JP2008042464A - Digital camera and cradle device system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera and cradle device system which can minimize a cost and is compact and has no careless opening of a lid for cleaning, and can collect dust and foreign matters without leaving them inside. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera includes an imaging device consisting of an imaging element for imaging a subject and at least one optical element. The optical element is held so that it can vibrate inside the imaging device. The digital camera also includes a lid which opens when the digital camera is set in the cradle device. The cradle device comprises a vibration actuator for vibrating the optical element, a lid driving unit for opening and closing the lid, a suction unit for sucking dust or foreign matters falling from the optical element when the optical element is vibrated by the vibration actuator, and driving circuits for driving these. When the digital camera is set in the cradle device, the lid opens. Then, by vibrating the vibration actuator, the optical element is vibrated to shake off dust or foreign matters which are then sucked by the suction device to clean the digital camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device for an image pickup device that removes dust and foreign matter adhering to the vicinity of an image pickup device of a digital camera, and further relates to a cradle device for charging a rechargeable secondary battery loaded in the camera and a system therefor. is there.

The digital camera has an image sensor, optical element, vibration actuator, its drive circuit, and a battery that is a power source. By driving the vibration actuator, dust and foreign matter attached to the optical element are removed and placed near the optical element. A digital camera has been devised in which the adhesive member is held by suction and the adhesive member is replaced in the form of repair by the manufacturer after a certain period of time has passed. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
Further, as a conventional charging device (especially a cradle device), there is one in which a plurality of cradle devices can be connected for the purpose of charging only (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-319222 (paragraph 2, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-130655 (Section 2, FIG. 1)

  The prior art includes an image sensor, an optical element, a vibration actuator, its drive circuit, and a battery as a power source inside the digital camera, and removes dust and foreign matter attached to the optical element by driving the vibration actuator. All of these are built in the camera, and the power source for driving the actuator for cleaning is shared with the power source for photographing. In addition, dust and foreign matter shaken off by vibration are sucked and held by an adhesive member (for example, double-sided tape) placed near the optical element, and after a certain period of time, the manufacturer replaces the adhesive member in the form of repairs. Is needed. For this reason, there are the following problems.

  The manufacturing cost of digital cameras is high.

  Digital camera itself becomes bigger.

  The power supply that drives the cleaning actuator is limited and strong vibrations cannot be applied.

  During the cleaning operation, power is lost and the cleaning operation is interrupted.

  Moreover, if the cleaning is performed carelessly, there is a possibility that a power source necessary for photographing is lost and a photo opportunity is missed.

  Even if it is adsorbed to the adhesive member, dust and foreign matter remain in the camera.

  After a certain period of time has passed, the manufacturer needs repair and the adhesive member needs to be replaced.

  Accordingly, an object to be solved by the present invention as set forth in claim 1 is to provide an image pickup device that is arranged in a digital camera and picks up an image of a subject, at least one or more optical elements, and an image pickup element and an optical element. The optical element is held in the imaging device so that it can vibrate, and the cradle device has a vibration actuator and a drive circuit that controls the vibration actuator. A digital camera that is minimized and compact, can supply stable and sufficient power to the actuator for cleaning, can be cleaned powerfully, and does not waste the digital camera's shooting power. And providing a cradle system.

  The object to be solved by the present invention as set forth in claim 2 is a lid that opens when attached to a cradle device in a digital camera, a lid driving device that drives the lid to open and close, and controls the lid driving device. A digital camera and cradle device system that has a drive circuit and that is configured to open the lid by attaching a digital camera to the cradle device, so that the lid is inadvertently opened and dust and foreign matter (dust) do not enter. On offer.

  The object of the present invention as set forth in claim 3 is that the cradle device includes a suction device for sucking dust and foreign matter (dust) adhering to the optical element by vibration of the vibration actuator, and a drive circuit for controlling the suction device. Thus, the present invention provides a digital camera and a cradle apparatus system that can collect dust and foreign matters (dust) that fall due to vibration without leaving them in the digital camera and do not require replacement of adhesive members by a manufacturer.

