JP2008236669A - Imaging apparatus, control method therefor, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently remove a foreign substance while preventing optical members such as a dustproof curtain and an optical low-pass filter from being broken when manually removing the foreign substance deposited on the surfaces of the optical members. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes: an image pickup element 33 for performing photoelectric conversion upon a subject image; a light-transmissible first optical member 410 disposed at a side, closer to an object, of the image pickup element; a piezoelectric element 430 for vibrating the first optical member; a light-transmissible second optical member 610 disposed between the image pickup element and the first optical member; a driving device 620 for moving the second optical member in a direction along with an optical axis of the image pickup element; and a control section which controls the driving device so as to move the second optical member to a position away from the first optical member while the first optical member is vibrated by the piezoelectric element, or to move the second optical member to a position approximately in tight contact with the first optical member, other than a period during which the first optical member is vibrated by the piezoelectric element. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for removing foreign matters such as dust adhering to an optical member disposed on a photographing optical axis in an imaging apparatus.

  In an imaging device such as a digital camera that captures an image by converting an image signal into an electrical signal, the imaging light beam is received by the imaging device, a photoelectric conversion signal output from the imaging device is converted into image data, and a memory card, etc. Record on a recording medium. As the imaging element, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a C-MOS sensor (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor sensor), or the like is used.

  In such an imaging apparatus, an optical low-pass filter or an infrared cut filter is disposed on the subject side of the imaging element, and foreign matter such as dust may adhere to the cover glass of the imaging element or the surface of these filters. If foreign matter adheres to the cover glass of the image sensor or the surface of these filters, the attached portion becomes a black dot and appears in the photographed image, and the appearance of the image deteriorates.

  In particular, in a single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses, mechanical operation parts such as shutters and quick return mirrors are arranged in the vicinity of the image sensor, and foreign matters such as dust generated from these operation parts May adhere to the low-pass filter. Further, when the lens is exchanged, dust or the like may enter the camera body from the opening of the lens mount and adhere to it.

Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for removing a foreign matter such as dust attached to the surface of the dust-proof screen by providing a dust-proof screen that transmits a photographing light beam on the subject side of the image sensor and vibrating the screen with a piezoelectric element. Has been.
JP 2003-319222 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element joined to the dust screen in order to remove the foreign matter adhering to the surface of the dust screen, and the dust screen is moved in the optical axis direction by driving the piezoelectric element. It is displaced to generate vibration. In order to remove foreign matter adhering to the dust screen, it is necessary to apply a force that exceeds the adhesion force of the foreign material to the foreign material in the optical axis direction, and to disperse the foreign material from the dust screen. In some cases, foreign matter cannot be removed by vibration alone.

  On the other hand, a manual cleaning mode is known as a function for manually removing foreign matter. This is because when the camera is set to that mode, the quick return mirror is raised and the up state is maintained, and at the same time the shutter is opened and the open state is maintained. As a result, the surface of the optical low-pass filter or the like can be brought into direct contact, and the surface of the optical low-pass filter or the like is cleaned with a dedicated tool or a cotton swab to remove foreign substances.

  When the foreign matter cannot be completely removed by the vibration of the dust screen, it is necessary to perform the removal operation in the above-described manual cleaning mode. However, in this case, since the optical member is directly touched, care must be taken not to damage the surface. At the same time, when thin objects such as dust-proof curtains are to be cleaned, there is a risk of damage due to overloading, and thus more care must be taken. Even if the cleaning work is performed with sufficient care, the dust screen may be damaged.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to remove the foreign matter adhering to the surface of an optical member such as a dust screen or an optical low-pass filter manually. It is to be able to efficiently remove foreign matters while preventing breakage.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging device that performs photoelectric conversion on a subject image, and a light-transmitting first sensor disposed on a side closer to the subject of the imaging device. A first optical member, a vibration means for vibrating the first optical member, a light-transmitting second optical member disposed between the imaging element and the first optical member, and the second Driving means for moving the optical member in a direction along the optical axis of the imaging device, and while the first optical member is vibrated by the vibrating means, the second optical member is moved to the first optical member. The second optical member is moved to a position where it is substantially in close contact with the first optical member except when the first optical member is vibrated by the vibrating means. Control means for controlling the driving means. And butterflies.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an image pickup apparatus, an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting a subject image, a light-transmitting first optical member disposed on a side closer to the subject of the image pickup device, and the first A vibration means for vibrating the optical member, a light-transmitting second optical member disposed between the imaging element and the first optical member, and the second optical member. And a driving unit that moves the optical unit in a direction along the optical axis, wherein the second optical member is moved while the first optical member is vibrated by the vibrating unit. The second optical member is moved to a position away from the first optical member, and the second optical member is substantially in close contact with the first optical member except when the first optical member is vibrated by the vibrating means. A control step of controlling the driving means so as to be moved to a position; It is characterized in.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the above control method.

