KR101853816B1 - Photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An imaging device includes an imaging device for converting an image light into an electrical signal, a diaphragm disposed in front of the imaging device for transmitting image light to the imaging device, a vibration generator mounted on the diaphragm, And a vibration dividing portion provided on at least one of the diaphragm and the vibration generating portion to cause vibration generated in the vibration generating portion to be transmitted asymmetrically to the diaphragm.

Description

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus capable of effectively removing dust by vibrating a diaphragm in a plurality of vibration modes.

In recent years, the pixel pitch has become finer as the number of pixels of the image pickup device increases. Therefore, a shadow of dust adhering to the optical element surface in the vicinity of the image pickup surface of the image pickup element is printed on the picked-up image, which affects the image quality.

In order to cope with such a problem, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0169761, a resonance mode effective for dust removal is formed on an optical element unit in which a vibration source is incorporated into one vibration frequency source (piezoelectric element) In order to supplement the node of vibration in the resonance mode, two or more different driving frequencies are sequentially inputted to the vibration source and two or more resonance modes that are effective for dust removal are sequentially generated.

However, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0169761, when two or more drive frequencies different from each other are sequentially input to the vibration source, the node position of the vibration changes depending on the frequency, but a node of the vibration necessarily exists for each frequency. Since the amplitude is zero at the node position of the vibration, there is a problem that the performance of removing dust at the node position of the vibration of each frequency is deteriorated even if the frequency is changed.

Further, in the method disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0169761, since it is necessary to input two or more drive frequencies different from the oscillation source, there is a problem that the drive circuit becomes complicated and the cost increases.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-119049, two different driving frequencies are input to two vibration sources at the same time, and two other resonance modes effective for dust removal are simultaneously generated.

The method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-119049 requires the two oscillation sources driven at different frequencies to be made separate, so that the configuration becomes complicated, and the number of parts increases and the manufacturing process increases, There is a problem that the cost increases. Further, it is necessary to secure a relatively large space in the apparatus by providing two oscillation sources, which hinders miniaturization of the apparatus.

The object of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment is to effectively remove dust by suppressing fixing of the node position of vibration with a simple structure when vibrating the vibrating plate to remove dust.

An imaging device according to an embodiment includes an imaging device for converting image light into an electrical signal, a diaphragm disposed in front of the imaging device for transmitting image light to the imaging device, And a vibration dividing portion provided on at least one of the diaphragm and the vibration generating portion to cause the vibration generated in the vibration generating portion to be transmitted asymmetrically to the diaphragm.

In the image pickup apparatus having the above-described configuration, since the vibration dividing section can transmit and separate the vibrations, vibrations of different modes are transmitted to the vibration plate, and the nodes of vibration are minimized, thereby improving the dust removing performance.

The driving signal input to the vibration generating unit may have one frequency.

The vibration generating portion may be mounted on an edge of the diaphragm and the vibration dividing portion may include a vibration suppressing plate connected to the vibration generating portion at a position deviated from the center line passing through the center of the diaphragm to suppress vibration of the vibration generating portion. One side of the vibration suppression plate may be connected to the vibration generating portion, and the other side may be connected to the vibration plate. The vibration suppressing plate suppresses the vibration of the vibration generating portion and can separate the vibration transmitted to the vibration plate.

The vibration generating unit may include a first electrode and a second electrode which are arranged to face the piezoelectric element and the piezoelectric element so as to face opposite sides of the piezoelectric element and apply driving signals to the piezoelectric element, So that it can be a region that does not vibrate the piezoelectric element. The vibration is not generated in the vibration dividing portion implemented by the partial region of the first electrode that does not vibrate the piezoelectric element, so that the vibration of the vibration generating portion is suppressed, so that the vibration transmitted to the diaphragm can be separated.

The vibration generating portion may be mounted on an edge of the diaphragm, and the vibration dividing portion may be a cut portion formed by cutting a part of the diaphragm contacting the vibration generating portion.

In the process of transmitting the vibration generated in the vibration generating portion to the vibration plate, the vibration is separated and transmitted by the cutout portion, so that vibrations of different modes may occur from both sides of the vibration plate with respect to the cutout portion. That is, vibrations of different modes are respectively propagated to the surface of the diaphragm, so that nodes of vibration are suppressed to the minimum, and dust removing performance is improved.

