JP2020120156A - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce unremoved dust and unwiped soil.SOLUTION: The cleaning device for cleaning a detection surface of a detection element comprises: cleaning means which brings a wiping member into contact with the detection surface and cleans the detection surface; and pressing means which is attached to the cleaning means and includes plural pressing parts energized so as to press the wiping member against the detection surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device that cleans a detection element such as an image sensor.

The problem is that erroneous detection is caused by dust adhering to the detection surface of the detection element that detects light, electromagnetic waves, and the like. For example, in a digital camera having an image pickup device in which light receiving elements are arranged, the image pickup surface of the image pickup device is regularly cleaned to prevent deterioration of the image quality of an obtained image.

Patent Document 1 discloses a device that is connected to a camera and cleans the surface of the imaging surface by wind pressure or wiping with an adhesive sheet. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a device for removing dust and dirt on an imaging surface by an elastic belt having an adhesive surface. By moving the elastic belt while contacting the image pickup surface to perform cleaning, dust and dirt can be more reliably removed as compared with the pneumatic method.

Japanese Patent No. 4537105 Japanese Patent No. 4628328

However, in Patent Document 1, the size and cleaning area of the cleaning tool for removing dust are not variable, and a cleaning tool that cannot be used depending on the cleaning target or has a size corresponding to each cleaning target is required. Low versatility.

Further, in Patent Document 2, dust or dirt removed by an elastic belt having an adhesive surface that can move while contacting the imaging surface is transferred to the transfer sheet by bringing the transfer sheet and the adhesive surface into contact, The sheets are collected by winding them up. However, the width of the elastic belt is constant, and when the image pickup surface to be cleaned is larger than the width of the elastic belt, the moving path of the elastic belt increases and the cleaning time increases.

Also, in order to shorten the cleaning time, if the width of the elastic belt and the roller that is the rotating shaft is increased, the elastic belt tilts with respect to the image pickup surface, and one end of the elastic belt causes one-side contact, while the other There is a possibility that the end part may be separated from the imaging surface and dust may be left behind. Further, if one end of the elastic belt is pressed against the image pickup surface and cleaning is performed, the pressure is concentrated on the contacted portion, which may damage the image pickup surface.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to reduce the time for cleaning the imaging surface and reduce the amount of dust left unworn and the amount of dirt left unwound without damaging the imaging surface.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a cleaning device for cleaning a detection surface of a detection element, the cleaning means for contacting a wiping member to the detection surface for cleaning, and the cleaning means. And a pressing means including a plurality of pressing portions that are urged to press the wiping member against the detection surface.

According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the cleaning time and realize a high cleaning ability.

The external appearance perspective view of the cleaning device of this embodiment. The front view of the imaging device of this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the cleaning device and imaging device of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation|movement sequence of the cleaning apparatus of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the whole operation sequence of the cleaning device of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the 1st cleaning sequence of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the 2nd cleaning sequence of this embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd cleaning part of this embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a pressing unit according to the first embodiment. 6A and 6B are views for explaining the function of the pressing unit according to the first embodiment to press the imaging surface. 6A and 6B are views for explaining the function of the pressing unit according to the first embodiment to press the imaging surface. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a pressing unit according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiment, not all of the plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described below.

First, the configuration and function of the cleaning device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The cleaning device 100 has a function of cleaning the detection surface of the detection element as the article to be cleaned included in the detection device that is the device to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, for example, the cleaning device 100 is built in the imaging device (hereinafter, camera) 200. The image pickup surface of the image pickup element (hereinafter, the portion to be cleaned) is cleaned.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 100 includes a housing unit 1 made of a metal frame, a camera mounting unit 2 for mounting a camera 200 to be cleaned, and a display unit 7 for displaying various kinds of information. The display unit 7 may be separately provided as an external device that is communicatively connected to the cleaning device 100.

The cleaning device 100 includes a movable arm 6. A state confirmation unit 3, a first cleaning unit 4, and a second cleaning unit 5 are attached to the movable arm 6. The movable arm 6 can be translated and rotated in a three-dimensional direction, and the positions of the state confirmation unit 3, the first cleaning unit 4, and the second cleaning unit 5 are variable. The movable arm 6 has a translation mechanism capable of translation in the vertical direction, and can be moved toward or away from the portion to be cleaned while the camera 200 is fixed to the camera mounting portion 2.

The camera attachment part 2 is made of a metal member having a ring-shaped outer shape, and is attached to the exterior cover of the housing part 1. The camera mounting portion 2 has a structure in which a lens mounting portion 23 capable of mounting an interchangeable lens can be mounted and fixed to the camera 200 which is the cleaning target of the present embodiment. The camera mounting portion 2 includes a communication portion (connection terminal) 17 electrically connected to a camera side communication portion (connection terminal) 24 provided in the lens mounting portion 23 of the camera 200, and is attached to the camera mounting portion 2. It is possible to communicate with the camera 200. In addition, the camera mounting unit 2 includes a ring-shaped illumination unit that emits light in order to confirm the state of the portion to be cleaned during cleaning by the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5, and the cleaning unit 100 The condition before and after cleaning can be monitored. The camera mounting portion 2 is attachable/detachable to/from the housing unit 1 so that various types and shapes of cleaning target devices can be attached, and the camera mounting unit 2 can be mounted according to the type and shape of the cleaning target device assumed to be cleaned. A plurality of devices having different configurations depending on the type and shape of the cleaning target device may be prepared in advance.

The cleaning device 100 according to the present embodiment detects that the camera 200 is fixed to the camera mounting portion 2 based on the communication state with the camera side communication portion 24 provided in the lens mounting portion 23 of the camera 200 to be cleaned. .. Specifically, when it is detected that the connection terminal 17 of the camera mounting portion 2 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 24 of the lens mounting portion 23, the cleaning device 100 determines that the camera 200 is mounted.

The first cleaning unit 4 has a function of performing non-contact cleaning on the portion to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, the first cleaning unit 4 injects air and blows off dust with wind pressure.

The second cleaning unit 5 has a function of performing contact-type cleaning on the portion to be cleaned, and in the present embodiment, the wiping member wipes off dust adhering to the portion to be cleaned.

In the cleaning device 100, an outer cover is attached to the housing 1 so as to cover the respective constituent elements inside the housing 1 during normal use.

Further, the cleaning device 100 includes a control unit 10 (see FIG. 3) inside the housing 1. The control unit 10 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a memory, and executes a sequence program stored in the memory to control the cleaning device 100 as a whole.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration and function of the camera 200 which is the cleaning target of the cleaning device 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

The camera 200 of the present embodiment is a lens interchangeable single-lens reflex digital camera in which an interchangeable lens (not shown) can be attached and detached.

The camera 200 is provided with a lens attachment portion 23 on the front surface of the camera body, to which an interchangeable lens (not shown) can be attached. A plurality of connection terminals 24 are provided inside the lens attachment portion 23, and the connection terminal 24 on the camera side and the lens side (not shown) provided on the interchangeable lens with the interchangeable lens fixed to the lens attachment portion 23. Are electrically connected, and data communication and power supply are performed between the camera 200 and the interchangeable lens.

