JP4537105B2 - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to RuKiyoshi scavenging device to remove dust and dirt adhering to the digital camera, the present invention relates to the removal of dust and dirt accumulated in the imaging unit or near the particular lens interchangeable camera.

  In recent years, many digital cameras that record still images using an image pickup device such as a CCD have come to the market. A digital camera eliminates the need for a film conventionally used as a recording medium. Instead, an image is formed on an image pickup device such as a CCD, and the image data is stored in an external storage device such as a memory card or a hard disk device. Will be recorded. Unlike a film, an external storage device can be written and erased any number of times, so it is very convenient because it requires less expenses for consumables.

  In the interchangeable lens single-lens reflex digital camera, due to its structure, dust and dust tend to collect near the image sensor when the lens is replaced. The dust and dust adhere to the filter surface provided near the image pickup surface of the image sensor, and the shadow of the dust and dust is reflected on the image sensor and causes deterioration in image quality. In addition, when the imaging surface is an imaging device, unlike the film, the imaging surface is not replaced every time shooting is performed, so if dust or dirt adheres to it, all captured images will be reflected in all captured images. It is a problem. Measures are taken against this problem, for example, to make the imaging device as sealed as possible or to separate the filter surface from the imaging device. In addition, the user removes the lens from the camera, exposes the image sensor to the outside using a special mode, and blows off dust and dirt adhering to the surface of the image sensor with a blower or the like.

Further, as a prior art, Patent Document 1 proposes a camera technology that removes dust and dirt from an imaging unit using an airflow generator built in the camera body.
JP 2002-229110 A

  However, in the above-described method for making the image pickup device part a sealed structure, in the case of a camera having a mechanism having a mechanical focal plane shutter, the shutter part itself has to be sealed, and the sealed structure becomes very complicated. There is a problem of increasing the size. Even if the shutter portion is hermetically sealed, the shutter blades constituting the mechanical shutter slide, so that the surface of the shutter member is worn and fine powder is generated and attached to the image pickup device portion.

  In addition, the above method of separating the filter surface from the image sensor can blur the shadow of dust and dirt on the image plane, but the shadow of the blurry dust and dust is still reflected, which is a fundamental solution. Not.

  It is possible for the user to remove the lens from the camera, expose the image sensor to the outside using a special mode, and blow off dust and dirt adhering to the surface of the image sensor with a blower. If the image sensor is damaged at the tip, the shutter may be accidentally damaged.

  Further, according to the invention disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is possible to remove dust and dirt on the imaging surface, but the structure of the camera body is changed in order to incorporate the airflow generation device, and the number of parts is reduced. There is a problem that the cost is increased and the assembly is complicated.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above prior art, by a cleanup device to a camera accessory, so as not to have a new structure in the camera is to prevent an increase in size and cost of the camera .

Another object is to provide a cleanup apparatus that can remove dirt and dust adhering to easily and securely imaging unit or in the vicinity thereof to the user.

Cleanup apparatus of the present invention in order to achieve the above object has the following arrangement. That is,
A cleaning device that can be attached to and detached from the camera body,
A mount mounted on the camera side mount of the camera body;
A signal terminal disposed in the mount and in electrical communication with the camera body;
A cleaning member capable of extending from a state of being housed in the cleaning device;
Control means for controlling the cleaning member,
The control means transmits a first signal to the camera body via the signal terminal when the mount is attached to the camera-side mount, and transmits the first signal. A second signal transmitted from the main body is received, and after receiving the second signal, the cleaning member housed in the cleaning device is controlled to extend.

According to the present invention, since it is not necessary to incorporate a cleaning device in the camera body, it is possible to prevent an increase in size and cost of the camera body.

Also, without the camera body damage, easy and secure cleaning of the imaging portion of the camera body is the effect that performed.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
1 and 2 are external views of the imaging device cleaning device according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a view of the imaging apparatus cleaning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the front.

