JP2010041659A - Optical component and optical apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide optical components favorably removing dust or the like. <P>SOLUTION: An optical component includes: a light permeable member 22 having a first side and a second side which is disposed in the direction intersecting with the first side, through which light can permeate; a vibration member 20 which is provided with the light permeable member and vibrates the same; and a driving section that drives the vibration member so that a vibration node in parallel to the first side and the vibration node in parallel to the second side are generated in the light permeable member. The vibration member is provided in a portion where no vibration node is generated which is parallel to the first and the second sides of the light permeable member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical component and an optical apparatus.

In an interchangeable lens digital camera or the like, there is a problem that dust adheres to optical components around the image sensor and the dust is reflected in the captured image. In order to solve such a problem, an optical component that removes dust by providing a glass plate for sealing an imaging element, an optical low-pass filter, and the like, and attaching a piezoelectric element to the glass plate to vibrate has been developed. (Refer to patent document 1 etc.).
JP 2002-204379 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide an optical component that can satisfactorily remove dust and the like, and an optical apparatus having such an optical component.

In order to solve the above problems, the optical component according to the present invention is:
A light transmissive member (22) having a first side (22d) and a second side (22e) provided in a direction intersecting the first side, and capable of transmitting light;
A vibration member (20) that is provided in the light transmissive member and vibrates the light transmissive member;
A drive unit that drives the vibration member so that a vibration node (84) parallel to the first side and a vibration node (86) parallel to the second side are generated in the light transmissive member. 56)
The vibration member is provided in a portion where a vibration node parallel to the first side and a vibration node parallel to the second side of the light transmissive member are not generated.

  Further, for example, the vibration member is closer to the edge of the light transmissive member than a vibration node parallel to the first side of the light transmissive member and a vibration node parallel to the second side. It may be provided.

An optical component according to the second aspect of the present invention is
A light transmissive member having a first side and a second side provided in a direction intersecting the first side and capable of transmitting light;
A sealing member (18) that is provided on a surface substantially parallel to the first side and the second side of the light transmissive member and seals at least a part of the light transmissive member;
The edge of the light transmissive member relative to the sealing member in a direction substantially parallel to the first side, and the light transmissive member relative to the sealing member in a direction substantially parallel to the second side. And a vibration member that is provided on the edge side and vibrates the light transmissive member.

An optical component according to the third aspect of the present invention is
A light transmissive member having a first side and a second side provided in a direction intersecting the first side and capable of transmitting light;
A support member (17d) provided on a surface substantially parallel to the first side and the second side of the light transmissive member, and supporting the light transmissive member;
In the direction substantially parallel to the first side, closer to the edge of the light transmissive member than the support member, and in the direction substantially parallel to the second side, closer to the edge side of the light transmissive member than the support member. And a vibrating member that vibrates the light transmissive member.

  Further, for example, in the optical component according to the present invention, the light transmissive member may be a rectangle, and the vibration member may be provided near a corner of the light transmissive member.

  Further, for example, a plurality of the vibrating members may be provided and provided in the vicinity of each corner of the light transmissive member.

  For example, the vibrating member may apply a force in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first side and the second side to the light transmissive member.

  For example, the optical component according to the present invention may have a drive circuit for driving the vibration member.

  An optical apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the optical components described above.

  Moreover, the optical apparatus which concerns on this invention may have the image pick-up element (12) provided facing the said light transmissive member.

  In the above description, in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, the description is made in association with the reference numerals of the drawings showing the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration of the embodiment described later may be improved as appropriate, or at least a part of the configuration may be replaced with another component. Further, the configuration requirements that are not particularly limited with respect to the arrangement are not limited to the arrangement disclosed in the embodiment, and can be arranged at a position where the function can be achieved.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the periphery of the imaging unit shown in FIG.
3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of the imaging unit shown in FIG.
4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the imaging unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of a vibration member attached to a dustproof filter.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a node of vibration generated in the dust filter,
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bending vibration mode.
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging unit provided in a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the vibration member,
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a dustproof filter 22 according to another embodiment.
First embodiment

  First, the overall configuration of the camera 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The camera 2 includes a camera body 40 and a lens barrel 42 attached to the camera body 40. The lens barrel 42 is detachably attached to the camera body 40. In addition, there is a camera in which the lens barrel 42 and the camera body 40 are integrated, such as a compact camera, and the type of camera including the dustproof filter according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited.

  Inside the camera body 40, an imaging unit 10 having an imaging element 12, an optical filter group 14, and the like is provided. The imaging unit 10 is arranged such that the imaging element 12 and the optical filter group 14 intersect substantially perpendicularly with respect to the lens optical axis α of the optical lens group 48. The imaging unit 10 will be described later.