  A storage medium according to the present invention stores the above program.

  According to the present invention, when manually removing foreign matter adhering to the surface of an optical member such as a dust screen or an optical low-pass filter, it is possible to efficiently remove the foreign matter while preventing damage to those optical members. Become.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 are views showing the appearance of a single-lens reflex digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view seen from the front side of the camera, showing a state in which the taking lens unit is removed, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from the back side of the camera.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a camera body, which is provided with a grip portion 1a that protrudes forward so that a user can easily hold the camera stably during shooting. Reference numeral 2 denotes a mount, which fixes a detachable taking lens unit 200a (see FIG. 3) to the camera body. The mount contact 21 has a function of transmitting a control signal, a status signal, a data signal, and the like between the camera body 1 and the photographing lens unit 200a and supplying power to the photographing lens unit side. Further, the mount contact 21 may be configured not only for electrical communication but also for optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a lens lock release button that is pushed in when removing the photographing lens unit. Reference numeral 5 denotes a mirror box disposed in the camera housing, and the photographic light flux that has passed through the photographic lens is guided here. A quick return mirror 6 is disposed inside the mirror box 5. The quick return mirror 6 is held at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the photographing optical axis in order to guide the photographing light flux in the direction of the pentaprism 22 (see FIG. 3) and the direction of the image sensor 33 (see FIG. 3). In order to guide to the position, it is possible to take a state of being held at a position retracted from the photographing light flux.

  On the grip side of the upper part of the camera, a shutter button 7 as a start switch for starting shooting and a main operation dial 8 for setting a shutter speed and a lens aperture value according to an operation mode at the time of shooting are arranged. In addition, an operation mode setting button 10 for setting an operation mode of the photographing system is also arranged. Some of the operation results of these operation members are displayed on the LCD display panel 9.

  The shutter button 7 is configured such that SW1 (7a described later) is turned on by a first stroke (half-pressed), and SW2 (7b described later) is turned on by a second stroke (fully pressed).

  The operation mode setting button 10 is used to set whether the continuous shooting or only one frame shooting is performed when the shutter button 7 is pressed once, the self shooting mode setting, and the like. 9 shows the setting status.

  A flash unit 11 that pops up with respect to the camera body, a shoe groove 12 for mounting the flash, and a flash contact 13 are arranged at the upper center of the camera, and a shooting mode setting dial 14 is arranged at the upper right side of the camera.

  An external terminal lid 15 that can be opened and closed is provided on the side opposite to the grip. Inside the external terminal lid 15, a video signal output jack 16 and a USB output connector are provided as external interfaces. 17 is stored.

  In FIG. 2, a viewfinder eyepiece window 18 is provided on the back side of the camera, and a color liquid crystal monitor 19 capable of displaying an image is provided near the center of the back side. The sub operation dial 20 arranged beside the color liquid crystal monitor 19 plays an auxiliary role of the function of the main operation dial 8. For example, in the AE mode of the camera, the exposure correction amount for the appropriate exposure value calculated by the automatic exposure device is set. Used to set. Alternatively, in the manual mode in which each of the shutter speed and the lens aperture value is set according to the user's will, the shutter speed is set with the main operation dial 8 and the lens aperture value is set with the sub operation dial 20. The sub operation dial 20 is also used to select display of a captured image displayed on the color liquid crystal monitor 19.

  Reference numeral 43 denotes a main switch for starting or stopping the operation of the camera.

  Reference numeral 44 denotes a cleaning instruction operation member for operating the cleaning mode, which is for instructing an operation for removing dust adhering to the low-pass filter. Details will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the single-lens reflex digital camera of the present embodiment. In addition, the part which is common in the above-mentioned drawing is shown with the same symbol.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU) which is a microcomputer built in the camera body. The MPU 100 controls the operation of the camera, and executes various processes and instructions for each element of the camera.