In the cleaning device 100, the camera 200 is attached to the lens attachment part 23, and the connection terminal 17 of the camera attachment part 2 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 24 of the lens attachment part 23. Data communication and power supply are performed.

The lens mounting portion 23 has an opening portion 23a for taking in outside light, and an image pickup element 22, a camera side communication portion (connection terminal) 24, a mirror 25 and a shutter 26 (not shown) are located inside the opening portion 23a. It is arranged.

The image pickup device 22 is arranged so that the first and second cleaning units 4 and 5 can come in contact with or approach each other through the opening 23a of the lens mounting unit 23, and the interchangeable lens is fixed to the camera body so that the image pickup device 22 can be moved from the subject. It has an imaging surface 20 that receives a light beam. As the image pickup device 22, a CMOS image sensor or the like is used that receives the subject light and converts it into an electric signal to generate image data. The image pickup device 22 of the present embodiment is not limited to the CMOS sensor, and various other forms such as CCD type and CID type can be applied. In addition, the image pickup device 22 has a structure in which a cover glass, an IR cut filter, an LPF, and the like are stacked on the photodiode in the thickness direction, and the outermost surface thereof is the portion to be cleaned. The light flux received by the image sensor 22 is converted into an electric signal and output as image data.

The mirror 25 is disposed closer to the subject than the image pickup element 22 and is movable by a mirror driving mechanism (not shown) between a down position on the optical axis of the image pickup element 22 and an up position retracted from the optical axis. FIG. 2 shows the mirror 25 in the up position. Further, when the image pickup device 22 is cleaned, the mirror 25 is moved to the up position to the extent that it can be contacted or approached through at least the opening 23a of the lens mounting portion 23.

The shutter 26 is a light-shielding mechanism that controls the exposure time of the image pickup device 22 during image pickup, and is arranged closer to the subject than the image pickup device 22. The shutter 26 has two sets of shutter curtains, a front curtain that travels to collect light at the start of exposure and a rear curtain that travels to block light at the end of exposure, and controls the travel timing of the shutter curtain to control the exposure time. Is adjusted. Since FIG. 2 shows a state in which only the front curtain travels and the image sensor 22 is exposed, the shutter curtain is not displayed in the figure.

Further, inside the camera body, a camera control unit 21 (see FIG. 3) that controls the above-described components and a battery such as a secondary battery that supplies electric power are arranged.

In the present embodiment, an example of a single-lens reflex camera having a mirror will be described, but a so-called mirrorless single-lens camera having no optical finder (mirror) may be used.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a system configuration in which the cleaning device 100 of the present embodiment is connected to the camera 200 to be cleaned will be described.

In the camera 200, the lens attachment portion 23 is attached to the camera attachment portion 2 of the cleaning device 100. The control unit 10 of the cleaning device 100 can control the camera 200 by communicating with the camera control unit 21 via the connection terminal 17 of the cleaning device 100 and the connection terminal 24 of the camera 200. For example, the cleaning device 100 can control the model of the camera 200 and the imaging operation for driving the mirror 25 and the shutter 26 of the camera 200.

In FIG. 1, the second cleaning unit 5 is directed to the camera mounting unit 2. By having the translation mechanism in which the movable arm 6 translates up and down, the second cleaning unit 5 can approach the image sensor 22 with the camera 200 fixed through the central opening of the camera mounting unit 2.

Further, the movable arm 6 has a rotation mechanism, and the state confirmation unit 3, the first cleaning unit 4, and the second cleaning unit 5 are arranged at positions of different phases around the rotation axis thereof. By this rotation mechanism, similarly to the second cleaning unit 5, the state confirmation unit 3 and the first cleaning unit 4 are rotationally driven to a position facing the camera mounting unit 2 (that is, the imaging surface 20 of the image sensor 22). You can

The rotating mechanism of the movable arm 6 is used to control the inclination (angle) of the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5 with respect to the imaging surface 20 in the cleaning sequence described later. That is, according to the control of the control unit 10, when the first cleaning unit 4 ejects air onto the imaging surface 20, the inclination of the ejection port is controlled, or when the second cleaning unit 5 wipes the imaging surface 20. The inclination of the pressing portion 56 (see FIG. 8) is controlled. In this way, by the translation mechanism and the rotation mechanism of the movable arm 6, the control unit 10 causes the first and second cleaning units 4 and 5 to face the camera mounting unit 2, that is, the imaging surface 20 of the imaging device 22, It is possible to control the distance to the imaging surface 20, such as approaching or retracting.

The state confirmation unit 3 includes an illumination unit, and irradiates the portion to be cleaned with light under the control of the control unit 10. The state confirmation unit 3 includes an LED, and confirms the state of dirt on the image pickup surface 20 by capturing an image of the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22 while irradiating light in a state of being close to the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22. Get the image to do. In the present embodiment, an image of the image pickup surface is acquired by using the image pickup function of the image pickup element 22, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the state confirmation unit 3 has an image pickup function and can confirm the state of the image pickup surface 20 before and after cleaning. Information may be acquired. Further, in the present embodiment, the state confirmation unit 3 is attached to the movable arm 6 together with the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5, but it is arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the camera attachment unit 2. Good. With such an arrangement, not only the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22 but also the states of the first and second cleaning units 4 and 5 during cleaning can be confirmed. Further, an illumination unit and/or an image pickup unit may be provided as the state confirmation unit 3 in the vicinity of the cleaning members (jet port, wiping member) of the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5.

The first cleaning unit 4 blows air from the tip (jet port) of the tubular member to blow away dust adhering to the image pickup surface 20 of the adjacent image pickup device 22 by wind pressure. Further, in the present embodiment, the first cleaning unit 4 is an ionizer that charges the air and has a charge eliminating function in order to remove the dust adhering to the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup device 22 to facilitate the peeling. Have It should be noted that an ionizer is not always necessary, because there is no static elimination function and there is a certain effect even by blowing air.

The second cleaning unit 5 captures dust by directly tracing the image pickup surface 20 of the adjacent image pickup device 22 by the wiping member 51 (see FIG. 8) wound around the tip of the main body 55. The wiping member is made of, for example, ultrafine fiber cloth, paper, tape, etc., and the second cleaning unit 5 is of a winding type and contacts and moves to perform wiping cleaning, and a new wiping member comes into contact with a cleaning target. Is configured. Further, in the present embodiment, if necessary, a solvent for removing oil stains may be dipped in the wiping member for cleaning.

The specific configuration of each of the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a non-contact type cleaning member or a contact type cleaning member.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, functional block configurations of the cleaning device 100 and the camera 200 of the present embodiment will be described.

First, the configuration and function of the cleaning device 100 will be described.

The cleaning device 100 operates with the electric power supplied from the power supply unit 14, and the power switch 15 turns the power on or off.

The display unit 7 displays various kinds of information of the cleaning device 100 and the camera 200, various kinds of information according to an instruction from the control unit 10, such as an operation state, a setting by a user operation, and a guide of a user operation.