  As shown in the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes an imaging device cleaning device body. This imaging device cleaning device 10 has a display unit 16 of a liquid crystal display member, operation buttons 17a, 17b, and 17c, and an intake port 19a for taking in gas for generating an airflow, on the front. . A filter is attached to the intake port 19a so as not to take in external dust and dirt. The display unit 16 is a liquid crystal display unit that displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, and the like, and includes, for example, a combination of an LCD, an LED, a sounding element, and the like. The display contents of the display unit 16 include, for example, the strength of the air flow ejected from the imaging device cleaning device 10, the time required for cleaning, the elapsed cleaning time, the battery remaining amount display of the camera body 20 (FIG. 3), the buzzer setting display, There are an error display, information display by a multi-digit number, an attachment / detachment state display of the camera body 20, a date / time display, a display showing a connection state of the camera with the CPU 13b (FIG. 3), and the like. Reference numerals 17 a, 17 b, and 17 c denote operation members of the imaging device cleaning device 10. The operation button 17 a is a power switch of the imaging device cleaning device 10. The operation button 17b is a start switch that instructs the start of cleaning, and the cleaning button 17c is an airflow adjustment switch that adjusts the strength of the airflow ejected by the imaging device cleaning device 10. These operation members may be used for setting the cleaning time, setting the buzzer, and driving the cleaning member. An exhaust port 19b is disposed on the side surface of the imaging device cleaning device 10 so that the airflow ejected from the nozzles is emitted. A filter is attached to the exhaust port 19b to keep the exhausted air clean. A commercial AC power source 34 (FIG. 7) is used as the power source of the imaging device cleaning device 10. The imaging apparatus includes an AC power connector 35 (FIG. 7).

  FIG. 2 is a view of the imaging device cleaning device 10 as viewed from the back side.

  On the back surface of the imaging device cleaning device 10, an imaging device cleaning device side mount 14 for mounting on a camera body 20 described later is disposed. A signal terminal 15 for electrically communicating with the camera body 20 is provided in the imaging device cleaning device side mount 14. A nozzle 12a is housed in the center of the back surface. The nozzle 12a is a cleaning member for cleaning the image pickup element, and is normally folded and stored in the image pickup device cleaning device 10. During the cleaning drive, the nozzle 12a extends (see FIG. 4) and approaches an image sensor 21 described later. 12b is an obstacle detection device. When the nozzle 12a extends, the obstacle detection device 12b detects an obstacle such as a mirror 22 and a shutter 23, and detects this and transmits it to a CPU 13b (FIG. 7) of the imaging device cleaning device 10 described later.

  FIG. 3 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the imaging device cleaning device 10 is attached to the camera body 20 and the cleaning operation is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle 12 a of the cleaning member is folded and stored in the center of the imaging device cleaning device 10. A fan 18 for generating an air current is provided in the vicinity of the suction port of the nozzle 12a. The fan 18 is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 11 and is rotated by the rotation of the motor 11. The board 13c has the motor 11 and the CPU 13b attached thereto. The motor 11 is controlled by the CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device, and the rotation speed thereof is changed. The board 13c is connected to the signal terminal 15 via the connector 13a. Reference numeral 20 denotes an interchangeable lens camera body. Reference numeral 24 denotes a camera-side mount that mechanically couples the lens to the camera body 20. This camera side mount 2 4, the signal terminal 25 for electrically connecting the lens and the camera main body 20 is equipped with includes various functions such as power supply.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the imaging device cleaning device 10 is mounted on the camera body 20, the signal terminal 15 of the imaging device cleaning device 10 is disposed so as to be in electrical contact with the signal terminal 25 on the camera side 20. Through these terminals, the CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device 10 and the CPU 40 (FIG. 7) on the camera side can communicate with each other. Reference numeral 22 denotes a mirror that can guide the light beam incident on the lens to the optical viewfinder by a single-lens reflex system. The mirror 22 may be either a quick return mirror or a half mirror. Reference numeral 23 denotes a shutter for controlling the exposure amount to the image pickup device 21, and reference numeral 21 denotes an image pickup device that converts an optical image into an electric signal.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the imaging device cleaning device 10 is attached to the camera body 20 and the cleaning operation is executed, and portions common to those in FIG. To do.