The incision may be formed at a position deviated to one side from the center line passing through the center of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm can be formed asymmetrically with respect to the center line passing through the center of the diaphragm. Due to the asymmetrical shape of the diaphragm, vibrations of different modes can be strongly generated from both sides of the incision.

The image pickup apparatus may further include a vibration suppressing plate disposed on the diaphragm at a position opposite to the cutout with respect to a center line passing through the center of the diaphragm. The vibration suppressing plate is arranged so that vibrations of different modes can be strongly generated from both sides of the incision.

The imaging apparatus according to the embodiments described above can effectively remove dust by suppressing fixing of the node position of vibration with a simple structure when dust is removed by vibrating the diaphragm.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the diaphragm and the vibration generating portion of Fig. 1;
3A is an explanatory view showing a resonance mode of a vibration generating portion in which one fold and two nodes are generated.
FIG. 3B is an explanatory view showing a resonance mode of a vibration generating portion in which two folds and three nodes are generated. FIG.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an imaging element unit installed in the imaging element of Fig. 1; Fig.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a vibration mode in which vibrations generated from the second region and the third region of the vibration generating portion of FIG. 4 are propagated to the vibration plate.
6A is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amplitude (displacement) of the vibration occurring at a specific point of the diaphragm by the vibration mode B and the frequency.
6B is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amplitude (displacement) of the vibration occurring at a specific point of the diaphragm by the vibration mode C and the frequency.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment. Fig.
8A is a perspective view schematically showing the arrangement of the vibration generator and the electrode mounted in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
8B is a perspective view schematically showing the arrangement of the vibration generating unit and the electrode mounted in the second embodiment shown in FIG.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment. Fig.
Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a vibration mode in which vibrations generated from the second region and the third region of the vibration generating portion of Fig. 9 are propagated to the diaphragm;
11 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
12 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the image pickup apparatus according to the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments of the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.

An imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 includes an imaging element unit 200 having a vibration diaphragm 104, a vibration generating section 114, and a vibration dividing section . Although the illustration of the vibration dividing portion is omitted in FIG. 1, the detailed reference numerals are given in the detailed drawings of FIG. 4 and the like to be described below.

A shutter unit 106 and an imaging optical system 108 can be disposed in front of the imaging element 102. [ The image pickup apparatus 100 may further include a drive control circuit 110 for controlling the drive of the vibration generating section 104 and a camera control section 112.

The image pickup element 102 performs a function of capturing image light of a subject and converting it into an electrical signal. The image pickup device 102 may be a photoelectric conversion device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), for example. The subject image light is imaged by the imaging optical system 108 on the imaging surface of the imaging element 102.

The image pickup apparatus 100 sends a drive signal having a frequency through the drive control circuit 110 to the vibration generating section 114, which is the vibration of the diaphragm 104. Then, the operation of vibrating the diaphragm 104 disposed in front of the imaging element 102 to remove the dust attached to the diaphragm 104 is executed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration generating portion 114 may be a piezoelectric element. In recent years, a piezoelectric device which is operated by a piezoelectric effect to move a lens of an optical system has been widely used. By using the piezoelectric element, a very small drive motor can be manufactured. The piezoelectric element may be a stacked piezoelectric element manufactured by stacking a plurality of electrodes or may be a piezoelectric element of a single layer. When an AC current is applied, the piezoelectric element generates vibration according to a driving waveform of an applied current. However, the embodiment is not limited by the configuration of the vibration generating section 114, and other types of components that generate vibration by an applied driving signal in addition to the piezoelectric element may be used.

The imaging element 102 and the diaphragm 104 are configured as an integral imaging element unit 200 and the space between the imaging surface of the imaging element 102 and the diaphragm 104 is sealed. As a result, it is possible to suppress dust from attaching to the imaging surface of the imaging element 102 and to remove dust adhering to the vibration plate 104, so that it is possible to reliably suppress the formation of an image due to dust on the imaging surface.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the diaphragm and the vibration generating portion of Fig. 1;

The vibration generating portion 114 is mounted on the upper edge of the diaphragm 104. A flexible circuit board (FPC) 116 for inputting a driving signal applied from the driving control circuit 110 is connected to the vibration generating unit 114.