  In the camera 2, the direction from the image sensor 12 toward the optical lens group 48 is defined as the front in the lens optical axis α direction, and the direction from the optical lens group 48 toward the image sensor 12 is defined as the rear in the lens optical axis α direction. Do.

  Inside the camera body 40, a shutter member 44 is disposed in front of the imaging unit 10 in the direction of the lens optical axis α. A mirror 46 is disposed in front of the shutter member 44 in the direction of the lens optical axis α, and in front of the lens optical axis α direction, a diaphragm 47 and an optical lens group 48 incorporated in the lens barrel 42. Is arranged.

  The camera body 40 includes a body CPU 50. The body CPU 50 is connected to the lens CPU 58 via the lens contact 54. The lens contact 54 couples the camera body 40 and the lens barrel 42 and electrically connects the body CPU 50 and the lens CPU 58. The body CPU 50 is connected to a power source 52 built in the camera body 40. The power source 52 supplies power to the body CPU 50 and the like.

  The body CPU 50 is connected to a release switch 51, a strobe 53, a gyro sensor 70, a display unit 55, an EEPROM (memory) 60, a dust filter driving circuit 56, a vibration mode selection circuit 80, an image processing controller 59, an AF sensor 72, and the like. It is. The image processing controller 59 is connected to the image pickup device 12 (see FIG. 2) of the image pickup unit 10 via the interface circuit 57, and can control image processing of an image picked up by the image pickup device 12. Yes. As the imaging device 12, for example, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or a CMOS is used.

  The body CPU 50 has a communication function with the lens barrel 42 and a control function of the camera body 40. For example, the body CPU 50 communicates whether or not the lens barrel 42 is completely mounted, and calculates the target position from the focal length, distance information, etc. input from the lens CPU 58. When a half-press signal indicating that the release switch 51 is half-pressed is input, the body CPU 50 outputs a signal for performing a shooting preparation operation such as AE or AF to the lens CPU 58. Further, when a full-press signal indicating that the release switch 51 is fully pressed is input, the body CPU 50 outputs a signal for performing mirror driving, shutter driving, diaphragm driving, and the like.

  The display unit 55 is mainly composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays output results and menus.

  The release switch 51 is a switch for operating the shutter drive timing, and outputs a signal relating to the state of the switch such as half-pressing or full-pressing to the body CPU 50. The camera 2 performs AF, AE, and the like when the release switch 51 is half-pressed, and performs a shooting operation such as mirror up and shutter drive when the release switch 51 is fully pressed.

  The mirror 46 is for projecting an image on a finder used for determining composition, and retracts from the optical path during exposure. Information on the release switch 51 is input from the body CPU 50, and the mirror is raised when fully pressed and the mirror is lowered after the exposure is completed. The mirror 46 is driven by a mirror driving unit (not shown) (for example, a DC motor). A sub mirror 46 a is connected to the mirror 46.

  The sub mirror 46 a is a mirror for sending light to the AF sensor 72, reflects the light beam that has passed through the mirror 46, and guides it to the AF sensor 72. Similarly to the main mirror 46, the sub mirror 46a is also retracted from the optical path during exposure.

  The shutter member 44 is a mechanism that controls the exposure time. Information on the release switch 51 is input from the body CPU 50, and the shutter is driven when fully pressed. The shutter member 44 is driven by a shutter driving unit (not shown) (for example, a DC motor). The AF sensor 72 is a sensor for performing autofocus (AF). As the AF sensor 72, a normal CCD is used.

  The dust filter driving circuit 56 is electrically connected to the vibration member 20 (FIG. 2) provided in the dust filter 22. The dustproof filter drive circuit 56 drives the vibration member 20 under the control of the body CPU 50 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The dust filter driving circuit 56 drives the vibration member 20 to generate vibrations in the dust filter 22 as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, and the dust adhered to the surface of the dust filter 22. Dust removal operation is performed to remove the dust.

  Note that a capturing means for capturing dust away from the surface of the dustproof filter 22 due to vibration generated by the vibration member 20 is disposed around the dustproof filter 22 in the imaging unit 10 shown in FIG. good. As the capturing means, for example, one having an adhesive tape or the like can be used.

