Virtual image display device

Abstract

Provided is a virtual image display device in which, when a display unit or a frame member is fixed to a coupling member using a photocurable adhesive, the adhesive is prevented from remaining in a semi-cured or uncured state. This virtual image display device is provided with: a first display unit having a first image element, a first projection optical system, and a first mirror; a second display unit having a second image element, a second projection optical system, and a second mirror; a coupling member that connects the first display unit and the second display unit; a through-type fitting structure which is formed on a joining part formed on the first display unit and a support part provided on the joining member; and a photocurable adhesive member held between the bonding portion and the support portion, in which an additional light-transmitting structure for causing light to reach a boundary region between the bonding portion and the support portion is formed in the vicinity of the fitting structure in either the bonding portion or the support portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a head-mounted virtual image display device capable of observing a virtual image. Background Art

[0002] As a virtual image display device, there is a known virtual image display device comprising: two image display devices arranged horizontally; a connecting component that connects two light guide units provided on these image display devices at the upper part of the central side end; and a glasses-type frame that is worn on the head of the observer, the connecting component having a structure that is supported in a suspended manner by being installed in the center of the frame (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-18414

[0004] In the above-mentioned background technology device, it is described that the method of fixing the coupling component and the light guide unit is to use screws or adhesives, but considering the manufacturing deviation, the fixing by adhesives can improve the degree of freedom of adjustment compared with the fixing by screws. Among adhesives, light-curing adhesives are preferred from the viewpoint of shortening the process, etc.

[0005] However, when the coupling component and the light guide unit are fixed by a photocuring adhesive, for example, if the coupling component is made of metal and a shadow is formed in the curing light, the adhesive will remain in a semi-cured or uncured state, making it difficult to ensure the bonding strength. Summary of the invention

[0006] A virtual image display device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first display unit having a first image element, a first projection optical system for projecting image light from the first image element, and a first reflector for reflecting the image light from the first projection optical system; a coupling component connected to the first display unit; a through-type interlocking structure formed in a joint and a supporting portion, the joint being formed in the first display unit, and the supporting portion being arranged in the coupling component; and a photocurable adhesive component held between the joint and the supporting portion, wherein a light-transmitting structure is formed in the vicinity of the interlocking structure and between the joint and the supporting portion on either the joint or the supporting portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 1 is an external perspective view for explaining a wearing state of the head mounted display device.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a side cross-sectional view for explaining an optical system etc. included in a one-sided virtual image display device.

[0009] Figure 3It is a perspective view illustrating a display unit and its supporting structure.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a top view of the support device and a cross-sectional view viewed from the front direction.

[0011] Figure 5 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the joining portion of the first frame member and the supporting portion of the coupling member.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a top view illustrating a support device according to a modified example.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a top view illustrating a support device according to another modified example.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating still another modified example.

[0015] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view for explaining the appearance of the display unit.

[0016] Fig.10 is a side cross-sectional view of the barrel and the optical components it holds.

[0017] Fig.11 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a support device according to a second embodiment.

[0018] Fig.12 It is a plan view explaining the support device in the third embodiment.

[0019] Fig.13 It is a front view explaining the support device of a modified example.

[0020] Description of symbols

[0021] 11a, 11b: image element; 21: projection lens; 22: prism reflector; 23: perspective reflector; 123: optical appearance component; 23a: transmissive reflective film; 23b: substrate; 31: holder; 40f: fastening portion; 41: tube; 41a: tube body; 41f, 41g: protrusion; 41o: injection port; 41u: tube cover; 41z: insertion port; 50: support device; 50c: coupling component; 50f: fastening component; 50p: joint; 50q: support portion; 50s: hole; 150s: cutout; 51: fitting structure; 51a: protrusion; 51b: through hole; 52a, 52b: frame component; 55a: flat plate; 55c: connecting component; 55d: connecting component; 55e: connecting component; 55f ... 5b, 55c: reinforcing protrusion; 57a: flat plate portion; 57b: reinforcing protrusion; 61: supporting plate; 61g: upper end; 88: display control device; 90: user terminal; 100: optical unit; 100A, 100B: virtual image display; 100C: wearing device; 102a, 102b: display drive unit; 103a, 103b: combiner; AX: optical axis; BA: adhesive component; CA: shell; DD: virtual image display device; EP: exit pupil; G0: gap; G2: boundary area; IS: storage space; JS: connecting portion; ML: image light; OL: external light; PP: pupil position; RE: recess; TR1: additional light-transmitting structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] [First embodiment]

[0023] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 3 etc., a first embodiment of the virtual image display device of the present invention is described.

[0024] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for explaining a wearing state of a head mounted display device (hereinafter also referred to as a head mounted display or HMD) 200 as a virtual image display device DD according to a first embodiment. The virtual image display device DD, i.e., the HMD 200, allows an observer or wearer US wearing the virtual image to recognize an image as a virtual image. Figure 1 In the above, X, Y, and Z are orthogonal coordinate systems, the +X direction corresponds to the lateral direction in which the two eyes EY of the observer or wearer US wearing the HMD 200 are arranged, the +Y direction corresponds to the upward direction orthogonal to the lateral direction in which the two eyes EY of the wearer US are arranged, and the +Z direction corresponds to the front direction or the front direction of the wearer US. The ±Y directions are parallel to the vertical axis or the vertical direction.

[0025] The virtual image display device DD includes a first virtual image display 100A for the right eye, a second virtual image display 100B for the left eye, a pair of wearing devices 100C in the shape of temples supporting the virtual image displays 100A and 100B, and a user terminal 90 as an information terminal. The first virtual image display 100A functions as an HMD alone, and is composed of a first display drive unit 102a arranged at the top and a first combiner 103a covering the front of the eyes in the shape of a glasses lens. The second virtual image display 100B also functions as an HMD alone, and is composed of a second display drive unit 102b arranged at the top and a second combiner 103b covering the front of the eyes in the shape of a glasses lens. The wearing device 100C is worn on the head of the wearer US, and supports the upper end side of the pair of combiners 103a and 103b via the display drive units 102a and 102b integrated in appearance. The first virtual image display 100A and the second virtual image display 100B are optically identical or reversed left and right, and a detailed description of the second virtual image display 100B will be omitted.