The input unit 8 is stored in the memory 16 or acquired via the connection terminal 17 or other communication means in order to perform an appropriate operation according to the device to be cleaned fixed to the camera mounting unit 2. Information about the device to be cleaned is input. Further, various instruction information by a user operation is also input to the input unit 8. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the model information and specifications of the camera 200 are acquired as the information of the cleaning target device via the input unit 8.

The measuring unit 9 includes, for example, a laser rangefinder, and measures the position (coordinates, distance to the image pickup device, etc.) and size of the image pickup device 22 of the camera 200 fixed to the camera mounting unit 2. If the model information of the camera 200 is determined and a suitable sequence program is stored in the memory 16, it is not always necessary to provide the measuring unit 9 to measure the position and size.

The connection terminal 17 of the camera mounting portion 2 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 24 of the lens mounting portion 23 by fixing the camera 200 to the camera mounting portion 2, and the control unit 10 causes the cleaning device 100 to connect the camera 200 to the cleaning terminal 100. Detects that it is installed.

The measuring unit 9 includes, for example, a laser rangefinder, and measures the position (coordinates, distance to the image pickup device, etc.) and size of the image pickup device 22 of the camera 200 fixed to the camera mounting unit 2. If the model information of the camera 200 is determined and a suitable sequence program is stored in the memory 16, it is not always necessary to provide the measuring unit 9 to measure the position and size.

The control unit 10 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a memory, and executes the sequence program stored in the memory 16 to process the information from each component and give instructions to each component of the cleaning device 100. Control the whole system.

Next, the configuration and function of the camera 200 attached to the cleaning device 100 will be described.

The camera control unit 21 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a memory, and executes a control program stored in the memory to integrally control the entire camera 200. The camera control unit 21 performs, for example, driving of the image sensor 22, the mirror 25, and the shutter 26 at the time of shooting, shooting/recording/playback of an image, control related to data communication, and the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation sequence during cleaning of the cleaning device 100 will be described.

FIG. 4A shows a confirmation sequence for confirming the state (dirt state, cleaning state) of the portion to be cleaned by the state confirmation unit 3.

In the entire sequence performed by the cleaning device 100, the control unit 10 appropriately gives a flow operation or an operation instruction to each unit. At the time when the confirmation sequence starts, the cleaning device 100 is already in a state in which the camera 200 is fixed to the camera mounting portion 2 and is communicably connected to the camera 200. The same applies to the first cleaning sequence of FIG. 4B and the second cleaning sequence of FIG. 4C, which will be described later.

In step S100, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to direct the state confirmation unit 3 toward the camera attachment unit 2 and move the state confirmation unit 3 so as to pass through the camera attachment unit 2 and the lens attachment unit 23. The tip is brought close to the image sensor 22.

In step S101, the control unit 10 controls the state confirming unit 3 to illuminate the image pickup device 22 in the vicinity of the image pickup device 22 by emitting light from a point light source such as an LED. The form of illumination is not limited to the point light source, but uniform light is likely to enter each element if the point light source is used, so that the state of the imaging surface 20 can be measured under substantially the same conditions.

In steps S102 and S103, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal to the camera control unit 21 via the connection terminals 17 and 24 in the state of being illuminated by the state confirmation unit 3, and causes the image pickup device 22 to perform an image pickup operation. , Get the image.

In step S104, the control unit 10 receives the image acquired in step S103 from the camera 200 via the connection terminal 17, stores the image in the memory 16, and converts the image into a display image for display on the display unit 7. Here, the control unit 10 detects the state of the imaging surface and the information on dust and dirt from the captured image by a known image analysis such as singular point detection, and displays the information on the display unit 7 together with the image. In this embodiment, based on these pieces of information, confirmation of the initial state of the imaging surface, determination of cleaning completion after cleaning, comparison presentation before and after cleaning, and the like are performed. In the present embodiment, in the confirmation sequence after cleaning, comparison and presentation before and after cleaning can be performed on the display unit 7 as a confirmation result to notify the user of the cleaning effect and the remaining dust.

In step S105, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to evacuate the state confirmation unit 3 from the image sensor 22, and ends the confirmation sequence.

FIG. 4B shows a first cleaning sequence by the first cleaning unit 4.

In step S110, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to direct the first cleaning unit 4 toward the camera mounting unit 2 and moves the first cleaning unit 4 so as to pass through the camera mounting unit 2 and the lens mounting unit 23, and then the first cleaning unit 4 is moved. The ejection port of the cleaning unit 4 is brought close to the image sensor 22.

In step S111, the control unit 10 controls the first cleaning unit 4 to eject air from the ejection port in the vicinity of the image sensor 22. Here, a cleaning method by the first cleaning unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

6A and 6B are a front view and a side view of the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22 when the first cleaning unit 4 approaches the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22 and blows air. Is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to eject air while moving the first cleaning unit 4 along the movement locus 31 with respect to the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup device 22. Let Further, during the movement, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first cleaning unit 4 is controlled so that air is ejected in the traveling direction 33. The movement trajectory 31 is set so as to spread outward in a spiral shape from the center of the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22. By setting the movement locus in this way and ejecting air, the dust adhering to the image pickup surface 20 can be blown to the outside of the image pickup device 22, and the dust once blown can reattach to the image pickup surface 20. Can be suppressed. Furthermore, by tilting the first cleaning unit 4 in the traveling direction 33 so that air is ejected, the effect of discharging dust to the outside of the image sensor 22 can be further enhanced, and the first cleaning unit 4 can be located near the image sensor 22. It can be moved to avoid the shutters located.

In this way, the first cleaning unit 4 can remove relatively large dust and dirt attached to the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22 from the surface by the jetted air. Here, for example, when a large dust is attached to the image pickup surface 20, if cleaning is performed by tracing the image pickup surface 20 by the second cleaning unit 5, the dust may be dragged to damage the surface. On the other hand, when the first cleaning unit 4 removes the dust in a non-contact manner, the dust is not dragged on the imaging surface 20, and thus scratches are less likely to occur.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the first cleaning sequence, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 so that the first cleaning unit 4 does not contact the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup device 22. This can further reduce the possibility of damaging the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup device 22.

In step S112, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to evacuate the first cleaning unit 4 from the image sensor 22, and ends the first cleaning sequence.

FIG. 4C shows a second cleaning sequence by the second cleaning unit 5.

In step S120, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to direct the second cleaning unit 5 toward the camera mounting unit 2 and moves the second cleaning unit 5 so as to pass through the camera mounting unit 2 and the lens mounting unit 23. The wiping member of the cleaning unit 5 is brought close to the image sensor 22. Here, when a solvent for removing oil stains or the like on the wiping member is used, the movable arm 6 is controlled to wipe the second cleaning unit 5 on the container containing the solvent provided at another rotation position. After dipping the member, face the camera mount 2.