  While the imaging device cleaning device 10 is being driven, the CPU 13b controls the camera 20 so that the mirror 22 is retracted upward and the shutter 23 is opened. The nozzle 12a extends toward the image pickup device 21 while being controlled by the CPU 13b of the image pickup device cleaning device 10, but has a length that does not contact the image pickup device 21 even when the nozzle 12a extends to the maximum.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the camera 20 with the lens of the camera 20 removed.

  As described above, reference numeral 24 denotes a camera side mount that mechanically couples a lens to the camera body 20. The camera-side mount 24 is equipped with a signal terminal 25 for electrically communicating the lens with the camera body 20, and various functions such as power supply are realized through these terminals.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the imaging device cleaning device 10 according to the first embodiment is mounted on the camera body 20 from the state of FIG. 5, and portions common to the above-described drawings are denoted by the same symbols. .

  Here, a state is shown in which the imaging device cleaning device 10 is attached to the mount 24 of the camera body 20 using the mount 14 of the imaging device cleaning device 10 in the same manner as the interchangeable lens.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration when the imaging apparatus cleaning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the camera body 20, and parts common to the above-described drawings are indicated by the same symbols. .

  The CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning apparatus 10 receives a power-on signal from the power switch 17a, a cleaning start signal from the cleaning start switch 17b, and an airflow adjustment signal from the airflow adjustment switch 17c. The CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device performs bidirectional signal communication with the nozzle control circuit 30, the motor control circuit 31, the display circuit 32, and the power supply circuit 33 of the imaging device cleaning device.

  Upon receiving a nozzle extension signal from the CPU 13b, the nozzle control circuit 30 extends the nozzle 12a. When the obstacle detection device 12b at the nozzle tip detects an obstacle, the detection result is transmitted to the CPU 13b.

  The motor control circuit 31 controls the rotation start, rotation stop, rotation speed, and the like of the fan motor 11 based on signals communicated from the cleaning start switch 17b and the airflow adjustment switch 17c via the CPU 13b.

  The display circuit 32 receives the operation results of the power switch 17a, the cleaning start switch 17b, the airflow adjustment switch 17c, the power supply state from the power supply circuit 33, the power supply state of the camera 20, and the like via the CPU 13b and displays them. The display is controlled to be displayed on the unit 16.

  The power supply circuit 33 of the imaging device cleaning device receives power from the AC power source 34 via the AC power connector 35. In addition, the status of the AC power supply 34 and the like are transmitted to the CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device.

  The CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device communicates with the camera side CPU 40 via the imaging device cleaning device side signal terminal 15 and the camera side signal terminal 25, the mirror 20 of the camera 20 is opened, the shutter curtain is opened, and the camera 20 is powered. A signal indicating the state of 44 is received.

  The power supply circuit 33 of the image pickup device cleaning apparatus 10 communicates with the camera side power supply circuit 43 via the signal terminal 15 on the image pickup device cleaning apparatus and the signal terminal 25 on the camera side, and always maintains the power supply state of each other. Detected. The camera-side CPU 40 communicates with the mirror control circuit 41, the shutter control circuit 42, and the camera-side power supply circuit 43.

  The CPU 40 on the camera side sends a power-on command to the power supply circuit 43 when receiving a power-on command from the CPU 13b on the imaging device cleaning device side, and receives a cleaning mode command signal when receiving a cleaning mode command signal. Signals for raising the mirror and opening the shutter are sent to 42 respectively.