[0026] Figure 2 1 is a side sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the first virtual image display 100A. The first virtual image display 100A includes a first image element 11a, a first display unit 20a, and a first circuit component 80a. The first display unit 20a is an imaging optical system for forming a virtual image, and includes a projection lens 21, a prism reflector 22, and a perspective reflector 23. The projection lens 21 and the prism reflector 22 in the first display unit 20a function as a first projection optical system 12a for incident image light ML from the first image element 11a. The first display unit 20a includes the first projection optical system 12a and the perspective reflector 23 in an integrated state. The projection lens 21 constituting the first projection optical system 12a is equivalent to the first optical component 2a disposed on the light emitting side of the first image element 11a, and the prism reflector 22 is equivalent to the second optical component 2b disposed on the light emitting side of the projection lens 21, i.e., the first optical component 2a. In addition, the first image element 11a, the projection lens 21 and the prism reflector 22 correspond to Figure 1 The first display drive unit 102a shown in FIG. 1 is a part of the first display drive unit 102a, and the transparent reflector 23 corresponds to Figure 1 The projection lens 21 and the prism reflector 22 constituting the first projection optical system 12a are fixed in a container-shaped barrel 41 in a state of being mutually positioned together with the first image element 11a. The barrel 41 is a housing CA that accommodates the first projection optical system 12a and the first image element 11a in a positioned state.

[0027] In the first virtual image display 100A, the first image element 11a is a self-luminous image light generating device. The first image element 11a emits image light ML to the first projection optical system 12a. The first image element 11a is rear-stored and supported by the tube 41. The first image element 11a is, for example, an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display, which forms a color static image or dynamic image on a two-dimensional display surface 11d. The first image element 11a is driven by a display control device 88 including a first circuit component 80a to perform a display operation. The first image element 11a is not limited to an organic EL display, and can be replaced by a display device using an inorganic EL, an organic LED, an LED array, a laser array, a quantum dot light-emitting element, etc. The first image element 11a is not limited to a self-luminous image light generating device, and can also be composed of other light modulators such as LCDs, and an image is formed by illuminating the light modulator using a light source such as a backlight. As the first image element 11a, LCOS (Liquid crystal on silicon, LCoS is a registered trademark), a digital micromirror device, etc. may be used instead of LCD. In the first virtual image display 100A, the optical device other than the first circuit component 80a and the display control device 88 is referred to as an optical unit 100.

[0028] The first display unit 20a includes two reflective surfaces, and the optical path is bent by a perspective reflector 23 and a prism reflector 22. The first display unit 20a becomes an off-axis optical system OS. That is, the projection lens 21, the prism reflector 22, and the perspective reflector 23 are arranged non-axisymmetrically. Corresponding to this non-axisymmetry, the optical surfaces of the optical elements constituting the first display unit 20a are, in principle, asymmetric with respect to the optical axis AX in the longitudinal direction parallel to the YZ plane and intersecting the optical axis AX, and symmetric with respect to the optical axis AX in the transverse direction or in the X direction. In the first display unit 20a, by bending the optical axis AX in an off-axis plane parallel to the YZ plane serving as a reference plane, optical elements 21, 22, and 23 are arranged along the off-axis plane (i.e., the reference plane). Specifically, the configuration is as follows: in an off-axis plane parallel to the YZ plane and corresponding to the paper surface, the optical path portion P1 from the projection lens 21 to the reflecting surface 22b, the optical path portion P2 from the reflecting surface 22b to the perspective reflecting mirror 23, and the optical path portion P3 from the perspective reflecting mirror 23 to the pupil position PP are folded back in a Z-shape in two stages.

[0029] The optical path portion P1 from the projection lens 21 to the reflecting surface 22b in the first display unit 20a extends in a slightly upward direction or in a direction nearly parallel to the Z direction toward the rear with the viewpoint as the reference. The optical path portion P2 from the reflecting surface 22b to the perspective reflecting mirror 23 extends in a downward direction toward the front. When the horizontal plane direction (XZ plane) is used as the reference, the inclination of the optical path portion P2 is greater than the inclination of the optical path portion P1. The optical path portion P3 from the perspective reflecting mirror 23 to the pupil position PP extends in a slightly upward direction or in a direction nearly parallel to the Z direction toward the -Z direction as the rear. In the example shown in the figure, the portion of the optical axis AX corresponding to the optical path portion P3 is about -10°, with the portion facing downward in the +Z direction being negative.

[0030] The projection lens 21 in the first display unit 20a includes a first lens 21o, a second lens 21p, and a third lens 21q. The projection lens 21 receives the image light ML emitted from the first image element 11a and makes it incident on the prism reflector 22. The projection lens 21 converges the image light ML emitted from the first image element 11a into a state of nearly parallel light beams.

[0031] The prism reflector 22 is an optical component having a refraction and reflection function, and has a function obtained by combining a reflector and a lens, and refracts and reflects the image light ML from the projection lens 21. The prism reflector 22 has an incident surface 22a, which is arranged on the light emitting side of the first optical component 2a; a reflection surface 22b, which bends the optical axis AX; and an emission surface 22c, which is opposite to the reflection surface 22b and is arranged in a direction symmetrical to the incident surface 22a. The prism reflector 22 emits the image light ML incident from the front where the projection lens 21 is arranged in a manner that the image light ML is returned to a direction inclined downward relative to the direction inverting the incident direction (the direction of the light source as viewed from the prism reflector 22). The reflection surface 22b is not limited to reflecting the image light ML by total reflection, and can also be a reflection surface composed of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film.

