Camera and image pickup device unit used therefor having a sealing structure between a dust proofing member and an image pick up device

• US 7,324,148 B2
• Filed: 11/20/2002
• Issued: 01/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OM Digital Solutions Corporation
• Original Assignee: Olympus Optical Corporation Limited (Olympus Corporation)
• Inventors: Kawai, Sumio, Takizawa, Hiroyuki, Kobayashi, Motoaki
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu; Ngoc-Yen
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bemben; Richard M.
• Application Number:
  US10/300,688
• Publication Number:
  US 20030202114A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,896 Days
• Field of Search: 348/374, 348/340, 257/433, 250/239
• US Class Current: 348/340
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/02 Bodies
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 19/12 Reflex cameras with single objective and a movable reflector or a partly-transmitting mirror
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/52 Elements optimising image sensor operation, e.g. for electromagnetic interference [EMI] protection or temperature control by heat transfer or cooling elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/54 Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/55 Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/81 for suppressing or minimising disturbance in the image signal generation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/811 by dust removal, e.g. from surfaces of the image sensor or processing of the image signal output by the electronic image sensor

Abstract

A camera is provided that includes a dust-proofing member that has a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape and that includes a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from the center thereof, and that is opposed to the front of an optical device at a predetermined interval. A member for vibration is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member and applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member. A sealing structure is arranged outside a peripheral portion of the optical device or an adjacent portion thereof, and forms a substantially sealed space portion including an air gap portion formed by opposing the optical device and the dust-proofing member, and sealing the space portion at a peripheral side of the optical device and the dust-proofing member.

Claims

1. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

an optical device arranged on a side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the optical device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the optical device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the optical device, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the optical device outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the optical device comprises an optical low-pass filter, and the sealing structure includes a first member which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second member which supports the optical device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and which is arranged closely in contact with the first member at a predetermined portion of the second member; and

wherein the first member and second member are airtightly fit to each other at an annular area on an outer peripheral side of the optical device.

2. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

an optical device arranged on a side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the optical device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the optical device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the optical device, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the optical device outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the optical device comprises an optical low-pass filter, and the sealing structure includes a first member which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second member which supports the optical device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and which is arranged closely in contact with the first member at a predetermined portion of the second member; and

wherein the second member airtightly comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the optical device at a predetermined step portion thereof so as to regulate a position of the optical device in an optical axis direction.

3. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

an optical device arranged on a side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the optical device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the optical device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the optical device, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the optical device outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure includes a first portion for supporting the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second portion for supporting the optical device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof, and the first portion and second portion are formed integrally with each other; and

wherein the second portion airtightly comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the optical device at a predetermined step portion thereof so as to regulate a position of the optical device in an optical axis direction.

4. The camera according to claim 3, wherein the second portion regulates the position of the optical device against an elastic force which displaces the optical device at the step portion in the optical axis direction.

5. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

an optical device arranged on a side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the optical device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the optical device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the optical device, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the optical device outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure has a passage connecting an inside to an outside of the sealed space at a predetermined portion; and

wherein the camera further comprises a sealing auxiliary member whose inner volume is changed depending on an inner pressure so that the passage airtightly covers an opening side which is connected to the outside of the sealed space.

6. The camera according to claim 5, wherein in the sealing auxiliary member, an elastic member is airtightly arranged at an annular area in the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical device in the sealing structure, excluding the passage.

7. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

an optical device arranged on a side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the optical device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the optical device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the optical device, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the optical device outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure has a flow passage for reducing resistance against air flow between a relatively narrow space portion and a relatively large space portion in the sealed space at a predetermined portion.

8. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the sealing structure comprises a first member which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second member which supports the optical device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and which is arranged closely in contact with the first member at a predetermined portion of the second member, and the flow passage has a notch at a part of a contact surface formed airtightly in contact with the peripheral portion of the optical device in the second member.

9. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the sealing structure includes a first portion which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second portion which supports the optical device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof, the first portion and the second portion are formed integrally with each other, and the flow passage is formed by providing a notch at a part of a contact surface which is airtightly in contact with the peripheral portion of the optical device in the second portion.

10. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the passage is formed as a hole which is pierced to an area extending to an outer peripheral side of the optical device in the second member.

11. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

an optical device arranged on a side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the optical device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the optical device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the optical device, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the optical device outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the member for vibration comprises an electromechanical transducer, and a predetermined vibration is generated in the dust-proofing member by externally applying a predetermined driving voltage to the electromechanical transducer;

wherein the electromechanical transducer comprises a piezoelectric element, which is adhered to the dust-proofing member by an adhesive;

wherein the sealing structure includes a first portion which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second portion which supports the optical device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof, and the second portion has a passage which connects an inside to an outside of the sealed space at a predetermined portion thereof;

wherein the passage is formed as a hole which is pierced at an area extending to an outer peripheral side of the optical device in the second portion.

12. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure includes a first member which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second member which supports the image pick-up device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface; and

wherein the first member and the second member are airtightly fit to each other at an annular area on an outer peripheral side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device.

13. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure includes a first member which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second member which supports the image pick-up device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface; and

wherein the second member regulates a position of the dust-proofing member in an optical axis direction, airtightly in contact with the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member at a predetermined step portion of the second member.