  In order to drive the vibration member 20, the frequency of the drive signal output from the dust filter drive circuit 56 to the vibration member 20 causes the dust filter 22 to resonate in order to cause the dust filter 22 to generate vibration having an amplitude as large as possible. A resonance frequency is preferable. The resonance frequency is determined by the shape, material, support method, vibration mode, and the like of the dust filter 22.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vibration mode selection circuit 80 is connected to the dustproof filter drive circuit 56. In response to an instruction from the body CPU 50, the vibration mode selection circuit 80 determines the drive signal output by the dustproof filter drive circuit 56, its frequency, and the like. The dustproof filter drive circuit 56 outputs a drive signal to the vibration member 20 based on the determination of the vibration mode selection circuit 80.

  Thus, the vibration mode selection circuit 80 has a function of determining and changing the drive signal output from the dust filter drive circuit 56 and its frequency. Further, by changing the drive signal output to the vibration member 20 by the dustproof filter drive circuit 56, the vibration direction of the bending vibration generated in the dustproof filter 22 and the order of the bending vibration can be changed. The bending vibration generated in the dust filter 22 will be described later.

  A lens barrel 42 shown in FIG. 1 includes a focal length encoder 66, a distance encoder 64, a diaphragm 47, a stepping motor (STM) 68 that controls the diaphragm 47, a lens CPU 58, a lens contact 54 with the body, and One or a plurality of optical lens groups 48 are provided. The lens contact 54 includes a contact for supplying lens driving system power from the camera body 40, a contact for a CPU power source for driving the lens CPU 58, and a contact for digital communication. Drive system power and CPU power are supplied from a power source 52 of the camera body 40.

  The focal length encoder 66 of the lens barrel 42 outputs position information of the zoom lens group that is one component of the lens group 48 to the lens CPU 58. The distance encoder 64 outputs the position information of the focusing lens group, which is one component of the optical lens group 48, to the lens CPU 58.

  The lens CPU 58 has a communication function with the camera body 40 and a control function of the optical lens group 48. The lens CPU 58 outputs the focal length, the subject distance, and the like to the body CPU 50 via the lens contact 54. Also, release information and AF information are input to the lens CPU from the body CPU 50 via the lens contact 54.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the imaging unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes a substrate 16, an imaging element 12, and an optical filter group 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the optical filter group 14 includes an optical member element 30 including a plurality of optical filters, and a dust filter 22.

  The imaging element 12 is fixed to the front surface of the central portion of the substrate 16 in the imaging unit 10 (the surface on the front side in the lens optical axis α direction). A case 17 is disposed around the imaging element 12 and is fixed to the surface of the substrate 16 so as to be detachable or non-detachable.

  In the present embodiment, the dust filter 22 shown in FIG. 3 is a birefringent plate that separates incident light rays in two directions. The optical member element 30 disposed between the dust filter 22 and the image sensor 12 has a laminated structure of a plurality of optical plates, and includes a second birefringent plate 28, an infrared absorbing glass plate 26, and a quartz wavelength plate. (Λ / 4 wavelength plate) 24 and a laminated plate.

  The second birefringent plate 28 of the optical member element 30 is also a birefringent plate that separates incident light rays in two directions. However, the direction in which the second birefringent plate 28 separates the light beam is configured to be substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the dustproof filter 22 separates the light beam. In other words, in the present embodiment, an optical low-pass filter (OLPF) is basically configured by the two birefringent plates formed from the dustproof filter 22 and the second birefringent plate 28.

  The dustproof filter 22 shown in FIG. 5 also serves as a cover member that seals the space in which the optical member element 30 and the image sensor 12 are disposed and prevents dust from adhering to the optical member element 30 and the image sensor 12. ing. For this reason, since the imaging unit 10 according to the present embodiment seals the imaging element 12 and the like without adding other components (for example, a glass plate or the like) other than the optical low-pass filter, the number of components can be suppressed, It has a small and simple structure.

  Of the optical plates constituting the optical member element 30, the quartz wavelength plate 24 is an optical plate capable of changing linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, and the infrared absorbing plate 26 has a function of absorbing infrared rays. The optical low-pass filter may be in the form of the present embodiment in which the infrared absorbing plate 26 and the quartz wavelength plate 24 are laminated between the two birefringent plates 22 and 28, but the optical low-pass filter according to the present invention. The filter group 14 is not limited to this.

  A case 17 shown in FIG. 4 is made of, for example, an insulator such as synthetic resin or ceramic, and has an inner peripheral side mounting portion 17a and an outer peripheral side mounting portion on the front surface (the front surface of the lens optical axis α). 17b is formed in a step shape. The outer periphery of the optical member element 30 having optical transparency is attached to the inner peripheral side attaching portion 17a of the case 17. As a result, the periphery of the image sensor 12 is sealed by the substrate 16, the case 17, and the optical member element 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a dustproof filter 22 is disposed on the outer peripheral side mounting portion 17 b of the case 17 via an airtight seal member 18. The dust filter 22 is pressed against the hermetic seal member 18 by the pressurizing member 19. In the present embodiment, a metal plate is used as the pressure member 19. The pressurizing member 19 urges the dustproof filter 22 in the direction of the hermetic seal member 18 by an elastic force resulting from the deformation of the pressurizing member 19.

