generating an air flow having a predetermined direction in order to separate foreign matters. Since the air flow in the direction that promotes the separation of foreign matters can be concentrated in the region between the target LPFs 8, the separation of foreign matters can be promoted.
[0049]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a view showing a second embodiment according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matter is attached.
[0050]
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a cleaner head 11 having a tapered tip is provided with a static elimination ion generator 15.
The static elimination performance of the static elimination ion generator 15 is determined by the distance between the static elimination ion generator 15 and the static elimination member (here, the optical LPF 8).
[0051]
Assuming that the above-mentioned distance at which good static elimination performance is obtained is X and the thickness of the spacer 100 is S, the length D from the tip of the ion generator 15 for static elimination to the tip of the tapered portion is
[0052]
[Expression 1]
D = X−S
By using the value given by the above, it is possible to efficiently remove the foreign matter.
[0053]
Hereinafter, the operation of the ion generator 15 for static elimination will be described.
The neutralization ion generator 15 is driven by a power supply (not shown), and generates neutralization ions by corona discharge, for example.
[0054]
The static elimination ions generated from the static elimination ion generator 15 are caused by the flow of air generated by the rotation of the fan 12, and the potential imbalance (static electricity) between the optical LPF 8 and the space area around the cleaner head 11. To neutralize.
[0055]
That is, the charge generated due to the air flow used when sucking the foreign matter is reduced, and the peeling of the foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 is promoted by the charging, and the foreign matter to each member such as the optical LPF 8 Reattachment is prevented.
[0056]
The separated foreign matter is sucked through the suction port 20 and discharged from the discharge port 13.
According to this embodiment, since the cleaner head 11 is provided with the ionization generator 15 for neutralization, it is possible to neutralize the charging due to static electricity generated by the air flow used when sucking out foreign matter.
[0057]
For this reason, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the optical LPF 8 adsorbs the floating foreign matter, and at the same time, it is possible to promote the separation of the foreign matter already attached by static electricity.
[0058]
In the above description, the configuration in which the charge of the optical LPF 8 is removed by the ion for discharging generated by the ion generator 15 for discharging, but the metal connected to the ground potential instead of the ion generator 15 for discharging. The same effect can be obtained even if the brush is brought into contact with the optical LPF 8 to eliminate static electricity generated in the optical LPF 8.
[0059]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a view showing a third embodiment according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matters are attached.
[0060]
In the third embodiment, the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the first and second embodiments in that it includes an ultrasonic generator 16.
The foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 is urged to be peeled off by the density wave of the air generated by the ultrasonic generator 16, and the peeled foreign matter is sucked through the suction port 20 and discharged from the discharge port 13.
[0061]
According to the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic generator 16 is provided in the cleaner head 11, foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 due to causes other than static electricity is removed from the air generated by the ultrasonic generator 16. It can be peeled off by rough waves.
[0062]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matter is attached.
[0063]
In the fourth embodiment, the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the first, second, and third embodiments in that it includes a static elimination ion generator 15 and an ultrasonic generator 16. .
[0064]
The foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 is urged to be peeled off by the air density wave generated by the ultrasonic generator 16 and the static elimination ions generated by the static elimination ion generator 15. And is discharged from the discharge port 13.
[0065]
Further, the static elimination ions generated by the static elimination ion generator 15 neutralize the charge generated due to the air flow used during the suction, thereby preventing the reattachment of foreign matters.
According to the present embodiment, since the cleaner head 11 is provided with the ion generator 15 for static elimination and the ultrasonic generator 16, the neutralization of static electricity and the exfoliation of foreign matters are promoted by the ultrasonic wave. Compared with the second or third embodiment, the foreign matters on the member can be removed more effectively.
[0066]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a view showing a fifth embodiment according to the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matter is attached.
[0067]
In the fifth embodiment, the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the first to fourth embodiments in that it has a cleaning brush 21.
As compared with the metal brush, the cleaning brush 21 is formed of a flexible material, and the cleaning brush 21 is brought into contact with the optical LPF 8 to move the relative position thereof. Thus, the foreign matter adhering to the surface of the optical LPF 8 is peeled off.
[0068]
The separated foreign matter is sucked through the suction port 20 and discharged from the discharge port 13.
According to the present embodiment, the cleaning head 21 is provided on the cleaner head 11 and the adhered foreign matter is peeled off by the movement of the cleaning brush 21. Therefore, the adhesion cannot be removed by the methods according to the first to fourth embodiments. It is possible to remove even strong foreign matter.
[0069]
In the fifth embodiment, the length T (see FIG. 10) of the cleaning brush 21 is set so that the tapered tip end portion of the cleaner head 11 is spaced from the surface A of the optical LPF 8. Thus, the cleaning brush 21 can have a function as the spacer 100.
[0070]
In each of the above-described embodiments, if the power used for driving the cleaner, such as the fan 12, the ion generator 15 for static elimination, and the ultrasonic generator 16, is supplied from the lens interchangeable DSC main body, This is particularly suitable when it is necessary to remove foreign matter when shooting in a non-field.
[0071]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the cleaner illustrated in FIG. 3, that is, the cleaner in which the cleaner body and the cleaner head are coupled by the coupling member is described as an example. It is also possible to use a cleaner in which a cleaner body and a cleaner head as shown in FIG.
[0072]
In the above embodiment, the example of removing the foreign matter on the A surface of the optical LPF 8 of the interchangeable lens DSC shown in FIG. 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, For example, when the optical LPF 8 is configured to be movable or detachable, the optical LPF 8 can be used for removing foreign matter from an imaging surface of the CCD 9 as an imaging device or an optical member such as an infrared cut filter.
[0073]
Furthermore, in the case of an image input device using an image pickup device such as an image pickup tube having no pixel structure, the image input device can be used for removing foreign matters on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device.
Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the optical LPF incorporated in the apparatus and the removal of foreign matter from the CCD surface have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and is incorporated in the apparatus. It can be used for removing foreign substances from various optical members even during the previous manufacturing process or during storage as repair parts.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the cleaner head is configured to be close to the optical member using the spacer, foreign matter can be removed without damaging the optical member.
[0075]
Further, according to the present invention, the tip of the cleaner head is tapered, a cleaning brush is provided on the cleaner head, a static elimination means for neutralizing the optical member is provided, or an ultrasonic wave is generated to irradiate the optical member with ultrasonic waves. Since the means is provided, the separation of the foreign matter adhering to the optical member is promoted and the peeled foreign matter is sucked. Therefore, the foreign matter can be reliably removed as compared with the conventional case.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an interchangeable lens DSC.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration example of a cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an optical LPF.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cleaner head according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera body 2 ... Lens 3 ... Lens mount 4 ... Quick return mirror 5 ... Penta prism 6 ... Eyepiece 7 ... Shutter 8 ... Optical low-pass filter 9 ... CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Cleaner body 11 ... Cleaner head 12 ... Fan 13 ... Discharge port 14 ... Coupling means 15 ... Ion generator 16 for static elimination ... Ultrasonic generator 20 ... Suction port 21... Cleaning brush 22 .. operation member 100 .. spacer