  Reference numeral 100a denotes an EEPROM built in the MPU 100, which can store time information of the time measuring circuit 109 and other information.

  Connected to the MPU 100 are a mirror drive unit 101, a focus detection circuit 102, a shutter drive circuit 103, a video signal processing circuit 104, a switch sense circuit 105, and a photometric circuit 106. A liquid crystal display drive circuit 107, a battery check circuit 108, a time measurement circuit 109, a power supply circuit 110, a piezoelectric element drive circuit 111, and an optical member drive circuit 113 are also connected. These circuits operate under the control of the MPU 100.

  The MPU 100 communicates with the lens control circuit 201 disposed in the photographing lens unit 200 a via the mount contact 21. The mount contact 21 also has a function of transmitting a signal to the MPU 100 when the photographing lens unit 200a is connected. Accordingly, the lens control circuit 201 can communicate with the MPU 100 and drive the photographing lens 200 and the diaphragm 204 in the photographing lens unit 200a via the AF driving unit 202 and the diaphragm driving unit 203. It becomes.

  In the present embodiment, the photographic lens 200 is shown as a single lens for convenience, but is actually composed of a large number of lens groups.

  The AF driving unit 202 is configured by a stepping motor, for example, and adjusts the imaging light beam to be focused on the image sensor 33 by changing the focus lens position in the imaging lens 200 under the control of the lens control circuit 201. Reference numeral 203 denotes an aperture driving unit, which is configured by, for example, an auto iris or the like, and is configured to change the aperture diameter of the aperture 204 by the lens control circuit 201 to obtain an optical aperture value.

  The main mirror 6 a constituting the quick return mirror 6 guides the photographic light beam passing through the photographic lens 200 to the pentaprism 22 and transmits a part thereof to the sub mirror 30. The sub mirror 30 guides the transmitted photographic light beam to the focus detection sensor unit 31.

  The mirror driving unit 101 is for driving the main mirror 6a constituting the quick return mirror 6 to a position where the subject image can be observed by the finder and a position where the subject image is retracted from the photographing light flux. At the same time, the sub mirror 30 is driven to a position for guiding the photographing light flux to the focus detection sensor unit 31 and a position for retracting from the photographing light flux. Specifically, it is composed of, for example, a DC motor and a gear train.

  Reference numeral 31 is a well-known focus detection using a phase difference detection system composed of a field lens, a reflecting mirror, a secondary imaging lens, a diaphragm, a line sensor composed of a plurality of CCDs, and the like arranged in the vicinity of an imaging surface (not shown). Sensor unit. The signal output from the focus detection sensor unit 31 is supplied to the focus detection circuit 102, converted into a subject image signal, and then transmitted to the MPU 100. The MPU 100 performs focus detection calculation by the phase difference detection method based on the subject image signal. Then, the defocus amount and the defocus direction are obtained, and based on this, the focus lens in the photographing lens 200 is driven to the in-focus position via the lens control circuit 201 and the AF drive unit 202.

  Reference numeral 22 denotes a pentaprism, which is an optical member that converts and reflects the photographing light beam reflected by the main mirror 6a into an erect image. The user can observe the subject image from the viewfinder eyepiece window 18 through the viewfinder optical system.

  The pentaprism 22 guides part of the photographing light flux to the photometric sensor 37. The photometric circuit 106 converts the output of the photometric sensor 37 into a luminance signal of each area on the observation surface and outputs it to the MPU 100. The MPU 100 calculates an exposure value from the obtained luminance signal.

  Reference numeral 32 denotes a mechanical focal plane shutter that blocks a photographing light beam when a user observes a subject image with a viewfinder. Further, at the time of imaging, a desired exposure time is obtained according to the time difference between travel of a front blade group and a rear blade group (not shown) according to a release signal. The mechanical focal plane shutter 32 is controlled by the shutter drive circuit 103 that has received a command from the MPU 100.

  Reference numeral 33 denotes an image sensor. In this embodiment, a CMOS sensor that is an image pickup device is used. However, there are various types of imaging devices such as a CCD type, a CMOS type, and a CID type, and any type of imaging device may be adopted.

  Reference numeral 34 denotes a clamp / CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, which performs basic analog processing before A / D conversion and can also change the clamp level. Reference numeral 35 denotes an AGC (automatic gain adjusting device) which performs basic analog processing before A / D conversion and can change the AGC basic level. Reference numeral 36 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog output signal of the image sensor 33 into a digital signal.