[0032] The perspective reflector 23, i.e., the first combiner 103a, is a curved plate-shaped optical appearance component 123 that functions as a concave surface reflector, partially reflects the image light ML from the prism reflector 22, and partially transmits the external light OL. The perspective reflector 23 has a partial reflection surface 23c and an outer side surface 23o. The perspective reflector 23 covers the pupil position PP where the eye EY or the pupil is configured, and has a concave shape toward the pupil position PP, and has a convex shape toward the outside world. The pupil position PP or its opening PPa is called an eye point or an eye box, which is equivalent to the exit pupil EP of the first display unit 20a including the perspective reflector 23. The perspective reflector 23 is formed on the first image element 11a as a concave reflector with positive refractive power, and can magnify and observe the intermediate image IM re-imaged by the first projection optical system 12a.

[0033] The partial reflection surface 23c of the perspective reflector 23 allows a part of the light to pass through when the image light ML is reflected. As a result, the external light OL passes through the perspective reflector 23, so that the external world can be observed in perspective, and the virtual image can be overlapped with the external image. At this time, if the substrate 23b is as thin as a few mm or less, the magnification change of the external image can be suppressed to be small. From the perspective of ensuring the brightness of the image light ML and facilitating the perspective observation of the external image, the reflectivity of the partial reflection surface 23c to the image light ML and the external light OL is greater than 10% and less than 50% within the assumed incident angle range of the image light ML. The substrate 23b of the perspective reflector 23 is formed of resin, for example, but can also be made of glass. The substrate 23b is formed of the same material as the support plate 61 that supports the substrate 23b from the periphery and has the same thickness as the support plate 61. The transmissive reflective film 23a is formed of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film composed of a plurality of dielectric layers with adjusted film thickness. The transmissive reflective film 23a may be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film of a metal such as Al or Ag with adjusted film thickness.

[0034] The optical path is described. The image light ML from the first image element 11a is incident on the projection lens 21 and is emitted from the projection lens 21 in a substantially collimated state. The image light ML that has passed through the projection lens 21 is incident on the prism reflector 22, refracted and passed through the incident surface 22a, reflected by the reflection surface 22b with a high reflectivity close to 100%, and refracted again at the emission surface 22c. After temporarily forming an intermediate image IM, the image light ML from the prism reflector 22 is incident on the perspective reflector 23, and reflected by the partial reflection surface 23c with a reflectivity of about 50% or less. The image light ML reflected by the perspective reflector 23 is incident on the pupil position PP where the eye EY or pupil of the wearer US is arranged. The external light OL that has passed through the perspective reflector 23 and the supporting plate 61 around it is also incident on the pupil position PP. That is, the wearer US wearing the first virtual image display 100A can observe the virtual image based on the image light ML in an overlapping manner with the external image.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 In addition, in FIG. 4 , a support structure incorporated in the display drive units 102 a and 102 b of the virtual image display device DD will be described. Figure 3 It is a perspective view for explaining the supporting structure of the display unit. Figure 4 Detailed description of the support device 50 is given in FIG. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , region AR1 is a plan view of the support device 50 , and region AR2 is a cross section of the support device 50 shown in region AR1 as viewed along the arrow AA.

[0036] In the first virtual image display 100A, the first frame member 52a constituting the support device 50 is fixed to the upper portion 41x of the first display unit 20a by means of a fastening member 50f such as a screw, and supports the first display unit 20a or the tube 41 in a suspended manner. In addition, the first frame member 52a may be fixed by various methods such as fixing by riveting, fixing by an adhesive, fixing by fitting, and fixing by an adhesive, in addition to fixing by screws. The first frame member 52a is a part of the first display unit 100a corresponding to the first virtual image display 100A. Here, as Figure 2 As shown, the first display unit 100a includes: a first image element 11a; a first projection optical system 12a that projects an image formed on the first image element 11a; and a first combiner 103a that is a first reflector M1 that reflects the image light ML emitted from the first projection optical system 12a.

[0037] Main reference Figure 4 The first frame member 52a includes a flat plate portion 55a having an opening 52o and having a generally rectangular shape as a whole, and a pair of reinforcing protrusions 55b and 55c protruding upward from the flat plate portion 55a. The first reinforcing protrusion 55b protrudes toward the upper side, which is the +Y side, and the lower side, which is the -Y side, is slightly bent and extends in the lateral X direction as a whole. In addition, the second reinforcing protrusion 55c protrudes only toward the upper side, which is the +Y side, is slightly bent and extends in the lateral X direction as a whole. The pair of reinforcing protrusions 55b and 55c are used to increase the structural strength of the first frame member 52a and to increase the strength of the flat plate portion 55a, which is relatively weak to bending and torsion.

[0038] In the first frame member 52a, the space above the flat plate portion 55a and sandwiched by the pair of reinforcing protrusions 55b and 55c is a recess RE that can accommodate the first circuit member 80a. In addition, the height of the upper end of the first circuit member 80a may be higher than the height of the upper ends of the pair of reinforcing protrusions 55b and 55c. In the first frame member 52a, the screw holes 56c formed at three locations around the opening 52o are used to fix the first circuit member 80a to the first frame member 52a.

[0039] A portion of the periphery 52r of the rectangular opening 52o formed in the first frame member 52a (specifically, three sides excluding the +Z side) is connected to the Figure 3The upper portion 41x of the tube 41 of the first display unit 20a shown in the figure abuts and is in close contact. At this time, the lower surface of the first frame member 52a is fitted with the upper portion 41x of the tube 41, so that the first frame member 52a and the first display unit 20a, that is, the tube 41 are positioned. The first frame member 52a is formed of a metal material such as a magnesium alloy, for example. By forming the first frame member 52a from a magnesium alloy, the effect of cooling the first frame member 52a, the first display unit 20a, etc. by heat dissipation can be improved.