  The sealing surface 22b which is the surface on the rear side (the rear side in the direction of the lens optical axis α) in the dustproof filter 22 is configured so that the hermetic seal member 18 is interposed between the sealing surface 22b and the outer peripheral side mounting portion 17b of the case 17. It is held in a sandwiched state. Since the dustproof filter 22 is held in a state where the airtight seal member 18 is sandwiched between the dustproof filter 22 and the case 17, the space where the optical member element 30 and the image sensor 12 are disposed is the dustproof filter 22, The case 17 and the substrate 16 are sealed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the filter front surface 22a, which is the front surface (front side in the lens optical axis α direction) of the dustproof filter 22, is a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of horizontal sides 22d and a pair of vertical sides 22e. have. As shown in FIG. 3, a part of the pressure member 19 is in contact with the filter front surface 22a. The pressurizing member 19 presses the dustproof filter 22 against the seal member.

  Both ends of the pressure member 19 in the present embodiment are detachably screwed to the outer peripheral side mounting portion 17b of the case 17, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, the rectangular dustproof filter 22 has a dustproof filter 22 by a positioning pin 17c formed on the front surface of the case 17 (front surface in the lens optical axis α direction). The positioning in the direction along the horizontal side 22d is made.

  3 and 4 is made of a material having low rigidity such as foamed resin or rubber. The hermetic seal member 18 can absorb bending vibrations of a dustproof filter 22 described later and can prevent the bending vibrations from being transmitted to the case 17 while ensuring airtightness.

  A vibration member 20 is attached to the dust filter 22. In the imaging unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the vibration member 20 is provided in the vicinity of the corner of the dustproof filter 22 as shown in FIG. As shown in the enlarged sectional view 5, the vibrating member 20 according to the present embodiment is configured by laminating a plurality of piezoelectric elements 34 that produce a piezoelectric effect.

  Each laminated piezoelectric element 34 is provided with an electrode for applying an electrical signal to the piezoelectric element 34 (not shown). The piezoelectric element 34 shown in FIG. 5 is applied with a voltage such as a periodic rectangular wave or a sine wave via electrodes (not shown) provided on both sides of the piezoelectric element 34. Each piezoelectric element 34 can perform a periodic expansion and contraction motion with displacement in a direction along the lens optical axis α in accordance with the applied voltage. The piezoelectric element 34 can be made of piezoelectric ceramics including PZT or the like, but is not particularly limited.

  The vibration member 20 has a bolt 32 and a nut 33 as a fixing member in addition to the piezoelectric element 34. The piezoelectric element 34 is formed with a hole through which the body of the bolt 32 passes. Further, an attachment hole 22 c for penetrating the body portion of the bolt 32 is also formed near the corner of the dustproof filter 22.

  The bolt 32 is fixed to the dust-proof filter 22 by screwing a nut 33 into a screw portion formed at the tip of the bolt 32 in a state where the bolt 32 passes through the mounting hole 22 c of the piezoelectric element 34 and the dust-proof filter 22. As described above, the piezoelectric element 34 is fixed to the dustproof filter 22 by the bolt 32 and the nut 33. An elastic member 35 may be sandwiched between the bolt 32, the piezoelectric element 34, the dust filter 22 and the nut 33.

  The vibrating member 20 shown in FIG. 5A can vibrate the dustproof filter 22 by the inertial force generated when the piezoelectric element 34 is deformed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the piezoelectric element 34 is displaced in the direction extending in the direction of the lens optical axis α (the direction indicated by the arrow 36), the center of gravity of the vibration member 20 is applied to the dustproof filter 22. In contrast, the lens moves forward in the direction of the lens optical axis α. Therefore, an inertial force that deforms the dustproof filter 22 toward the rear side in the direction of the lens optical axis α acts on the dustproof filter 22.

  On the other hand, when the piezoelectric element 34 is displaced in the direction of contraction along the lens optical axis α direction, the inertia that causes the dust filter 22 to deform toward the front side of the optical axis α with respect to the dust filter 22. Power works. Thus, the vibration member 20 can generate bending vibration in the dustproof filter 22 as described later by exerting an inertial force on the dustproof filter 22.

