Optical deflecting device, optical deflecting device manufacturing method, and optical projecting device

Abstract

Bearing portions having an approximately arc shape are provided on a lower surface of a plate-shaped member. In the bearing portions, stoppers of a regulating member are embedded. With the engagement of the lower surface of the plate-shaped member and the apex of a pivot member and the engagement of an inner surface of the bearing portions and a lower surface of the stoppers, the plate-shaped member is rotatably supported with the apex of the pivot member as a center. With a side surface of the regulating member 109 facing a side surface of the bearing portions, the position of the plate-shaped member in a rotation axis direction is regulated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present document incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese priority document, 2006-055050 filed in Japan on Mar. 1, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to an optical deflecting device that changes the direction of output light with respect to incident light and a method of manufacturing such an optical deflecting device, and also relates a technology suitable for image forming apparatuses, such as electrophotographic printers and copiers, and projection-type image and vide display apparatuses, such as projectors and digital theater systems.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]L. J. Hornbeck has disclosed digital micromirror device with a torsion beam hinge in Proceedings, The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE), vol. 1150, pp. 86-102 (1989). This technology has been expanded as disclosed in Proceedings of The Institute of Electrical...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]According to still another aspect of the present invention, an optical projecting device includes the above optical deflecting device; a light source that light up a light reflecting surface of a plate-shaped member of the optical deflecting device; and an optical system that projects light reflected from the light reflecting surface when the plate-shaped member of the optical deflecting device is tilted in a first tilting direction, and shields light reflected from the light reflecting surface and prevents the light from being projected outside when the plate-shaped member is tilted in a second tilting direction.

Problems solved by technology

In that case, a special process is required, and material cost is increased.

For further downsizing, it is not easy to decrease the stiffness of the hinge because of limitations of microfabrication accuracy for making the hinge narrower.

Moreover, if the stiffness of the hinge is tried to be weakened to decrease the driving voltage even for the purpose other than downsizing, the hinge is bent, and cannot sustain the center position of the mirror.

Still further, a post is formed to superpose the mirror on the electrode, but since the post has a hole, the mirror inevitably has an area where light cannot be reflected, thereby inviting a decrease in reflection efficiency.

From these reason above, in the structure using a hinge, there is a problem in which downsizing results in a complex element structure and high manufacturing cost.

However, since the plated-shaped shaft moves within a rectangular frame, stability is low.

Also, there are problems in which it is difficult to process a brace of the mirror and it is also difficult to downsize the mirror to a cube measuring 10 micrometers per side.

Ensuring the accuracy of the bearing-shaped hinge is difficult.

When mirrors are arranged in an array with high density to narrow a space between the mirrors, which may cause a loss of incident light, a problem of collision between adjacent mirrors occurs.

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