[0040] return Figure 3 In the second virtual image display 100B, the second frame member 52b constituting the support device 50 is fixed to the upper portion 41y of the tube 41 of the second display unit 20b by means of a fastening member 50f such as a screw, and supports the second display unit 20b or the tube 41 in a suspended manner. The second frame member 52b is a part of the second display unit 100b corresponding to the second virtual image display 100B. Here, the second display unit 100b has: a second image element 11b; a second projection optical system 12b that projects an image formed on the second image element 11b; and a second combiner 103b, which is a second reflector M2 (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0041] Main reference Figure 4 The second frame member 52b also includes a flat plate portion 55a having a generally rectangular shape and a pair of reinforcing protrusions 55b and 55c protruding upward from the flat plate portion 55a. The first reinforcing protrusion 55b protrudes upward and downward, is slightly bent, and extends in the lateral X direction as a whole. The second reinforcing protrusion 55c protrudes only upward, is slightly bent, and extends in the lateral X direction as a whole.

[0042] In the second frame member 52b, the space above the flat plate portion 55a and sandwiched by a pair of reinforcing protrusions 55b and 55c is a recess RE that can accommodate the second circuit member 80b. In the second frame member 52b, the screw holes 56c formed at three locations around the opening 52o are used to fix the second circuit member 80b to the second frame member 52b.

[0043] A portion of the periphery 52r of the rectangular opening 52o formed in the second frame member 52b (specifically, three sides excluding the +Z side) is connected to the Figure 3 The upper portion 41y of the tube 41 of the second display unit 20b shown in the figure abuts and is in close contact. At this time, the lower surface of the second frame member 52b is engaged with the upper portion 41y of the tube 41, and the second frame member 52b and the second display unit 20b, that is, the tube 41 are positioned. By forming the second frame member 52b from a metal material such as a magnesium alloy, the effect of cooling the second frame member 52b and the second display unit 20b by heat dissipation can be improved.

[0044] Although not shown in the figure, the left side end or -X end of the first frame member 52a and the right side end or +X end of the second frame member 52b are connected to each other by a connecting member such as a hinge. Figure 1 The wearing device 100C shown is connected to and supported by the wearing device 100C.

[0045] The support device 50 includes, in addition to the first frame member 52a and the second frame member 52b, a coupling member 50c that couples and relatively fixes the first frame member 52a and the second frame member 52b. The coupling member 50c includes a rectangular flat plate portion 57a ​​and a pair of reinforcing protrusions 57b that protrude downward from the flat plate portion 57a. The coupling member 50c is a metal member such as a magnesium alloy, and a support portion 50q at one end is coupled to a joint portion 50p, which is one end portion of the first frame member 52a, and a support portion 50q at the other end is coupled to a joint portion 50p, which is one end portion of the second frame member 52b. The first frame member 52a to which the first display unit 20a is mounted and the second frame member 52b to which the second display unit 20b is mounted are fixed in a state of optical positioning with each other via the central coupling member 50c. In this way, by coupling the two frame members 52a and 52b via the coupling member 50c, it is easy to adjust the arrangement relationship of the two frame members 52a and 52b.

[0046] If the support device 50 is made of metal, and the first frame member 52a, the second frame member 52b, and the connecting member 50c are made of metal, the strength of each part 52a, 52b, and 50c can be improved, and the structural accuracy can be improved while being lightweight. However, when the connecting member 50c and the frame members 52a and 52b are made of metal, they cannot be made light-transmissive, so an additional light-transmissive structure TR1 is provided as described later to fully achieve the curing of the light-curing adhesive.

[0047] The joint portion 50p formed in the first frame member 52a of the first display unit 100a and the support portion 50q provided in the coupling member 50c have a through-type fitting structure 51 as a part thereof. The combined portion of the joint portion 50p and the support portion 50q is referred to as a connecting portion JS.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the interlocking structure 51 includes a pin-shaped protrusion 51a and a through hole 51b having a cylindrical inner surface interlocked with the protrusion 51a. The protrusion 51a is formed in the joint portion 50p, and the through hole 51b is formed in the support portion 50q. By combining the protrusion 51a and the through hole 51b, the first display unit 100a (see FIG. 1 ) can be simplified. Figure 3) With respect to the installation of the coupling member 50c, the mutual position adjustment of the first display unit 100a and the second display unit 100b can be simplified. The adjustment play formed between the protrusion 51a and the through hole 51b, that is, the cylindrical gap G0 functions as a light-transmitting structure TR0.

[0049] In the support portion 50q of the coupling component 50c, two slit-shaped holes 50s are formed near the interlocking structure 51. The two holes 50s are provided so as to sandwich the interlocking structure 51 and extend in the front-to-rear Z direction so as to cross the coupling component 50c. The hole 50s is formed as an elongated hole that is shorter than the front-to-rear Z direction width of the support portion 50q and penetrates the support portion 50q. These elongated holes 50s expose a larger area of ​​the boundary region G2 between the coupling portion 50p and the support portion 50q, and function as an additional light-transmitting structure TR1 that allows the curing light to reach the boundary region G2. The slit-shaped hole 50s is relatively easy to process and it is easy to maintain the strength of the support portion 50q. The light-transmitting structure TR1 is provided so as to expose the other side, i.e., the coupling portion 50p, by penetrating the support portion 50q, i.e., the other side, i.e., the coupling portion 50q. The slit-shaped hole 50s exposes the inner region IA, in particular, in the boundary region G2 between the joint portion 50p and the support portion 50q. By using the slit-shaped hole 50s to expose the inner region IA, it is easy for the curing light to reach the inner region IA and its periphery, and the boundary region G2 can be efficiently cured over a relatively large area. In addition, by providing a plurality of slit-shaped holes 50s, it is easy for the curing light to reach a plurality of locations in the boundary region G2 between the joint portion 50p and the support portion 50q, and the boundary region G2 can be cured over a relatively large area. In particular, when a plurality of slit-shaped holes 50s are provided in a manner sandwiching the fitting structure 51, symmetrical and well-balanced fixation can be performed around the fitting structure 51.

