JP2004330055A - Foreign matter removing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foreign matter removing apparatus which can easily remove foreign matter stuck onto a surface of a member with more certainty than before without damaging the member. <P>SOLUTION: This foreign matter removing apparatus for the optical member is provided with a suction means (12) which sucks the foreign matter stuck onto the member by using a spacer (100) and via a cleaner head (11) which has a suction port having a top end in tapered shape, for example. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical device such as an image input device or an electronic camera that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and a foreign matter removing device that removes foreign matter such as dust and dirt attached to the surface of a photoelectric conversion element and its peripheral optical members. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art There is known a digital still camera (hereinafter, referred to as "interchangeable lens type DSC") capable of changing a shooting lens. In the interchangeable lens type DSC, foreign matter such as dust easily enters the mirror box when the taking lens is removed.
[0003]
Further, since the movable mechanism for controlling the mirror and the aperture of the taking lens operates in the mirror box, dust may be generated inside the mirror box.
If these foreign substances adhere near the focal plane of the taking lens, that is, near the light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, an image obtained by photoelectric conversion may be reflected.
[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 portion when a document as a subject is conveyed or a document reading unit is operated, and the foreign matter is generated near a light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion element. Also, if it adheres to the subject mounting glass, reflection may occur.
[0005]
Therefore, conventionally, attached foreign substances have been wiped using a cleaning paper containing an organic solvent such as alcohol.
However, according to this method, when wiping unevenness remains, there is a possibility that a reflection may occur on the imaging screen.
[0006]
Therefore, as a technique for solving this problem and removing foreign matter, for example, Patent Literature 1 below provides an inlet for inflow of air and an outlet for discharging air.
A technique for removing foreign matter in a housing to which three imaging tubes are attached is disclosed.
[0007]
However, even if an attempt is made to remove foreign matter using the technology 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 adhesion member, and the inside of the device will not be removed. There was a possibility of staying in.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Published Japanese Utility Model Application No. 5-68177
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the foreign matter remaining inside the device is blown off using a blower, the blown foreign matter may reattach to another member.
[0010]
In order to reliably remove foreign matter remaining inside the apparatus, it is desirable to suck the attached foreign matter from a suction port that is close to the optical member.
However, if a suction tool provided with a suction port is inserted into a small space such as the mirror box of the above-mentioned interchangeable lens type DSC, there is a possibility that members such as an optical low-pass filter and an image sensor may be damaged.
[0011]
Such scratches on the optical member, together with the attached foreign matter, have a significant effect on the quality of the captured image.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of removing foreign substances adhering to the surface of a member easily and more reliably than before, without damaging the surface of the member.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a cleaner head (11) having a suction port (20), and a suction means for sucking foreign matter attached to the optical member (8) via the cleaner head (11). (10, 14) and a spacer (100) arranged at the tip of the cleaner head (11) for separating the cleaner head (11) and the optical member (8) when suctioning foreign matter. And
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaner head (11) having a suction port (20), and a suction means (10) for sucking foreign matter attached to an optical member (8) mounted inside the apparatus via the cleaner head (11). , 14) and disposed at the tip of the cleaner head (11),
It is characterized by having a spacer (100) for separating the cleaner head (11) and the optical member (8) when suctioning foreign matter.
[0014]
According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, at least a contact surface of the spacer (100) with the optical member (8) is formed of a flexible member.
In a fourth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the suction port of the cleaner head (11) has a tapered tip.
[0015]
In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the cleaning head (11) is provided with a cleaning brush (21) near the suction port (20).
According to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the cleaning brush (21) has a function of a spacer for separating the cleaner head (11) and the optical member (8).
[0016]
In a seventh aspect based on the first or second aspect, the cleaner head (11) has a charge removing means (15 or a metal brush) for removing charges from the optical member (8).
[0017]
In an eighth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the cleaner head (11) has an ultrasonic wave generating means (16) for irradiating the optical member (8) with ultrasonic waves.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an example of an interchangeable lens type DSC shown in FIG.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an interchangeable lens type DSC.
The lens 2 is detachably attached to the camera body 1 via a lens mount 3.
[0020]
The image of the subject (not shown) obtained through the lens 2 is a quick return mirror 4
The light is reflected by the pentaprism 5 and can be observed by the photographer via the eyepiece 6.
[0021]
When the operation member 22 is operated by the photographer, the quick return mirror 4
At the same time as being retracted in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, the shutter 7 opens for a set time,
A subject image is formed on an imaging surface of the CCD 9 via an optical low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as an optical LPF) 8.
