JP4624303B2

JP4624303B2 - Cleaning device for image sensor

Info

Publication number: JP4624303B2
Application number: JP2006133963A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 修三瀬尾
Original assignee: Hoya Corp
Current assignee: Hoya Corp
Priority date: 2006-05-12
Filing date: 2006-05-12
Publication date: 2011-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-12
Also published as: JP2007306390A

Description

本発明は、撮像素子用清掃器具に関し、特に、レンズ交換式デジタルカメラの撮像素子等に付着する異物を取り除く清掃器具に関する。 The present invention relates to an image pickup device cleaning device, and more particularly, to a cleaning device that removes foreign matter adhering to an image pickup device or the like of an interchangeable lens digital camera.

近年、レンズ交換式のデジタルカメラが普及しつつある。レンズ交換式デジタルカメラにおいては、レンズ交換等により混入する埃などの異物が、内蔵された撮像素子の表面に付着する場合がある。そして、異物が撮像素子に付着することによる画質の低下を防ぐため、撮像素子表面から異物を取り除く装置が知られている。 In recent years, interchangeable lens digital cameras are becoming popular. In the interchangeable lens digital camera, foreign matter such as dust mixed by lens replacement may adhere to the surface of the built-in image sensor. An apparatus that removes foreign matter from the surface of the image sensor is known in order to prevent deterioration in image quality due to foreign matter adhering to the image sensor.

このような装置のうち、カメラマウントに装着し、ファンを用いて異物を吸引するものが知られている（例えば特許文献１および２）。また、粘着性のある平面状の部材を撮像素子の表面あるいは撮像素子の前に配置された赤外線カットフィルタや光学ローパスフィルタの表面等に全面的に接触させ、この平面部材に異物を付着させて撮像素子表面から除去するものも知られている（例えば特許文献３および４）。
特開２００４−３２６０９５号公報（段落［００３５］〜［００４２］、図１〜４等参照）特開２００５−２４９０５号公報（段落［００１２］〜［００１５］、図１、２等参照）特開２００５−２９２４０４号公報（段落［００３７］〜［００６４］、図４〜１２等参照）特開２００５−３１６３９１号公報（段落［００４２］〜［００７６］、図４〜１６等参照） Among such devices, one that is attached to a camera mount and sucks foreign matter using a fan is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Also, a sticky planar member is brought into full contact with the surface of the image sensor or the surface of an infrared cut filter or optical low-pass filter disposed in front of the image sensor, and foreign matter adheres to the plane member. What removes from the image pick-up element surface is also known (for example, patent documents 3 and 4).
JP 2004-326095 A (refer to paragraphs [0035] to [0042], FIGS. 1 to 4 etc.) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-24905 (see paragraphs [0012] to [0015], FIGS. 1 and 2) JP-A-2005-292404 (see paragraphs [0037] to [0064], FIGS. 4 to 12) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-316391 (see paragraphs [0042] to [0076], FIGS. 4 to 16)

ファンにより異物を吸引する場合、複雑な装置を設けることが必要であり、コストの増大を招く。さらに、静電気が生じていること等により、撮像素子等に付着した異物を気流で取り除くことは困難である。 In the case of sucking foreign matter with a fan, it is necessary to provide a complicated device, which causes an increase in cost. Furthermore, it is difficult to remove the foreign matter adhering to the image pickup element or the like with an air current due to static electricity or the like.

また、粘着性の平面部材を撮像素子の表面、あるいは撮像素子の直前に配置された光学フィルタの受光面等に全面的に接触させ、引き離して異物を取り除く場合においては、粘着性部材が撮像素子、光学フィルタの受光面等を強く引っ張ることにより、撮像素子、ＬＰＦ等を損傷する恐れがある。さらに、撮像素子等の取り付け位置がずれ、ピントがずれる可能性がある。 In addition, when the adhesive flat member is brought into full contact with the surface of the image sensor or the light receiving surface of the optical filter disposed immediately before the image sensor and is separated to remove foreign matter, the adhesive member is used as the image sensor. If the light receiving surface or the like of the optical filter is pulled strongly, the image sensor, LPF, or the like may be damaged. Furthermore, the mounting position of the image sensor or the like may be shifted and the focus may be shifted.

本発明は、撮像素子表面等に付着した異物を、撮像素子表面等に悪影響を与えることなしに確実に除去する清掃器具を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning tool that reliably removes foreign matter adhering to an imaging element surface or the like without adversely affecting the imaging element surface or the like.