In step S121, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to bring the wiping member of the second cleaning unit 5 into contact with the image sensor 22 and wipe it. In this way, since the image pickup device 22 does not move due to friction with the wiping member during the cleaning by the second cleaning unit 5, the effect of suppressing unwiping and uneven wiping by the cleaning device 100 is enhanced. Here, a cleaning method by the second cleaning unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

7A and 7B are a front view and a side view of the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22 when the second cleaning unit 5 is in contact with the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup element 22 to perform wiping. Showing.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to move the second cleaning unit 5 with respect to the image pickup surface 20 of the image pickup device 22, while the wiping member removes the image pickup surface 20. Wipe off. Further, during the movement, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second cleaning unit 5 is controlled so as to move while being in contact with the imaging surface 20 in a state of being inclined in the direction opposite to the traveling direction 44. ..

The second cleaning unit 5 sequentially scans and wipes while partially overlapping the cleaning areas like the first movement locus 40 and the second movement locus 41 shown in FIG. 7A. Furthermore, overlapping the first cleaning area 42 and the second cleaning area 43 prevents unwiping. In addition, the first and second cleaning areas 42 and 43 are set to be wider than the edge portion of the image pickup surface 20 in order to wipe the image pickup surface 20 without leakage. Further, it is desirable that the first and second cleaning areas 42 and 43 be wiped in the same direction in order to prevent unwiping and to remove dust to the outside of the imaging surface 20. FIG. 7B shows a state in which the first cleaning area 42 is wiped while moving in the traveling direction 44. The second cleaning unit 5 is slid by contacting the imaging surface 20 while being inclined in a direction opposite to the traveling direction 44 from a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction 44. Further, when the pixels at the edge of the imaging surface 20 are hidden by the shutter or the like, the second cleaning unit 5 is slanted to scan as shown in FIG. 7B, and the second cleaning unit 5 reaches the corner without contacting the shutter or the like. Can be wiped off. As described above, according to the second cleaning method by the second cleaning unit 5, it is possible to remove dirt such as dust and oil with high adhesiveness on the imaging surface 20 of the imaging element 22 from the surface.

In step S122, the control unit 10 controls the movable arm 6 to evacuate the second cleaning unit 5 from the image sensor 22, and ends the second cleaning sequence.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an overall operation sequence during cleaning according to this embodiment will be described.

The process of FIG. 5 is realized by the control unit 10 executing the control program stored in the memory 16, and is started in response to the power switch 15 being turned on, a cleaning start instruction being received from the input unit 8, and the like. To be done.

In step S200, the control unit 10 detects that the lens attachment portion 23 of the camera 200 is attached to the camera attachment portion 2.

In step S201, the control unit 10 establishes communication between the cleaning device 100 and the camera 200, triggered by the electrical connection between the connection terminal 17 of the cleaning device 100 and the connection terminal 24 of the camera 200.

In step S202, the control unit 10 acquires information on the cleaning target. The information on the cleaning target includes, for example, information on the position and size of the image sensor 22, the material, the position of a member that interferes with the cleaning of the image sensor 22, and the like. These pieces of information may be acquired through communication with the camera 200, or may be read from a database stored in the memory 16 in advance based on the camera model information acquired from the camera 200. Further, the cleaning target information or the model information may be acquired by a user operation via the input unit 8. Further, in the configuration in which the state confirming unit 3 is provided with a unit for detecting the state of the image pickup device 22, the information of the cleaning target is acquired based on the information such as an image detected by the state confirming unit 3.

In step S203, the control unit 10 determines control information based on the cleaning target information obtained in step S202. Specifically, based on the position and size information of the image sensor 22, the drive width for moving the state confirmation unit 3, the first cleaning unit 4, and the second cleaning unit 5, and the ejection port of the first cleaning unit 4. Position, the strength of jetting, the range of cleaning of the second cleaning unit 5, the presence or absence of a solvent to be applied to the wiping member, and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of cleaning courses using at least one of the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5 is prepared, and the user considers the state of dirt, working time, etc. For example, the cleaning course can be selected from a plurality of candidates displayed on the display unit 7. For example, the following courses are prepared. In the following, the subsequent flow will be described assuming that the course 1 is selected. However, when another course is selected, unnecessary steps for the selected course are appropriately omitted (pass without performing any operation). do it. Further, the course that can be set is not limited to this, and a course in which the user can freely set and create various sequences including the cleaning order and the number of times of cleaning may be provided. The control unit 10 prepares a plurality of combinations in advance or manually accepts the setting of the cleaning combination by the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5, and based on the accepted settings, the first Cleaning is performed by controlling the cleaning order and the number of times of the cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5.

Course 1: First Confirmation Sequence->First Cleaning Sequence->Second Cleaning Sequence->First Cleaning Sequence->Second Confirmation Sequence Course 2: First Confirmation Sequence->First Cleaning Sequence->Second Cleaning sequence→second confirmation sequence Course 3: first confirmation sequence→second cleaning sequence→first cleaning sequence→second confirmation sequence Course 4: first confirmation sequence→first cleaning sequence→first 2 Confirmation Sequence Course 5: First Confirmation Sequence→Second Cleaning Sequence→Second Confirmation Sequence Course 6: First Confirmation Sequence In step S204, the control unit 10 causes the control unit 10 to select one of the above-described courses 1 to 6. In order to execute the above sequence, a control signal for instructing mirror up and shutter open is transmitted to the camera control unit 21. The camera control unit 21 that has received the control signals for mirror up and shutter open moves the mirror 25 to the up position and opens the shutter 26, and then sends a signal to the control unit 10 notifying that the operation is completed, Upon receiving this, the control unit 10 proceeds to the next step. However, some models, such as mirrorless cameras, can be cleaned without performing this step, and in this case, this step and step S211 described later are unnecessary.

In step S205, the control unit 10 performs the confirmation sequence shown in FIG. 4A as the first confirmation sequence for the first time before cleaning. In step S206, the control unit 10 performs the first cleaning sequence of the first cleaning unit 4 shown in FIG. 4B. After the completion of the first cleaning sequence, in step S207, the control unit 10 performs the second cleaning sequence by the second cleaning unit 5 illustrated in FIG. 4C. Here, the first cleaning sequence is performed before the second cleaning sequence because the large dust adhering to the imaging surface 20 during the wiping by the second cleaning unit 5 is dragged and the imaging surface is scratched. This is because large dust is removed in the first cleaning sequence in advance so as not to exist.

After the completion of the second cleaning sequence, in step S208, the control unit 10 performs the second cleaning sequence of the first cleaning unit 4 again. The sequence operation may be the same as or different from that in step S206. Here, the first cleaning sequence is performed after the second cleaning sequence because the fibers of the wiping member remain on the imaging surface 20 or are extruded to the outside of the imaging surface 20 during the wiping by the second cleaning unit 5. This is because the rubbish remains around. By performing the first cleaning sequence after the second cleaning sequence, those dusts can be blown off.

When the first cleaning sequence for the second time in step S208 is completed, the second confirmation sequence for the second time after cleaning shown in FIG. 4A is performed in step S209. The difference from the first confirmation sequence before cleaning is that images before and after cleaning and the states such as the number of dust particles can be displayed in a comparable manner in step S104 of FIG. 4A.