  In addition, although the vibration member 20 shown to Fig.5 (a) is being fixed to the dustproof filter 22 with the volt | bolt 32 and the nut 33, the fixing method of the vibration member 20 is not limited to this. For example, the piezoelectric elements 34 stacked via electrodes may be fixed to the surface of the dust filter 22 with an adhesive or the like.

  Since the vibration member 20 having the stacked piezoelectric elements 34 can be displaced more than in the case of a single layer, the dust filter 22 can be vibrated greatly. Moreover, the vibration member 20 can be reduced in size by making the vibration member 20 have a structure in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements 34 are stacked.

  The vibration member 20 is preferably disposed at a position where the dustproof filter 22 or the imaging unit 10 including the dustproof filter 22 can be reduced in size. For example, when at least one of the horizontal side 22d and the vertical side 22e of the dust filter 22 is A1, the vibration member 20 is preferably provided on the edge side from the edge of the optical filter member to A1 / 4. More preferably, it is preferably provided on the edge side of A1 / 5 from the edge of the dustproof filter 22.

  In addition, the fixing position of the vibration member 20 is preferably a position where the dustproof filter 22 can generate vibrations efficiently. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the vibration member 20 can be provided on the edge side of the dust-proof filter 22 relative to the airtight seal member 18 in the direction along the vertical side 22 e. Further, also in the direction of the horizontal side 22 d, the vibration member 20 can be provided on the edge side of the dust-proof filter 22 relative to the airtight seal member 18.

  When the dust-proof filter 22 is vibrated, the contact portion between the hermetic seal member 18 and the dust-proof filter 22 may be a part that does not easily generate a large amplitude. However, by providing the vibration member 20 on the edge side of the dust-proof filter 22 relative to the hermetic seal member 18, it is easy to generate a large amplitude in the dust-proof filter 22. Further, by disposing the vibration member 20 in the vicinity of the corner of the dust filter 22, both vertical bending vibration and lateral bending vibration described later can be efficiently generated in the dust filter 22. Furthermore, since the vibration member 20 is provided closer to the edge of the dustproof filter 22 than the airtight seal member 18, the space sealed by the dustproof filter 22, the airtight seal member 18 and the like can be reduced. Can be Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the vibration member 20 is disposed in the vicinity of the corner of the dust filter 22, and therefore, restrictions on the arrangement of the pressurizing member 19, the outer peripheral mounting portion 17 b, etc., in portions other than the corner of the dust filter. And the imaging unit 10 can be downsized.

  The vibration member 20 according to the present embodiment is driven by a dustproof filter drive circuit 56 shown in FIG. In the dust removal operation, the vibration member 20 is driven by the dust filter driving circuit 56, and the inertial force is transmitted from the vibration member 20 to the dust filter 22, whereby the dust filter 22 is vibrated. When the inertial force exerted on the dust through the surface of the dustproof filter 22 exceeds the adhesion force of the dust during vibration, the dust is separated from the surface of the dustproof filter 22 and removed.

  The vibration member 20 according to the present embodiment is preferably driven at a frequency that causes the dustproof filter 22 to resonate in order to obtain as large an amplitude as possible with a low voltage. The frequency at which the dust filter 22 can resonate is determined by, for example, the shape, material, support method, vibration mode, and the like of the dust filter 22.

  In addition, the vibration member 20 can vibrate the dust filter 22 so that a vibration node is generated in the dust filter 22. Further, the vibration member 20 can cause the dustproof filter 22 to generate a plurality of bending vibrations having different numbers or directions of vibration nodes by changing the frequency of the voltage signal applied to the piezoelectric element 34.

  FIG. 6A is a plan view of the dustproof filter 22 provided in the imaging apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, and represents the positions of vibration nodes 84 and 86 generated in the dustproof filter 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the vibration member 20 has a horizontal bending vibration (FIG. 6B) in which a first vibration node 84 parallel to the horizontal side 22 d of the dust filter 22 is generated, and a parallel to the vertical side 22 e. The vertical bending vibration (FIG. 6C) generated by the second vibration node 86 can be generated in the dust filter 22.

  FIG. 6A shows a seventh-order lateral bending vibration in which eight nodes 84 of the first vibration are generated in the dust filter 22 and a seventh-order vertical vibration in which eight nodes 86 of the second vibration are generated in the dust filter 22. The positions of the vibration nodes 84 and 86 in the bending vibration mode are represented by broken lines.

