Optical engine structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a light engine structure. The light engine structure comprises a display, a light combining element, a lens assembly, a mounting frame body and a first connecting structure, the display is used for emitting image light; the light combining element comprises a light-out surface and a light-in surface and is used for receiving and transmitting the image light so as to change a light path of the image light; the lens assembly is located on one side of the light-emitting surface of the light combining element and used for modulating image light from the light-emitting surface and then emitting the image light; a mounting space is formed in the mounting frame body, and a light outlet and a light inlet which are communicated with the mounting space are formed in the mounting frame body; the light combining element is positioned in the mounting space; the first connecting structure is fixedly connected to the light outlet of the mounting frame, the first connecting structure is provided with a first opening communicated with the light outlet, the first connecting structure is connected with the lens assembly in a clamped mode, the optical axis of the lens assembly coincides with the optical axis of the light combining element, and the center of the first opening and the center of the light outlet are both located on the optical axis of the lens assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a light engine structure. Background Technology

[0002] Augmented Reality (AR) display devices combine virtual images with real-world scenes, allowing users to interact naturally with digital content, thus becoming a target for industry development. When displaying images, these devices typically require assembling and fitting the display panel with lenses and other structures to form an optical engine (or light engine) structure. Solving the assembly problem between the display panel and lenses is one of the most pressing issues to be addressed. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem solved by this application is to provide a light engine structure to simplify the assembly process of the light engine structure.

[0004] This application provides a light engine structure, including:

[0005] A display used to emit light for images;

[0006] A light combining element includes a light emitting surface and a light receiving surface. The light combining element is used to receive and transmit the image light to change the optical path of the image light.

[0007] The lens assembly, located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-combining element, is used to modulate the image light from the light-emitting surface before emission;

[0008] A mounting frame is provided, forming a mounting space, and has an output light port and an input light port communicating with the mounting space; the light combining element is located within the mounting space, with the output light surface exposed relative to the output light port and the input light surface exposed relative to the input light port; and

[0009] A first connecting structure is fixedly connected to the light outlet of the mounting frame. The first connecting structure has a first opening that communicates with the light outlet. The first connecting structure is engaged with the lens assembly, so that the optical axis of the lens assembly coincides with the optical axis of the light combining element, and the center of the first opening and the center of the light outlet are both located on the optical axis of the lens assembly.

[0010] In the aforementioned light engine structure, the lens assembly is engaged with the first connecting structure, which is fixedly connected to the light outlet of the mounting frame. The light combining element is located within the mounting space of the mounting frame, with its light-emitting surface exposed relative to the light outlet. Thus, the light combining element is connected to the lens assembly via the mounting frame and the first connecting structure. The optical axis of the lens assembly coincides with the optical axis of the light combining element, and the center of both the first opening and the center of the light outlet are located on the optical axis of the lens assembly. At this point, the center of the light-emitting surface of the light combining element is located on the optical axis of the lens assembly, and the image light emitted from the light combining element, after being modulated by the lens assembly and emitted, can form a clear image. Connecting the lens assembly and the light combining element via the mounting frame and the first connecting structure simplifies the assembly process of the light engine structure and shortens the manufacturing time.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first connection structure includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other, the first surface being connected to the mounting frame, the second surface being in contact with the lens assembly, and the first surface and the second surface being perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first opening extends through both the first surface and the second surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first opening is circular in shape.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lens assembly has a slot at one end facing the first connecting structure, and the first connecting structure engages in the slot.

[0015] In some embodiments, the slot is annular in shape.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mounting frame is further provided with a mounting opening communicating with the mounting space, and the area of ​​the cross-section of the light combining element perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens assembly is equal to the area of ​​the mounting opening.

[0017] In some embodiments, the light engine structure further includes a second connection structure, which is fixedly connected to the mounting port and forms a second opening communicating with the mounting port, wherein the area of ​​the second opening is smaller than the area of ​​the mounting port.

[0018] In some embodiments, the light inlet is rectangular in shape.