[0050] In the interlocking structure 51, the outer diameter of the protrusion 51a is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 51b, and the first part BA1 of the light-curing adhesive component BA is filled in these gaps G0 and cured. In addition, the second part BA2 of the light-curing adhesive component BA is filled in the two holes 50s provided in a manner sandwiching the interlocking structure 51, that is, the gap formed in the additional light-transmitting structure TR1, and cured. And, the third part BA3 of the light-curing adhesive component BA is filled in the boundary area G2 formed between the upper surface of the joint 50p and the lower surface of the support part 50q and cured. The joining of the joint 50p and the support part 50q, that is, the joining of the first frame part 52a and the coupling part 50c is mainly achieved by the third part BA3 and the first part BA1.

[0051] The fixing of the first frame member 52a relative to the coupling member 50c is described. The first frame member 52a is positioned relative to the coupling member 50c by adjusting the position of the first frame member 52a relative to the coupling member 50c. At this time, if the cylinder 41 or the like is fixed in advance relative to the first frame member 52a, the first frame member 52a can be positioned while the first display portion 20a or the like is optically measured. Before or after the positioning operation of the first frame member 52a, the adhesive member BA before light curing is supplied to the boundary area G2 between the joint portion 50p and the support portion 50q, to ​​the gap G0 between the protrusion 51a and the through hole 51b, and to the hole 50s. Then, the adhesive member BA is irradiated with, for example, UV light having a wavelength of 340nm, i.e., curing light. Specifically, the UV light is irradiated from above the through hole 51b and above the hole 50s. Thus, the first portion BA1 corresponding to the gap G0 is cured, the second portion BA2 corresponding to the hole 50s is cured, and the third portion BA3 is cured by the chain effect of the UV light propagating therefrom and the curing. That is, the adhesive member BA is cured as a whole, and the first frame member 52a is fixed to the coupling member 50c while maintaining the positioning state of the first frame member 52a relative to the coupling member 50c. In addition, as for the third portion BA3, since the light is bypassed, etc., it may be incompletely cured due to the shadow of the support part 50q, but its area ratio can be reduced by the slit-shaped hole 50s.

[0052] The structure for fixing the second frame member 52b, that is, the second display unit 100b, to the connecting member 50c is the same as the structure for fixing the first display unit 100a to the connecting member 50c. That is, the structure for fixing the second frame member 52b to the connecting member 50c includes a through-type fitting structure 51, a light-curing adhesive member BA, and an additional light-transmitting structure TR1. The method for fixing the second frame member 52b to the connecting member 50c is the same as the method for fixing the first frame member 52a to the connecting member 50c, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0053] In the fitting structure 51, the gap G0 between the protrusion 51a and the through hole 51b is, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, but may be greater than this (for example, about 0.7 mm). The diameter of the through hole 51b is about 2.5 mm, but may be greater than this. The depth or length of the through hole 51b corresponds to the thickness of the support portion 50q or the flat plate portion 57a, for example, about 3 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] Figure 61 is a partially enlarged top view illustrating a modified example of the slit-shaped hole 50s. In this case, the slit-shaped hole 50s that functions as an additional light-transmitting structure TR1 does not extend in the front-rear Z direction, but extends in the middle direction between the Z direction and the X direction, that is, in the oblique direction. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the slit-shaped hole 50s may also extend in the lateral X direction.

[0055] Figure 7 1 is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating another modified example of the slit-shaped hole 50s. In this case, a cross-slit-shaped hole 50s is provided in the support portion 50q of the coupling member 50c. The cross-slit-shaped hole 50s also functions as an additional light-transmitting structure TR1.

[0056] In the above description, the support portion 50q provided on the coupling member 50c is arranged on the upper side of the joint portion 50p provided on the first frame member 52a, but the support portion 50q of the coupling member 50c may be arranged on the lower side of the joint portion 50p of the first frame member 52a. In this case, Figure 5 The interlocking structure 51 shown is configured to be reversed upside down. Although not shown in the figure, specifically, for example, the protrusion 51a is formed to extend downward from the joint 50p, the through hole 51b is formed in the support part 50q at a position corresponding to the protrusion 51a, and the two holes 50s are formed in the support part 50q to sandwich the through hole 51b.

[0057] Figure 8 Express Figure 5 The example of the interlocking structure 51 shown in the figure is modified. In this case, the protrusion 51a is formed on the support part 50q, and the through hole 51b is formed on the joint part 50p. Corresponding to the change of the configuration, two holes 50s are formed in the joint part 50p near the interlocking structure 51. The UV curing light is irradiated from the lower side, that is, in the -Y direction.

[0058] The first frame member 52a and the second frame member 52b are not limited to being made of metal, and may be made of a resin that is not light-transmissive or a resin that is light-transmissive. Conversely, the coupling member 50c may be made of a resin that is not light-transmissive or a resin that is light-transmissive. For example, even if the frame members 52a and 52b are made of a resin that is light-transmissive, if the coupling member 50c is made of metal, an additional light-transmissive structure TR1 is provided at the coupling member 50c to ensure that the curing light can easily reach the adhesive member BA.

[0059] Fig. 9 It is explained from Figure 3The virtual image display device DD shown is a perspective view of a state where the support device 50 is removed. The first display unit 20a has a first projection optical system 12a and a first combiner 103a in an integrated state, and the second display unit 20b has a second projection optical system 12b and a second combiner 103b in an integrated state.