本発明の第１の清掃器具は、撮像素子の被清掃面上にある異物を除去する撮像素子用清掃器具であって、異物を粘着させるローラと、ローラを被清掃面上で回転させるために回転自在に支持する支持部材とを備え、ローラが、本体部と、ローラの回転軸に垂直な切断面において円形である前記本体部から膨出する膨出部とを含み、本体部と膨出部の外周面が粘着性を有することを特徴とする。 A first cleaning tool of the present invention is an imaging device cleaning device that removes foreign matter on a surface to be cleaned of an image pickup device, in order to rotate the roller on the surface to be cleaned and a roller that adheres the foreign matter. A support member that rotatably supports the roller, the roller including a main body portion, and a bulging portion that bulges from the main body portion that is circular in a cutting plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the roller. The outer peripheral surface of the part has adhesiveness.

膨出部の外周面は、例えば、膨出部の稜線を挟んで互いに接する２つの平面領域を含む。そしてこの場合、２つの平面領域が成す角度が９０°以下であることがより好ましい。 The outer peripheral surface of the bulging portion includes, for example, two planar regions that are in contact with each other across the ridge line of the bulging portion. In this case, the angle formed by the two planar regions is more preferably 90 ° or less.

撮像素子用清掃器具においては、例えば、ローラの側面に係合溝が設けられており、支持部材が、係合溝に係合する係合部材を有する。この場合、係合溝の両端に、係合部材を保持するための保持部が設けられていることが好ましい。 In the imaging device cleaning tool, for example, an engagement groove is provided on a side surface of the roller, and the support member has an engagement member that engages with the engagement groove. In this case, it is preferable that a holding portion for holding the engaging member is provided at both ends of the engaging groove.

例えば、係合部材が係合溝の一方の端部から他方の端部まで移動すると、ローラは、稜線が被清掃面の第１の端部に接する位置から被清掃面の第２の端部に接する位置まで回転する。ローラの外周の長さは、ローラを移動させる方向における被清掃面の長さにほぼ等しいことが望ましい。また、ローラの幅が、ローラの回転軸方向における被清掃面の長さにほぼ等しいことが望ましい。 For example, when the engaging member moves from one end of the engaging groove to the other end, the roller moves from the position where the ridge line contacts the first end of the surface to be cleaned to the second end of the surface to be cleaned. Rotate to the position where it touches. The length of the outer circumference of the roller is desirably substantially equal to the length of the surface to be cleaned in the direction in which the roller is moved. Further, it is desirable that the width of the roller is substantially equal to the length of the surface to be cleaned in the direction of the rotation axis of the roller.

膨出部の外周面は、例えば、膨出部の稜線を挟んで互いに接する２つの曲面領域を含み、曲面領域の曲率半径が、本体部側の領域において本体部の曲率半径よりも大きく、稜線側の領域において本体部の曲率半径よりも小さい。この場合、２つの曲面領域が、互いに接する領域において成す角度が９０°以下であることが好ましい。 The outer peripheral surface of the bulging portion includes, for example, two curved surface regions that are in contact with each other across the ridge line of the bulging portion, and the curvature radius of the curved surface region is larger than the curvature radius of the main body portion in the region on the main body portion side. It is smaller than the radius of curvature of the main body in the region on the side. In this case, it is preferable that the angle formed by the two curved surface regions in the region in contact with each other is 90 ° or less.

本発明の第２の清掃器具は、撮像素子の被清掃面上にある異物を除去する撮像素子用清掃器具であって、異物を粘着させるローラと、ローラを被清掃面上で回転させるために回転自在に支持する支持部材とを備えた撮像素子用清掃器具であって、ローラが、ローラの回転軸に垂直な切断面において涙形であり、ローラの外周面が粘着性を有することを特徴とする。 A second cleaning tool of the present invention is an image pickup device cleaning tool for removing foreign matter on a surface to be cleaned of an image pickup device, and for rotating the roller on the surface to be cleaned and a roller for adhering the foreign matter. A cleaning device for an image sensor comprising a support member that rotatably supports a roller, wherein the roller has a teardrop shape on a cut surface perpendicular to the rotation axis of the roller, and the outer peripheral surface of the roller has adhesiveness And

本発明によれば、撮像素子表面等に付着した異物を、撮像素子表面等に悪影響を与えることなしに確実に除去する清掃器具を実現できる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the cleaning instrument which removes reliably the foreign material adhering to the image pick-up element surface etc., without having a bad influence on the image pick-up element surface etc. is realizable.

以下、本発明の実施形態を、図面を参照して説明する。図１は、第１の実施形態における清掃器具を示す正面図である。図２は、本実施形態の清掃器具を示す側面図である。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a cleaning tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the cleaning tool of the present embodiment.