  The camera-side power supply circuit 43 communicates with the camera-side power supply 44 to detect the remaining amount of the camera-side power supply 44. The power supply circuit 43 on the camera side sends the detection result of the remaining amount of power on the camera side to the CPU 40 on the camera side and the power supply circuit 33 on the imaging device cleaning device side.

  Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus cleaning apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is realized by the CPU 13b executing a control operation in accordance with a program stored in a program memory (not shown) built in the CPU 13b.

  This process is started when the power is turned on by the power switch 17a of the imaging device cleaning device 10. First, in step S101, the imaging device cleaning device 10 detects whether the camera 20 is mounted. This can be detected based on whether communication with the camera 20 is possible via the signal terminal 15. If the camera 20 is attached, the process proceeds to step S102, and the imaging device cleaning device 10 enters a standby state. In the standby state of step S102, various cleaning settings can be performed using the power switch 17a, the cleaning start switch 17b, and the airflow adjustment switch 17c of the operation unit. The various settings here include adjustment of the strength of the airflow and setting of the cleaning time.

  In step S103, when the cleaning start switch 17b of the imaging device cleaning device 10 is turned on, the process advances to step S104, and the imaging device cleaning device 10 detects whether the power source 44 of the camera 20 is turned on. If the power of the camera 20 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S105, where the imaging device cleaning device 10 communicates with the power supply circuit 43 on the camera 20 side via the power supply circuit 33, and the remaining amount of the power source 44 of the camera 20 is determined. Detect.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the power supply 44 of the camera body 20 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S112, a power-on command control signal is sent to the camera 20, the camera body 20 is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S105. move on.

  When it is determined in step S105 that the remaining power of the camera 20 is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S106, and the imaging device cleaning device 10 sends a cleaning mode command control signal to the camera 20, and the display unit 16 is in the cleaning mode. Is displayed to inform you that you have entered the cleaning mode. Here, the cleaning mode in the camera 20 is to retract the mirror 22 of the camera 20 to the top and open the shutter 23. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the remaining amount of power of the camera 20 is not sufficient, the process proceeds to step S113, and the imaging device cleaning device 10 supplies power to the camera 20 via a part of the signal terminal 25 of the camera body 20. Supply. After sufficient power can be supplied in this manner, the imaging device cleaning device 10 sends the control signal for the cleaning mode command to the camera 20 in step S106.

  In this way, when the camera 20 receives the control command for the cleaning mode command from the imaging device cleaning device 10 in step S106, the process proceeds to step S107, where the mirror is raised and the shutter is opened. When the mirror up and the shutter curtain opening are completed in this way, the camera 20 notifies the imaging device cleaning device 10 via the signal terminal 25 that the mirror up and the shutter curtain opening are completed by a control signal. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S108, and the imaging device cleaning device 10 extends the nozzle 12a as shown in FIG. When the nozzle 12a is extended, the obstacle detection device 12b provided at the tip of the nozzle 12a detects the obstacle in step S109. The obstacle here refers to an obstacle that prevents the nozzle from being extended by the mirror 22, the shutter curtain 23, or the like. If there is no obstacle, the nozzle 12a is extended and the process proceeds to step S110, where the imaging device cleaning device 10 rotates the built-in fan 18 to eject airflow from the nozzle 12a.

  On the other hand, in step S109, when the obstacle detection device 12b comes into contact with the mirror 22 or the shutter 23 when the nozzle 12a is extended, and it is detected that there is an obstacle, the process proceeds to step S114 and the nozzle 12a is contracted to perform error processing. This error process is a process of stopping the expansion of the nozzle 12a, contracting it, storing the nozzle 12a in the imaging device cleaning device 10, and displaying an indication of obstacle detection on the display unit 16. After this error process, this cleaning process is terminated.