[0060] In the first projection optical system 12a, the first combiner 103a is fixed to the tube 41 by bonding or the like in a state aligned with the tube 41. At this time, the upper end 61g of the first combiner 103a is fixed to a pair of protrusions 41f and 41g protruding to the left and right sides from the front upper end of the tube 41. The tube 41 of the first projection optical system 12a has a space for accommodating the first image element 11a, and the first image element 11a is arranged in a state aligned with the tube 41. Figure 2 The projection lens 21 and the like are supported in an aligned state as shown.

[0061] In the second projection optical system 12b, the second combiner 103b is fixed to the tube 41 by bonding or the like in a state aligned with the tube 41. At this time, the upper end 61g of the second combiner 103b is fixed to a pair of protrusions 41f and 41g protruding from the front upper end of the tube 41 to the left and right outer sides. The tube 41 of the second projection optical system 12b has a space for accommodating the second image element 11b, and the second image element 11b is aligned with the tube 41. Figure 2 The projection lens 21 and the like are supported in an aligned state as shown.

[0062] In the first display unit 20a, the fastening portion 40f provided on the tube 41 and Figure 3 The fastening member 50f shown in FIG. 2 is provided to correspond to the fastening member 50f shown in FIG. 2 and can fix the upper portion 41x of the tube 41 to the first frame member 52a. Figure 3 The fastening member 50f shown is provided correspondingly, and can fix the upper portion 41y of the cylinder 41 to the second frame member 52b.

[0063] Reference Fig.10 , the structure of the tube 41, i.e., the shell CA, is described. The tube 41, i.e., the shell CA, includes a tube body 41a and a tube cover 41u, which accommodates the first optical component 2a and holds the second optical component 2b. The tube body 41a and the tube cover 41u are formed of, for example, a resin material having light-shielding properties by adding black pigment to a polycarbonate resin. The tube body 41a is a bathtub-shaped container open at the top, and has an injection port 41o at a part of the bottom. The tube cover 41u is fixed in a manner covering the tube body 41a from above. The tube body 41a has two side plate parts 41c (only one side is shown in the figure), a bottom plate part 41d, a front plate part 41e, and two protrusions 41f, 41g (see Fig. 9). The two side plate members 41c extend approximately parallel to the vertical plane, i.e., the YZ plane, on which the optical axis AX extends, and are separated from each other. The bottom plate member 41d extends approximately along the horizontal XZ plane, and an emission port 41o is provided at its rear end. The front plate member 41e connects the front end of the bottom plate member 41d to the front ends of the two side plate members 41c.

[0064] On the inner side of the side plate member 41c, as protrusions for supporting the first lens 21o, the second lens 21p and the third lens 21q constituting the first optical member 2a and the prism reflector 22 of the second optical member 2b, there are formed guide protrusions 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d having steps. The first lens 21o is bonded and supported on the barrel body 41a in a state where it is offset and positioned by the first guide protrusion 45a. Similarly, the second lens 21p is bonded and supported on the barrel body 41a in a state where it is positioned by the second guide protrusion 45b, and the third lens 21q is bonded and supported on the barrel body 41a in a state where it is positioned by the third guide protrusion 45c. The prism reflector 22 is bonded and supported on the barrel body 41a in a positioned state by the fourth guide protrusion 45d with the aid of the protrusion 22t provided on the side of the prism reflector 22.

[0065] The tube cover 41u is arranged on the opposite side of the bottom plate member 41d, and forms a storage space IS by covering the inner side of the tube body 41a. The tube cover 41u includes a top plate 41w and a rear plate 41r. The top plate 41w extends parallel to the XZ plane, and the rear plate 41r is arranged obliquely in a manner to cover the outer side of the reflection surface 22b of the prism reflector 22 of the second optical component 2b. In the tube cover 41u, a positioning holder seat 41s is formed on the front +Z side, which is lowered by a predetermined height relative to the surroundings, and an insertion port 41z is formed in front of the holder seat 41s. The holder seat 41s provided on the tube cover 41u is opposite to the base plate 31b of the holder 31 for the first image element 11a. The base plate 31b extends in the horizontal direction along the holder seat 41s, covers a part or all of the insertion port 41z, and is fixed to the tube 41 using an adhesive.

[0066] In the tube 41, the first image element 11a supported by the support frame 31a extending vertically downward from the base plate 31b in the holder 31 is inserted from above into the space ISa facing the front plate member 41e through the insertion port 41z and is fixed in a positioned state.

[0067] The virtual image display device DD of the first embodiment described above comprises: a first display unit 100a, which comprises a first image element 11a, a first projection optical system 12a for projecting image light ML from the first image element 11a, and a first reflection mirror M1 for reflecting the image light ML from the first projection optical system 12a; and a second display unit 100b, which comprises a second image element 11b, a second projection optical system 12b for projecting image light ML from the second image element 11b, and a second reflection mirror M1 for reflecting the image light ML from the second projection optical system 12b. M2; a combining component 50c, which connects the first display unit 100a and the second display unit 100b; a through-type interlocking structure 51, which is formed at a joining portion 50p and a supporting portion 50q, wherein the joining portion 50p is formed at the first display unit 100a, and the supporting portion 50q is arranged at the combining component 50c; and a photocurable adhesive component BA, which is retained between the joining portion 50p and the supporting portion 50q, and a light-transmitting structure TR1 is formed near the interlocking structure 51 and between the joining portion 50p and the supporting portion 50q on either side of the joining portion 50p and the supporting portion 50q.

[0068] In the virtual image display device DD, a light-transmitting structure TR1 is formed near the interlocking structure 51 and between the joint portion 50p and the support portion 50q. Therefore, the curing light reaches the light-curing adhesive member BA held and sandwiched by the joint portion 50p and the support portion 50q via the light-transmitting structure TR1, and sufficient curing can be promoted, thereby improving the fixing strength of the joint portion 50p to the support portion 50q by the adhesive member BA, that is, the mounting strength of the first display unit 100a to the coupling member 50c. Similarly, the mounting strength of the second display unit 100b to the coupling member 50c can be improved.