In step S210, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the number of dust particles has cleared a prescribed value (below a prescribed value) based on the image information after cleaning acquired in step S209. If the result of determination is that the specified value has not been cleared, processing returns to step S206 and cleaning is performed again. At this time, in order to remove dust that has not been removed even though each cleaning sequence has been performed once, it is preferable to change various parameters in cleaning and perform each cleaning sequence again. For example, in the first cleaning unit 4, it is conceivable to make the injection intensity of air stronger than the previous time, make the degree of charging by the ionizer stronger than the previous time, make the injection time longer than the previous time, and widen the movement range from the previous time. Further, in the second cleaning unit 5, if the solvent has not been soaked in the previous cleaning, the solvent may be soaked in the wiping member, the pressing force on the imaging surface 20 may be made stronger than the previous time, and the like.

When the specified value is cleared in step S210, the process proceeds to step S211, and the control unit 10 sends a control signal to the camera control unit 21 to instruct mirror down and shutter close. The camera control unit 21, which has received the control signals for the mirror down and the shutter close, moves the mirror 25 to the down position, closes the shutter 26, and then transmits a signal notifying that the operation is completed to the control unit 10, Upon receiving this, the control unit 10 ends the cleaning sequence.

In the present embodiment, the number of dusts remaining in the image sensor 22 is detected in order to confirm the cleaning state in step S206, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the state of the image sensor 22 that can be analyzed from an image can be determined. Any analysis result may be used as a reference as long as it is shown. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which each cleaning sequence is repeatedly performed until the number of dusts clears the specified value has been shown. However, only the result of cleaning such as the number of dusts is displayed on the display unit 7, and particularly the repeated flow is performed. Need not be provided.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when cleaning is performed by the first cleaning unit that cleans the portion to be cleaned with wind pressure (air injection), the image sensor 22 is swung to remove dust. I want to do it. Further, when cleaning is performed by the second cleaning unit that comes into contact and wipes off, the image pickup device 22 is made stationary. By doing so, the image pickup device 22 is prevented from moving due to friction with the wiping member, and the dust can be reliably removed.

Further, since the cleaning device includes a plurality of cleaning units capable of performing a plurality of cleaning sequences, it is possible to cope with the removal of a plurality of types of dust attached to the cleaned portion.

<Configuration of second cleaning unit>
Next, the configuration and function of the second cleaning unit 5 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

The base portion 50 is a metal plate-shaped member to which each component of the second cleaning portion 5 is attached. The wiping member 51 is a tape member woven with a fiber material such as microfiber for wiping off dust adhering to the imaging surface. The winding unit 52 is a bobbin for winding the tape member 51. The feeding section 53 is a bobbin for feeding the tape member 51. The tension applying portion 61 is a roller for adjusting the tape member 51 fed from the feeding portion 53 to a predetermined tension. The winding control unit 54 is a pair of gears for finely adjusting the winding amount of the tape member 51. The main body portion 55 is a long member slidably supported by the base portion 50, and the tape member 51 is wound around the pressing portion 56 and supported in a pulled state with a predetermined tension. The pressing portion 56 is a member that is attached to the front end portion of the main body portion 55 and that folds the feeding direction of the tape member 51 from the feeding portion 53 to the winding portion 52. The urging portion 57 is a member that presses the main body portion 55 toward the imaging surface 20 by an elastic member (corresponding to a first elastic member 562a described later) such as a coil spring. The vibrating section 58 is attached to the main body section 55 and includes a piezoelectric element or an actuator for vibrating the pressing section 56. The roller 59 is a metal member that contacts the main body 55. The guide portion 60 is a member that regulates the movement of the tape member 51 that is folded back by the pressing portion 56.

In the figure, the X direction is the direction orthogonal to the base portion 50, the Y direction is the direction parallel to the base portion 50, and the Z direction is the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 55.

The vibrating unit 58 applies a minute vibration in the Z direction to the second cleaning unit 5 during the cleaning operation of the imaging surface 20, thereby reducing the frictional force between the tape member and the imaging surface 20 and enabling a smooth cleaning operation. To do. Further, by reducing the frictional force between the tape member 51 and the guide portion 60 and the pressing portion 56, when the tape member 51 is wound by the winding control unit 54, the tape member 51 is driven smoothly and the imaging surface. It is possible to supply the contact portion with 20.

As an operation at the time of cleaning, first, the winding control unit 54 winds the tape member 51 while biting it, and pulls out the unused tape member 51 from the feeding unit 53. When the tape member 51 is wound while being bitten by the gear portion 54, the tape member 51 can be reliably wound by a small amount without slipping. The used tape member 51 is wound up by the winding section 52. The movement of the tape member 51 is restricted by the guide portion 60, and the tape member 51 is wound while maintaining the state in which the tape member 51 is wound around the pressing portion 56. By winding the tape member 51 by the winding control unit 54 and the winding unit 52, it is possible to prevent dust attached to the tape member 51 from reattaching to the imaging surface 20 when the imaging surface 20 is wiped off. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened without replacing the tape member 51 every time the image pickup surface 20 is cleaned with the tape member 51.

When cleaning is started, the tape member 51 stretched over the pressing portion 56 is pressed against the imaging surface 20 to wipe off dust. The main body 55 is slidably supported toward the imaging surface 20 (-Z direction), and cleaning is performed while pressing the imaging surface 20 with an appropriate pressing force by the elastic member of the biasing portion 57. Further, a roller 59 is in contact with the main body 55, and an electrical connection between the camera mounting portion 2 and the main body 55 is secured via the roller 59. During the wiping operation, the vibrating portion 58 attached to the main body portion 55 vibrates the main body portion 55 to reduce friction between the tape member 51 and the imaging surface 20, and the tape member 51 is caught on the imaging surface 20. It becomes possible to move smoothly without moving. Appropriate pressing force is applied to the imaging surface 20 by the urging portion 57, so that dust can be removed without damaging the imaging element 11. In the present embodiment, the pressing force applied from the main body 55 to the imaging surface 20 is generated by the elastic deformation of the elastic member of the urging portion 57, but the pressing force may be generated by the deformation of the main body 55 or the air pressure. ..

Next, the configuration of the pressing portion 56 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

9A and 9B are a perspective view and a side view of the pressing portion 56 that wipes the imaging surface 20. FIG. 9C is a top view of the pressing portion 56 when the pressing portion 56 is tilted around the Y axis with respect to the imaging surface 20. FIG. 9D is a top view of the pressing portion formed of a single member as a comparative example.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the pressing portion 56 includes a first pressing portion 561a, a second pressing portion 561b and a third pressing portion 561a that are adjacent to both sides of the first pressing portion 561a in the X-axis direction. 561c. The first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c are formed by bending metal plate materials in opposite directions, and the bent curved surface shapes 563a, 563b, and 563c face the imaging surface 20 during cleaning. It is arranged to do. By thus forming the portions for cleaning the imaging surface 20 with the curved surface shapes 563a, 563b, 563c, it is possible to prevent the tape member 51 from being caught by the pressing portion 56 when the tape member 51 is wound and moved.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the radius of curvature Ra of the curved surface shape 563a of the first pressing portion 561a is smaller than the curvature radius Rb of the curved surface shapes 563b and 563c of the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c. Enlarge. By doing so, the tape member 51 can be wound while being in close contact with the curved surface shape 563a, and it is possible to prevent the tape member 51 from being displaced in the X direction and the occurrence of wrinkles.