  410 is an optically transparent diaphragm. Reference numeral 610 denotes an optical low-pass filter, which is formed by laminating and laminating a plurality of birefringent plates and phase plates made of quartz, and further laminating an infrared cut filter.

  A laminated piezoelectric element 430 is configured to be excited by the piezoelectric element driving circuit 111 that receives a command from the MPU 100 and transmit the vibration to the diaphragm 410.

  Reference numeral 620 denotes a driving device including a small plunger, which is driven by the optical member driving circuit 113 that receives a command from the MPU 100 and moves the optical low-pass filter 610 in a direction along the optical axis. This configuration will be described later.

  Reference numeral 400 denotes an imaging unit unitized with the vibration plate 410, the optical low-pass filter 610, the piezoelectric element 430, the driving device 620, and the imaging element 33.

  Here, the vibration plate 410 may be an optically transparent optical member, and a part of the optical low-pass filter 610 may be separated, and for example, a birefringent crystal plate or an infrared cut filter may be used as the vibration plate. .

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a video signal processing circuit, which performs overall hardware image processing such as gamma / knee processing, filter processing, and monitor display information synthesis processing on digitized image data. The image data for monitor display from the video signal processing circuit 104 is displayed on the color liquid crystal monitor 19 via the color liquid crystal drive circuit 112.

  Further, the video signal processing circuit 104 can also store image data in the buffer memory 37 through the memory controller 38 in accordance with an instruction from the MPU 100. Further, the video signal processing circuit 104 has a function of performing image data compression processing such as JPEG. When continuous shooting is performed, such as continuous shooting, image data can be temporarily stored in the buffer memory 37 and unprocessed image data can be sequentially read out through the memory controller 38. Thus, the video signal processing circuit 104 can sequentially perform image processing and compression processing regardless of the speed of the image data input from the A / D converter 36.

  The memory controller 38 has a function of storing image data input from the external interface 40 (corresponding to the video signal output jack 16 and the USB output connector 17 in FIG. 1) in the memory 39. In addition, it has a function of outputting image data stored in the memory 39 from the external interface 40. The memory 39 is a flash memory that can be attached to and detached from the camera body.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a switch sense circuit, which transmits an input signal to the MPU 100 according to the operation state of each switch. Reference numeral 7a denotes a switch SW1 that is turned on by the first stroke (half-pressed) of the release button 7. Reference numeral 7b denotes a switch SW2 that is turned on by the second stroke (full press) of the release button 7. When the switch SW2 is turned on, an instruction to start photographing is transmitted to the MPU 100. Further, the main operation dial 8, the sub operation dial 20, the photographing mode setting dial 14, the main switch 43, and the cleaning instruction operation member 44 are connected.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an LCD drive circuit that drives the LCD display panel 9 and the in-finder liquid crystal display device 41 in accordance with instructions from the MPU 100.

  A battery check circuit 108 performs a battery check for a predetermined time in accordance with a signal from the MPU 100 and sends the detection output to the MPU 100. A power supply unit 42 supplies necessary power to each element of the camera.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes a time measuring circuit that measures the time and date from when the main switch 43 is turned off to when it is turned on, and can send the measurement result to the MPU 100 in accordance with an instruction from the MPU 100.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the imaging unit 400 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration inside the camera for showing a holding structure around the optical low-pass filter and the image sensor.

  The mirror box 5 is provided with a mechanical focal plane shutter 32, a main body chassis 300 serving as a camera main body skeleton, and an imaging unit 400 in order from the subject side. In particular, the image pickup unit 400 is adjusted and fixed so that the image pickup surface of the image pickup element 33 is parallel to a predetermined distance with respect to the attachment surface of the mount unit 2 as a reference to which the photographing lens unit 200a is attached.

  FIG. 5 is a front view showing a part of the constituent members of the imaging unit 400. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

  Reference numeral 510 denotes a plate-shaped image sensor holding member that has a rectangular opening and fixes the image sensor 33 so that the image sensor 33 is exposed in the opening, and an arm for fixing the screw to the mirror box 5 around it. Own 3 departments. Reference numeral 530 denotes a corrugated screw described later.