  In a cradle device system that detachably holds a digital camera and a digital camera, an image sensor that captures an image of a subject disposed in the digital camera, at least one optical element, the image sensor, and the image sensor An image pickup apparatus including an optical element, wherein the optical element is held in the image pickup apparatus so as to be able to vibrate. The digital camera has a lid that opens when attached to the cradle device, and the cradle apparatus vibrates the optical element. A vibration actuator to be driven, a drive circuit for controlling the vibration actuator, a lid drive device for opening and closing the lid, a drive circuit for controlling the lid drive device, and dust adhering to the optical element due to vibration of the vibration actuator A suction device that sucks in and foreign matter, and a drive circuit that controls the suction device. A suction device that opens the lid by driving the camera to the cradle device, drives the vibration actuator to vibrate the optical element, and sucks dust and foreign matter falling from the optical element due to the vibration of the vibration actuator Drive.

  A commercial AC power source is suitable as a power source for driving the drive circuit of the cradle device.

  The effect of the invention to be solved by the present invention as set forth in claim 1 is constituted by an image pickup device for picking up an image of a subject arranged in a digital camera, at least one optical element, and the image pickup element and the optical element. In the imaging device, the optical element is held in the imaging device so as to be able to vibrate, and the cradle device has a vibration actuator and a drive circuit for controlling the vibration actuator, so that even in a digital camera equipped with a cleaning system, Minimized cost, small size, can supply stable and sufficient power to the actuator for cleaning, powerful and reliable cleaning is possible, and it does not waste power consumption for digital camera shooting. A digital camera and cradle device system can be provided.

  The effect of the invention to be solved by the present invention as set forth in claim 2 is that a digital camera is provided with a lid that is opened by being attached to a cradle device, a lid driving device that opens and closes the lid, and the lid driving device. A digital camera and a cradle device that has a drive circuit to be controlled and is configured such that the lid is opened by attaching the digital camera to the cradle device, so that the lid is inadvertently opened and no dust or foreign matter (dust) enters. System can be provided.

  The effect of the invention to be solved by the present invention as claimed in claim 3 is that the cradle device has a suction device for sucking dust and foreign matter (dust) adhering to the optical element by vibration of the vibration actuator, and a drive for controlling the suction device. By operating the suction device for a longer time than the vibration actuator with a circuit, dust and foreign matter (dust) falling due to vibration can be collected without remaining in the digital camera, and periodic manufacturer repairs are necessary. It is possible to provide a digital camera and cradle device system that is not present.

  In a cradle device system that detachably holds a digital camera and a digital camera, an image sensor that captures an image of a subject disposed in the digital camera, at least one optical element, the image sensor, and the image sensor An image pickup apparatus including an optical element, wherein the optical element is held in the image pickup apparatus so as to be able to vibrate. The digital camera has a lid that opens when attached to the cradle device, and the cradle apparatus vibrates the optical element. A vibration actuator to be driven, a drive circuit for controlling the vibration actuator, a lid drive device for opening and closing the lid, a drive circuit for controlling the lid drive device, and dust adhering to the optical element due to vibration of the vibration actuator A suction device that sucks in and foreign matter, and a drive circuit that controls the suction device. A suction device that opens the lid by driving the camera to the cradle device, drives the vibration actuator to vibrate the optical element, and sucks dust and foreign matter falling from the optical element due to the vibration of the vibration actuator Drive.