The first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c can be wiped off by contacting the imaging surface 20 with the area N via the tape member 51. Further, the first axis A of the curved surface shape 563a, the central axis B of the curved surface shape 563b, and the central axis C of the curved surface shape 563c are aligned on a plane perpendicular to the imaging surface 20 and passing through the region N. , The second and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c are arranged in the Y direction. Then, a region N where the first to third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c press the imaging surface 20 is continuously formed in a straight line in the X direction. By doing so, the displacement of the tip ends of the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c in the Y direction is reduced, and the occurrence of a gap between the imaging surface 20 is reduced. be able to. Further, since the tape member 51 is stretched along the curved surface shapes 563a, 563b, 563c, a gap is generated in the X direction between the respective tip portions of the first, second and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c. Even in this case, the wiping surface can be continuously formed by the plurality of pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the wiping surface from becoming discontinuous due to a step or a gap generated between the imaging surface 20 and the respective tip portions of the first, second and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of dust left unwound.

FIG. 9C is a top view of the pressing portion 56 when the pressing portion 56 is pressing the imaging surface 20. When the pressing portion 56 ′ is composed of a single member as in the comparative example of FIG. 9D, the pressing portion 56 ′ is tilted around the Y axis with respect to the imaging surface 20 in the pressing portion 56 ′. 'Is abutted against the imaging surface 20 at the end I, and a gap G is formed at the opposite side. When the pressing portion 56 is divided into a plurality of parts as shown in FIG. 9C, the tip portions of the first, second and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c are end portions H, I, J respectively. Although one-sided contact with the image pickup surface 20, it is possible to reduce the amount of gap generated between each tip and the image pickup surface 20. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of dust left on the gap between the tip of each of the first, second and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c and the imaging surface 20. Further, since the pressing portion 56 is divided into a plurality of parts, the pressing force applied to the imaging surface 20 by each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c when one-sided contact occurs is dispersed by the number of pressing portions. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the imaging surface 20 is not easily damaged.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a configuration capable of reducing the amount of dust left on the imaging surface 20 by the pressing portion 56 of the present embodiment will be described.

10 and 11 are top views of the pressing portion 56 for explaining the configuration of the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c. In the figure, the tape member 51 is omitted for convenience of description. FIG. 10A shows a state in which the pressing portion 56 does not press the imaging surface 20 and the cleaning is not performed. In FIG. 10B, the pressing portion 56 presses the image pickup surface 20, and the tip ends of the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c are aligned on the image pickup surface 20. Is shown. FIG. 10C shows a state in which the pressing portion 56 presses the imaging surface 20 to perform wiping. FIG. 11 shows a top view when the pressing portion 56 is inclined with respect to the imaging surface 20 by α degrees around the Y axis with respect to FIG. 10. When the contacting manner (posture) of the pressing portion 56 with respect to the imaging surface 20 changes, such as the pressing portion 56 tilting with respect to the imaging surface 20, the contact state of the tape member 51 with respect to the imaging surface 20 changes, and unwiping of dust occurs. Resulting in. In order to reduce the amount of dust left unwound, the pressing portion 56 is divided into a plurality of parts, and the amount of gap between the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c with respect to the imaging surface 20 is suppressed, and the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c are reduced. It is necessary to make the pressure pressing the imaging surface 20 substantially constant. Hereinafter, the conditions for making the pressure with which the first to third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c press the imaging surface 20 substantially constant will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the first pressing portion 561a holds the rotating member 70 rotatably with the rotating shaft 71 as the center of rotation. The rotating member 70 supports the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c via the second and third elastic members (for example, compression springs) 562b and 562c. In the state where the pressing portion 56 is not pressing the imaging surface 20, the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c are protruded from the imaging surface 20 by the length X1 with respect to the first pressing portion 561a. ..
As shown in FIG. 10B, when the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c press the imaging surface 20 and move in the reaction force direction (−Z direction) received from the imaging surface 20, the first and the first pressing portions 561b and 561c move. The second and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c are aligned with the imaging surface 20. When the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c are displaced relative to the first pressing portion 561a by X1 in the −Z direction, the second and third elastic members 562b and 562c are also moved in the −Z direction by X1. Deform. The first pressing portion 561a receives a reaction force when the second and third elastic members 562b and 562c are compressed by X1 in the −Z direction. Therefore, assuming that the total displacement amount of the pressing portion 56 in a state where the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c are arranged in a straight line is X, the following force balance equation 1 is obtained. Holds.
(Equation 1)
Fa=Fb+Fc
Fa=Ka·X
Fb=Kb·X1
Fc=Kc·X1
Here, Fa, Fb, and Fc represent spring forces generated when the first, second, and third elastic members 562a, 562b, and 562c are deformed. Ka, Kb, and Kc represent spring constants of the first, second, and third elastic members 562a, 562b, 562c. According to the equation 1, the displacement amount X of the entire pressing portion 56 in a state where the first pressing portion 561a and the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c are aligned on a straight line is expressed by the following equation 2. It
(Formula 2)
X=(X1(Kb+Kc))/Ka
Next, when the pressing portion 56 further moves by X2 in the −Z direction from the state of balance of forces in FIG. 10B, as shown in FIG. 10C, each of the second and third elastic members. 562b and 562c are not deformed, and only the first elastic member 562a is deformed by X2 in the -Z direction. In the wiping operation in which the pressing portion 56 presses the imaging surface 20 in this manner, the following Equation 3 of force balance is established.
(Formula 3)
Fb′=Fb=Kb·X1
Fc′=Fc=Kc·X1
Fa'=Ka*(X+X2)=Kb*X1+Kc*X1+Ka*X2
Here, Fa′, Fb′, and Fc′ represent spring forces generated when the first, second, and third elastic members 562a, 562b, 562c are deformed. In FIG. 10C, if the pressure with which the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c press the imaging surface 20 is constant, the frictional force acting on the tape member 51 and the imaging surface 20 is It becomes constant regardless of the pressing portion, and it is possible to reduce the occurrence of uneven wiping and the amount of dust left unwiped. The condition at this time is represented by the following Expression 4.
(Equation 4)
Pa=Pb=Pc
Here, Pa, Pb, and Pc represent the pressure with which the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c press the imaging surface 20. The relationship between the pressure applied to the imaging surface 20 from each of the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c and the load is expressed by Equation 5 below.
(Equation 5)
Pb=Fb′/Lb=(Kb·X1)/Lb
Pc=Fc′/Lc=(Kc·X1)/Lc
Pa=(Fa′−Fb′−Fc′)/La=(Ka·X2)/La
Here, La, Lb, and Lc represent widths (lengths in the X direction) of regions where the pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c press the imaging surface 20. The load with which the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c press the imaging surface 20 is proportional to the regions La, Lb, Lc with which the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c press the imaging surface 20. From Expressions 4 and 5, the condition for making the pressures of the pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c that press the imaging surface 20 constant during the wiping operation of the imaging surface 20 is expressed by the following Expression 6.
(Equation 6)
(Ka·X2)/La=(Kb·X1)/Lb=(Kc·X1)/Lc
As shown in FIG. 10D, the width L of each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c, the spring constant K of each elastic member 562a, 562b, 562c, and each second and third pressing portion are satisfied so as to satisfy the condition of Expression 6. The amount of protrusion X1 of the tips of 561b and 561c is determined. Then, by determining the displacement amount (X1+X2) at the time of the wiping operation so that the pressing portion 56 presses the imaging surface 20 with a predetermined pressure P, each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c is applied to the imaging surface 20. Wiping is performed so that the pressure applied is constant. As a result, the frictional force acting on the tape member 51 and the imaging surface 20 becomes constant regardless of the pressing portion, and it becomes possible to reduce the occurrence of uneven wiping and the amount of dust left unwound.

