Optical actuator and imaging device

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical actuator and an imaging device. The optical actuator comprises a base, a light-transmitting sheet, a frame, a plurality of suspension members and a plurality of actuating members. The base is provided with a mounting surface. And the light-transmitting sheet is positioned above the mounting surface. The frame is arranged on the outer edge of the light-transmitting piece. The frame shrinks inwards relative to the mounting surface, so that the mounting surface has a plurality of setting areas relative to the frame. The hanging pieces are located on the arrangement areas respectively and connected between the base and the frame. The actuating members are respectively located on the setting areas and are configured to drive the frame to reciprocate relative to the mounting surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical actuator and an imaging device. Background Art

[0002] A projector is a display device used to produce large-size images. The imaging principle of a projector is to convert the illumination beam generated by a light source module into an image beam through a light valve module, and then project the image beam onto a screen or a wall through a projection lens.

[0003] In order to improve the pixel quality of the projected image, some projectors have an optical actuator between the light valve module and the projection lens, and the vibration of the optical actuator causes the pixels to shift back and forth appropriately to avoid the pixel particles in the projected image being too obvious. Specifically, after the light generated by the light source module is modulated by the light valve module, the light is then transmitted to the projection lens through the optical actuator.

[0004] However, existing optical actuators are relatively large in size, and therefore cannot be used when used with a partial focal length projection lens (eg, a projection lens with a short back focal distance) due to structural interference problems caused by the limited space between the prism and the projection lens.

[0005] Therefore, proposing an optical actuator and an imaging device that can solve the above problems has become one of the important research and development topics. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of this, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical actuator and an imaging device that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical actuator includes a base, a light-transmitting sheet, a frame, a plurality of suspension members, and a plurality of actuators. The base has a mounting surface. The light-transmitting sheet is located above the mounting surface. The frame is arranged at the outer edge of the light-transmitting sheet. The frame is retracted relative to the mounting surface, so that the mounting surface has a plurality of setting areas relative to the frame. The suspension members are respectively located on the setting areas and connected between the base and the frame. The actuators are respectively located on the setting areas and are configured to drive the frame to reciprocate relative to the mounting surface.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the suspension member and the actuator located on one of the installation areas are arranged in a normal direction of the installation surface.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuator is configured to drive the frame to reciprocate along a normal direction relative to the mounting surface.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the setting areas are respectively located at four corners of the base.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, two of the actuators are arranged along a first diagonal axis, and the other two of the actuators are arranged along a second diagonal axis, and the first diagonal axis and the second diagonal axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an imaging device includes a light valve module, an optical actuator and a plurality of prisms. The optical actuator includes a base, a light-transmitting sheet, a frame, a plurality of suspension members and a plurality of actuators. The base has a mounting surface. The light-transmitting sheet is located above the mounting surface. The frame is arranged at the outer edge of the light-transmitting sheet. The frame is retracted relative to the mounting surface, so that the mounting surface has a plurality of setting areas relative to the frame. The suspension members are respectively located on the setting areas and are connected between the base and the frame. The actuators are respectively located on the setting areas and are configured to drive the frame to reciprocate relative to the mounting surface. The prism is optically coupled between the light valve module and the light-transmitting sheet.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the suspension member and the actuator located on one of the installation areas are arranged in a normal direction of the installation surface.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuator is configured to drive the frame to reciprocate along a normal direction relative to the mounting surface.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the setting areas are respectively located at four corners of the base.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, two of the actuators are arranged along a first diagonal axis, and the other two of the actuators are arranged along a second diagonal axis, and the first diagonal axis and the second diagonal axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first diagonal axial direction extends through two of the arrangement areas, and the second diagonal axial direction extends through the other two of the arrangement areas.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the light valve module has a length axis and a width axis, and the length axis and the width axis are respectively parallel to the first diagonal axis and the second diagonal axis.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the base further has a side surface connected to the mounting surface. The side surface connects the two in the setting area. The prism includes a first prism and a second prism. The first prism is located between the light valve module and the light-transmitting sheet. The second prism is partially located between the light valve module and the first prism, and extends to one side of the side surface to form a gap with the side surface.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the suspension components has a first fixing end and a second fixing end, and is fixed to the base and the frame via the first fixing end and the second fixing end, respectively.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the aforementioned one of the suspension members includes two ribs. Two ends of each rib are respectively connected to the first fixing end and the second fixing end, and protrude in opposite directions between the first fixing end and the second fixing end.