清掃器具１０は、ＣＣＤ等の撮像素子、ローパスフィルタ、保護フィルタの受光面等（いずれも図示せず）に付着した埃などの異物を除去し、撮像素子等を清掃するために使用される。清掃器具１０には、異物を粘着させるためのローラ１２と、ローラ１２を支持する支持部材１４とが設けられている。 The cleaning tool 10 is used for removing foreign matters such as dust attached to an image sensor such as a CCD, a low-pass filter, a light receiving surface of a protective filter (not shown), and cleaning the image sensor. The cleaning tool 10 is provided with a roller 12 for adhering foreign matter and a support member 14 that supports the roller 12.

支持部材１４の支持部１４Ｓには、ローラ１２に嵌合された軸部材１５と、一対のピン（係合部材）１８とが設けられている。一方、ローラ１２の２つの側面１２Ｓにはそれぞれ係合溝１６が設けられており、ピン１８は係合溝１６に係合する（図２参照）。ローラ１２は、軸部材１５とピン１８とによって回転自在に支持されている。 The support portion 14 S of the support member 14 is provided with a shaft member 15 fitted to the roller 12 and a pair of pins (engagement members) 18. On the other hand, the engagement groove 16 is provided in each of the two side surfaces 12S of the roller 12, and the pin 18 engages with the engagement groove 16 (see FIG. 2). The roller 12 is rotatably supported by a shaft member 15 and a pin 18.

ローラ１２の外周面１２Ｒ、すなわちローラ側面１２Ｓを除くローラ１２の表面は、異物を粘着させるために粘着性を有するブチルゴムにより形成されている。そしてユーザが、支持部材１４の本体部１４Ｂを保持して清掃器具１０を被清掃面に沿って移動させると、被清掃面上で当て付けられたローラ１２が、矢印Ａの示すように回転する。この結果、異物はローラ外周面１２Ｒに粘着し、被清掃面上から除去される。 The outer peripheral surface 12R of the roller 12, that is, the surface of the roller 12 excluding the roller side surface 12S, is formed of adhesive butyl rubber to adhere foreign matter. When the user holds the main body 14B of the support member 14 and moves the cleaning tool 10 along the surface to be cleaned, the roller 12 applied on the surface to be cleaned rotates as indicated by the arrow A. . As a result, the foreign matter adheres to the roller outer peripheral surface 12R and is removed from the surface to be cleaned.

ローラ１２は、円柱形の本体部１２Ｂと、本体部１２Ｂから膨出した膨出部１２Ｅとを含む。図２において、本体部１２Ｂと膨出部１２Ｅとの境界は二点鎖線Ｄで示されている。ローラ１２は、本体部１２Ｂの中心線を回転軸１２Ｃとして回転する。図２より明らかであるように、膨出部１２Ｅは、回転軸１２Ｃに垂直な切断面において円形の本体部１２Ｂから膨出した形状を有する。膨出部１２Ｅにおいては、回転軸１２Ｃに平行な稜線１２Ｌが通る中心部が最も突出しており、回転軸１２Ｃからの距離が最も長い。このようにローラ１２は、回転軸１２Ｃに垂直な切断面において、円の外周の一部とその円の２本の接線とで囲まれた涙形の形状を有しており、ローラ外周面１２Ｒは、稜線１２Ｌを除き全領域においてなめらかな曲面である。 The roller 12 includes a cylindrical main body portion 12B and a bulging portion 12E bulging from the main body portion 12B. In FIG. 2, the boundary between the main body portion 12 B and the bulging portion 12 E is indicated by a two-dot chain line D. The roller 12 rotates about the center line of the main body 12B as a rotation axis 12C. As is clear from FIG. 2, the bulging portion 12E has a shape that bulges from the circular main body portion 12B on a cut surface perpendicular to the rotating shaft 12C. In the bulging portion 12E, the center portion through which the ridge line 12L parallel to the rotating shaft 12C passes most protrudes, and the distance from the rotating shaft 12C is the longest. As described above, the roller 12 has a teardrop shape surrounded by a part of the outer periphery of the circle and the two tangents of the circle on the cut surface perpendicular to the rotating shaft 12C. Is a smooth curved surface in the entire region except for the ridgeline 12L.