In FIG. 10, the force balance formula in the case where the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c are not pushed in the reaction force direction (−Z direction) by the tension of the tape member 51 has been described. On the other hand, when the pressing parts 561a, 561b, 561c are pressed by the tension of the tape member 51, the pressing parts 561a, 561b, 561c receive the pressing force from the tape member 51 and The pressures Pa, Pb, Pc decrease. In this case, a constant pressure condition can be similarly derived by removing the pressure acting on each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c by the pressing force of the tape member 51 from each pressure Pa, Pb, Pc shown in the equation 5. You can Specifically, assuming that the pushing force of the tape member 51 is Ft, the pressure applied from the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c to the imaging surface 20 during the wiping operation is represented by the following Expression 7.
(Equation 7)
Pb=Fb/Lb-Ft/(La+Lb+Lc)
Pc=Fc/Lc-Ft/(La+Lb+Lc)
Pa=(Fa'-Fb-Fc)/La-Ft/(La+Lb+Lc)
When the displacement amount of the second and third pressing portions 561b, 561c when the tape member 51 is wound around each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c is X3, the relationship between Ft and X3 is expressed by the following equation 8. It
(Equation 8)
Ft=Ka(X3-X1)+X1(Kb+Kc)
X3-X1≧0
As described above, in order to prevent the tape member 51 from deviating in the X direction in the pressing portion 56 and the occurrence of wrinkles, it is necessary to wind the tape member 51 in close contact with the curved surface shape 563a. Therefore, when the tape member 51 is wound around each of the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c, the tape member 51 needs to receive a reaction force from the first pressing portion 561a, and in Expression 8, X3 is larger than X1. Applicable in case. Since the tape member 51 is always in contact with the curved surface shape 563a of the first pressing portion 561a, the tape member 51 can be wound in a state where the central portion of the tape member 51 is always stretched, and the deviation in the width direction of the tape member 51 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of dust left over.

In this embodiment, the conditions for keeping the pressure applied to the imaging surface 20 from the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c constant have been described. When the pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c are only one-sided with respect to the image pickup surface 20, the pressure is not necessarily constant as long as the pressure is within a range in which the image pickup surface 20 is not damaged and dust is not left unwound on the image pickup surface 20. The same effect can be obtained without it. The displacement amount of the pressing unit 56 at a constant pressure is determined by the first cleaning unit 4 in advance by measuring the relative distance between the image pickup device 22 and the second cleaning unit 5, and the second cleaning sequence described above is performed. The displacement amount of the second cleaning unit 5 may be controlled (S120, S121). Further, the load may control the load with respect to the predetermined displacement amount of the first elastic member 562a.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a configuration of the pressing unit 56 capable of reducing the amount of dust left unwound when the pressing unit 56 is inclined by α degrees around the Y axis with respect to the imaging surface 20 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11A, in the state where the pressing portion 56 is not pressing the imaging surface 20, the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c are different from the first pressing portion 561a. It is in a state of protruding by the length X1. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the pressing portion 56 approaches the imaging surface 20, the end H of the second pressing portion 561b presses the imaging surface 20. As shown in FIG. 11C, when the pressing portion 56 further approaches the imaging surface 20, the end H of the second pressing portion 561b receives a reaction force from the imaging surface 20, and the rotating member 70 has the second elasticity. It receives a force from the member 562b and rotates about the rotating shaft 71 in the direction of arrow S in the figure. The rotation of the rotating member 70 causes the third pressing portion 561c and the third elastic member 562c to approach the imaging surface 20, and the end portion J of the third pressing portion 561c presses the imaging surface 20. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the frictional force acting on the rotating shaft 71 is negligibly small. As shown in FIG. 11D, when the pressing portion 56 further approaches the imaging surface 20, the end portion I of the first pressing portion 561a presses the imaging surface 20. This is the same state as in FIG. 9(c) described above. Although each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c hits the imaging surface 20 by one side, by reducing the gap amount of each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c with respect to the imaging surface 20, it is possible to reduce the amount of dust left unworn. It becomes possible to do.

Next, the conditions for making the pressure applied to the imaging surface 20 from the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c constant will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11C, the displacement amount of the entire pressing portion 56 when the ends H, I, and J of the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c are aligned. Where X is X, the following equation 9 of force balance is established corresponding to the above equation 1.
(Equation 9)
Fa=Fb+Fc
Fa=Ka·X
Fb=Kb/Xb
Fc=Kc·Xc
Further, the displacement amount Xb of the second pressing portion 561b and the displacement amount Xc of the third pressing portion 561c are expressed by the following Expression 10.
(Equation 10)
Xb=X1+Lb·sin α
Xc=X1-Lc·sin α
The displacement amount X of the entire pressing portion 56 when the first, second, and third pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c are aligned on a straight line is represented by the following Expression 11 corresponding to Expression 2.
(Equation 11)
X=(2·X1+sinα(Lb−Lc))/Ka
As shown in FIG. 11D, the imaging surface 20 is wiped off in a state where the pressing portion 56 is moved by X2 in the reaction force direction (−Z direction) from the force balance state of FIG. 11C. If so, the following force balance equation 12 is established corresponding to equation 3.
(Equation 12)
Fb′=Fb=Kb·Xb
Fc′=Fc=Kc·Xc
Fa'=Ka(X+X2)=Kb*Xb+Kc*Xc+Ka*X2
During the wiping operation of the image pickup surface 20 shown in FIG. 11D, if the pressure applied to the image pickup surface 20 by the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c is constant, the frictional force acting on the tape member 51 and the image pickup surface 20 is pressed. It becomes constant regardless of the part, and it becomes possible to reduce the amount of dust left unwound. The condition at this time is expressed by the above-mentioned equation 4. The relationship between the pressure applied to the imaging surface 20 from each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c and the load is represented by the following Expression 13.
(Equation 13)
Pb=Fb′/(Lb·cos α)=(Kb·Xb)/(Lb·cos α)
Pc=Fc'/(Lc·cosα)=(Kc·Xc)/(Lc·cosα)
Pa=(Fa′−Fb′−Fc′)/(La·cosα)=(Ka·X2)/(La·cosα)
From Expressions 4, 9, and 13 above, the condition for making the pressure applied to the imaging surface 20 from the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c constant during the wiping operation of the imaging surface 20 is expressed by the following Expression 14. It
(Equation 14)
(Ka·X2)/La=(Kb·(X1+Lb·sinα))/Lb=(Kc·(X1-Lc·sinα))/Lc
Even when the pressing portion 56 is inclined with respect to the imaging surface 20 as shown in FIG. 11, the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c are supported by the rotating mechanisms 70 and 71 so that the condition of Expression 14 is satisfied. To determine each parameter. By doing so, the pressure applied by the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c to the imaging surface 20 during the wiping operation can be made constant. As a result, the frictional force acting on the tape member 51 and the imaging surface 20 becomes constant regardless of the pressing portion, and it is possible to reduce the amount of dust left unwound.