The diaphragm 104 is an optical element through which light incident from the imaging optical system 108 is transmitted. In the illustrated embodiment, a low-pass filter (LPF) is exemplified. The embodiment is not limited by the type of the optical element used in the diaphragm 104. For example, a glass plate or a lens for changing the path of light can be used for the diaphragm 104. [

The vibration generating portion 114 vibrates and generates vibration that can remove the dust attached to the vibration plate 104. [ Since the vibration displacement of the vibration generating unit 114 caused by the vibration is very small, the resonance mode shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B can be generated to generate vibration capable of effectively removing dust from the vibration plate 104.

FIG. 3A is an explanatory view showing a resonance mode of a vibration generating unit in which one fold and two nodes are generated, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory view showing a resonance mode of a vibration generating unit in which two folds and three nodes are generated.

3A shows a case where vibration occurs in a vibration mode in which two nodes and one abdomen are generated in the vibration generating unit 114. In FIG. 3B shows a case in which vibration occurs in a vibration mode in which the vibration generating unit 114 generates three nodes and two times. FIG. 3B corresponds to a case where the frequency of the signal input to the vibration generating unit 114 is higher than that of FIG. 3A.

As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, vibration occurring in the resonance mode generates a doubled portion and a nodal portion. Since the amplitude is large at the portion of the vibration, the attached dust can be efficiently removed. However, since the amplitude of the nodal portion of the vibration is zero, the attached dust may not be removed.

The imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment generates substantially two vibration modes by dividing the vibration propagated in the vibration plate 104 into two when the vibration generating unit 114 is driven at one frequency, So that no nodes are formed in the entire area of the area. As a result, the entire area of the diaphragm 104 can be vibrated at all times while vibrating the vibration generating section 114 with a driving signal having a single frequency, so that the dust adhered on the diaphragm 104 can be reliably removed.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an imaging element unit installed in the imaging element of Fig. 1; Fig.

The image pickup device unit 200 includes a support frame 120 and a support plate 122. The diaphragm 104 is mounted on the support frame 120 and supported between the support frame 120 and the support plate 122 via a cushion (not shown). The driving signal having one frequency sent from the driving control circuit 110 is inputted to the vibration generating section 114 through the FPC 116. [

The vibration generating portion 114 is mounted on the upper edge of the diaphragm 104. The vibration generating portion 114 extends along the upper edge of the diaphragm 104 and is attached to almost the entire area of the upper edge of the diaphragm 104. [ The vibration generating portion 114 can be adhered to the diaphragm 104 by, for example, an ultraviolet curable adhesive. An FPC 116 is connected to the vibration generating section 114.

The surface 114d of the vibration generating portion 114 and the surface 104a of the diaphragm 104 shown in FIG. The vibration suppressing plate 118 is provided so as to cover the surface 114d and a part of the surface 104a so as to cross the boundary between the vibration generating portion 114 and the vibration plate 104. [ The vibration damping plate 118 is adhered to both the surface 114d of the vibration generating portion 114 and the surface 104a of the diaphragm 104 by, for example, an ultraviolet curable adhesive.

The direct-acting suppression plate 118 is an example of the vibration dividing section, and the embodiment is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. The vibration suppressing plate 118 is provided on at least one of the diaphragm 104 and the vibration generating unit 114 so as to transmit the vibration generated in the vibration generating unit 114 asymmetrically to the diaphragm 104 . Therefore, the vibration suppression plate 118 may be provided only in the vibration generating portion 114 or only in the vibration plate 104 by modifying the example shown in Fig.

The vibration suppression plate 118 is made of a material having material characteristics that are less likely to be vibrated than the vibration plate 104 and the vibration generation unit 114. The physical quantity for explaining such a vibration-resistant characteristic of the vibration-suppressing plate 118 includes density or Young's modulus (Young's Modulus).