Claims (6)

A cleaner head having a suction port;
A suction means for sucking foreign matter adhering to the optical low-pass filter of the interchangeable lens camera by sucking air from the suction port ;
A spacer disposed at the tip of the cleaner head, for separating the cleaner head and the optical low-pass filter when the foreign matter is sucked;
The suction means is provided outside the suction port of the cleaner head at a distance from the optical low-pass filter, and the neutralizing ions generated by corona discharge do not oppose the air flow caused by the suction of the suction means. Ion generation for neutralization having neutralization performance that neutralizes the charging around the optical low-pass filter and the cleaner head by introducing it into the air flow due to the suction of the air. Including
The foreign matter removing apparatus, wherein the static elimination performance of the static elimination ion generator is determined by a distance between the optical low-pass filter and the static elimination ion generator. The foreign matter removing apparatus according to claim 1,
The foreign substance removing apparatus, wherein at least a contact surface of the spacer with the optical low-pass filter is formed of a flexible member. In the foreign matter removing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The suction port of the cleaner head has a tapered tip, and a foreign substance removing device. The foreign matter removing apparatus according to claim 3 ,
The cleaner head is provided with a cleaning brush in the vicinity of the suction port. The foreign matter removing apparatus according to claim 4 ,
The foreign matter removing apparatus, wherein the cleaning brush has a function of the spacer. In the foreign matter removing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The foreign matter removing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaner head has an ultrasonic wave generating means for irradiating the optical low-pass filter with ultrasonic waves.

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