ローラ外周面１２Ｒの一部であって膨出部１２Ｅに含まれる領域においては、第１および第２の平面領域２０Ａ、２０Ｂが設けられている。第１および第２の平面領域２０Ａ、２０Ｂは、膨出部１２Ｅの第１および第２端部１２Ｅ_１、１２Ｅ_２におけるローラ側面１２Ｓの接線方向にそれぞれ延びる平面である。すなわち、図２に示すように、回転軸１２Ｃと第１の平面領域２０Ａが第１端部１２Ｅ_１において成す角度は９０°であり、回転軸１２Ｃと第２の平面領域２０Ｂが第２端部１２Ｅ_２において成す角度も９０°である。また、第１の平面領域２０Ａと第２の平面領域２０Ｂとは、稜線１２Ｌを挟んで互いに接しており、第１および第２の平面領域２０Ａ、２０Ｂは互いに直交し、両平面領域が成す角度θは直角である。 In a region that is a part of the roller outer peripheral surface 12R and is included in the bulging portion 12E, first and second planar regions 20A and 20B are provided. The first and second plane regions 20A and 20B are planes that respectively extend in the tangential direction of the roller side surface 12S at the first and second end portions 12E ₁ and 12E ₂ of the bulging portion 12E. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the angle of the rotating shaft 12C and the first planar area 20A is formed in the first end portion 12E ₁ is 90 °, the rotating shaft 12C and the second planar area 20B and the second end The angle formed at 12E ₂ is also 90 °. In addition, the first planar region 20A and the second planar region 20B are in contact with each other with the ridgeline 12L interposed therebetween, and the first and second planar regions 20A, 20B are orthogonal to each other, and the angle formed by both planar regions θ is a right angle.

係合溝１６の両端付近には、ピン１８を保持するための第１および第２の保持部２２、２３が設けられている。第１、第２の保持部２２、２３は、係合溝１６と係合溝１６の両端から延びる第１、第２の切り込み２４、２５によって挟まれる突起であり、適度に弾性変形可能である。このため、図示するようにピン１８が係合溝１６の両端まで移動されると、第１もしくは第２の保持部２２、２３が回転軸１２Ｃ側に向かって第１もしくは第２の切り込み２４、２５を閉じるように弾性変形する。そしてピン１８は、変形した第１および第２の保持部２２、２３の先端部により係止、保持される。 Near both ends of the engagement groove 16, first and second holding portions 22 and 23 for holding the pin 18 are provided. The first and second holding portions 22 and 23 are protrusions sandwiched between the engagement groove 16 and the first and second cuts 24 and 25 extending from both ends of the engagement groove 16 and can be elastically deformed moderately. . For this reason, when the pin 18 is moved to both ends of the engagement groove 16 as shown in the drawing, the first or second holding portions 22 and 23 are moved toward the rotary shaft 12C, and the first or second cuts 24 and It is elastically deformed so that 25 is closed. The pin 18 is locked and held by the tip portions of the deformed first and second holding portions 22 and 23.

以上のことから明らかであるように、矢印Ａの示すローラ１２の回転は、ピン１８が第１保持部２２、もしくは第２の保持部２３により保持されると停止する。その後、ローラ１２が被清掃面から離された場合においても、ピン１８が第１もしくは第２の保持部２２、２３により保持されているため、ローラ１２は回転しない状態で保たれる。そして、ユーザの操作によりピン１８がローラ外周面１２Ｒ側に向かって移動されると、第１もしくは第２の保持部２２、２３は元の形状に戻り、係合溝１６の両端におけるピン１８の係合は解除される。 As is clear from the above, the rotation of the roller 12 indicated by the arrow A stops when the pin 18 is held by the first holding unit 22 or the second holding unit 23. Thereafter, even when the roller 12 is separated from the surface to be cleaned, since the pin 18 is held by the first or second holding portions 22 and 23, the roller 12 is held in a non-rotating state. When the pin 18 is moved toward the roller outer peripheral surface 12R side by the user's operation, the first or second holding portions 22 and 23 return to the original shape, and the pin 18 at both ends of the engagement groove 16 The engagement is released.

ピン１８が保持された状態においては、第１および第２の平面領域２０Ａ、２０Ｂのいずれかが、支持部材１４の本体部１４Ｂが延びる方向と垂直になる。これは、第１および第２の保持部２２、２３が、ローラ側面１２Ｓの所定の位置に設けられているためである。このため、清掃器具１０を使用する前に、被清掃面に対して垂直になるように支持部材１４が保持されると、第１および第２の平面領域２０Ａ、２０Ｂのいずれかが常に被清掃面と平行になる。このように清掃器具１０においては、ローラ１２を清掃に最も適した回転位置に保つことができる。 In the state where the pin 18 is held, one of the first and second planar regions 20A and 20B is perpendicular to the direction in which the main body portion 14B of the support member 14 extends. This is because the first and second holding portions 22 and 23 are provided at predetermined positions on the roller side surface 12S. For this reason, if the supporting member 14 is hold | maintained so that it may become perpendicular | vertical with respect to a to-be-cleaned surface before using the cleaning instrument 10, either the 1st and 2nd plane area | region 20A, 20B will always be cleaned. Parallel to the surface. Thus, in the cleaning tool 10, the roller 12 can be maintained at the rotational position most suitable for cleaning.

図３は、撮像素子ユニットに設けられたローパスフィルタの清掃に使用されている状態のローラ１２を示す側面図である。 FIG. 3 is a side view showing the roller 12 in a state where it is used for cleaning a low-pass filter provided in the image sensor unit.