  A commercial AC power source is suitable as a power source for driving the drive circuit of the cradle device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a digital camera and cradle device system according to an embodiment of the present invention immediately before the digital camera is mounted on the cradle device, and FIG. 2 is a digital camera and cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part from the top surface of the digital camera mounted on the cradle device in the apparatus system, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view from the side of the image sensor unit arranged inside the digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an image sensor unit disposed inside a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a digital camera in the digital camera and cradle apparatus system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the principal part showing a place where the camera is mounted on the cradle device and the lid provided on the bottom surface of the digital camera is opened. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main part of the digital camera according to the state as seen from the bottom, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main part showing that the lid provided on the bottom of the digital camera according to one embodiment of the present invention is opened. In the digital camera and cradle device system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a cross-sectional view from the side of the main portion showing a place where the digital camera is mounted on the cradle device and foreign matter is removed by vibrating the image sensor. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view from the top of the main part showing a place where a foreign object is removed by mounting the digital camera on the cradle device and vibrating the image sensor in the digital camera and cradle device system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a digital camera, 2 is a photographic lens, 3 is a quick return mirror that can rotate between a first position for observing a subject image and a second position that is a photographing retreat position, Optical viewfinder unit for observing a subject image, 5 is a shutter unit for controlling the exposure time, 6 is an image display device for displaying information and a photographed image after photographing, 7 is a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, etc. and a holding member thereof And 8 are image sensors such as CMOS sensors and CCD sensors, 9 are various filters (low-pass filters and infrared cut filters), and 10 is various filters (low-pass filters and infrared cut filters). ) The optical element on the surface layer of the imaging element unit, 11 is a vibration transmitting member that is fixed to the optical element 10 on the surface layer and abuts against an actuator that applies vibration, and 12 can vibrate by applying vibration to the optical element 10 on the surface layer An elastic indicating member (for example, a rubber member) that is held by A digital camera lid that is provided on the attachment / detachment surface of the camera and the cradle device and can be opened and closed, 14 is a positioning member that determines the position of each other when attached to the cradle device, and a recess into which the camera detection SW pin enters, 15 is a digital camera lid 13 is a lid driving gear that is a lid driving device that drives opening and closing of 13, 16 is a camera side charging connector for charging the secondary battery 17, and 17 is a secondary battery that drives the digital camera, and constitutes a digital camera. .

  50 is a cradle device, 51 is a sealing rubber, 52 is a camera detection SW pin, 53 is a camera detection SW, 54 is a coupler gear which is a coupler device, 55 is a gear for driving the coupler gear 54, 56 is a gear 55 and a coupler gear 54. The camera lid opening / closing motor to be driven, the camera detection SW pin 52 to the camera lid opening / closing motor 56 is a lid driving device, 57 is a vibration actuator which is a piezoelectric element, and 58 is a support (58a and 58b in FIGS. 2 and 8). , 59 is a spring that biases the vibration actuator 57 upward in FIG. 1, 60 is a vibration actuator holding member that holds the vibration actuator 57, 61 is a vibration actuator holding unit drive motor, 63 is a cam member, and 62 is a vibration actuator holding. Drive member 60 with vibration actuator holding unit A connecting member for rotating the cam member 63 by the rotational force of the data 61, 64 a suction motor, 65 a suction fan, 66 a suction pipe, 66a a suction port, 66b an exhaust port, 67 a filter, 68 A cradle device control circuit 69 is an AC power plug (commercial AC 100 V) that drives the cradle device control circuit 68.

  Next, the operation when the digital camera is mounted on the cradle device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows a state immediately before the digital camera is attached to the cradle device, FIG. 4 shows a state immediately after the digital camera is attached to the cradle device in the cradle device system, and FIG. At this time, the bottom 1a of the digital camera 1 and the sealing rubber 51 are in close contact with each other, and the camera side charging connector 16 is connected to a cradle side charging connector (not shown). 50 camera detection SW pins 52 enter the recess 14 of the digital camera 1 and the camera detection SW 53 is switched from OFF to ON, and the power is supplied to the camera lid opening / closing motor 56, so that the driving gear 55 is changed and the coupler gear 54 is rotated. Let At this time, a convex portion (for example, a minus shape of a driver) is formed at the tip of the coupler gear 54, and a concave corresponding to the convex portion at the tip of the coupler gear 54 is formed in the lid driving gear 15, and the concave and convex portions mesh with each other while rotating. The drive gear 15 rotates. Then, the gear of the lid driving gear 15 meshes with the rack gear formed on the digital camera lid 13, so that the lid provided on the bottom of the digital camera in FIGS. Thus, when it is detected that the digital camera lid 13 is opened to a predetermined position, the power supply to the camera lid opening / closing motor 56 is stopped. FIG. 4 shows this state.

  Next, the vibration actuator 57 is held by the vibration actuator holding member 60. The power supply to the vibration actuator holding unit drive motor 61 is started, and the cam member 63 is rotated by changing the connecting member 62 (clockwise rotation in FIG. 4). 4) When rotating from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. 7, the vibration actuator holding member 60 is guided along the support 58 (58a and 58b in FIGS. 2 and 8) 58, and the vibration actuator 57 is moved toward the state shown in FIGS. Due to the spring 59 biased upward at, the vibration actuator 57 rises until it abuts against the vibration transmitting member 11 fixed to the optical element 10 on the surface layer, and is not shown in the figure, and position detection SW (or time control by a timer may be used). Thus, the power supply to the vibration actuator holding unit drive motor 61 is stopped. This state is shown in FIGS.