[0069] [Second embodiment]

[0070] Hereinafter, a virtual image display device according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the virtual image display device according to the second embodiment is obtained by partially modifying the virtual image display device according to the first embodiment, and description of the same parts as those of the virtual image display device according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0071] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the through hole 51b of the fitting structure 51 has a tapered shape that expands toward the upper side away from the first frame member 52a or the joint 50p. That is, the through hole 51b is a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional size becomes larger on the upper side, i.e., the outer side. In addition, the slit-shaped hole 50s adjacent to the fitting structure 51 also has a tapered shape that expands toward the upper side away from the first frame member 52a or the joint 50p in the lateral X direction. That is, the slit-shaped hole 50s is a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional size becomes larger on the upper side, i.e., the outer side.

[0072] The taper angle of the through hole 51 b and the slit-shaped hole 50 s inclined with respect to the vertical direction is usually an acute angle, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] As described above, when the through hole 51b or the slit-shaped hole 50s has a tapered shape that expands upward, more UV light can easily reach the boundary region G2 (see Figure 5 ). That is, even if the support part 50q is relatively thick, UV light can easily penetrate or reach the bottom of the through hole 51b, etc., and the curing progresses to the inner side. As a result, it is difficult to form a semi-cured part or an uncured part in the adhesive component BA, and the bonding strength between the bonding part 50p and the support part 50q can be improved, and the fixing strength of the first frame part 52a and the second frame part 52b relative to the connecting part 50c can be improved.

[0074] [Third embodiment]

[0075] Hereinafter, a virtual image display device according to a third embodiment will be described. Note that the virtual image display device according to the third embodiment is obtained by partially modifying the virtual image display device according to the first embodiment, and description of the same parts as those of the virtual image display device according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] like Fig.12 As shown, four slit-shaped cutouts 150s are formed near the interlocking structure 51 instead of slit-shaped holes. In this case, the four cutouts 150s extend slenderly in the Z direction across the coupling part 50c. The cutouts 150s are formed to penetrate the support portion 50q and are open at the front and rear ends corresponding to the ±Z directions of the support portion 50q. These cutouts 150s function as an additional light-transmitting structure TR1 that allows light to reach the boundary area between the joint portion 50p and the support portion 50q. The cutouts 150s also have the function of guiding light incident on the side of the support portion 50q to the boundary area G2 (see Figure 5 )’s role.

[0077] 〔Variations and others〕

[0078] The present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0079] The optical components 2a, 2b of the first projection optical system 12a or the second projection optical system 12b are not limited to the components shown in the figure. For example, the number of optical elements constituting the first optical component 2a and the shape of the optical surface can be appropriately changed according to the purpose of use of the virtual image display device DD, i.e., HMD 200.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the transparent reflective mirror 23 that partially reflects the image light ML and partially transmits the external light OL is used. However, a reflective mirror that reflects almost all of the image light ML and blocks the external light OL may be used instead of the transparent reflective mirror 23 .

[0081] The protrusion 51 a and the through hole 51 b constituting the fitting structure 51 are not limited to a columnar or cylindrical shape, and may be a rib shape or a long hole shape that is long in a specific direction.

[0082] In the second embodiment described above, the through hole 51 b and the slit-shaped hole 50 s have a tapered shape, but a step that expands toward the upper side may be provided.

[0083] like Fig.13 As shown, it can also be replaced by Figure 5 The slit-shaped hole 50s and the cutout 150s shown in the figure are replaced by a gap-shaped recessed portion 250s which is not penetrated in the longitudinal direction and separates the joint portion 50p from the support portion 50q. The recessed portion 250s is not penetrated in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, but can also be penetrated in the depth direction (Z direction perpendicular to the paper surface). The transverse width (the width in the transverse X direction on the paper surface) of the recessed portion 250s is preferably narrowed in a manner that does not reduce the fixing strength. Even if the transverse width of the recessed portion 250s is narrowed, if the depth is lengthened, it is easy for light to reach the boundary area G2.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the first display unit 20a and the second display unit 20b (specifically, the tube 41) are fixed to the first frame member 52a and the second frame member 52b, but the light guide plate and the optical system attached to the light guide plate may be fixed to the frame members 52a and 52b. Here, the light guide plate reflects the image light emitted from the image element on its inner surface and guides it to a position opposite to the pupil, and the image light is incident on the inside from the incident surface set at the end, or the image light is incident on the inside via a diffraction element set on a part of the parallel plate constituting the light guide plate.

[0085] The above description assumes that the virtual image display device DD is worn on the head for use, but the virtual image displays 100A and 100B may be used as handheld displays for viewing like binoculars instead of being worn on the head. That is, in the present invention, the head mounted display also includes a handheld display.

[0086] Alternatively, one of the first display unit 100a and the second display unit 100b may be omitted. In this case, for example, only the first display unit 100a is supported by the support device 50, so that the coupling member 50c and the frame member 52b can be integrated, and the frame member 52b has a simple structure that does not support the optical system but is connected to the wearing device 100C.

[0087] A virtual image display device in a specific embodiment comprises: a first display unit, which has a first image element, a first projection optical system that projects image light from the first image element, and a first reflector that reflects image light from the first projection optical system; a coupling component that is connected to the first display unit; a through-type interlocking structure that is formed in a coupling portion and a supporting portion, the coupling portion is formed in the first display unit, and the supporting portion is arranged in the coupling component; and a photocurable adhesive component that is retained between the coupling portion and the supporting portion, and a light-transmitting structure is formed in the vicinity of the interlocking structure and between the coupling portion and the supporting portion on either the coupling portion or the supporting portion.