撮像素子ユニット（撮像素子）５０においては、ＣＣＤ３０とローパスフィルタ（以下、ＬＰＦという）３２とが、基板３４上に設けられている。清掃器具１０は、ＬＰＦ３２の表面３６の清掃に用いられる。なお図３においては、支持部材１４は省略されている。 In the imaging element unit (imaging element) 50, a CCD 30 and a low-pass filter (hereinafter referred to as LPF) 32 are provided on a substrate 34. The cleaning tool 10 is used for cleaning the surface 36 of the LPF 32. In FIG. 3, the support member 14 is omitted.

ピン１８が第１保持部２２により保持された状態で、被清掃面である矩形状のＬＰＦ表面３６における第１の端部３６Ａに稜線１２Ｌがほぼ接するように、第１の平面領域２０ＡがＬＰＦ表面３６上に配置される。以下、この状態におけるローラ１２の位置を開始位置という。 In a state where the pin 18 is held by the first holding portion 22, the first planar region 20 A is the LPF so that the ridge line 12 L substantially contacts the first end portion 36 A on the rectangular LPF surface 36 that is the surface to be cleaned. Located on the surface 36. Hereinafter, the position of the roller 12 in this state is referred to as a start position.

このとき、本体部１２Ｂのみから成る円柱形のローラを用いると、第１の端部３６Ａ付近に設けられた撮像素子ユニット５０以外の部材にローラが接触するおそれがあるのに対し、本実施形態では、第２の平面領域２０Ｂが第１の平面領域２０Ａに対して垂直であることから、ローラ外周面１２Ｒの他の部材への接触は防止できる。さらに、ＬＰＦ表面３６の上方から操作するユーザにとっては、円柱形のローラの端部によって第１の端部３６Ａが隠れることがなく、ローラ１２を開始位置に容易に配置することができる。 At this time, if a cylindrical roller consisting only of the main body 12B is used, the roller may come into contact with members other than the image sensor unit 50 provided in the vicinity of the first end 36A. Then, since the 2nd plane area 20B is perpendicular | vertical with respect to the 1st plane area 20A, the contact with the other member of roller outer peripheral surface 12R can be prevented. Further, for the user operating from above the LPF surface 36, the first end 36A is not hidden by the end of the cylindrical roller, and the roller 12 can be easily arranged at the start position.

図示されない支持部材１４が矢印Ｂの示すようにＬＰＦ表面３６に平行に移動され、ローラ１２が、矢印Ａの示すように開始位置から徐々に回転されると、ピン１８が第１の保持部２２から第２の保持部２３まで係合溝１６中を移動する。そしてピン１８が第２の保持部２３により保持されるとローラ１２の回転は停止する。このとき稜線１２Ｌは、ＬＰＦ表面３６上の端部であって、第１の端部３６Ａに対向する第２の端部３６Ｂにほぼ接する。この状態におけるローラ１２の位置を、以下、終了位置という。 When the support member 14 (not shown) is moved parallel to the LPF surface 36 as indicated by the arrow B and the roller 12 is gradually rotated from the start position as indicated by the arrow A, the pin 18 is moved to the first holding portion 22. To the second holding portion 23 in the engagement groove 16. When the pin 18 is held by the second holding unit 23, the rotation of the roller 12 is stopped. At this time, the ridge line 12L is an end portion on the LPF surface 36, and is substantially in contact with the second end portion 36B facing the first end portion 36A. Hereinafter, the position of the roller 12 in this state is referred to as an end position.

以上のことから明らかであるように、ローラ外周面１２Ｒの長さ（ローラ１２の外周の長さ）は、矢印Ｂの示すローラ１２を移動させる方向におけるＬＰＦ表面３６の長さ、すなわち第１の端部３６Ａと第２の端部３６Ｂとの距離３６Ｌよりもわずかに短く、ほぼこれに等しい。さらに、第１の保持部２２から第２の保持部２３までの係合溝１６の位置および長さも、ローラ１２が開始位置から終了位置まで回転できるように調整されている。 As apparent from the above, the length of the roller outer peripheral surface 12R (the length of the outer periphery of the roller 12) is the length of the LPF surface 36 in the direction in which the roller 12 indicated by the arrow B is moved, that is, the first length. The distance 36L between the end portion 36A and the second end portion 36B is slightly shorter than and substantially equal to the distance 36L. Furthermore, the position and length of the engagement groove 16 from the first holding part 22 to the second holding part 23 are also adjusted so that the roller 12 can rotate from the start position to the end position.