  When the cleaning process is started in step S110, the process proceeds to step S111, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (cleaning time) set by the user has elapsed in the standby state of step S102 described above. If not, the process returns to step S110, but after that, the imaging device cleaning device 10 stops the rotation of the motor 11 to stop the fan 18, folds the nozzle 12a, and stores it in the imaging device cleaning device 10, and the display unit 16 Indicates that the cleaning has been completed to indicate that the cleaning has been completed.

  Further, the present invention may be modified as the following modifications.

  The air blowing means may be configured to have a plurality of air holes. In FIG. 4, the nozzle 12 a is shown as a single round tube nozzle, but this portion has a rectangular exterior that is slightly smaller than the imaging portion, and a plurality of nozzle tubes are substantially equal in that portion. Configure with spacing. At this time, the obstacle detection device 12b creates protrusions at the four corners of the square at the tip, and arranges them at the four points.

  In the first embodiment described above, air is sent out by the fan 18, but is not necessarily limited to the configuration related to this, and for example, compressed air is supplied from an external device such as a spray can or a pump. You may do it. Further, the structure of the intake port 19a may be changed so that compressed gas can be taken in from the outside, and a spray can containing compressed gas or a tube to which compressed gas is sent may be attached. Furthermore, the shape of the nozzle part may be only an elongated thin tube, and the compressed gas may be directly ejected to the imaging part.

  In Embodiment 1 described above, air is sent out by the fan. However, it is not necessarily limited to the configuration related to this. For example, the removing means may be configured to wipe the imaging surface with a wiper. Good. In addition, a wiper having an acrylic brush is attached to the tip of the extending member of the imaging device cleaning device. The longitudinal dimension of the wiper corresponds to the longitudinal dimension of the imaging unit. When the extension member is extended, the wiper is brought into contact with the imaging surface. A contact detection device is attached to the wiper. When the wiper and the imaging surface come into contact, the contact detection device senses that the contact with the imaging surface and automatically controls the wiper to slide relative to the imaging surface. You may make it do.

  In the first embodiment described above, the imaging device cleaning device 10 obtains power from the AC power supply 34. However, the configuration is not necessarily limited to this, and for example, power is supplied from the camera side. It may be. In this case, the camera can supply the power of the imaging device cleaning device 10 through a part of the signal terminal. Furthermore, the imaging device cleaning device 10 may include a rechargeable battery so that the power supplied from the camera can be accumulated.

  Further, the obstacle detection may be performed as follows. The imaging device cleaning device 10 is provided with a distance measuring device so that distance measuring light can be emitted from the rear surface of the imaging device cleaning device 10. When the mirror up and the shutter curtain opening are normally performed, the distance from the rear surface of the imaging device cleaning device 10 to the imaging element 21 is accurately measured. However, there is an abnormality in the camera body, and the mirror up and the shutter curtain opening are performed. If not performed normally, the distance to the mirror or shutter is measured, and the distance measured is shortened. An obstacle may be determined based on the result of the distance measurement.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The appearance of the imaging device cleaning device 10 according to this embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, but in the second embodiment, the airflow using the fan 18 as described above. In order to remove dust by adhering dust with an adhesive sheet instead of removing dust by the above, the nozzle 12a and intake / exhaust configuration are not provided as compared to the configuration shown in FIGS. Is different.

  Specifically, the imaging device cleaning device 10 includes a display unit 16 and operation buttons 17, and the mount 14 of the imaging device cleaning device 10 is equipped with a signal terminal 15 for electrically communicating with the camera 20. The nozzle 12a, the obstacle detection 12b, the intake port 19a, and the exhaust port 19b are not provided, and the display unit 16 and the operation buttons 17a and 17b are respectively in accordance with the second embodiment. Display and function.

  FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of the imaging apparatus cleaning apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same symbols, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes an adhesive portion, which is used to remove dust scattered on the image pickup element 21, specifically on an optical member that affects the subject image, for example, on the protective glass of the image pickup element 21, due to its adhesiveness. The This adhesion part 60 is comprised by the adhesive sheet etc., for example. The adhesive portion 60 is configured to have an area larger than an effective pixel area, which is generally rectangular, corresponding to an effective pixel of the image sensor 21, that is, a pixel used as image data by imaging. . Preferably, it has a shape similar to this effective pixel region, and is configured such that dust that may affect imaging can be removed by a single contact. The holding member 59 is a member for holding the adhesive portion 60, and absorbs excessive contact force when the adhesive portion 60 comes into close contact with the protective glass of the imaging element 21, for example, and against the protective glass. And is configured to have flexibility (elasticity) so as to give a uniform contact pressure. The strain gauge 58 is disposed on the holding member 59, and detects whether the adhesive portion 60 has come into contact with the protective glass or the like according to the bending of the holding member 59, and further, to what degree the pressure is in contact. be able to. The expansion / contraction member 57 is a member that telescopically expands and contracts in order to bring the adhesive portion 60 into contact with the protective glass or the like, and is configured by several stages of nesting. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the adhesive member 60 is protruded from the state where the adhesive portion 60 is completely accommodated in the imaging device cleaning device 10 and the elastic member 57 is extended.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the imaging apparatus cleaning device 10 according to the second embodiment is attached to the camera body 20 and the cleaning operation is stopped. The same symbol is used.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an adhesive unit 60 is housed in the center of the imaging device cleaning device 10. The motor 56 is a motor for extending / contracting the expansion / contraction member 57 according to the rotation direction, and the rotation is controlled by the CPU 13b.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the cleaning device 10 for an imaging device according to the second embodiment is attached to the camera 20 and executes the cleaning operation, and the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are the same. It is indicated by a symbol.

  While the imaging device cleaning device 10 is being driven, the CPU 13b controls the camera 20 so that the mirror 22 is retracted upward and the shutter 23 is opened, as in the first embodiment. Do it. In this state, when the motor 56 is driven to rotate, the adhesive portion 60 extends toward the image sensor 21. Specifically, each of the nests 57 a to 57 d stored therein is realized by extending toward the image sensor 21.

  In the first embodiment, the length of the nozzle 12a is adjusted so that the tip of the nozzle 12a does not come into contact with the image sensor 21 even when the nozzle 12a is extended to the maximum. In the second embodiment, the adhesive portion Since 60 needs to contact the image sensor 21 (specifically, an optical member such as a protective glass of the image sensor 21), the extension amount by the expansion / contraction member 57 is adjusted as such.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration in a state where the imaging device cleaning device 10 according to the second embodiment is mounted on the camera body 20, and portions in common with FIG. 7 according to the first embodiment described above are illustrated. The same reference numerals are attached.

  The CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device 10 receives a power-on signal from the power switch 17a and a cleaning start signal from the cleaning start switch 17b. The CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device 10 performs bidirectional communication with the adhesive unit control circuit 61, the motor control circuit 62, the display circuit 32, and the power supply circuit 33 of the imaging device cleaning device 10.

  When the adhesive control unit 61 controls the rotation of the motor 56 to control the rotation of the motor 56 so that the adhesive unit 30 extends with respect to the image sensor 21, the adhesive unit control circuit 61 determines that the adhesive unit 30 has contacted the image sensor 21. Detection is performed by the strain gauge 58, and further, control is performed so that the entire adhesive portion 30 contacts at least the entire effective pixel region of the image sensor 21 with an appropriate contact pressure. The display circuit 32 receives the operation results of the power switch 17a and the cleaning start switch 17b, the power supply state from the power supply circuit 33, the power state of the camera 20, and the like via the CPU 13b and displays them on the display unit 16. It is controlled to do. The power supply circuit 33 of the imaging device cleaning device receives power from the AC power source 34 via the AC power connector 35. In addition, the status of the AC power supply 34 and the like are transmitted to the CPU 13 b of the imaging device cleaning device 10.