[0022] In summary, in the optical actuator and imaging device of the present disclosure, by centrally disposing the suspension members and the actuator members on multiple disposition areas of the mounting surface of the base, the area of ​​the mounting surface can be reduced, thereby effectively reducing the volume occupied by the optical actuator in the imaging device. Thus, the applicability of projection lenses of various focal lengths in the imaging device of the present disclosure can be effectively increased.

[0023] The above description is only used to illustrate the problems to be solved by the present disclosure, the technical means to solve the problems, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of the present disclosure will be introduced in detail in the following implementation methods and related drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to make the above and other purposes, features, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the accompanying drawings are described as follows:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 A perspective view showing some components of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 To show Figure 2 A side view of an element in FIG.

[0028] Figure 4 To show Figure 3 A front view of the optical actuator in FIG.

[0029] Figure 5 To show Figure 4 Another front view of the optical actuator in which the suspension bracket is removed;

[0030] Figure 6 To show Figure 4 A front view of the suspension bracket in FIG.

[0031] Figure 7 To show Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the actuator in FIG.

[0032] Description of Figure Numbers

[0033] 100: Imaging device

[0034] 110: Shell

[0035] 120: Projection lens

[0036] 130: Light valve module

[0037] 141: The First Prism

[0038] 142: Second Prism

[0039] 200:Optical actuator

[0040] 210: Base

[0041] 211: Bottom plate

[0042] 211a,212c: Side

[0043] 212: Circuit Board

[0044] 212a: Mounting surface

[0045] 212b: Setting the Region

[0046] 220: Translucent film

[0047] 230:Frame

[0048] 231: Bottom frame

[0049] 232:Fixed piece

[0050] 240: Suspension bracket

[0051] 241: Suspension parts

[0052] 241a: first fixed end

[0053] 241b: second fixed end

[0054] 242: Serial strip

[0055] 250: Actuating member

[0056] 251: Coil

[0057] 252: Magnetic conductive parts

[0058] 253: Magnet

[0059] AL: Length axial

[0060] AW: Width axial

[0061] DA1: First diagonal axis

[0062] DA2: Second diagonal axis

[0063] G: Gap

[0064] N: Normal direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following will disclose multiple embodiments of the present disclosure with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of clear description, many practical details will be described together in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit the present disclosure. In other words, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, these practical details are not necessary. In addition, in order to simplify the drawings, some existing conventional structures and elements will be shown in a simple schematic manner in the drawings.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 . Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing some components of an imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the imaging device 100 takes a projector as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The imaging device 100 includes a housing 110 and a plurality of components disposed in the housing 110. For example, the imaging device 100 includes a projection lens 120, a light source module (not shown), a light valve module 130, an optical actuator 200, and a plurality of prisms. The light source module is configured to generate an illumination light beam. The prism is optically coupled between the light source module and the light valve module 130, and optically coupled between the light valve module 130 and the optical actuator 200. The illumination light beam generated by the light source module will first reach the light valve module 130 via the prism. The light valve module 130 is configured to convert the illumination light beam into an image light beam. The image light beam will be projected onto the screen via the prism, the optical actuator 200, and the projection lens 120 in sequence.

[0067] In some embodiments, the light valve module 130 is a digital micro mirror device (DMD), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Specifically, when a certain pixel is to present an image, the corresponding micro mirror device of the light valve module 130 causes the image light beam converted from the illumination light beam to be projected outside the housing 110 in sequence through the prism, the optical actuator 200, and the projection lens 120. When a certain pixel is not to present an image, the corresponding micro mirror device of the light valve module 130 causes the image light beam to deviate from the optical actuator 200 after passing through the prism, so that the light beam cannot be projected outside the housing 110 through the projection lens 120.

[0068] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the optical actuator 200 includes a base 210, a light-transmitting sheet 220, a frame 230, a suspension bracket 240 and a plurality of actuators 250. The base 210 has a mounting surface 212a. The light-transmitting sheet 220 is located above the mounting surface 212a. The frame 230 is framed at the outer edge of the light-transmitting sheet 220. The frame 230 is retracted relative to the mounting surface 212a, so that the mounting surface 212a has a plurality of setting areas 212b relative to the frame 230. The suspension bracket 240 includes a plurality of suspension members 241. The suspension members 241 are respectively located on the setting areas 212b and connected between the base 210 and the frame 230. The actuators 250 are respectively located on the setting areas 212b and are configured to drive the frame 230 to reciprocate relative to the mounting surface 212a. In detail, the function of the suspension bracket 240 is to suspend the frame 230 above the mounting surface 212a by a predetermined distance and maintain parallelism, and also to ensure that when the actuator 250 drives the frame 230 to reciprocate, it can maintain a certain moving space and elastic reset ability. The prism is optically coupled between the light valve module 130 and the light-transmitting sheet 220.