また、ローラ１２の幅１２Ｗ（図１参照）は、ローラ１２の移動方向に垂直な方向であって回転軸１２Ｃの延びる方向におけるＬＰＦ表面３６の長さ、すなわち第１および第２の端部３６Ａ、３６Ｂの図３における紙面垂直方向の長さよりもわずかに短く、ほぼこれに等しい。 The width 12W (see FIG. 1) of the roller 12 is the length of the LPF surface 36 in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the roller 12 and the direction in which the rotary shaft 12C extends, that is, the first and second end portions 36A. 36B is slightly shorter than the length in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG.

ローラ外周面１２Ｒの長さが距離３６Ｌと完全に等しい場合、ＬＰＦ表面３６の清掃を終了したときにローラ１２が第２の端部３６Ｂを越えてしまうことを防止するためには、稜線１２Ｌが第１の端部３６Ａと正確に重なる位置を開始位置とすることが必要となり、位置決め操作が困難となる。これに対し、本実施形態のようにローラ外周面１２Ｒの長さを距離３６Ｌよりもわずかに短くすることにより、図３に示すように、ローラ１２を第１の端部３６Ａから若干離れた位置を開始位置とすることが可能となり、清掃器具１０の位置決め操作が容易となる。 When the length of the roller outer peripheral surface 12R is completely equal to the distance 36L, in order to prevent the roller 12 from exceeding the second end 36B when the cleaning of the LPF surface 36 is finished, the ridge line 12L is The position that exactly overlaps the first end portion 36A needs to be set as the start position, which makes positioning operation difficult. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the roller 12 is slightly separated from the first end portion 36 A by making the length of the roller outer peripheral surface 12 R slightly shorter than the distance 36 L as in this embodiment. Can be set as the starting position, and the positioning operation of the cleaning tool 10 becomes easy.

さらに、ローラ外周面１２Ｒの長さは距離３６Ｌよりもわずかに短いだけであるから、ローラ１２が１回転するとＬＰＦ表面３６のほぼ全域を清掃することができ、ＬＰＦ表面３６において清掃が必要とされる領域が清掃されないことは防止される。なお、このように操作性を向上させつつ必要な領域の清掃を可能にするために、ローラ１２の幅１２Ｗも、ＬＰＦ表面３６の紙面垂直方向の長さよりもわずかに短い。 Further, since the length of the roller outer peripheral surface 12R is only slightly shorter than the distance 36L, when the roller 12 makes one rotation, almost the entire area of the LPF surface 36 can be cleaned, and the LPF surface 36 needs to be cleaned. It is prevented that the area to be cleaned is not cleaned. Note that the width 12W of the roller 12 is also slightly shorter than the length of the LPF surface 36 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in order to make it possible to clean the necessary area while improving the operability.

以上のように本実施形態によれば、粘着性部材を被清掃面に面接触させずに、ローラ１２を被清掃面に線接触させることにより、被清掃面との接着面積を減じ、撮像素子、ＬＰＦ等への損傷を防止することができる。さらに、膨出部１２Ｅを設けたローラ１２の使用により、他の部材による立体的な障害の大きい被清掃面の清掃が容易であり、ローラ１２の開始位置への配置も容易である。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the adhesive area with the surface to be cleaned is reduced by bringing the roller 12 into line contact with the surface to be cleaned without bringing the adhesive member into surface contact with the surface to be cleaned. Damage to the LPF and the like can be prevented. Furthermore, by using the roller 12 provided with the bulging portion 12E, it is easy to clean the surface to be cleaned, which has a large three-dimensional obstacle by other members, and the roller 12 can be easily arranged at the start position.

また、粘着性を有し、サイズが調整されたローラ１２を被清掃面上で一度回転させることにより被清掃面の全領域から異物を確実に除去することができるため、ローラ外周面１２Ｒに一度付着した異物が再び被清掃面に接触することが防止され、効率的な清掃と被清掃面の確実な保護が可能である。さらに、ローラ１２と支持部材１４から成る清掃器具１０は、簡素な構造を有し、持ち運びが容易である。 Further, by rotating the roller 12 having adhesiveness and the size adjusted once on the surface to be cleaned, foreign matters can be surely removed from the entire area of the surface to be cleaned. The adhered foreign matter is prevented from coming into contact with the surface to be cleaned again, and efficient cleaning and reliable protection of the surface to be cleaned are possible. Furthermore, the cleaning tool 10 comprising the roller 12 and the support member 14 has a simple structure and is easy to carry.

なお、第１の平面領域２０Ａと第２の平面領域２０Ｂとの成す角度θは、本実施形態における直角に限らず、９０°以下の角度であっても良い。角度θが鋭角であっても、直角である場合と同様に上述の効果が得られるからである。 The angle θ formed by the first planar region 20A and the second planar region 20B is not limited to a right angle in the present embodiment, and may be an angle of 90 ° or less. This is because even if the angle θ is an acute angle, the above-described effect can be obtained as in the case of a right angle.