For example, the vibration suppression plate 118 may be made of a material having high rigidity such as stainless steel, plastic, hard rubber or the like, and may have a Young's modulus sufficiently larger than that of the vibration generating portion 114.

Therefore, in the first region A in which the vibration suppressing plate 118 of the vibration generating portion 114 is bonded, vibration is generated in the second region B and the third region C, which are different regions of the vibration generating portion 114, Becomes a suppressed state. The vibration generated by the shrinking and expanding motion of the vibration generating portion 114 is separated and transmitted to the vibration plate 104 at the position where the vibration suppressing plate 118 is installed, Two vibration states (vibration modes) are generated on both sides of the diaphragm 104 as a boundary.

The first region A to which the vibration suppressing plate 118 of the vibration generating portion 114 is attached becomes a vibration dead zone region in which the vibration is suppressed (vibration suppressing region). On the other hand, in both the second area B and the third area C of the first area A, the vibration generating part 114 is vibrated by a drive signal of one frequency supplied from the FPC 116. [

The vibration generating unit 114 vibrates the second region B and the third region C separated and transmitted by the first region A to vibrate the second region B and the third region C, Both of the vibrations from the vibrating plate 114 and the vibrating plate 104 propagate to the vibrating plate 104 so that the vibrating plate 114 and the vibrating plate 104 vibrate together.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a vibration mode in which vibrations generated from the second region and the third region of the vibration generating portion of FIG. 4 are propagated to the vibration plate.

The vibrations are suppressed in the first region A in which the vibration suppression plate 118 is attached as shown in the middle portion of FIG. 5, so that vibration modes different from the second region B and the third region C, Is propagated. Here, the vibration mode of the second area B is the vibration mode B, and the vibration mode of the third area C is the vibration mode C. Accordingly, although one input frequency is included in the drive signal applied to the vibration generating unit 114, the effect that the two different frequencies are input to the vibration generating unit 114 to vibrate can be obtained.

At each position of the surface of the diaphragm 104, the vibration due to the vibration mode B and the vibration due to the vibration mode C are combined to generate displacement. If an arbitrary point on the surface of the diaphragm 104 is observed as an observation point, even if the amplitude is small due to a node formed at the observation point due to the vibration propagated by the vibration mode A, No node is formed.

Since the vibration caused by the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C are propagated together as described above, the amplitude reduction at the node position can be interpolated by the vibration caused by the other vibration mode, thereby greatly reducing the number of nodes formed on the vibration plate 104 . This can reduce the number of nodes where the displacement becomes zero in the entire region of the diaphragm 104.

At this time, since the position of the node on the surface of the diaphragm 104 varies according to the frequency of the input signal in each vibration mode, the amplitude (displacement) locally decreases on the surface of the diaphragm 114 by setting the frequency to the optimum value Can be minimized.

Several points shown on the surface of the diaphragm 104 shown in the lowermost part of Fig. 5 are obtained by obtaining the amplitude (displacement) of the vibration when simulating using the frequency response analysis in the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C Amplitude acquisition point. Here, as an example, in the diaphragm 104, 7 × 7 = 49 amplitude acquisition points (P) are set in a matrix form. It is also possible to use a method of measuring the actual amplitude at the amplitude acquisition point.

The frequency of the drive signal to be given to the vibration generating section 104 by the FPC 116 is set to an optimal value so as to prevent a node of amplitude in the entire region of the diaphragm 104 from occurring. Therefore, the frequency at which the FPC 116 is input to the vibration generating section 114 is changed in advance to acquire a frequency at which an amplitude of a predetermined value or more is obtained at each amplitude acquisition point with respect to each of the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C.

6A is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amplitude (displacement) and the frequency of the vibration occurring at a specific point of the diaphragm by the vibration mode B. FIG. 6B is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the amplitude (Displacement) and frequency.

6A and 6B show simulation results using frequency response analysis. Here, FIG. 6A shows the characteristic by the vibration mode B, and FIG. 6B shows the characteristic by the vibration mode C. 6B and 6B, the vertical axis represents the amplitude and the horizontal axis represents the frequency.