[0022]
The subject image formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 9 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 9 to be converted into an electric signal, 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 a low-frequency component of an optical image incident from the left side (A side) in FIG. 1 and reduces a high-frequency component in order to reduce moire generated when the CCD 9 captures a subject image. Is an optical element for reducing
[0024]
Generally, as the optical LPF 8, a crystal such as a quartz plate having birefringence characteristics is used. Since these crystals have a piezoelectric effect, the crystals themselves are easily charged by vibration or the like, and have the property that the charged charges are hard to escape.
[0025]
The optical LPF 8 is not always necessary when, for example, the image pickup device does not have a pixel structure as in the case of an image pickup tube or the like.
In addition, since an insulating material such as plastic or ceramic is used as a material of the package of the CCD 9, it is difficult for the charge to escape when the photoelectric conversion element is charged.
[0026]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the cleaner according to the present invention will be described.
2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a cleaner according to the present invention.
In the cleaner of FIG. 2, a cleaner main body 10 having a discharge port 13 for discharging an air flow generated by a fan 12 and a cleaner head 11 are integrally formed.
[0027]
On the other hand, the cleaner of FIG. 3 has a configuration in which a cleaner main body 10 and a cleaner head 11 having the same configuration as the cleaner main body shown in FIG. 2 are separated, and both are configured by, for example, tubes, pipes, and the like. It is configured to be connected by the connecting member 14.
[0028]
By bringing the tip of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 close to the member to which the foreign matter has 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 main body and is connected by the connecting member 14, so that the cleaning head 11 used for cleaning is smaller than the cleaner of FIG. In addition, the weight is reduced, and the handling becomes easy.
[0030]
Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily remove foreign matter on a member arranged in a narrow space such as a mirror box in a lens interchangeable DSC.
The housing of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is made of a non-insulating material. The housing of the cleaner head 11 is connected to a ground potential by grounding means (not shown), and the static electricity generated on the housing surface is discharged to the ground potential via the grounding means.
[0031]
Therefore, at least when the cleaner head 11 is inserted into the camera main body 1 and foreign matter is discharged by the method described later, the cleaner head 11 adheres to the cleaner head 11 outside the camera main body 1 due to static electricity generated in the cleaner head 11. Foreign matter can be prevented from being carried into the camera body 1.
[0032]
FIG. 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 a cleaner head 11 according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 4, the optical LPF 8 generally has a shape larger than the effective imaging area 90 of the CCD 9, and the cleaner head 11 according to the present invention described later will be described later. It is in contact with the outside of the effective imaging area 90 above.
[0033]
The ability of the cleaner head 11 to suck foreign matter is determined by the distance between the cleaner head 11 and the surface of the optical LPF 8.
By providing the spacer 100 in the cleaner head 11, the clearance between the cleaner head 11 and the optical LPF 8 is always kept in an appropriate state, and excellent 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, at least the contact surface with the optical LPF 8 is made of a material having elasticity such as rubber, or felt. It is desirable to be composed of a flexible member such as a cloth material.
[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 matter using the cleaner according to the present invention will be described.
[0036]
The operator removes the lens 2 fixed to the camera body 1 via the lens mount 3, moves the quick return mirror 4 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, stores the shutter, and opens the shutter 7. Then, the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted through the opening B near the lens mount 3, and the spacer 100 of the cleaner head 11 is arranged in contact with the surface A of the optical LPF 8.
[0037]
At least the outlet 13 of the cleaner body 10 is arranged outside the camera body 1.
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, for example, the longitudinal direction of the imaging surface of the CCD 9 as shown in FIG.
[0038]
6 to 10 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of removing foreign matter 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 viewed from the cross section X indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4, and is close to the optical LPF 8 by using a spacer 100 (not shown). Is arranged.
[0039]
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the 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 matter has adhered.
[0040]
The tip of the cleaner head 11 is formed in a tapered shape, and near the cleaner head 11 and the optical LPF 8, a high-speed airflow is generated in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. I do.
[0041]
The airflow flowing from the outside of the cleaner head 11 to the suction port 20 is concentrated in a region between the front end of the cleaner head 11 and the optical LPF 8, and the front end of the cleaner head 11 is formed in a tapered shape. Therefore, the air flow has a wind direction substantially along a tapered shape. For this reason, the separation of the foreign matter on the optical LPF 8 indicated by a circle in FIG. 6 can be promoted by the air flow.
[0042]
In this way, the foreign matter peeled off the surface A of the optical LPF 8 is sucked through the suction port 20 of the cleaner head 11 and discharged through the discharge port 13 of the cleaner main body 1.