[0019] In some embodiments, the mounting frame and the first connecting structure are integrally formed. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the light engine structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded structural diagram of the light engine.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along section line III-III.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the light-combining element, the mounting frame, and the second connecting structure.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the mounting frame.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the mounting frame from another perspective.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the assembly method of the light engine structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of main component symbols

[0028] Light engine structure: 1

[0029] Monitor: 10

[0030] Display section: 11

[0031] Circuit board: 12

[0032] Connector section: 13

[0033] Photonics element: 20

[0034] Light-emitting surface: 201

[0035] Light-receiving surface: 202

[0036] Lens assembly: 30

[0037] Card slots: 31

[0038] Lens size: 32

[0039] Mounting frame: 40

[0040] Light outlet: 41

[0041] Light entrance: 42

[0042] Installation port: 43

[0043] Installation space: 44

[0044] First connection structure: 50

[0045] First surface: 501

[0046] Second surface: 502

[0047] First opening: 51

[0048] Second connection structure: 60

[0049] Second opening: 61

[0050] Optical axis: O

[0051] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 One embodiment of the light engine structure 1 of this application includes a display 10, a light combining element 20, a lens assembly 30, a mounting frame 40, and a first connection structure 50. The display 10 is used to emit image light. The light combining element 20 includes an emitting surface 201 and an incident surface 202. The light combining element 20 is used to receive image light and change the optical path of the image light so that the image light emitted from the display 10 enters the lens assembly 30. The lens assembly 30 is located on one side of the emitting surface 201 of the light combining element 20 and is used to modulate the image light from the emitting surface 201 before emitting it.

[0053] Please see Figure 3 The lens assembly 30 is used to collimate the image light. The lens assembly 30 includes a plurality of lens elements 32, the optical axes of which coincide. The plurality of lens elements 32 include glass lenses, plastic lenses, or metalens lenses, and the light-incident and light-exit surfaces of each lens element 32 can be spherical or aspherical.

[0054] The lens assembly 30 has a slot 31 at one end facing the first connecting structure 50, and the first connecting structure 50 is engaged in the slot 31. The slot 31 is annular in shape, and the area enclosed by the outer contour of the first connecting structure 50 is circular in shape. The inner wall of the slot 31 contacts the outer edge of the first connecting structure 50 to connect the lens assembly 30 and the mounting frame 40.

[0055] The mounting frame 40 forms a mounting space 44, and has a light-emitting port 41 and a light-inlet port 42 communicating with the mounting space 44. The light-combining element 20 is located within the mounting space 44, with the light-emitting surface 201 exposed relative to the light-emitting port 41 and the light-inlet surface 202 exposed relative to the light-inlet port 42. The first connecting structure 50 is fixedly connected to the light-emitting port 41 of the mounting frame 40, and the first connecting structure 50 has a first opening 51 communicating with the light-emitting port 41. When the first connecting structure 50 is engaged with the lens assembly 30, the first connecting structure 50 engages in the slot 31, the center of the slot 31 and the center of the first opening 51 are located on the optical axis O, and the center of the light-emitting port 41 is also located on the optical axis O. Therefore, the center of the lens assembly 30 is aligned with the center of the light-emitting port 41, the optical axis of the lens assembly 30 coincides with the optical axis of the light-combining element 20, and the center of the first opening 51 and the center of the light-emitting port 41 are both located on the optical axis O of the lens assembly 30. The mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50 are integrally formed.

[0056] The mounting frame 40 also has a mounting port 43 communicating with the mounting space 44. The light combining element 20 can be assembled into the mounting space 44 through the mounting port 43. The light combining element 20 fills the mounting space 44. The mounting frame 40 can protect the light combining element 20, which helps to prevent damage to the light combining element 20 during use and improves the overall strength and durability of the light engine structure 1.

[0057] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the cross-section of the light combining element 20 perpendicular to the optical axis O is less than or equal to the area of ​​the mounting opening 43, and the volume of the light combining element 20 is equal to the volume of the mounting space 44.