As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, when the frequency is changed, the amplitude is changed according to the change of the frequency. When the position of the amplitude acquisition point P approaches the node position of the vibration according to the frequency change, the amplitude becomes the smallest.

As shown in Fig. 6A, in the vibration mode B, the amplitude approaches the maximum value in the case of the frequency f1. In the case of the same frequency f1, the amplitude also becomes larger than the predetermined threshold value T in the vibration mode C. Therefore, at the amplitude acquisition point P, it is possible to generate a vibration having a relatively large amplitude in both the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C.

On the other hand, when the frequency is f2, the amplitude is smaller than the predetermined threshold value T in both the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C. Therefore, in the case of the frequency f2, it is not possible to generate a vibration of sufficient amplitude at the amplitude acquisition point (P). Therefore, it can be seen from the simulation result at the amplitude acquisition point P that the frequency is preferably f1.

The above-described simulation is performed for each amplitude acquisition point so that the amplitude in the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value at all the amplitude acquisition points, and the frequency f0 that does not become the same as the frequency f2 in FIGS. 6A and 6B . Thus, when the vibration generating section 114 is driven at the frequency f0, sufficient amplitude can be obtained at each amplitude obtaining point, so that dust adhering to the entire area of the surface of the vibration plate 104 can be surely removed. The number of amplitude acquisition points described above is only one example, and the number of amplitude acquisition points can be set appropriately.

6A and 6B, when the position where the vibration suppression plate 118 is installed, that is, the length of the edge corresponding to the first region A of the vibration generating portion 114, It is possible to change the displacement characteristic with respect to the frequency as shown by the characteristic of the line. Therefore, at the time of the simulation described above, the frequency can be changed, and at the same time, the mounting position of the vibration suppression plate 118 can be simulated as necessary to extract the frequency f0 at which sufficient amplitude can be obtained at all amplitude acquisition points.

The vibration suppression plate 118 may be connected to the vibration generating unit 114 at a position deviated from the center line Ox passing through the center of the vibration plate 104 as shown in FIG. When the position of the vibration suppression plate 118 is brought close to the end of the vibration generating portion 114, the amplitude of the vibration of either the vibration mode B or the vibration mode C may become small. On the other hand, if the vibration suppression plate 118 is disposed in the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the vibration generating unit 114, the amplitudes of the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C can be increased together. Since the amplitude at the single amplitude acquisition point varies with the input frequency, it is possible to set the optimum position at which the vibration suppression plate 118 will be installed by the method described with reference to Figs. 6A and 6B.

As described above, if the frequency is set so that the amplitude of each amplitude acquisition point is equal to or larger than a predetermined value in both the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C and the length of the first area A is adjusted as necessary, It is possible to reliably generate the vibration of the sufficient displacement in the region, and therefore the dust adhering to the surface of the vibration plate 104 can reliably be removed.

Therefore, the number of nodules of the vibration generated on the surface of the diaphragm 104 can be greatly reduced without changing the driving frequency of the vibration generating unit 114, and as a result, the ratio of the effective dust removing time occupied in the driving time can be increased . Therefore, the performance of removing the dust adhered on the diaphragm 104 is greatly improved, and the circuit configuration for changing the frequency is unnecessary, so that the configuration can be simplified, and the cost can be greatly reduced. Further, since it is sufficient to provide only one vibration generating unit 104 for vibration, the manufacturing cost can be largely reduced compared to a configuration in which two vibration sources (vibration generating units) and a driving circuit are provided, Can be achieved.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the vibration suppressing plate 118 is attached to a part of the vibration generating portion 114 to separate the vibration of the vibration generating portion 114 and transmit it to the vibration plate 104, It is possible to generate several vibration modes from the frequency. The frequency can be set so that the amplitude of each amplitude acquisition point set in the diaphragm 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value necessary for dust removal, thereby surely removing the dust in the entire region of the diaphragm 104.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment. Fig.

In the first embodiment, the vibration-suppressing plate 118 is attached to the vibration-generating portion 114 to separate the vibration of the vibration-generating portion 114 and transmit it to the vibration plate 104. In the second embodiment, the vibration generating section 114 is provided with no electrode on the upper surface thereof to form a vibration-free region, thereby separating the vibration of the vibration generating section 114, .