[0043]
The operator moves the cleaner head 11 and repeats the above operation over the entire surface A of the optical LPF 8 to thereby remove foreign matter.
When the cleaning of the optical LPF 8 is completed in this manner, the operator removes the cleaner head 11 from the camera body 1 while keeping the suction state in which the fan 12 is rotated. Needless to say, the cleaner head 11 may be taken out of the camera body 1 after the rotation of the fan 12 is stopped.
[0044]
According to the present embodiment, the foreign matter is suctioned from the cleaner head 11, so that
Unlike the conventional foreign matter removal using a blower or the like, foreign matter removal can be performed without scattering attached foreign matter.
[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 can be connected to each other even when foreign matter is removed from the optical member arranged in a narrow space. Can be appropriately maintained, 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]
Further, since the foreign substance suction port arranged close to the foreign substance and the foreign substance discharge port arranged outside the camera body are connected by the coupling means, the foreign substance sucked from the suction port can be removed from the camera body. It can be reliably discharged outside.
[0048]
Further, since the tip of the cleaner head 11 has a tapered configuration, the tip of the cleaner head 11 can be optically separated from the tip of the cleaner head 11 without using a means for generating an airflow having a predetermined direction in order to separate foreign substances. Since the airflow in the direction for promoting the separation of the foreign matter can be concentrated in the region between the target LPFs 8, the separation of the foreign matter can be promoted.
[0049]
(2nd Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram 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 has adhered.
[0050]
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a cleaner head 11 having a tapered tip has 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 member to be neutralized (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]
(Equation 1)
D = X-S
By using the value given by the formula (1), it is possible to efficiently remove foreign matter.
[0053]
Hereinafter, the operation of the ion generator for static elimination 15 will be described.
The static elimination ion generator 15 is driven by a power supply (not shown), and generates static elimination ions by, for example, corona discharge.
[0054]
The ions for static elimination generated by the ion generator for static elimination 15 follow the flow of air generated by the rotation of the fan 12, and unbalance the potential of the optical LPF 8 and the space around the cleaner head 11 (static electricity). Neutralize.
[0055]
In other words, the charge generated due to the air flow used in sucking the foreign matter is reduced, the foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 is promoted by the charge, and the foreign matter to each member such as the optical LPF 8 is accelerated. Is prevented from re-adhering.
[0056]
The peeled foreign matter is sucked through the suction port 20 and discharged through the discharge port 13.
According to the present embodiment, since the cleaner head 11 is provided with the ion generator 15 for static elimination, it is possible to neutralize the charging due to the static electricity generated by the air flow used when sucking the foreign matter.
[0057]
Therefore, the possibility of the optical LPF 8 adsorbing the floating foreign matter can be reduced, and at the same time, the separation of the foreign matter that has already adhered can be promoted by the static electricity.
[0058]
In the above description, the configuration has been described in which the charge of the optical LPF 8 is removed by the charge removing ions generated by the charge removing ion generator 15. However, instead of the charge removing ion generator 15, a metal connected to the ground potential is used. The same effect can be obtained even when 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 sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matter is attached.
[0060]
The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 has an ultrasonic generator 16.
The foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 is promoted to be separated by the compression wave of the air generated by the ultrasonic wave generator 16, and the separated foreign matter is sucked through the suction port 20 and discharged from the discharge port 13.
[0061]
According to the present embodiment, since the cleaner head 11 is provided with the ultrasonic generator 16, foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 is removed by air generated by the ultrasonic generator 16 due to causes other than static electricity. Can be separated by the compression wave.
[0062]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a view showing a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, and is an enlarged sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matter has adhered.
[0063]
In the fourth embodiment, the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 is different from the first, second, and third embodiments in that the cleaner head 11 includes an ion generator 15 for static elimination and an ultrasonic generator 16. .
[0064]
The foreign matter adhering to the optical LPF 8 is promoted by the compression wave of the air generated by the ultrasonic wave generator 16 and the charge removing ions generated by the charge removing ion generator 15, and the separated foreign matter is removed by the suction port 20. And is discharged from the discharge port 13.
[0065]
Further, the static electricity generated by the air flow used at the time of suction is neutralized by the static electricity removing ions generated by the static electricity removing ion generator 15, and the reattachment of foreign matter is prevented. 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, neutralization of static electricity and peeling of foreign matter by ultrasonic waves are promoted. As compared with the second or third embodiment, it is possible to more effectively remove foreign substances on the member.