  Reference numeral 420 denotes a resin or metal diaphragm holding member having a frame part 420a surrounding the diaphragm 410 and an arm part 420b for mounting and holding left and right. A storage part 421 for storing the piezoelectric element 430 is provided on one side of the frame part 420a, and one end surfaces of the frame part 420a and the piezoelectric element 430 are fixed by adhesion or the like.

  A storage portion 422 for storing a biasing member 440 having a spring property is provided on the side of the frame portion 420 a that faces the side having the storage portion 421, and the vibration plate 410 is directed in the direction of the piezoelectric element 430. It is configured to be energized.

  That is, the diaphragm 410 is arranged so as to be sandwiched by the piezoelectric element 430 and the biasing member 440 in the same plane in the diaphragm holding member 420. With this arrangement, the diaphragm 410 vibrates so as to follow the expansion and contraction motion of the piezoelectric element 430.

  As long as the urging member 440 is an elastic body, a plate spring or a coil spring formed of metal may be used, or a polymer such as rubber or plastic may be used. In this embodiment, the urging member 440 is provided as a separate member. However, by providing the diaphragm holding member 420 with a spring property, the movement of the diaphragm 410 follows the expansion and contraction movement of the piezoelectric element 430. It may be.

  A frame-shaped elastic member 450 as shown in FIG. 6 is interposed between the four sides surrounding the diaphragm 410 and the diaphragm holding member 420.

  FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the elastic member 450. The elastic member 450 includes an arm portion 450a extending in the expansion / contraction direction of the piezoelectric element 430 and an arm portion 450b extending in a direction orthogonal thereto. Here, the arm portion 450a and the arm portion 450b are configured to have different rigidity. In other words, the elastic member 450 makes the rigidity of the arm portion 450b subjected to the expansion / contraction action smaller than the rigidity of the arm portion 450a in order to allow the vibration of the vibration plate 410 following the expansion / contraction of the piezoelectric element 430. Specifically, the cross section B-B of the arm portion 450a is configured by a rectangle as shown in the figure, whereas the cross section C-C of the arm portion 450b is configured by a shape partially cut out from the rectangle. Has been.

  The structure which changes the rigidity of the arm part 450a and the arm part 450b is not restricted to this, For example, you may make it integrate the arm part comprised by the different member by two-color molding etc. FIG.

  Further, the four sides around the diaphragm 410 are sealed with respect to the diaphragm holding member 420 so that there is no gap between the piezoelectric element 430 and the elastic member 450.

  In this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 430 is a stacked piezoelectric element in which generally known piezoelectric bodies and internal electrodes are alternately stacked. Furthermore, a d33 type stacked piezoelectric element that applies a voltage in the stacking direction of the piezoelectric body is employed. Accordingly, a larger amplitude (displacement) can be obtained in the stacking direction. That is, the diaphragm 410 can be greatly displaced in the vibration direction. In addition, there are various types of piezoelectric elements, and any piezoelectric element may be used as long as displacement occurs in the in-plane direction of the diaphragm, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

  In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the stacking direction (vibration direction) of the piezoelectric elements has the optical axis direction length substantially equal to the thickness of the diaphragm 410, and is perpendicular to the optical axis direction and perpendicular to the vibration direction. The length of each direction is long. As a result, the area of the piezoelectric body to be stacked is increased and a larger force is obtained, but the camera is prevented from being enlarged in the optical axis direction.

  FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for further explaining the components constituting the unit of the imaging unit 400 described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  Reference numeral 500 denotes an image sensor unit that includes at least the image sensor 33 and an image sensor holding member 510. Reference numeral 470 denotes a diaphragm unit, which includes at least a diaphragm 410, a diaphragm holding member 420, a piezoelectric element 430, a biasing member 440, an elastic member 450, and a regulating member 460.

  The restricting member 460 sandwiches the diaphragm 410 with the diaphragm holding member 420 at a predetermined interval in the photographing optical axis direction, thereby restricting the movement of the diaphragm 410 in the photographing optical axis direction. Yes. The restricting member 460 has an opening that restricts the opening of the vibration plate 410, and shields the imaging light flux that enters the area other than the opening. As a result, the photographing light flux is prevented from entering the imaging element from the outer peripheral portion of the vibration plate 410, and the occurrence of ghost due to the reflected light is prevented.

  Reference numeral 520 denotes a rubber bush having elasticity. The diaphragm unit 470 is locked to the imaging element unit 500 by sandwiching the rubber bush 520 with the arm portion 420b of the diaphragm holding member 420 and locking the imaging element holding member 510 with the step screw 530.