[0058] Please see Figure 4 The light engine structure 1 also includes a second connecting structure 60. The second connecting structure 60 is fixedly connected to the mounting port 43 and forms a second opening 61 communicating with the mounting port 43. The area of ​​the second opening 61 is smaller than the area of ​​the mounting port 43. The second connecting structure 60 is used to fix the light combining element 20 in the mounting space 44 and prevent the light combining element 20 from leaving the mounting space 44 through the mounting port 43.

[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 There are three displays 10, each 10 emitting monochromatic image light, and each display 10 emitting image light of a different color. Each display 10 can be a micro light-emitting diode (μLED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or a micro organic light-emitting diode (μOLED) display. The three displays 10 are used to emit red, green, and blue image light, respectively.

[0060] Each display 10 includes a display unit 11, a circuit board 12, and a connector unit 13. The display unit 11 is located on the side of the mounting frame 40 that has a light inlet 42. One end of the circuit board 12 is electrically connected to the display unit 11, and the other end of the circuit board 12 is electrically connected to the connector unit 13. The connector unit 13 is electrically connected to an external power supply or signal source to input electrical signals to the display unit 11, thereby causing the display unit 11 to emit image light.

[0061] In the mounting frame 40, there is one light-emitting port 41, two light-incoming ports 42, and one mounting port 43. The light-emitting port 41, light-incoming port 42, and mounting port 43 are rectangular in shape. In the light-combining element 20, there is one light-emitting surface 201 and three light-incoming surfaces 202. The light-emitting surface 201 and the three light-incoming surfaces 202 are the four non-coplanar sides of the light-combining element 20. Among them, the two light-incoming surfaces 202 are parallel to each other, and the light-emitting surface 201 and one light-incoming surface 202 are located between the two light-incoming surfaces 202, and the light-emitting surface 201 and one light-incoming surface 202 are parallel to each other. When the light-combining element 20 is located in the mounting space 44, the light-emitting surface 201 is exposed relative to the light-emitting port 41, the two light-incoming surfaces 202 are exposed relative to the two light-incoming ports 42 respectively, and one light-incoming surface 202 is exposed relative to the mounting port 43 and the second opening 61. In some embodiments, the mounting frame 40 is a cubic structure with a central mounting space 44, and the light-combining element 20 is a cube. In other embodiments, the mounting frame 40 may be a cuboid structure with a central mounting space 44, and the light-combining element 20 may be a cuboid.

[0062] The display units 11 of the three displays 10 are respectively connected to the three sides of the mounting frame 40. The display units 11 of two displays 10 are fixedly connected to the sides of the mounting frame 40 with light inlets 42. The two light-inlet surfaces 202 of the light-combining element 20 are exposed relative to the two light inlets 42, so the image light emitted by the two display units 11 can pass through the light-inlet surfaces 202 and enter the light-combining element 20. The display unit 11 of one display 10 is fixedly connected to the second connecting structure 60. The second connecting structure 60 is fixed at the mounting port 43 and has a second opening 61 communicating with the mounting port 43. One light-inlet surface 202 of the light-combining element 20 is exposed relative to the mounting port 43 and the second opening 61, so the image light emitted by one display unit 11 can pass through the light-inlet surface 202 and enter the light-combining element 20.

[0063] In some embodiments, the number of displays 10 is two, and the two displays 10 are fixedly connected to the two sides of the mounting frame 40 with light inlet 42, respectively, or one display 10 is fixedly connected to the side of the mounting frame 40 with light inlet 42, and the other display 10 is fixedly connected to the second connection structure 60.

[0064] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first connecting structure 50 is an annular structure, and the first opening 51 is circular. The first connecting structure 50 includes a first surface 501 and a second surface 502 spaced apart from each other, and the first surface 501 and the second surface 502 are parallel to each other. The first surface 501 is connected to the mounting frame 40, and the second surface 502 is in contact with the lens assembly 30. The first surface 501 and the second surface 502 are perpendicular to the optical axis O of the lens assembly 30. The first opening 51 passes through the first surface 501 and the second surface 502, so that the first opening 51 is connected to the light exit port 41. The light emitting surface 201 of the light combining element 20 is exposed relative to the light exit port 41, so the image light emitted from the light emitting surface 201 can enter the lens assembly 30 sequentially through the light exit port 41 and the first opening 51.