In FIG. 11, the force balance formula when the pressing portions 561a, 561b, 561c are not pushed in the reaction force direction (−Z direction) by the tension of the tape member 51 has been described. On the other hand, when the pressing parts 561a, 561b, 561c are pressed by the tension of the tape member 51, the pressing parts 561a, 561b, 561c receive the pressing force from the tape member 51 and The pressures Pa, Pb, Pc decrease. The direction in which the pressing members 561a, 561b, 561c are pressed by the tape member 51 is the sliding direction (Z direction) of the main body 55. Therefore, the pressure applied to the imaging surface 20 from each of the pressing portions 561a, 561b, and 561c during the wiping operation can be expressed by an expression obtained by dividing the right side of Expression 7 by cos α. Further, the relationship between the pushing force when the tape member 51 is wound around each pressing portion 561a, 561b, 561c and the second and third pressing portions 561b, 561c can also be expressed by Expression 8.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressing portion 56. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the pressing portion 56 of the second embodiment, and the tape member 51 is omitted for convenience of description. FIG. 12A shows a state in which the pressing portion 56 is not pressing the imaging surface 20 and the cleaning is not performed. In FIG. 12B, the pressing portion 56 presses the imaging surface 20 in a tilted state, and the tips of the first, second and third pressing portions 561 a, 561 b, 561 c are pressed against the imaging surface 20. It shows a state where they are aligned.

The pressing portion 56 of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the second and third pressing portions 561b and 561c are each divided in the X direction. In the figure, the reference numerals of the divided constituent elements are indicated by adding ",". The second pressing portion 561b is divided into fourth and fifth pressing portions 561b', 561b", and fourth and fifth The third pressing portion 561c is divided into the sixth and seventh pressing portions 561c' and 561c", and the sixth and seventh elastic members 562c' are supported. , 562c″. Other configurations are the same as those in FIGS. 10 and 11. Even in the case of such a configuration, the force balance equations 1, 9 and described in FIGS. The equations for Fb′ and Fc′ can be added with reference to Equation 4 which is a constant pressure condition: width L of each pressing portion, elastic coefficient K of each elastic member, second and third pressing portions. By determining the protrusion amount X1 of 561b and 561c and the displacement amount (X1+X2) of the tip position during the wiping operation from the initial position of the pressing portion 56, the pressure applied from each pressing portion to the imaging surface 20 can be made constant. By increasing the number of divisions of the pressing portion 56 as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B with respect to the configuration of the pressing portion 56 of FIG. It is possible to further reduce the occurrence of unwipeable areas of the pressing portion 56 while increasing the wiping-off possible area of the pressing portion 56.

FIG. 12C is a modified example of the pressing portion 56 of FIG. 12B, and the rotating member 70 is divided. The fourth and sixth pressing portions 561b′, 561c′ are supported by the first rotating member 70′, and the fifth and seventh pressing portions 561b″, 561c″ are supported by the second rotating member 70″. The other structure is the same as that of Fig. 12(a) and (b), and the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained in such a structure.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by the processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are attached to open the scope of the invention.

100... Cleaning device, 2... Camera mounting part, 4... First cleaning part, 5... Second cleaning part, 56... Pressing part, 200... Imaging device, 20... Imaging surface, 22... Imaging element, 23... Lens Mounting part

Claims (12)

A cleaning device for cleaning the detection surface of the detection element,
Cleaning means for contacting the wiping member with the detection surface to clean it,
A cleaning device, comprising: a plurality of pressing parts that are attached to the cleaning device and are urged to press the wiping member against the detection surface. The pressing means has a first pressing portion, and a second pressing portion and a third pressing portion which are adjacent to both sides of the first pressing portion,
The first, second, and third pressing portions have curved end portions that press the wiping member against the detection surface,
The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of the curved surface shape of the first pressing portion is larger than the curvature of the curved surface shapes of the second and third pressing portions. The centers of the curved surface shapes of the first, second, and third pressing portions are arranged so that the centers of the curved surfaces coincide with each other on a plane that is perpendicular to the detection surface and passes through a region that presses the detection surface. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein a third pressing portion is arranged. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the first pressing portion has a larger area for pressing the detection surface than the second and third pressing portions. The load with which the first, second and third pressing portions press the detection surface is proportional to a region in which the first, second and third pressing portions press the detection surface. The cleaning device according to claim 4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, further comprising: a supporting unit that supports the first, second, and third pressing portions in a state of being urged toward the detection surface. apparatus. The supporting means supports a first elastic member that supports the first pressing portion in a state of being urged toward the detection surface, and a second rotating member supported by the supporting means for pressing the second and third pressing members. The cleaning device according to claim 6, further comprising a second elastic member and a third elastic member that support the portion in a state of being urged toward the detection surface. The first, second and third elastic members are the first, second and third with respect to the detection surface when the first, second and third pressing portions press the wiping member against the detection surface. The elastic coefficient is set such that the pressure with which the first, second and third pressing portions press the detection surface becomes constant regardless of the posture of the third pressing portion. The cleaning device according to 7. In a state in which the pressing unit is not pressing the detection surface, the second and third pressing portions are projected toward the detection surface with respect to the first pressing portion,
An area in which the first, second and third pressing portions press the detection surface so that the pressure with which the first, second and third pressing portions press the detection surface becomes constant; The cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion amounts of the second and third pressing portions with respect to the first pressing portion are determined. The second pressing portion has fourth and fifth pressing portions supported via fourth and fifth elastic members, and the third pressing portion has sixth and seventh elastic members. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, further comprising: a sixth and a seventh pressing portion supported by the cleaning device. 11. The fourth and sixth pressing parts are supported by a first rotating member, and the fifth and seventh pressing parts are supported by a second rotating member, according to claim 10. Cleaning device. The detection element is an image pickup element,
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cleaning device cleans an image pickup surface of the image pickup element.

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