7, a first electrode 115c for applying a frequency is provided on the upper surface of the vibration generating unit 114. [ In addition, a blocking region D in which the first electrode 115c is not formed is provided in the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the vibration generating unit 114. This blocking region D is implemented by disposing the first electrode 115c so as to bypass the side surface of the vibration generating portion 114, as an example of the vibration dividing portion. In the blocking region (D), since no voltage is applied in the vertical direction of the vibration generating portion (114), no vibration occurs.

8A is a perspective view schematically showing the arrangement of the vibration generating unit and the electrode mounted in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing the vibration generating unit mounted in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, As shown in Fig.

8A and 8B show the arrangement of the vibration generating section 114 and the electrodes 115a to 115d in detail. Here, FIG. 8A shows the arrangement of the electrodes 115a and 115b in the vibration generating section 114 according to the first embodiment.

A first electrode 115a as a positive electrode is disposed on an upper surface of the vibration generating portion 114 and a second electrode 115b as a negative electrode is disposed on a lower surface of the vibration generating portion 114 as shown in FIG. The second electrode 115b formed on the lower surface of the vibration generating part 114 is formed so as to be directed toward one end in the longitudinal direction of the vibration generating part 114 and the upper surface of the vibration generating part 114. [ A space is provided between the first electrode 115a and the second electrode 115b on the upper surface of the vibration generating portion 114. [

The FPC 116 is attached to the upper surface of the vibration generating portion 114 and connected to the first electrode 115a and the second electrode 115b, respectively. With such a configuration, when an input signal is applied from the FPC 116 to each of the electrodes 115a and 115b, elongation and contraction in the up and down direction (arrow direction in the figure) occurs in the vibration generating portion 114, A shrinking force is generated in the longitudinal direction of the portion 114, and the vibration as described with reference to Figs. 3A and 3B can be generated.

On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows the arrangement of the electrodes 115b, 115c, and 115d in the vibration generating section 114 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the second electrode 115b is the same as that of Fig. The first electrode 115c is disposed on the upper surface of the vibration generating portion 114. [ The first electrode 115c has the same basic structure as that of the first electrode 115a of FIG. 8a except that the first electrode 115c is connected to the cutout region 115c opposite to the second electrode 115b on the upper surface of the vibration generating portion 114, Both sides of the first electrode 115c are connected to each other around the cut-off region D by the detour portion 115d that bypasses the side surface of the vibration generating portion 114 so as to deviate from the cut-

When an input signal is applied to the first electrode 115c and the second electrode 115b from the FPC 116 in this manner, the vibration generating unit 114 is caused to move up and down Expansion and contraction occurs in the direction (the direction of the arrow in the drawing), but no expansion or contraction occurs in the blocking region D because no voltage is applied to the blocking region D. Therefore, the blocking region D can transmit the vibration of the vibration generating unit 114 to the diaphragm 104 so that the second region B and the third region C on both sides of the blocking region D can transmit the first The vibration mode B and the vibration mode C that are different from each other can be generated as in the embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the state in which the vibration from the second area B and the third area C is propagated to the diaphragm 104 is the same as the first embodiment described in Fig. The vibration due to the vibration mode B propagates to the diaphragm 104 from the second area B and the vibration due to the vibration mode C propagates from the third area C to the diaphragm 104 as in the first embodiment do. The vibration due to the vibration mode B and the vibration due to the vibration mode C are combined at each position of the surface of the diaphragm 104, as in the first embodiment, and displacement occurs. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the frequency is set so that the amplitude of each amplitude acquisition point is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in both the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C, and the position and length of the blocking region D are adjusted, It is possible to surely cause vibration in the entire area of the diaphragm 104, so that the dust adhering to the surface of the diaphragm 104 can be reliably removed.

According to the above-described second embodiment, the vibration region dividing section is formed by forming the blocking region D in which the first electrode 115c provided in the vibration generating section 114 is not provided, thereby isolating the vibration of the vibration generating section 114 . Thus, it is possible to generate a plurality of vibration modes in the vibration generating unit 114 using one input frequency. The frequency can be set so that the amplitude of each amplitude acquisition point set in the diaphragm 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value necessary for dust removal, thereby surely removing the dust in the entire region of the diaphragm 104.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment. Fig.