以下、第２の実施形態につき、第１の実施形態との相違点を中心に説明する。図４は、第２の実施形態におけるローラ１２を示す側面図である。 Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the roller 12 in the second embodiment.

本実施形態では、ローラ１２の形状のみが第１の実施形態と異なる。すなわち、膨出部１２Ｅにおいて、第１および第２の平面領域２０Ａ、２０Ｂの代わりに、稜線１２Ｌを挟んで互いに接する第１の曲面領域４０Ａおよび第２の曲面領域４０Ｂが設けられている。 In the present embodiment, only the shape of the roller 12 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, in the bulging portion 12E, a first curved surface region 40A and a second curved surface region 40B that are in contact with each other with the ridge line 12L interposed therebetween are provided instead of the first and second planar regions 20A and 20B.

第１および第２の曲面領域４０Ａ、４０Ｂは、稜線１２Ｌと回転軸１２Ｃとを結ぶ平面１２Ｐを中心として互いに対称な滑らかな曲面である。第１および第２の曲面領域４０Ａ、４０Ｂにおいては、本体部１２Ｂに近い領域ほど曲率半径が大きく、本体部１２Ｂの近傍では本体部１２の曲率半径よりも大きい。一方、第１および第２の曲面領域４０Ａ、４０Ｂにおいて、稜線１２Ｌに近い領域ほど曲率半径は小さく、稜線１２Ｌの近傍では本体部１２の曲率半径よりも小さい。そして、第１および第２の曲面領域４０Ａ、４０Ｂが、稜線１２Ｌを挟んで互いに接する領域で成す角度θは直角である。 The first and second curved surface regions 40A and 40B are smooth curved surfaces that are symmetrical with respect to each other about a plane 12P that connects the ridgeline 12L and the rotating shaft 12C. In the first and second curved surface regions 40A and 40B, the curvature radius is larger in the region closer to the main body portion 12B, and is larger than the curvature radius of the main body portion 12 in the vicinity of the main body portion 12B. On the other hand, in the first and second curved surface regions 40A, 40B, the radius of curvature is smaller as the region is closer to the ridgeline 12L, and is smaller than the radius of curvature of the main body 12 near the ridgeline 12L. The angle θ formed by the first and second curved surface regions 40A and 40B in the region where the ridgeline 12L is in contact with each other is a right angle.

このように、膨出部１２Ｅにおいて第１および第２の曲面領域４０Ａ、４０Ｂを設けることにより、第１および第２の平面領域２０Ａ、２０Ｂが設けられている場合に比べ、ローラ１２が開始位置もしくは終了位置に近い位置（図３参照）にあるときであっても、ローラ１２のＬＰＦ表面３６に対する接触面積を確実に減少させ、ローラ１２をＬＰＦ表面３６に実質的に線接触させることができる。 As described above, by providing the first and second curved surface regions 40A and 40B in the bulging portion 12E, the roller 12 is at the start position as compared with the case where the first and second planar regions 20A and 20B are provided. Alternatively, even when the position is close to the end position (see FIG. 3), the contact area of the roller 12 with the LPF surface 36 can be reliably reduced, and the roller 12 can be substantially in line contact with the LPF surface 36. .

なお本実施形態においても、ローラ１２の回転方向におけるローラ外周面１２Ｒの長さ、幅１２Ｗの長さ、係合溝１６の位置および長さなどは、第１の実施形態と同様に調整されており、角度θは、第１の実施形態と同様に９０°以下の角度であっても良い。また、図４においては、ピン１８、第１、第２の保持部２２、２３、第１、第２の切り込み２４、２５等は省略されている。 Also in this embodiment, the length of the roller outer peripheral surface 12R in the rotation direction of the roller 12, the length of the width 12W, the position and length of the engagement groove 16, and the like are adjusted in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In addition, the angle θ may be an angle of 90 ° or less as in the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the pin 18, the first and second holding portions 22, 23, the first and second cuts 24, 25, and the like are omitted.

以上のように本実施形態によれば、被清掃面に対するローラ外周面１２Ｒの接触面積をさらに小さくすることにより、ローラ外周面１２Ｒに付着した異物による傷の発生等から被清掃面をより確実に保護することができる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, by further reducing the contact area of the roller outer peripheral surface 12R with the surface to be cleaned, the surface to be cleaned can be more reliably prevented from the occurrence of scratches caused by foreign matters attached to the roller outer peripheral surface 12R. Can be protected.