[0066]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a view showing a fifth embodiment according to the present invention, and is an enlarged sectional view of the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG. 3 and the optical LPF 8 to which foreign matter is attached.
[0067]
The fifth embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments in that the cleaner head 11 shown in FIG.
The cleaning brush 21 is configured such that a portion constituting the brush is made of a flexible material as compared with the metal brush, and the cleaning brush 21 is brought into contact with the optical LPF 8 to move a relative position thereof. As a result, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the optical LPF 8 is peeled off.
[0068]
The peeled foreign matter is sucked through the suction port 20 and discharged through the discharge port 13.
According to the present embodiment, since the cleaning brush 21 is provided on the cleaner head 11 and the foreign matter adhering thereto is peeled off by the movement of the cleaning brush 21, the adhering which cannot be removed by the method according to the first to fourth embodiments described above. , Can be removed.
[0069]
In the fifth embodiment, the length T (see FIG. 10) of the cleaning brush 21 is set such that the tapered tip of the cleaner head 11 is spaced apart from the surface A of the optical LPF 8. This allows the cleaning brush 21 to have a function as the spacer 100.
[0070]
In each of the above embodiments, if the power used for driving the cleaner, such as the fan 12, the ion elimination generator 15, and the ultrasonic generator 16, is supplied from the lens interchangeable DSC main body, the commercial power supply can be used. This is particularly preferable when it is necessary to remove foreign matter during shooting in a field where there is no image.
[0071]
Note that, in each of the above embodiments, an example in which the cleaner shown in FIG. 3, that is, the cleaner in which the cleaner body and the cleaner head are coupled by the coupling member, has been described as the cleaner. A cleaner may be used in which a cleaner body and a cleaner head as shown are integrally formed.
[0072]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the foreign matter on the A-side of the optical LPF 8 of the interchangeable lens type DSC shown in FIG. 1 is particularly described, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, when the optical LPF 8 is configured to be movable or detachable, the optical LPF 8 can be used to remove foreign matter from the imaging surface of the CCD 9 serving as an imaging element or an optical member such as an infrared cut filter.
[0073]
Further, 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 substances on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device.
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the optical LPF incorporated in the apparatus and the removal of foreign matter on the surface of the CCD have been described as an example. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to these and is incorporated in the apparatus. Even during the previous manufacturing process or during storage as a repair part, it can be used for removing foreign matter from various optical members.
[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, or a cleaning brush is provided on the cleaner head, or a static eliminator is provided to eliminate static from the optical member, or an ultrasonic wave is generated by irradiating the optical member with ultrasonic waves. Since the means is provided, the peeling of the foreign matter adhering to the optical member is promoted, and the peeled foreign matter is sucked, so that the foreign matter can be removed more reliably than in 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 illustrating 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 is a diagram showing 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]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 camera body 2 lens 3 lens mount 4 quick return mirror 5 pentaprism 6 eyepiece 7 shutter 8 optical low-pass filter 9 ... CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Cleaner main body 11 ... Cleaner head 12 ... Fan 13 ... Outlet 14 ... Coupling means 15 ... Ion generator 16 for static elimination ... Ultrasonic generator 20 ... Suction port 21 Cleaning brush 22 Operating member 100 Spacer

Claims (8)

A cleaner head having a suction port,
Through the cleaner head, suction means for suctioning foreign matter attached to the optical member,
An apparatus for removing foreign matter, comprising: a spacer disposed at a tip of the cleaner head for separating the cleaner head from the optical member when sucking the foreign matter. A cleaner head having a suction port,
Through the cleaner head, suction means for suctioning foreign matter attached to the optical member mounted inside the device,
An apparatus for removing foreign matter, comprising: a spacer disposed at a tip of the cleaner head for separating the cleaner head from the optical member when sucking the foreign matter. In the foreign matter removing device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
At least a contact surface of the spacer with the optical member,
A foreign matter removing device characterized by being formed of a flexible member. In the foreign matter removing device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The suction port of the cleaner head has a tapered tip. The foreign matter removing device according to claim 4,
The foreign matter removing device, wherein the cleaner head is provided with a cleaning brush near the suction port. The foreign matter removing device according to claim 5,
The foreign matter removing device, wherein the cleaning brush has a function of the spacer. In the foreign matter removing device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The foreign matter removing device, wherein the cleaner head includes a static eliminator for neutralizing the optical member. In the foreign matter removing device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The cleaner head has an ultrasonic wave generating means for irradiating the optical member with ultrasonic waves.

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