  Reference numeral 630 denotes a low-pass filter holding frame, and the periphery of the optical low-pass filter 610 is bonded and fixed. Two guide holes 630 a are formed in the low-pass filter holding frame 630, and are fitted and supported by guide shafts 510 a formed in the image sensor holding member 510.

  Reference numeral 640 denotes a coil spring that is inserted into the guide shaft 510 a and constantly urges the low-pass filter holding frame 630 in a direction in which the low-pass filter holding frame 630 is substantially in close contact with the diaphragm 410. Also, a plunger abutting portion 630b is formed on the lower side of the low-pass filter holding frame 630. As a result, the low filter holding frame 630 receives a driving force in the direction along the optical axis of the small plunger 620 and moves to a position away from the diaphragm 410 by a predetermined amount against the biasing force of the coil spring 640. .

  In FIG. 8, the rubber bush 520 has a support portion for supporting the step screw 530. Even when the piezoelectric element 430 is in a vibrating state, the vibration of the diaphragm holding unit 470 has a floating support structure due to the elasticity of the rubber bushing 520, so that it is difficult for the imaging element 33 to be transmitted.

  Next, in the present embodiment, an operation for removing foreign matters such as dust attached to the surface of the diaphragm 410 will be described.

  When the cleaning instruction operation member 44 is operated by the photographer, the camera body 1 is shifted to the cleaning mode state in response to an instruction to start the cleaning mode. In the present embodiment, the cleaning instruction operation member 44 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation member for instructing the transition to the cleaning mode is not limited to a mechanical button, and a cursor key or a key can be selected from a menu displayed on the color liquid crystal monitor 19. An instruction may be given using an instruction button or the like.

  The transition to the cleaning mode may be performed automatically during a normal camera sequence such as when the power is turned on, or may be performed on the basis of the number of times of shooting, the date, and the like.

  The power supply circuit 110 supplies power necessary for the cleaning mode to each part of the camera body 1 as necessary. In parallel with this, the remaining battery level of the power source 42 is detected, and the result is transmitted to the MPU 100.

  Upon receiving the cleaning mode start signal, the MPU 100 sends a drive signal to the optical member drive circuit 113. When the optical member drive circuit 113 receives a drive signal from the MPU 100, the optical member drive circuit 113 generates a voltage for driving the plunger 620 and applies it to the plunger 620. The plunger 620 operates in response to the applied voltage, contacts the plunger contact portion 630b of the optical low-pass filter holding member 630, and moves the optical low-pass filter holding member 630 away from the diaphragm 410 along the optical axis. Move to. As a result, the optical low-pass filter 610 moves from the normal position shown in FIG. 8 to a position where the vibration of the vibration plate 410 as shown in FIG. 9 is not hindered, and this state is maintained until the foreign substance removing operation is completed.

  When the movement of the optical low-pass filter holding member 630 away from the diaphragm 410 is completed, the MPU 100 sends a drive signal to the piezoelectric element drive circuit 111. When receiving the drive signal from the MPU 100, the piezoelectric element drive circuit 111 generates a periodic voltage for driving the piezoelectric element 430 and applies it to the piezoelectric element 430. The piezoelectric element 430 expands and contracts according to the applied voltage. When the piezoelectric element extends, the vibration plate 410 is pushed by the piezoelectric element 430 and moves in a direction (in-plane direction) orthogonal to the optical axis, and the biasing member 440 is contracted by the amount of movement. When the piezoelectric element 430 contracts, the vibration plate 410 is urged against the piezoelectric element 430 by the urging member 440, and therefore moves following the contraction movement of the piezoelectric element 430. When a periodic voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 430, the above movement repeats, and the diaphragm 410 follows the periodic expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element 430 and vibrates in an in-plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis. With the above operation, the foreign substance removing operation is completed.