The image pickup device unit 200 provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4, but the configuration of the vibration isolator has been modified. A vibration generating portion 114 is mounted on the upper edge of the diaphragm 104. The vibration dividing section is implemented by a cutout section 114a formed by cutting a part of a region of the vibration plate 104 in contact with the vibration generating section 114. In one example, the cutout 114a is provided in the vicinity of the center of the cross section to which the vibration generating portion 114 is bonded.

The vibration of the vibration generating part 114 is not directly transmitted to the first area A where the cutout part 114a of the end face of the vibration plate 104 is provided by forming the cutout part 114a to implement the vibration dividing part, The vibration is suppressed as compared with the second area B and the third area C of the cross section. The vibrations of the vibration generating portion 114 are separated and transmitted to the vibration plate 104 by the cutout portion 114a so that the vibration of the vibrating plate 104 Two vibration states (vibration modes) are generated.

Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a vibration mode in which vibrations generated from the second region and the third region of the vibration generating portion of Fig. 9 are propagated to the diaphragm;

Vibration is suppressed in the first region A provided with the incision portion 114a and vibrations different in vibration mode from the second region B and the third region C are generated as shown in the middle portion of Fig. Propagate. Here, the vibration mode of the second area B is the vibration mode B, and the vibration mode of the third area C is the vibration mode C. Therefore, although the input frequency to the vibration generating unit 114 is one, it is possible to obtain the effect of vibrating the vibration generating unit 114 by inputting two different frequencies.

The cutout 114a may be formed at a position deviated to one side from the center line Ox passing through the center of the diaphragm 104 as shown in Fig. If the position of the cutout 114a is brought close to the end of the vibration generating part 114, the amplitude of the vibration of either the vibration mode B or the vibration mode C may become small. On the other hand, when the cut-out portion 114a is disposed in the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the vibration generating portion 114, the amplitudes of the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C can be increased together. Since the amplitude at the single amplitude acquisition point varies with the input frequency, it is possible to set the optimum position at which the cutout 114a is to be installed by the method described with reference to Figs. 6A and 6B.

11 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the asymmetric portion 104b is added to the diaphragm 104 of the third embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 11, an asymmetric portion 104b protruding downward is provided at a lower end portion of the diaphragm 104. As shown in Fig. The vibration of the diaphragm 104 can be separated and transmitted by providing the cutout 114a in the diaphragm 104 as described in the third embodiment, so that it is possible to generate multiple vibration modes from one input frequency. In addition, by providing the asymmetric portion 104b in the diaphragm 104, it is possible to make the vibration with the boundary of the cutout 114a asymmetrically strong.

The asymmetric shape portion 104b may be provided such that the diaphragm 104 is asymmetric in the extending direction of the vibration generating portion 114 with the position where the cutout portion 114a is provided as a boundary. Thus, the difference between the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C can be further increased.

By forming the asymmetric portion 104b together with the cutout portion 114a at an arbitrary point of the diaphragm 104, vibration due to the vibration mode B and the vibration mode C, which are different from each other, is generated, .

12 is a perspective view showing an image pickup element unit provided in the image pickup apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

The fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 12 is an example in which the vibration suppressing plate 118 is attached to the lower portion of the diaphragm 104, instead of providing the asymmetric portion 104b. The vibration damping plate 118 may be made of a material having a material characteristic less likely to be vibrated than the vibration plate 104 like the vibration damping plate 118 described in Fig.

The asymmetric portion 104a may be provided on the diaphragm 104 or the vibration suppression plate 104 may be provided on the diaphragm 104. In addition to the configuration of the diaphragm 104 of the first embodiment, The vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 114 can be transmitted asymmetrically. Thus, it is possible to generate a plurality of vibration modes which are different from each other by using one input frequency, and dust can be surely removed in the entire region of the diaphragm 104.