[0065] When assembling the light engine structure, to ensure that the image light emitted from the display forms a clear image after passing through the light combining element and the lens assembly sequentially, the positional relationships between the components in the light engine structure should meet the following requirements: the optical axis of the lens assembly coincides with the optical axis of the light combining element; the light-incident surface of the lens assembly is parallel to the light-outceasing surface of the light combining element; and the center of the display section of the display is aligned with the center of the light-incident surface of the light combining element. In related technologies, the relative positions of the lens assembly, the display, and the light combining element are generally adjusted using an active alignment (AA) device to ensure that the positional relationships between the three meet the above requirements before the lens assembly and the display are connected to the light combining element respectively.

[0066] In the light engine structure 1 of this application embodiment, the lens assembly 30 is engaged with the first connecting structure 50, the first surface 501 of the first connecting structure 50 is connected to the mounting frame 40, and the light combining element 20 is located within the mounting space 44 of the mounting frame 40. The light emitting surface 201 of the light combining element 20 is exposed relative to the light emitting port 41. Therefore, the light combining element 20 is connected to the lens assembly 30 through the mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50. The optical axis of the lens assembly 30 coincides with the optical axis of the light combining element 20, and the center of the first opening 51 and the center of the light emitting port 41 are both located on the optical axis O. At this time, the center of the light emitting surface 201 of the light combining element 20 is located on the optical axis of the lens assembly 30, and the image light emitted from the light combining element 20 is modulated by the lens assembly 30 and emitted to form a clear image.

[0067] That is, by reasonably designing the structure of the mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50, the lens assembly 30 and the light combining element 20 can be simply connected to the mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50 respectively, which can satisfy the requirement that the optical axis of the lens assembly 30 coincides with the optical axis of the light combining element 20, and that the center of the first opening 51 and the center of the light exit 41 are both located on the optical axis O, without the need to adjust the position between the lens assembly 30 and the light combining element 20 through an active alignment device to meet the above requirements.

[0068] Therefore, the embodiments of this application are beneficial to simplifying the assembly process of the light engine structure 1 and shortening the manufacturing time of the light engine structure 1.

[0069] Please see Figure 7 An embodiment of this application also provides a method for assembling a light engine structure to form the aforementioned light engine structure 1. The method for assembling the light engine structure 1 includes the following steps:

[0070] S1, the mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50 are formed by integral molding. The mounting frame 40 forms an mounting space 44 and has an output port 41 and an input port 42 that communicate with the mounting space 44.

[0071] S2, the light combining element 20 is placed in the installation space 44, with the light emitting surface 201 of the light combining element 20 exposed relative to the light emitting port 41 and the light receiving surface 202 exposed relative to the light receiving port 42.

[0072] S3, the lens assembly 30 is engaged with the first connecting structure 50, the first connecting structure 50 having a first opening 51 communicating with the light outlet 41.

[0073] S4, connect the monitor 10 to the mounting frame 40.

[0074] In step S1, the mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50 are formed by integral injection molding, or by integral metal processing.

[0075] The mounting frame 50 is also provided with a mounting port 43 that communicates with the mounting space 44. The area of ​​the mounting port 43 is larger than the area of ​​the light inlet port 42 and the light outlet port 41.

[0076] In step S2, the step of placing the light combining element 20 into the mounting space 44 includes:

[0077] The light combining element 20 is assembled into the mounting space 44 through the mounting port 43;

[0078] The second connecting structure 60 is fixedly connected to the mounting port 43.

[0079] The second connecting structure 60 has a second opening 61 that communicates with the mounting port 43. The area of ​​the mounting port 43 is larger than the area of ​​the second opening 61, and the area of ​​the second opening 61 is smaller than the area of ​​the cross section of the light combining element 20 perpendicular to the optical axis O. This is beneficial for fixing the light combining element 20 in the mounting space 44 and preventing the light combining element 20 from detaching from the mounting frame 40 during the use of the light engine structure 1.