  The vibration member 20 is arranged at an appropriate position according to the order of the bending vibration to be generated, etc., but is parallel to the first vibration node 84 parallel to the horizontal side 22d of the dust filter 22 and the vertical side 22e. It is preferable that the second vibration node 86 is provided in a portion where no vibration occurs.

  By disposing the vibration member 20 while avoiding the vibration nodes 84 and 86 that are portions where no displacement occurs during vibration, the dustproof filter 22 can be vibrated efficiently. Further, since the surface of the dustproof filter 22 is displaced in the opposite direction across the vibration nodes 84 and 86, if the vibration member 20 is disposed across the vibration nodes 84 and 86, the vibration of the dustproof filter 22 may be hindered. is there. However, if the vibration member 20 is disposed in a portion where the vibration nodes 84 and 86 are not generated, the vibration member 20 can vibrate relatively easily following the deformation of the surface of the dust filter 22, so that the dust filter 22 can be efficiently used. Can be vibrated.

  The vibration member 20 is provided on the edge side of the dust filter 22 with respect to the first vibration node 84 parallel to the horizontal side 22d of the dust filter 22 and the second vibration node 86 parallel to the vertical side 22e. ing. In other words, the vibration member 20 is disposed at a position closer to the horizontal side 22d than the first vibration node 84 and closer to the vertical side 22e than the second vibration node 86.

  The vibration member 20 is disposed closer to the horizontal side 22d than the first vibration node 84 and closer to the vertical side e than the second vibration node 86, thereby preventing the dust due to the vibration member 20 being attached. The area expansion of the filter 22 can be suppressed. This is because it is only necessary to avoid the vicinity of the corners of the dustproof filter 22 on which the vibration member 20 is disposed and transmit the photographing light.

  The mode of bending vibration (number of vibration nodes, direction of vibration nodes, etc.) that can be generated by the vibration member 20 is designed according to the magnitude of vibration required for the dust removal operation of the dustproof filter 22. Is done. The dustproof filter 22 may be designed to generate vertical bending vibration and horizontal bending vibration separately, and vertical and horizontal bending vibrations in which the first vibration node 84 and the second vibration node 86 are generated simultaneously. May be designed to give rise to

  As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the vibration member 20 may cause the dustproof filter 22 to generate a plurality of bending vibrations having different numbers of vibration nodes. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dustproof filter 22 in which 6th-order or 7th-order longitudinal bending vibration has occurred, observed from the side 22d side. The dustproof filter 22 in which lateral bending vibration has occurred is shown in FIG. This is the same when observed from the side.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the vibration member 20 and the dustproof filter 22 are designed so that the dustproof filter 22 can generate sixth-order vertical bending vibration and seventh-order vertical bending vibration. In the camera according to the present embodiment, when bending vibration is generated in the dust filter 22, a signal designating the sixth longitudinal bending vibration mode is sent from the vibration mode selection circuit 80 shown in FIG. 1 to the dust filter driving circuit 56. . The dustproof filter drive circuit 56 outputs a drive signal having a frequency corresponding to the sixth longitudinal bending vibration mode to the vibration member 20 in accordance with the signal from the vibration mode selection circuit 80. As a result, the vibration member 20 can cause the dustproof filter 22 to generate sixth longitudinal bending vibration.

  In the sixth-order vertical bending vibration, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, seven second vibration nodes 86 parallel to the vertical side 22e of the dust filter 22 are generated. In the sixth longitudinal bending vibration, the dustproof filter 22 vibrates so as to alternately repeat the state shown in FIG. 7A and the state shown in FIG. While the sixth longitudinal bending vibration is generated in the dust filter 22, the position of the second vibration node 86 does not change.

  When changing the vibration mode, a signal is sent from the vibration mode selection circuit 80 shown in FIG. That is, the vibration mode selection circuit 80 sends a signal designating the seventh longitudinal bending vibration to the dustproof filter driving circuit 56. The dustproof filter driving circuit 56 outputs a driving signal having a frequency corresponding to the seventh bending vibration mode to the vibrating member 20. For example, the vibration member 20 can cause the dustproof filter 22 to generate seventh-order longitudinal bending vibration by being driven by a drive signal having a frequency higher than that at the time of sixth-order longitudinal bending vibration.

  In the seventh-order longitudinal bending vibration, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, eight second vibration nodes 86 parallel to the vertical side 22e of the dust filter 22 are generated. In the seventh-order vertical bending vibration, the dustproof filter 22 vibrates so as to alternately repeat the state shown in FIG. 7C and the state shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the positions of the vibration nodes 84 and 86 generated in the dust filter 22 can be changed by changing the vibration mode. As a result, in a certain vibration mode, dust or the like remaining on the surface of the dust filter 22 without being blown off at the position of the vibration nodes 84 and 86 is replaced with the position of the vibration nodes 84 and 86 in the other vibration modes. Changes, so that it is blown away by the acceleration of vibration. As a result, dust can be removed over the entire outer surface of the dust filter 22.