  When the operation so far proceeds without any abnormality, cleaning is performed by vibrating the surface optical element 10 by the vibration actuator 57 (the vibration actuator 57 is a piezoelectric element such as a piezo), and the cleaning technique using the piezoelectric element is publicly known. Therefore, the power supply to the suction motor 64 that sucks the foreign matter (dust) discharged immediately before is started, and the suction fan 65 rotates through the suction pipe 66 and the suction port 66a. Foreign matter adhering to the optical element 10 on the surface layer is sucked from the space closed by the sealing rubber 51 from the hole 1b on the bottom surface of the digital camera 1, and the air is discharged from the exhaust port 66b through the filter 67. (Technology similar to home appliance cleaners) Further, cleaning by vibrating the surface optical element 10 by the vibration actuator 57 is performed for a predetermined time, and power supply to the suction motor 64 is stopped after the cleaning is completed.

  Alternatively, a foreign matter (dust) falling from the optical element 10 on the surface layer using the adhesive property of the double-sided tape by exposing the adhesive surface of the double-sided tape not shown in the vicinity of the vibration actuator holding member 60 without using the suction motor 64. May be adsorbed.

  The charging operation for the secondary battery 17 disposed in the digital camera 1 may be started after cleaning or may be started immediately after the digital camera 1 is mounted on the cradle device 50.

  When the cleaning and charging are completed, the power supply to the suction motor 64 is stopped, the vibration actuator holding unit drive motor 61 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the cam member 63 is rotated in the clockwise direction. (58a and 58b in FIGS. 2 and 8) 58 is guided, and the vibration actuator holding member 60 that resists the spring 59 and holds the vibration actuator 57 is driven from the position of FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIG. The power supply to the vibration actuator holding unit drive motor 61 is stopped by the position detection SW (or time control by a timer). Thereafter, power is supplied to the camera lid opening / closing motor 56 in the direction to close the digital camera lid 13, thereby changing the driving gear 55 and rotating the coupler gear 54, and the digital camera lid 13 changes from the state of FIG. 6 to the state of FIG. Ends. At this time, notifying the end of the operation (not shown), for example, a notification means such as turning on or blinking a lamp or sounding a buzzer is operated to notify the user.

  Next, the operation procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the digital camera 1 is set in the cradle device 50, if the camera detection SW is YES in step S101, the process proceeds to step S103. If NO, the process proceeds to step S102 to stop the operation and notify the abnormality. In step S103, the camera lid opening / closing motor is rotated forward to wait for the change in lid opening SW in step S104. If YES, the process proceeds to step S106. If the lid opening SW in step S104 does not become YES for a predetermined time, NO is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S102 to stop the operation and notify the abnormality. Next, in step S106, the vibration actuator holding unit drive motor is rotated forward to wait for a change in the vibration unit position detection SW in step S107. If YES, the process proceeds to step S109, and the vibration unit position detection SW in step S107 is set for a predetermined time. If not YES, NO is determined and the process proceeds to step S108 to stop the operation and notify the abnormality. In step S109, the operation of the suction motor is started and the suction of foreign matter (dust) is started. Then, the process proceeds to step S110, the operation of the vibration actuator is started and the foreign matter (dust) is shaken off. In step S111, a timer that operates for a predetermined time immediately after the operation of the vibration actuator in step S110 is operated. After a predetermined time, the operation of the vibration actuator is stopped in step S112, and then the operation of the suction motor is stopped in step S113. In step S114, charging of the secondary battery loaded in the digital camera is started, and in step S115, the vibration actuator holding unit drive motor is rotated in the reverse direction of step S106 to wait for a change in step S116 vibration unit position detection SW. YES In this case, the process proceeds to step S118, and if the vibration unit position detection SW in step S116 does not become YES during a predetermined time, it is determined NO and the process proceeds to step S117 to stop the operation and notify the abnormality. In step S118, the charging is stopped after the charging of the secondary battery is completed. Thereafter, in step S119, the camera lid opening / closing motor is rotated in the direction opposite to that in step S103 and waits for a change in the lid closing SW in step S120. If the lid opening SW in step S120 does not become YES for a predetermined time, it is determined as NO. Then, the process proceeds to step S121 to stop the operation and notify the abnormality. In the case of YES, the process proceeds to END, and the user is notified of the end of the operation using a means for notifying the end of the operation (not shown). The operation procedure has been described with reference to FIG. 9, but the charging operation of the secondary battery loaded in the digital camera is performed at the timing shown in FIG. You can start and end at any position. Further, the suction motor may be operated before the operation of the vibration actuator and stopped after the operation of the vibration actuator.