[0069] It can be clearly seen from the above structural configuration that the suspension member 241 and the actuator 250 are respectively and centrally arranged on a plurality of setting areas 212b of the mounting surface 212a of the base 210, thereby reducing the area of ​​the mounting surface 212a, thereby effectively reducing the volume occupied by the optical actuator 200 in the imaging device 100.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 210 includes a bottom plate 211 and a circuit board 212. The circuit board 212 is disposed on the bottom plate 211 (for example, by screwing). The bottom plate 211 is located on the side of the base 210 facing the light valve module 130. The circuit board 212 is located on the side of the base 210 away from the light valve module 130. The mounting surface 212a is the surface of the circuit board 212 away from the bottom plate 211. In some embodiments, the material of the bottom plate 211 includes metal, so that the overall rigidity of the base 210 can be improved and the circuit board 212 can be carried. The bottom plate 211 and the circuit board 212 have a hollow structure to allow the image light beam converted by the light valve module 130 to pass through.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 3 , which shows Figure 2 A side view of the components in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 210 further has a side surface 212c connected to the mounting surface 212a. The side surface 212c connects two of the setting areas 212b (for example, Figure 2212a and the side surface 212c are located on the right side and the bottom side of the optical actuator 200 and adjacent to the prism. In other words, the side surface 212c is the surface of the circuit board 212 facing the prism. The prism includes a first prism 141 and a second prism 142. The first prism 141 is located between the light valve module 130 and the light-transmitting sheet 220. The second prism 142 is partially located between the light valve module 130 and the first prism 141, and extends to one side of the side surface 212c to form a gap G with the side surface 212c. Since the suspension member 241 and the actuator 250 are centrally disposed on the setting area 212b of the mounting surface 212a, an edge of the frame 230 of the optical actuator 200 close to the second prism 142 can be closer to the side surface 212c of the base 210. Therefore, the distance between the optical actuator 200 and the light valve module 130 can be effectively reduced without structural interference between the optical actuator 200 and the second prism 142, thereby achieving the purpose of effectively increasing the applicability of projection lenses 120 of various focal lengths in the imaging device 100 of the present disclosure.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the bottom plate 211 of the base 210 has a side surface 211a adjacent to the second prism 142, and the side surface 211a is inclined relative to the side surface 212c and is substantially parallel to the surface of the second prism 142 facing the optical actuator 200. Thus, the distance between the optical actuator 200 and the light valve module 130 can be further reduced.

[0073] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the suspension member 241 and the actuator 250 located in the same setting area 212b are arranged in the normal direction N of the mounting surface 212a, so that the action direction of the actuator 250 and the elastic reset direction of the corresponding suspension member 241 move along the same normal direction N. It can be seen that each set of suspension members 241 and actuators 250 are actually moving in the same setting area 212b on the mounting surface 212a. Therefore, there are many positions around the frame 230 of the optical actuator 200 that can be vacated for making room.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 . Figure 4 To show Figure 3 A front view of the optical actuator 200 in FIG. Figure 5 To show Figure 4 Another front view of the optical actuator 200 in FIG. 1 , wherein the suspension bracket 240 is removed. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the setting areas 212b are respectively located at the four corners of the base 210. Specifically, the mounting surface 212a of the base 210 is substantially rectangular and has four corners. The frame 230 is retracted relative to the four corners of the mounting surface 212a, so that the mounting surface 212a has four setting areas 212b relative to the frame 230, and the two lower setting areas 212b are closer to the edge of the base 210.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer edge profile of the frame 230 that is retracted relative to the mounting surface 212a is substantially octagonal, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In practical applications, the outer edge profile of the frame 230 may also be circular.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the frame 230 of the optical actuator 200 includes a bottom frame 231 and a plurality of fixing plates 232. The light-transmitting sheet 220 is carried on the bottom frame 231. The fixing plates 232 are fixed on the bottom frame 231 and respectively abut against different edges of the light-transmitting sheet 220 to tightly fit and fix the light-transmitting sheet 220. Figure 5 As shown, there are four fixing plates 232. The outer edge profile of the light-transmitting plate 220 is substantially octagonal. The fixing plates 232 are located at opposite corners of the light-transmitting plate 220 in pairs.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 6 , which shows Figure 4 A front view of the suspension bracket 240 in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the suspension bracket 240 also includes a series connection bar 242. The series connection bar 242 is frame-shaped and connects the suspension members 241 in series. By connecting the suspension members 241 in series through the series connection bar 242, the suspension bracket 240 can be made into a single structure, thereby increasing the convenience of installing the suspension bracket 240. Each suspension member 241 has a first fixed end 241a and a second fixed end 241b. The first fixed end 241a and the second fixed end 241b are structurally connected to each other and are spaced a predetermined distance apart to maintain structural elasticity. The first fixed end 241a is located at one end of the suspension member 241 away from the series connection bar 242. The second fixed end 241b is located at the connection between the suspension member 241 and the series connection bar 242. The suspension member 241 is fixed to the base 210 (for example, to the bottom plate 211 of the base 210 by screw locking) via the first fixed end 241a. The suspension member 241 is fixed to the frame 230 via the second fixing end 241 b (for example, fixed to the fixing piece 232 of the frame 230 by screws). Thus, the suspension bracket 240 can be connected between the base 210 and the frame 230 .