  When the foreign matter removing operation is completed, the vibration of the vibration plate 410 is stopped, and then the voltage application to the plunger 620 is released, and the optical low-pass filter 610 is restored to the original by the urging force of the coil spring 640 as shown in FIG. Return to position. At the same time, the optical low-pass filter holding member 630 also returns to the original position where it substantially adheres to the diaphragm 410.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the optical low-pass filter 610 is substantially in close contact with the vibration plate 410 except when the operation of removing the foreign matter by vibrating the vibration plate 410 is performed. Therefore, when the quick return mirror 6 is raised, the mechanical focal plane shutter 32 is opened, and the surface of the diaphragm 410 is manually cleaned with a dedicated tool or a cotton swab, the optical low-pass filter 610 removes the diaphragm 410. It will be supported from behind. Thereby, when the diaphragm 410 is manually cleaned, the diaphragm 410 can be prevented from being damaged, and the diaphragm 410 can be manually cleaned efficiently.

  In the above-described embodiment, the vibration plate 410 may be an optically transparent optical member. A part of the optical low-pass filter 610 is separated, and for example, a birefringent crystal plate or an infrared cut filter is used as the vibration plate. Explained that it can also be used. By doing so, it is not necessary to separately provide the diaphragm 410, so that the cost of the camera can be reduced. In addition, since the optical low-pass filter 610 includes a plurality of optical members such as a birefringent crystal plate or an infrared cut filter, when the entire optical low-pass filter 610 is vibrated, the mass increases and the power consumption increases. On the other hand, by separating and vibrating a part of the optical low-pass filter 610 as described above, the mass of the vibrating part can be reduced, and power saving can be achieved.

(Other embodiments)
The object of each embodiment is also achieved by the following method. That is, a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus. Then, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but the present invention includes the following cases. That is, based on the instruction of the program code, an operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, the following cases are also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the procedure described above.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the single-lens reflex digital camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention from the front. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the single-lens reflex digital camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention from the back side. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of the single-lens reflex digital camera of one Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows schematic structure inside a camera for showing a diaphragm, a low-pass filter, and the holding structure around an image sensor. It is a front view which shows a part of structural member of a diaphragm holding unit. It is component detailed drawing of an elastic member. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the components which comprise an imaging unit. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5, illustrating a close contact state between the diaphragm and the low-pass filter. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 5, and is a figure which shows the state which the diaphragm and the low-pass filter left | separated.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera body 2 Mount part 4 Lens lock release button 5 Mirror box 6 Quick return mirror 7 Shutter button 8 Main operation dial 9 LCD display panel 10 Operation mode setting button 11 Strobe unit 12 Shoe groove 13 Strobe contact 14 Shooting mode setting dial 15 External Terminal cover 16 Video signal output jack 17 USB output connector 18 Finder eyepiece window 19 Color liquid crystal monitor 20 Sub operation dial 21 Mount contact 32 Mechanical focal plane shutter 33 Image sensor 300 Main body chassis 400 Imaging unit 410 Vibration plate 420 Vibration plate holding Member 421 Piezoelectric element storage portion 422 Biasing member storage portion 430 Piezoelectric element 440 Biasing member 450 Elastic member 460 Restriction member 500 Imaging element holding unit 5 0 imaging element holding member 520 rubber bushing 530 stage bis 610 optical low-pass filter 620 the plunger 630 a low-pass filter holding frame 640 spring

Claims (5)

An image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image;
A light-transmitting first optical member disposed on a side closer to the subject of the imaging device;
Vibration means for vibrating the first optical member;
A light transmissive second optical member disposed between the imaging element and the first optical member;
Driving means for moving the second optical member in a direction along the optical axis of the imaging element;
While the first optical member is vibrated by the vibration means, the second optical member is moved to a position away from the first optical member, and the first optical member is moved to the vibration means. Control means for controlling the drive means so as to move the second optical member to a position that is substantially in close contact with the first optical member, except during the period of vibration by
An imaging apparatus comprising:   2. The imaging according to claim 1, wherein each of the first optical member and the second optical member constitutes a part of an optical low-pass filter disposed on a side closer to a subject of the imaging element. apparatus. An image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image, a light-transmitting first optical member that is disposed on a side close to the subject of the image sensor, a vibration unit that vibrates the first optical member, and the imaging A light transmissive second optical member disposed between an element and the first optical member; and a driving means for moving the second optical member in a direction along the optical axis of the imaging element. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising:
While the first optical member is vibrated by the vibration means, the second optical member is moved to a position away from the first optical member, and the first optical member is moved to the vibration means. And a control step for controlling the driving means so as to move the second optical member to a position where it is substantially in close contact with the first optical member, except during the time of being vibrated by Control method of the device.   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 3.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 4.

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