  Furthermore, although the embodiments have been described taking a single-lens reflex digital camera as an example, the present invention can be applied to all devices using an image sensor.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the digital camera and cradle device system according to an embodiment of the present invention immediately before the digital camera is mounted on the cradle device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part from the upper surface where the digital camera is mounted on the cradle device in the digital camera and cradle device system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing from the side of the image pick-up element unit arrange | positioned inside the digital camera which concerns on one form of this invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a place where a digital camera is mounted on a cradle device and a lid provided on the bottom surface of the digital camera is opened in a digital camera and cradle device system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a main part when a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the bottom. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the place which the cover provided in the digital camera bottom face concerning one form of this invention opened. In the digital camera and cradle device system according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is a cross-sectional view from the side of the main portion showing a place where the digital camera is mounted on the cradle device and foreign matter is removed by vibrating the image sensor. . In the digital camera and cradle device system according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is a cross-sectional view from the upper surface of the main part showing the place where the digital camera is mounted on the cradle device and foreign matter is removed by vibrating the imaging device. . Flowchart diagram explaining operation It is a disassembled perspective view of the image sensor unit arrange | positioned inside the digital camera which concerns on one form of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 2 Shooting lens 7 Image pick-up element unit 8 Image pick-up element 9 Optical element 10 Optical element of image pick-up element unit surface layer 11 Vibration transmission member 12 Instruction member 13 Cover 15 Cover drive gear 16 Charging connector 17 Secondary battery 50 Cradle device 51 Sealing rubber 53 Camera detection SW
54 Coupler gear 56 Camera lid opening / closing motor 57 Vibration actuator 61 Vibration actuator holding unit drive motor 64 Suction motor 68 Cradle device control circuit

Claims (6)

In a digital camera and a cradle device system that detachably holds the digital camera,
An imaging device arranged in the digital camera for imaging a subject, at least one optical element, and an imaging device constituted by the imaging device and the optical element, wherein the optical element can vibrate in the imaging device Held in
The cradle device has a vibration actuator that vibrates the optical element, and a drive circuit that controls the vibration actuator,
A digital camera characterized by mounting the digital camera on the cradle device to drive the vibration actuator to vibrate the optical element. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein
The digital camera has a lid that opens when attached to the cradle device,
The cradle device includes a lid driving device that opens and closes the lid, and a drive circuit that controls the lid driving device,
A digital camera, wherein the lid is opened by attaching the digital camera to the cradle device. In the digital camera according to claim 1 or 2,
The cradle device has a suction device that sucks dust and foreign matter attached to the optical element by vibration of the vibration actuator, and a drive circuit that controls the suction device,
A digital camera, wherein the suction device is operated for a longer time than the vibration actuator. In a digital camera and a cradle device system that detachably holds the digital camera,
An imaging device arranged in the digital camera for imaging a subject, at least one optical element, and an imaging device constituted by the imaging device and the optical element, wherein the optical element can vibrate in the imaging device Held in
The cradle device has a vibration actuator that vibrates the optical element, and a drive circuit that controls the vibration actuator,
A cradle device system that drives the vibration actuator to vibrate the optical element by mounting the digital camera on the cradle device. The cradle device system according to claim 4, wherein
The digital camera has a lid that opens when attached to the cradle device,
The cradle device includes a lid driving device that opens and closes the lid, and a drive circuit that controls the lid driving device,
A cradle device system, wherein the lid is opened by attaching the digital camera to the cradle device. A cradle device system according to claims 4-5,
The cradle device has a suction device that sucks dust and foreign matter attached to the optical element by vibration of the vibration actuator, and a drive circuit that controls the suction device,
A cradle device system, wherein the suction device is operated for a longer time than the vibration actuator.

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