[0078] In some embodiments, whether the suspension member 241 is located in the setting area 212b may be determined based on whether the first fixing end 241a is located in the setting area 212b. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the first fixing ends 241 a of the four suspension members 241 are respectively located in the four setting areas 212 b , so it can be determined that the suspension members 241 are respectively located in the four setting areas 212 b .

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, each suspension member 241 includes two ribs. The two ends of each rib are respectively connected to the first fixed end 241a and the second fixed end 241b, and protrude in the opposite direction between the first fixed end 241a and the second fixed end 241b. Furthermore, the two ribs extend to both sides of the line connecting the first fixed end 241a and the second fixed end 241b and are symmetrical, which makes the suspension member 241 form a symmetrical butterfly wing structure. It should be noted that since the ribs are thinner than the series bar 242, they are easier to elastically deform. Relatively speaking, since the series bar 242 is thicker than the ribs, the overall rigidity and stability of the suspension bracket 240 can be increased.

[0080] In practical applications, the suspension bracket 240 may omit the connecting bar 242. That is, the suspension bracket 240 may only include the suspension members 241 separated from each other.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 7 , which shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the actuator 250 in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the actuator 250 includes a coil 251, a magnetic conductive member 252 and a magnet 253. The coil 251 is fixed to the base 210 and electrically connected to the circuit board 212. The wire of the coil 251 is substantially parallel to the mounting surface 212a. The magnetic conductive member 252 is fixed to the frame 230 and partially penetrates into the surrounding space of the coil 251 (for example, along the Figure 3 The magnet 253 is fixed to the magnetic member 252, and the magnetic force of the magnet 253 can be transmitted to the magnetic member 252. According to the left-hand rule, put the left hand into the magnetic field, let the magnetic lines of force vertically penetrate the palm of the hand, and the four fingers represent the direction of movement of positive charges. The direction of the thumb perpendicular to the four fingers is the direction of the Lorentz force. It can be seen that by passing currents in different directions through the coil 251, the Lorentz force can be reciprocated along the normal direction N on the magnetic member 252. As a result, the actuator 250 can drive the frame 230 to move back and forth along the normal direction N relative to the mounting surface 212a.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, two of the actuators 250 (ie, Figure 2The upper actuator 250 and the lower actuator 250 in the embodiment are arranged along the first diagonal axis DA1. The other two of the actuators 250 (i.e., Figure 2 The left actuating member 250 and the right actuating member 250 in the embodiment are arranged along the second diagonal axis DA2. The first diagonal axis DA1 and the second diagonal axis DA2 are perpendicular to each other. In other words, the setting area 212b, the suspension member 241 and its first fixed end 241a, the second fixed end 241b and the actuating member 250 are all arranged on the first diagonal axis DA1 or the second diagonal axis DA2. The first diagonal axis DA1 extends through Figure 2 The upper and lower areas 212b are provided, and the second diagonal axis DA2 extends through Figure 2 The left and right setting areas 212b in the image are shown in FIG. These actuators 250 can be operated in sequence. When these actuators 250 are operated in sequence, the optical axis of the light-transmitting sheet 220 can be deflected toward different directions. In this way, the image light beam passing through the light-transmitting sheet 220 can produce a pixel shift effect, and the image resolution can be improved after signal synchronization. For example, the original resolution of 1920*1080 can be increased to 3840*2160, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the light valve module 130 has a length axis AL and a width axis AW. The length axis AL and the width axis AW are parallel to the first diagonal axis DA1 and the second diagonal axis DA2, respectively. Through this configuration, the image light beam in the ON state of the light valve module 130 can effectively pass through the light-transmitting sheet 220, and the image light beam can produce a predetermined pixel shift effect.