In the dustproof filter 22 mounted on the camera according to the present embodiment, the vibration member 20 formed by laminating the piezoelectric elements 34 is disposed in the vicinity of the side or corner of the dustproof filter 22. For this reason, the vibration member 20 can vibrate the dustproof filter 22 efficiently. In addition, the vibration member 20 is configured to prevent both horizontal bending vibration having a first vibration node 84 parallel to the horizontal side 22d and vertical bending vibration having a second vibration node 86 parallel to the vertical side 22e. It can be generated in the filter 22. Therefore, by switching the vertical bending vibration and the horizontal bending vibration, or simultaneously generating them in the dustproof filter 22, the dust removal operation can be performed while the positions of the vibration nodes 84 and 86 are changed.
Second embodiment

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 90 provided in the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the camera according to the first embodiment except that the structure of the imaging unit 90 is different. The imaging unit 90 according to the second embodiment is the same as the imaging unit 10 according to the first embodiment except that the support structure of the dust filter 22 and the mounting direction of the vibration member 20 to the dust filter 22 are different. .

  Similar to the first embodiment, a case 17 is arranged around the image pickup device 12 according to the second embodiment. The case 17 has an inner peripheral side mounting portion 17a, an outer peripheral side mounting portion 17b, and a dustproof filter support portion 17d formed in steps. The outer periphery of the optical member element 30 is attached to the inner periphery side attachment portion 17 a of the case 17. The periphery of the image sensor 12 is sealed by the substrate 16, the case 17, and the optical member element 30 in the same manner as the imaging unit 10 according to the first embodiment.

  In the imaging unit 90 according to the second embodiment, the dust filter 22 is pressed toward the dust filter support portion 17d of the case 17 by the pressure member 94 having one end fixed to the housing of the camera body. It has been. That is, in the imaging unit 90 according to the second embodiment, the dust filter 22 is supported by being sandwiched between the pressure member 94 and the dust filter support portion 17 d of the case 17.

  An airtight seal member 18 is disposed between the outer peripheral side mounting portion 17 b formed on the inner peripheral side of the dustproof filter support portion 17 d and the dustproof filter 22. Since the dustproof filter 22 is held in a state where the airtight seal member 18 is sandwiched between the dustproof filter 22 and the case 17, the space where the optical member element 30 and the image sensor 12 are disposed is the dustproof filter 22, The case 17 and the substrate 16 are sealed.

  A vibration member 20 is attached to the dust filter 22. The vibration member 20 according to this embodiment is fixed to the dust filter 22 so that the piezoelectric element 34 is disposed on the sealing surface 22b side of the dust filter 22. Further, the vibration member 20 can be provided on the edge side of the dustproof filter 22 with respect to the direction along the vertical side 22e of the dustproof filter 22 rather than the dustproof filter support portion 17d. The vibration member 20 can also be provided on the edge side of the dustproof filter 22 with respect to the dustproof filter support portion 17d in the horizontal side 22d direction perpendicular to the vertical side 22e direction.

  When the dustproof filter 22 is vibrated, the contact portion between the dustproof filter support portion 17d and the dustproof filter 22 may be a portion that does not easily generate a large amplitude. However, by providing the vibration member 20 on the edge side of the dustproof filter 22 with respect to the dustproof filter support portion 17d, it is easy to generate a large amplitude in the dustproof filter 22. Furthermore, since the vibration member 20 is provided closer to the edge of the dust filter 22 than the dust filter support 17d, the space sealed by the dust filter 22 and the airtight seal member 18 can be reduced. It can be downsized.

In the vibration member 20 according to this embodiment, since the piezoelectric element 34 is disposed on the sealing surface 22b side of the dust filter 22, the imaging unit 90 can be downsized. In the illustrated embodiment, since the piezoelectric element 34 is provided on the sealing surface 22b side of the dustproof filter 22, the piezoelectric element 34 can be provided even if the imaging unit 90 and the parts such as the shutter 44 that are driving parts are brought close to each other. Does not cause problems such as hindering the driving of the shutter 44. For this reason, the space | interval of the imaging part 90 and the shutter 44 can be made small, and size reduction can be achieved by that much. The imaging unit 90 according to the second embodiment is the same as the imaging unit 10 according to the first embodiment except that the support structure of the dust filter 22 and the mounting direction of the vibration member 20 to the dust filter 22 are different. This has the same effect as the imaging unit 10 according to the first embodiment.
Other embodiments

  The vibration member 20 provided in the imaging units 10 and 90 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment includes a piezoelectric element 34 having electrodes, a bolt 32, a nut 33, an elastic member 35, and the like. (FIG. 5) is not limited to this as the configuration of the vibration member 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the vibration member 96 attached to the dustproof filter 22 may have a weight 97 for adjusting the inertial force generated when the piezoelectric element 34 is displaced. Since the vibration member 20 includes the weight 97 having an appropriate weight, the amplitude of the bending vibration generated in the dustproof filter 22 can be increased.

