Electronic imaging apparatus with anti-dust function

Abstract

An electronic imaging apparatus includes an imaging optical system which forms an optical image of an object. A photoelectric conversion element converts the optical image into an electric signal. The optical element is arranged between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion element. An excitation unit vibrates the optical element at a set frequency, and vibrates the optical element at least in an imaging operation of the photoelectric conversion element.

1 . An electronic imaging apparatus comprising: 
 an imaging optical system which forms an optical image of an object;    a photoelectric conversion element which converts the optical image into an electric signal;    an optical element arranged between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion element; and    exciting means for vibrating the optical element at a set frequency,    wherein the exciting means vibrates the optical element at least in an imaging operation of the photoelectric conversion element.    
   
   
       2 . An electronic imaging apparatus having imaging means for converting an optical image of an object into an electric signal, comprising: 
 an optical element arranged on a front surface of the imaging means;    exciting means for vibrating the optical element; and    controlling means for vibrating the optical element by controlling the exciting means in execution of an imaging operation by the imaging means.    
   
   
       3 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the controlling means controls so as to start supply of a drive control signal to the exciting means with a timing in advance of start of an imaging operation of the electronic imaging apparatus.  
   
   
       4 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the timing in advance of start of the imaging operation of the electronic imaging apparatus is a timing before start of an imaging preparation operation.  
   
   
       5 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the timing in advance of the imaging operation of the electronic imaging apparatus is a timing excluding a timing of a maximum power consumption in the imaging preparation operation by the electronic imaging apparatus.  
   
   
       6 . An electronic imaging apparatus including imaging means for converting an optical image of an object into electric signal, comprising: 
 an imaging optical system which leads an object light flux onto a photoelectric conversion surface of the imaging means;    anti-dust filter means arranged in front of the photoelectric conversion surface of the imaging means;    exciting means for vibrating the anti-dust filter means; and    controlling means for controlling so as to remove dust which has adhered on the anti-dust filter by driving the exciting means at least in execution of an imaging operation by the imaging means.    
   
   
       7 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the electronic imaging apparatus includes preparing means for executing a preparation operation in advance of an imaging operation by the imaging means, and the controlling means starts the dust removing operation in advance of start of the preparation operation.  
   
   
       8 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the preparation operation is a retiring operation of a movable mirror provided in an imaging light path.  
   
   
       9 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the preparation operation is a closing operation of a diaphragm mechanism to a set position, provided in the imaging optical system.  
   
   
       10 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the electronic imaging apparatus comprises shutter means for adjusting an irradiation time of the object light flux onto the photoelectric conversion surface, and the controlling means is set so as to start the dust removing operation before an opening operation of the shutter means.  
   
   
       11 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein, when a shutter second time of the shutter means is longer than a predetermined time, the controlling means terminates the dust removing operation before a closing operation of the shutter means is executed.  
   
   
       12 . The electronic imaging apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein, when the dust removing operation is continuously performed for a predetermined time before the closing operation of the shutter means is executed, the controlling means stops the dust removing operation.  
   
   
       13 . An electronic imaging apparatus comprising: 
 an imaging optical system which forms an optical image of an object;    a photoelectric conversion element which converts the optical image into an electric signal;    an optical element arranged between the imaging optical system and the photoelectric conversion element;    a piezoelectric element fixed to the optical element;    a control circuit which outputs a frequency signal at least in an imaging operation of the photoelectric conversion element; and    a drive circuit which supplies a cyclic voltage signal to the piezoelectric element in accordance with the frequency signal.