[0084] From the above detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, it can be clearly seen that in the optical actuator and imaging device of the present disclosure, by making the suspension members and the actuator members respectively and centrally arranged on multiple arrangement areas of the mounting surface of the base, the area of ​​the mounting surface can be reduced, thereby effectively reducing the volume occupied by the optical actuator in the imaging device. As a result, the applicability of projection lenses of various focal lengths in the imaging device of the present disclosure can be effectively increased.

[0085] Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical actuator, comprising: a base having a mounting surface; A light-transmitting sheet, located above the mounting surface; A frame, arranged at the outer edge of the light-transmitting sheet, wherein the frame is retracted relative to the mounting surface, so that the mounting surface has a plurality of arrangement areas relative to the frame; A plurality of suspension members, respectively located on the plurality of setting areas and connected between the base and the frame; as well as A plurality of actuators are respectively located on the plurality of setting areas and are configured to drive the frame to reciprocate relative to the installation surface. 2 . The optical actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the suspension member and the actuator member located on one of the plurality of arrangement regions are arranged in a normal direction to the mounting surface. 3 . The optical actuator according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to drive the frame to reciprocate relative to the mounting surface along the normal direction. The optical actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of arrangement areas are respectively located at four corners of the base. 5 . The optical actuator according to claim 1 , wherein two of the plurality of actuators are arranged along a first diagonal axis, and another two of the plurality of actuators are arranged along a second diagonal axis, and the first diagonal axis and the second diagonal axis are perpendicular to each other.

6. An imaging device, comprising: Light valve module; An optical actuator comprising: a base having a mounting surface; A light-transmitting sheet, located above the mounting surface; A frame, arranged at the outer edge of the light-transmitting sheet, wherein the frame is retracted relative to the mounting surface, so that the mounting surface has a plurality of arrangement areas relative to the frame; A plurality of suspension members, respectively located on the plurality of setting areas and connected between the base and the frame; as well as a plurality of actuators, respectively located on the plurality of setting areas and configured to drive the frame to reciprocate relative to the mounting surface; as well as A plurality of prisms are optically coupled between the light valve module and the light-transmitting sheet. 7 . The imaging device according to claim 6 , wherein the suspension member and the actuator member located on one of the plurality of arrangement areas are aligned in a normal direction of the mounting surface. 8 . The imaging device according to claim 7 , wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to drive the frame to reciprocate along the normal direction relative to the mounting surface.

9. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of setting areas are respectively located at four corners of the base.

10. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein two of the plurality of actuators are arranged along a first diagonal axis, and another two of the plurality of actuators are arranged along a second diagonal axis, and the first diagonal axis and the second diagonal axis are perpendicular to each other.

11. The imaging device of claim 10, wherein the first pair of diagonals extends axially through two of the plurality of arrangement regions, and the second pair of diagonals extends axially through the other two of the plurality of arrangement regions. 12 . The imaging device according to claim 10 , wherein the light valve module has a length axis and a width axis, which are respectively parallel to the first diagonal axis and the second diagonal axis.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the base further has a side surface connected to the mounting surface, the side surface connects two of the multiple setting areas, the multiple prisms include a first prism and a second prism, the first prism is located between the light valve module and the light-transmitting sheet, the second prism is partially located between the light valve module and the first prism, and extends to one side of the side surface to form a gap with the side surface. 14 . The imaging device according to claim 10 , wherein one of the plurality of suspension members has a first fixing end and a second fixing end, and is fixed to the base and the frame via the first fixing end and the second fixing end, respectively.

15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein the one of the plurality of suspension members comprises two ribs, two ends of each of the plurality of ribs are respectively connected to the first fixing end and the second fixing end, and protrude in opposite directions between the first fixing end and the second fixing end.

Images