  Since communication and control between the CPU 13b of the imaging device cleaning device and the CPU 40 of the camera are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the adhesive unit 30 is controlled to be pressed against the image sensor 21 as if it were a stamp, and dust or the like attached thereto is removed. Can be removed reliably in a short time.

  Further, when the pressure-sensitive adhesive portion 30 is pressed against the image sensor 21, the degree of pressing is controlled so as not to damage the image sensor 21, so that damage to the image sensor 21 due to dust removal can be reliably prevented.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the front surface of the cleaning apparatus for imaging devices which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention facing up. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the back surface of the cleaning apparatus for imaging devices which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention up. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the cleaning operation by the imaging device cleaning device is not performed in a state where the imaging device cleaning device according to Embodiment 1 is attached to the camera. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which cleaning operation is implemented in the state which attached the cleaning apparatus for imaging devices which concerns on Embodiment 1 to the camera. It is a front view which shows the state which removed the lens of the digital camera used in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the state which mounted | wore the digital camera with the imaging device cleaning apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure in the state which attached the cleaning apparatus for imaging devices which concerns on this Embodiment 1 to the camera. 6 is a flowchart for describing processing in the imaging device cleaning device according to the first embodiment; It is an external appearance perspective view of the cleaning device for imaging devices which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state by which the cleaning operation by the cleaning device for imaging devices is not implemented in the state which attached the cleaning device for imaging devices which concerns on this Embodiment 2 to the camera. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a cleaning operation is performed in a state in which the imaging device cleaning device according to Embodiment 2 is attached to a camera. It is a block diagram which shows the structure in the state which attached the cleaning apparatus for imaging devices which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention to the camera.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Imaging device cleaning device 11,56 Motor 12a Nozzle 12b Obstacle detection device 13a Connector 13b CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Mount on the imaging device cleaning device side 15 Signal terminal of the imaging device cleaning device 16 Display unit 17a Imaging device cleaning device power switch 17b Cleaning start switch 17c Airflow adjustment switch 18 Fan 19a Intake port 19b Exhaust port 20 Camera 21 Imaging element DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Mirror 23 Shutter 24 Camera side mount 25 Camera side signal terminal 57 Telescopic member 58 Strain gauge 59 Holding member 60 Adhesive part 61 Adhesive part control circuit

Claims (5)

A cleaning device that can be attached to and detached from the camera body,
A mount mounted on the camera side mount of the camera body;
A signal terminal disposed in the mount and in electrical communication with the camera body;
A cleaning member capable of extending from a state of being housed in the cleaning device;
Control means for controlling the cleaning member,
The control means transmits a first signal to the camera body via the signal terminal when the mount is attached to the camera-side mount, and transmits the first signal. A cleaning apparatus that receives a second signal transmitted from a main body and controls the extension of the cleaning member housed in the cleaning apparatus after receiving the second signal. The first signal is a control signal for setting the camera body to a cleaning mode, and the second signal is a control signal indicating that the camera body is in the cleaning mode. Item 2. The cleaning device according to Item 1. The camera body has a mirror and a shutter, and a control signal indicating that the camera body is in the cleaning mode is transmitted when the operation of retracting the mirror and opening the shutter is completed. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning device is a control signal. A switch for instructing the start of a cleaning operation, wherein the control means is that the power of the camera body is turned on when the switch is turned on while the mount is mounted on the camera side mount; 2. A signal for turning on the power of the camera body is transmitted to the camera body through the signal terminal when the power of the camera body is not turned on. The cleaning apparatus of any one of thru | or 3. When the cleaning member housed in the cleaning device is extended, the cleaning device further includes an obstacle detection means for detecting whether the cleaning member comes into contact with the obstacle, and the obstacle detection means causes the cleaning member to fail. 5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when detecting contact with an object, the control unit stops extension of the cleaning member and stores the cleaning member in the cleaning device. The cleaning apparatus according to item 1.

Images