14. The camera according to claim 13, wherein the second member regulates the position of the dust-proofing member against an elastic force which displaces the dust-proofing member in the optical axis direction at the step portion.

15. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure comprises a first portion for supporting the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second portion for supporting the image pick-up device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface, and the first portion and the second portion are formed integrally with each other; and

wherein the second portion airtightly comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member at a predetermined step portion thereof and regulates a position of the dust-proofing in an optical axis direction.

16. The camera according to claim 15, wherein the second portion regulates the position of the dust-proofing member against an elastic force which displaces the dust-proofing member in the optical axis direction at the step portion.

17. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure comprises a first member which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second member which supports the image pick-up device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface, and the second member has a passage connecting an inside to an outside of the sealed space at a predetermined portion thereof; and

wherein the passage is formed as a hole pierced at an area extending to an outer peripheral side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device in the second member.

18. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure comprises a first portion which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second portion which supports the image pick-up device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed with each other, and the second portion has a passage for connecting an inside to an outside of the sealed space at a predetermined portion thereof; and

wherein the passage is formed as a hole pierced at an area extending to an outer peripheral side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device in the second portion.

19. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the sealing structure has a flow passage for reducing resistance against air flow between a relatively small space portion and a relatively large space portion in the sealed space at a predetermined portion.

20. The camera according to claim 19, wherein the sealing structure comprises a first member which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second member arranged for supporting the image pick-up device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface, and the flow passage is formed by providing a notch at a part of a contact surface portion formed airtightly in contact with the peripheral portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device in the second member.

21. The camera according to claim 19, wherein the sealing structure comprises a first portion which supports the dust-proofing member in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and a second portion arranged for supporting the image pick-up device in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed with each other, and the flow passage is formed by providing a notch at a part of a contact surface portion formed airtightly in contact with the peripheral portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device in the second portion.

22. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the dust-proofing member has a holding structure which presses the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member so as to press and fix the dust-proofing member to the sealing structure; and

wherein the holding structure has a stop function for shutting off harmful light.

23. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the dust-proofing member has a holding structure which presses the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member so as to press and fix the dust-proofing member to the sealing structure; and

wherein the holding structure is substantially circular.

24. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the dust-proofing member has a holding structure which presses the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member so as to press and fix the dust-proofing member to the sealing structure; and

wherein the holding structure is fastened to the sealing structure by a screw.

25. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

Wherein the dust-proofing member is adhered and fixed to the sealing structure over an entirety of the peripheral portion thereof.

26. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the dust-proofing member is adhered and fixed to the sealing structure; and

wherein the surface of the dust-proofing member comprises a thin-film forming portion and a thin-film non-forming portion and the sealing structure is adhered and fixed to the thin-film non-forming portion.

27. The camera according to claim 26, wherein the thin film comprises one of an infrared cut-off film, ultraviolet cut-off film, reflection preventing film, and electrostatic charge preventing film.

28. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein a portion of the sealing structure in contact with the dust-proofing member or the member for vibration is made of a soft material;

wherein the soft material is rubber, which is arranged between a main body unit of the sealing structure and the dust-proofing member or the member for vibration;

wherein the sealing structure includes a member for pressing the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member so as to press and fix the dust-proofing member to the main body unit of the sealing structure; and

wherein the pressing member comprises a plate spring.

29. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording; and

a dust collector at an outer-peripheral portion of a surface of the dust-proofing member or at an adjacent portion thereof;

wherein the dust collector includes an adhesive member.

30. The camera according to claim 29, wherein the adhesive member comprises an adhesive tape.

31. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording; and

a dust collector at an outer-peripheral portion of a surface of the dust-proofing member or at an adjacent portion thereof;

wherein the dust collector comprises a needle-shaped electrode for ionizing dust and a dust collecting electrode for absorbing and collecting the ionized dust.

32. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device;

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording; and

a dust-receiver for receiving dust arranged near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member;

wherein the dust-receiver includes an adhesive.

33. A camera comprising:

an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof;

a dust-proofing member having a substantially circular or polygonal plate-shape, and including a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from a center thereof, the transparent portion being provided just-in-front of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval;

a member for vibration which is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, and which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member;

a sealing structure which seals a space between the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, said sealed space including a first space formed by opposing the dust-proofing member and the photoelectrically converting surface, and a second space which communicates with the first space and is provided at least at a part of a periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device; and

an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording;

wherein the member for vibration comprises an electromechanical transducer, and predetermined vibrations are applied to the dust-proofing member by externally applying a predetermined driving voltage to the electromechanical transducer; and

wherein the sealing structure comprises a conductive portion and the conductive portion of the sealing structure is abutted onto a conductive member formed on a the surface of the electromechanical transducer.

34. The camera according to claim 33, wherein the conductive member includes a first conductive member which is formed along a surface and a side surface of the dust-proofing member in the electromechanical transducer and a second conductive member which is formed on a surface opposed to the surface of the dust-proofing member in the electromechanical transducer, and

wherein the first conductive member is formed extending to the surface opposed to the surface of the dust-proofing member in the electromechanical transducer, and comprises an insulating portion between the first conductive member and the second conductive member on the opposed surface.