[0088] In the above-mentioned virtual image display device, since a light-transmitting structure is formed near the interlocking structure and between the joint part and the supporting part, the curing light reaches the light-curing adhesive component clamped and held by the joint part and the supporting part through the light-transmitting structure, which can promote sufficient curing and improve the fixing strength of the joint part relative to the supporting part based on the adhesive component, that is, the installation strength of the first display unit relative to the combining component.

[0089] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the light-transmitting structure is provided on one of the joining portion and the supporting portion so that light reaches a boundary region between the joining portion and the supporting portion. The boundary region is filled with an adhesive member.

[0090] In a virtual image display device in a specific embodiment, the light-transmitting structure is provided so as to penetrate through one of the bonding portion and the supporting portion to expose the other portion. In this case, the adhesive member can be efficiently cured at the exposed portion and its periphery.

[0091] In a virtual image display device in a specific embodiment, the light-transmitting structure is provided so that the inner region of the boundary region is exposed. In this case, the adhesive can be efficiently cured in the inner region and its periphery.

[0092] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the fitting structure includes a pin-shaped protrusion and a through hole that fits with the protrusion. By combining the protrusion and the through hole, the position adjustment of the first display unit relative to the coupling member can be easily performed.

[0093] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the protrusion is formed on the joint portion, and the through hole is formed on the support portion. Conversely, the protrusion may be formed on the support portion, and the through hole may be formed on the joint portion.

[0094] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, a gap capable of adjusting the relative arrangement of the first display unit and the coupling member is provided between the protrusion and the through hole in the interlocking structure. Thus, in a state where the position of the first display unit relative to the coupling member is adjusted, the gap between the protrusion and the through hole is filled with adhesive and cured, so that they can be positioned and fixed at the same time.

[0095] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the connecting member is made of metal. If the connecting member is made of metal, the connecting member cannot be made light-transmissive, but the strength of the connecting member can be improved, thereby improving the structural accuracy while reducing the weight.

[0096] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the joint is made of metal. If the joint is made of metal, the joint cannot be made light-transmissive, but the strength of the joint can be increased, thereby improving the structural accuracy while reducing the weight.

[0097] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the adhesive component is filled in the gap formed in the light-transmitting structure. In this case, by allowing the curing light to reach the boundary area between the joint part and the support part from the light-transmitting structure, the adhesive filled in the gap of the light-transmitting structure and the adhesive reaching the boundary area between the joint part and the support part can be cured.

[0098] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the light-transmitting structure has a slit-shaped hole or cutout. The slit-shaped hole or cutout is relatively easy to process and is easy to maintain the strength of the joint part or the support part.

[0099] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the light-transmitting structure has a plurality of slit-shaped holes or cutouts. If a plurality of slit-shaped holes or cutouts are formed, the curing light can easily reach the boundary region between the bonding portion and the supporting portion.

[0100] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, a plurality of slit-shaped holes or cutouts are provided so as to sandwich the fitting structure. In this case, well-balanced fixation can be performed around the fitting structure.

[0101] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the slit-shaped hole or cutout is tapered in which the cross-sectional size increases on the outside.

[0102] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, there is also a second display unit, which has: a second image element; a second projection optical system, which projects image light from the second image element; and a second reflector, which reflects image light from the second projection optical system, and a combining component connects the first display unit and the second display unit.

[0103] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the structure for fixing the second display unit to the connecting member is the same as the structure for fixing the first display unit to the connecting member, and has a through-type interlocking structure, a light-curing adhesive member, and an additional light-transmitting structure. In this case, the mounting strength of the second display unit relative to the connecting member can be improved.

Claims

1. A virtual image display device, comprising: A first display unit having a first image element, a first projection optical system for projecting image light from the first image element, and a first reflection mirror for reflecting the image light from the first projection optical system; A combining component connected to the first display unit; a through-type fitting structure formed in a joint portion and a supporting portion, the joint portion being formed in the first display unit and the supporting portion being provided in the coupling member; and a light-curing adhesive member held between the bonding portion and the supporting portion, A light-transmitting structure that transmits light is formed in the vicinity of the fitting structure in either the joining portion or the supporting portion.

2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The light-transmitting structure allows light to reach a boundary region between the engaging portion and the supporting portion.

3. The virtual image display device according to claim 2, wherein: The light-transmitting structure is provided so as to penetrate through one of the joining portion and the supporting portion to expose the other portion.

4. The virtual image display device according to claim 2, wherein: The light-transmitting structure is configured to expose an inner region of the boundary region.

5. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The fitting structure includes a pin-shaped protrusion and a through hole that fits with the protrusion.

6. The virtual image display device according to claim 5, wherein: The protrusion is formed on the engaging portion, and the through hole is formed on the supporting portion.

7. The virtual image display device according to claim 5, wherein: In the fitting structure, a gap capable of adjusting a relative arrangement of the first display unit and the coupling member is provided between the protrusion and the through hole.

8. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling member is made of metal.

9. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The joint portion is made of metal.

10. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The adhesive member is filled in a gap formed in the light-transmitting structure.

11. The virtual image display device according to claim 10, wherein: The light-transmitting structure has a slit-shaped hole or cutout.

12. The virtual image display device according to claim 10, wherein: The light-transmitting structure has a plurality of slit-shaped holes or cutouts.

13. The virtual image display device according to claim 12, wherein: A plurality of slit-like holes or cutouts are provided so as to sandwich the fitting structure.

14. The virtual image display device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The slit-like hole or cutout is tapered in that the cross-sectional dimension becomes larger on the outside.

15. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein: The virtual image display device further includes a second display unit having a second image element, a second projection optical system for projecting image light from the second image element, and a second reflection mirror for reflecting the image light from the second projection optical system. The connecting member connects the first display unit and the second display unit.

16. The virtual image display device according to claim 15, wherein: The structure for fixing the second display unit to the connecting member is the same as the structure for fixing the first display unit to the connecting member, and has a through-type fitting structure, a photocurable adhesive member, and an additional light-transmitting structure.

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