清掃器具１０の形状、材質等はいずれの実施形態にも限定されない。例えば、ローラ１２の材質は、適度な粘着性を有する限りブチルゴムには限定されず、ウレタン系ゴム、スチレンゴム系等であっても良い。また、係合溝１６が支持部１４Ｓ側に設けられ、ピン１８がローラ側面１２Ｓ側に設けられても良い。膨出部１２Ｅにおいては、平面領域と曲面領域が稜線１２Ｌを挟んで設けられても良い。 The shape, material, and the like of the cleaning tool 10 are not limited to any embodiment. For example, the material of the roller 12 is not limited to butyl rubber as long as it has appropriate adhesiveness, and may be urethane rubber, styrene rubber, or the like. Further, the engagement groove 16 may be provided on the support portion 14S side, and the pin 18 may be provided on the roller side surface 12S side. In the bulging portion 12E, a planar area and a curved area may be provided with the ridgeline 12L interposed therebetween.

第１の実施形態における清掃器具を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the cleaning instrument in 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施形態における清掃器具を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the cleaning instrument in 1st Embodiment. 撮像素子ユニットに設けられたローパスフィルタの清掃に使用されている状態のローラを示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the roller of the state currently used for cleaning of the low-pass filter provided in the image pick-up element unit. 第２の実施形態におけるローラを示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the roller in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

１０清掃器具（撮像素子用清掃器具）
１２ローラ
１２Ｂ本体部
１２Ｃ回転軸
１２Ｅ膨出部
１２Ｌ稜線
１２Ｒローラ外周面（外周面）
１２Ｓローラ側面（側面）
１４支持部材
１４Ｓ支持部（支持部材）
１５軸部材（支持部材）
１６係合溝
１８ピン（係合部材）
２０Ａ第１の平面領域
２０Ｂ第２の平面領域
２２第１の保持部
２３第２の保持部
３６ＬＰＦ表面（被清掃面）
４０Ａ第１の曲面領域
４０Ｂ第２の曲面領域
５０撮像素子ユニット（撮像素子） 10 Cleaning tool (imaging device cleaning tool)
12 Roller 12B Body 12C Rotating shaft 12E Swelling 12L Ridge line
12R roller outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface)
12S Roller side (side)
14 support member 14S support part (support member)
15 Shaft member (support member)
16 engaging groove 18 pin (engaging member)
20A 1st plane area 20B 2nd plane area 22 1st holding | maintenance part 23 2nd holding | maintenance part 36 LPF surface (surface to be cleaned)
40A First curved surface area 40B Second curved surface area 50 Imaging device unit (imaging device)

Claims

A cleaning device for an image sensor that removes foreign matter on the surface to be cleaned of the image sensor,
A roller for adhering the foreign matter;
A support member that rotatably supports the roller to rotate on the surface to be cleaned;
The roller includes a main body portion and a bulging portion that bulges from the main body portion that is circular in a cut surface perpendicular to the rotation axis of the roller, and the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion and the bulging portion is adhesive. A cleaning device for an image sensor, comprising:

2. The imaging device cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the bulging portion includes two planar regions that are in contact with each other across a ridge line of the bulging portion.

The cleaning device for an image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein an angle formed by the two planar regions is 90 ° or less.

2. The imaging device cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein an engagement groove is provided on a side surface of the roller, and the support member has an engagement member that engages with the engagement groove.

The imaging device cleaning tool according to claim 4, wherein holding portions for holding the engaging member are provided at both ends of the engaging groove.

When the engaging member moves from one end of the engaging groove to the other end, the second end of the surface to be cleaned from a position where the ridge line contacts the first end of the surface to be cleaned The cleaning device for an image pickup device according to claim 4, wherein the roller rotates to a position in contact with the image pickup device.

The imaging device cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein a length of an outer periphery of the roller is substantially equal to a length of the surface to be cleaned in a direction in which the roller is moved.

The imaging device cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein a width of the roller is substantially equal to a length of the surface to be cleaned in a rotation axis direction of the roller.

The outer peripheral surface of the bulging portion includes two curved surface regions that are in contact with each other across the ridge line of the bulging portion, and the curvature radius of the curved surface region is larger than the curvature radius of the main body portion in the region on the main body portion side. The cleaning device for an image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device is large and is smaller than a radius of curvature of the main body in the region on the ridge line side.

The cleaning device for an image pickup device according to claim 9, wherein an angle formed by the two curved surface regions in a region in contact with each other is 90 ° or less.

A cleaning device for an image sensor that removes foreign matter on the surface to be cleaned of the image sensor,
A roller for adhering the foreign matter;
A support member that rotatably supports the roller to rotate on the surface to be cleaned;
The cleaning device for an image pickup device, wherein the roller has a teardrop shape on a cut surface perpendicular to a rotation axis of the roller, and an outer peripheral surface of the roller has adhesiveness.