[0080] After the light combining element 20 is placed into the mounting space 44, the light emitting surface 201 of the light combining element 20 is exposed relative to the light emitting port 41, and the light receiving surface 202 of the light combining element 20 is exposed relative to the light receiving port 42 and the mounting port 43.

[0081] In step S3, the step of engaging the lens assembly 30 and the first connecting structure 50 includes: opening a slot 31 at one end of the lens assembly 30 facing the first connecting structure 50, and engaging the first connecting structure 50 in the slot 31.

[0082] The first connecting structure 50 includes a first surface 501 and a second surface 502 spaced apart from each other. The first surface 501 is connected to the mounting frame 40, and the second surface 502 is in contact with the lens assembly 30. The first surface 501 and the second surface 502 are perpendicular to the optical axis O of the lens assembly 30. A first opening 51 penetrates the first surface 501 and the second surface 502, so that the first opening 51 is connected to the light exit port 41. The light emitting surface 201 of the light combining element 20 is exposed relative to the light exit port 41, so the image light emitted from the light emitting surface 201 can enter the lens assembly 30 sequentially through the light exit port 41 and the first opening 51.

[0083] In step S4, before connecting the display 10 to the mounting frame 40, the position between the display section 11 of the display 10 and the light combining element 20 is adjusted using an active alignment device so that the center of the display section 11 is aligned with the center of the light combining element 20.

[0084] The display 10 also includes a circuit board 12 and a connector 13. One end of the circuit board 12 is electrically connected to the display unit 11, and the other end of the circuit board 12 is electrically connected to the connector 13. The connector 13 is electrically connected to an external power supply or signal source to input electrical signals to the display unit 11, thereby causing the display unit 11 to emit image light.

[0085] Compared to using an active alignment device to adjust the position between the lens assembly 30 and the light combining element 20 before connecting them, the assembly method of the above-mentioned light engine structure 1, by reasonably designing and manufacturing the mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50, allows the lens assembly 30 and the light combining element 20 to be simply connected to the mounting frame 40 and the first connecting structure 50 respectively. This simplifies the assembly process of the light engine structure 1 and shortens the manufacturing time of the light engine structure 1.

[0086] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the essential spirit and scope of this application fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A light engine structure, characterized in that, include: A display used to emit light for images; A light combining element includes a light emitting surface and a light receiving surface. The light combining element is used to receive and transmit the image light to change the optical path of the image light. The lens assembly, located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-combining element, is used to modulate the image light from the light-emitting surface before emission; The mounting frame forms an installation space and has an output light port and an input light port communicating with the installation space; the light combining element is located in the installation space, with the output light surface exposed relative to the output light port and the input light surface exposed relative to the input light port; as well as A first connecting structure is fixedly connected to the light outlet of the mounting frame. The first connecting structure has a first opening that communicates with the light outlet. The first connecting structure is engaged with the lens assembly, so that the optical axis of the lens assembly coincides with the optical axis of the light combining element, and the center of the first opening and the center of the light outlet are both located on the optical axis of the lens assembly.

2. The light engine structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection structure includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other. The first surface is connected to the mounting frame, and the second surface is in contact with the lens assembly. The first surface and the second surface are perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens assembly, respectively.

3. The light engine structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first opening extends through the first surface and the second surface.

4. The light engine structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first opening is circular in shape.

5. The light engine structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lens assembly has a slot at one end facing the first connecting structure, and the first connecting structure is engaged in the slot.

6. The light engine structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The slot is ring-shaped.

7. The light engine structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame is also provided with a mounting opening that communicates with the mounting space, and the area of ​​the cross-section of the light combining element perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens assembly is equal to the area of ​​the mounting opening.

8. The light engine structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The light engine structure further includes a second connection structure, which is fixedly connected to the mounting port and forms a second opening communicating with the mounting port. The area of ​​the second opening is smaller than the area of ​​the mounting port.

9. The light engine structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the light inlet is rectangular.

10. The light engine structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame and the first connecting structure are integrally formed.

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