The above-described apparatus includes a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data to be executed by the processor, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, a touch panel, a key, User interface devices, and the like. Methods implemented with software modules or algorithms may be stored on computer-readable non-transitory recording media as computer-readable codes or program instructions executable by the processor. Here, the computer-readable recording medium may be a magnetic storage medium such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a floppy disk, a hard disk and the like) and an optical reading medium (e.g., a CD ROM, (DVD: Digital Versatile Disc)). The computer-readable recording medium may be distributed over networked computer systems so that computer readable code in a distributed manner can be stored and executed. The medium is readable by a computer, stored in the memory, and executable on the processor.

All publications, including publications, patent applications, patents, and the like, cited in the present invention may be incorporated into the invention as if each cited document were individually and specifically incorporated or represented in its entirety as a whole.

For the sake of understanding of the invention, reference numerals are used in the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings and specific terms are used for describing the embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the specific terminology, And may include all elements that are commonly conceivable.

The invention may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented in a wide variety of hardware and / or software configurations that perform particular functions. For example, the invention may employ integrated circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., which may perform various functions by control of one or more microprocessors or by other control devices . Similar to how the elements of the invention can be implemented with software programming or software elements, the invention can be implemented in a variety of ways, including C, C ++, Java (" Java), an assembler, and the like. Functional aspects may be implemented with algorithms running on one or more processors. The invention may also employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing, and the like. Terms such as "mechanism", "element", "means", "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations. The term may include the meaning of a series of routines of software in conjunction with a processor or the like.

The specific acts described in the invention are, by way of example, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. For brevity of description, descriptions of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of such systems may be omitted. Also, the connections or connecting members of the lines between the components shown in the figures are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, which may be replaced or additionally provided by a variety of functional connections, physical Connection, or circuit connections. Also, unless stated specifically such as "essential "," important ", etc., it may not be a necessary component for application of the invention. As used herein, the expressions "comprising "," comprising ", and the like are used herein to describe the terminology of the open ended terminology.

The use of the terms "above" and similar indication words in the specification of the invention (especially in the claims) may refer to both singular and plural. Also, in the case where a range is described in the present invention, it is to be understood that the present invention includes inventions to which individual values belonging to the above range are applied (unless there is contradiction thereto) . Finally, the steps may be performed in any suitable order, unless explicitly stated or contrary to the description of the steps constituting the method according to the invention. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the description line of the above steps. The use of all examples or exemplary language (e.g., etc.) in this invention is for the purpose of describing the invention in detail and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention, It is not. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

100:
102:
104: diaphragm
114:
114a:
115a to 115d
118: Vibration suppression plate
200: Imaging element unit

Claims (9)

An imaging device for converting image light into an electrical signal;
A diaphragm disposed in front of the imaging element and transmitting image light to the imaging element;
A vibration generator mounted on the diaphragm and generating vibration when a driving signal is input; And
And a vibration dividing portion provided on at least one of the diaphragm and the vibration generating portion to cause the vibration generated in the vibration generating portion to be transmitted asymmetrically to the diaphragm, An imaging device having one frequency. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vibration generating unit is mounted on an edge of the diaphragm and the vibration dividing unit is connected to the vibration generating unit at a position deviated to one side from the center line passing through the center of the diaphragm to suppress the vibration of the vibration generating unit , And an image pickup device. The method of claim 3,
Wherein one side of the vibration suppression plate is connected to the vibration generating unit and the other side is connected to the vibration plate. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vibration generating portion includes a piezoelectric element and a first electrode and a second electrode which are disposed so as to face each other on both sides of the piezoelectric element to apply the driving signal to the piezoelectric element,
Wherein the vibration dividing section is an area in which the piezoelectric element is not vibrated by being installed so that a part of the first electrode is deviated from a position facing the second electrode. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the vibration generating section is mounted on an edge of the diaphragm, and the vibration dividing section is an incision section formed by cutting a partial area of the diaphragm in contact with the vibration generating section. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the cut-out portion is formed at a position deviated to one side from a center line passing through the center of the diaphragm. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the diaphragm has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center line passing through the center of the diaphragm. 8. The method of claim 7,
Further comprising a vibration suppressing plate disposed on the diaphragm at a position opposite to the cutout with respect to the center line passing through the center of the diaphragm.

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