  Furthermore, the dustproof filter 22 has a plurality of vibration members 20, 96, 98, and may be provided in the vicinity of each corner of the dustproof filter 22. By generating vibration in the dustproof filter 22 by the plurality of vibration members 20, 96, 98, it is possible to generate bending vibration with a large amplitude by the dustproof filter 22.

  In addition, the dustproof filter 22 of the imaging unit according to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 includes a region 800 facing the imaging element 12 and four corners 801, 802, 803, and 804. Two vibrating members 961 and 962 are provided in the vicinity of the corners 801 and 803 provided on the diagonal line of the dust filter 22.

  In the illustrated embodiment, since the two vibrating members 961 and 962 are provided in the vicinity of the diagonal corners 801 and 803, the lateral sides 22d can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the driving modes of the vibrating members 961 and 962. It is possible to easily generate a vibration in which a first vibration node parallel to the first vibration node is generated and a vibration in which a second vibration node parallel to the vertical side 22e is generated. For example, it is possible to adjust the drive mode such that the two vibrating members 961 and 962 vibrate in the in-phase mode, vibrate in the opposite phase modes, and adjust the phase difference between them.

FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the periphery of the imaging unit shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the imaging unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of the imaging unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the vibration member attached to the dustproof filter. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a node of vibration generated in the dustproof filter. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the bending vibration mode. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging unit provided in a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a first modification of the vibration member. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a dustproof filter 22 according to another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

4 ... Image sensor unit 12 ... Image sensor 22 ... Dust-proof filter 22d ... Horizontal side 22e ... Vertical side 20 ... Vibration member 34 ... Piezo element 37 ... Second piezoelectric body 50 ... Body CPU
56 ... Dust-proof filter drive circuit 80 ... Vibration mode selection circuit 84, 86 ... Vibration node

Claims (10)

A light transmissive member having a first side and a second side provided in a direction intersecting the first side and capable of transmitting light;
A vibration member that is provided in the light transmissive member and vibrates the light transmissive member;
A drive section for driving the vibration member so that a vibration node parallel to the first side and a vibration node parallel to the second side are generated in the light transmissive member;
The vibration member is an optical component provided in a portion where a vibration node parallel to the first side of the light transmissive member and a vibration node parallel to the second side are not generated. A dustproof device according to claim 1,
The vibrating member is provided closer to the edge of the light transmissive member than a vibration node parallel to the first side of the light transmissive member and a vibration node parallel to the second side. Optical component. A light transmissive member having a first side and a second side provided in a direction intersecting the first side and capable of transmitting light;
A sealing member provided on a surface substantially parallel to the first side and the second side of the light transmissive member, and sealing at least a part of the light transmissive member;
The edge of the light transmissive member relative to the sealing member in a direction substantially parallel to the first side, and the light transmissive member relative to the sealing member in a direction substantially parallel to the second side. An optical component comprising a vibrating member provided on the edge side and configured to vibrate the light transmissive member. A light transmissive member having a first side and a second side provided in a direction intersecting the first side and capable of transmitting light;
A support member provided on a surface substantially parallel to the first side and the second side of the light transmissive member, and supporting the light transmissive member;
In the direction substantially parallel to the first side, closer to the edge of the light transmissive member than the support member, and in the direction substantially parallel to the second side, closer to the edge side of the light transmissive member than the support member. An optical component comprising: a vibration member provided to vibrate the light transmissive member. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light transmissive member is rectangular.
The vibration member is an optical component provided near a corner of the light transmissive member. The optical component according to claim 5,
There are a plurality of the vibrating members, and an optical component provided near each corner of the light transmissive member. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
The vibration member is an optical component that applies a force in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first side and the second side to the light transmissive member. An optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An optical component having a drive circuit for driving the vibration member.   An optical apparatus comprising the optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The optical apparatus according to claim 9,
An optical apparatus including an imaging device provided to face the light transmissive member.

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