Projection equipment and light equalizing system

Abstract

The invention provides projection equipment and a light equalizing system. The number of parts can be reduced so as to reduce the complexity of an assembly process. The light uniformizing system uniformizes light beams emitted by the light source module and emits the light beams to form uniformized light beams. The light uniformizing system comprises a lens array assembly, the lens array assembly comprises a first array area and a second array area which are connected with each other, the first array area is provided with a first light inlet face and a first light outlet face and is provided with a plurality of first micro-lenses, and light beams enter the first array area from the first light inlet face in the first direction, penetrate through the first micro-lenses and then enter the second array area in the second direction. The second array area is provided with a second light incident surface and a second light emergent surface, and is provided with a plurality of second micro lenses, and the first light beam enters the second array area from the second light incident surface, penetrates through the plurality of second micro lenses, and then enters the second array area; light is emitted from the second light emitting surface in a light emitting direction opposite to the first direction to generate a second light beam. The first light-in surface and the second light-out surface are located on the same surface of the lens array assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of projection equipment, and in particular to a homogenization system for homogenizing a light beam and a projection device configured with the homogenization system. Background Art

[0002] Projection devices homogenize a point beam of light generated by a light source into a uniform beam with a two-dimensional light field. This uniform beam is then modulated by a light modulation module (such as a digital micromirror device, DMD) to form an image beam. The image beam passes through a projection lens and is projected onto a screen to display a two-dimensional image. Therefore, the homogenization system, which homogenizes the point beam, plays a crucial role in creating a two-dimensional light field.

[0003] However, the large number of components in existing homogenization systems not only makes the optical engine bulky and difficult to miniaturize, but also increases manufacturing costs. In addition, additional calibration steps are required, making the overall assembly process complex and time-consuming.

[0004] The "Background Art" paragraph is only used to help understand the content of this invention. Therefore, the content disclosed in the "Background Art" paragraph may include some prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. The content disclosed in the "Background Art" paragraph does not represent the problems to be solved by such content or one or more embodiments of this invention, nor does it represent that it was known or recognized by those skilled in the art before this application was filed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a uniform light system and a projection device configured with the uniform light system, which solves the problem that the number of components increases due to the separately arranged lens array components in the prior art, thereby making it difficult to miniaturize the optical engine, increasing manufacturing costs, and complicating assembly processes.

[0006] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein. To achieve one or more of the above objects or other related objects, one embodiment of this application provides a beam homogenization system for homogenizing a light beam emitted from a light source module. The light beam is incident on the beam homogenization system along a first direction and exits the system in a direction parallel to the first direction to become a homogenized beam. The beam homogenization system includes a lens array assembly comprising a first array region and a second array region arranged and connected to each other along a second direction. The first array region has a first light-incident surface and a first light-exit surface, and is provided with a plurality of first microlenses. The light beam enters the first array region from the first light-incident surface in the first direction and passes through the plurality of first microlenses before exiting from the first light-exit surface to generate a first beam. The second array region has a second light-incident surface and a second light-exit surface, and is provided with a plurality of second microlenses. The first beam enters the second array region from the second light-incident surface and passes through the plurality of second microlenses before exiting from the second light-exit surface in an exit direction opposite to the first direction to generate a second beam. The first light-incident surface and the second light-outceasing surface are located on the same surface of the lens array assembly, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0007] One embodiment of this application provides a projection device, which includes a light source module, the aforementioned homogenizing system, a light modulation module, and a projection lens. The light source module is used to emit a light beam. The homogenizing system is disposed in the light beam transmission path, and the light beam enters the lens array assembly from the first light-incident surface of the first array region and undergoes multiple homogenization processes in the homogenizing system to emit a homogenized light beam. The light modulation module is disposed in the transmission path of the homogenized light beam to receive the homogenized light beam and convert the homogenized light beam into an image beam. The projection lens is disposed in the transmission path of the image beam to project the image beam out of the projection device.

[0008] As described above, the homogenization system and the projection device equipped with the homogenization system of this application have at least one of the following beneficial effects: Through the integrated lens array assembly, the lens array assembly of this application can be manufactured using a single mold and the optical path can be directly adjusted. The integrated lens array assembly not only reduces the number of components but also reduces the complexity of the assembly process, thereby enabling miniaturization of the optical engine, reducing manufacturing costs, and simplifying the assembly process. Furthermore, by utilizing a static lens array assembly, this application can effectively eliminate beam speckle phenomena and replace or reduce the use of movable diffusion elements, thereby improving reliability and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of a light homogenization system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 Display as Figure 1A schematic diagram of the lens array assembly of the light-diffusing system;

[0011] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a light homogenization system according to another embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 4 Display as Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the lens array assembly of the light-diffusing system;

[0013] Figure 5 Shown is a perspective view of the configuration of a projection device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 Display as Figure 5 A side view of the projection device, but omitting the light-emitting component 22;

[0015] Figure 7 Display as Figure 5 The rear view of the projection device, but omitting the light-emitting component 21;

[0016] Figure 8 Shown is a perspective view of the configuration of a projection device according to another embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 9 Display as Figure 8 A side view of the projection device;

[0018] Figure 10 Display as Figure 8 The rear view of the projection device, but omitting the light-emitting component 21;

[0019] Figure 11 Display as Figure 8 A top view of the projection device;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a projection device according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application.

[0022] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower than,” “below,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one component or feature shown in the accompanying drawings and other components or features. It will be understood that these spatial relation terms are intended to include directions other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings for devices in use or operation.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a light homogenization system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lens array assembly of the light-averaging system. As shown in the figure, Figure 1 The homogenizing system 10 includes a lens array assembly 11, which includes a first array region 111, a second array region 112, and a bridging region 113. A beam L generated by the light source module 20 is incident on the homogenizing system 10 along a first direction D1 and exits from the homogenizing system 10 in a direction parallel to the first direction D1, becoming a homogenized beam LM. The first array region 111, the second array region 112, and the bridging region 113 of the lens array assembly 11 are arranged along a second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0025] In this embodiment, the lens array assembly 11 is an integrated structure, meaning that the first array region 111, the second array region 112, and the bridging region 113 are interconnected. The two ends of the bridging region 113 are respectively connected to the first array region 111 and the second array region 112, such that the bridging region 113 is located between the first array region 111 and the second array region 112 in the second direction D2. Specifically, the lens array assembly 11 in this embodiment has a cuboid shape, with the first array region 111 and the second array region 112 located at opposite ends of the cuboid, and the bridging region 113 located in the middle of the cuboid.

[0026] The first array region 111 has a first light-incident surface 111a and a first light-exit surface 111b, and a plurality of first microlenses 111c are respectively provided on the first light-incident surface 111a and the first light-exit surface 111b. The first microlenses 111c can be a hexagonal lens array or a square lens array, but are not limited thereto. The second array region 112 has a second light-incident surface 112a and a second light-exit surface 112b, and a plurality of second microlenses 112c are respectively provided on the second light-incident surface 112a and the second light-exit surface 112b. The second microlenses 112c can be a hexagonal lens array or a square lens array, but are not limited thereto. In at least one embodiment, the shape of each first microlens 111c and each second microlens 112c can be the same or different, and are not particularly limited here. In this embodiment, the optical path does not pass through the bridging region 113, therefore the bridging region 113 may not have any lens structure. In other embodiments, the lens array assembly 11 may not have a bridging region 113, that is, the first array region 111 and the second array region 112 are directly connected, but this is not a limitation.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first light-incident surface 111a and the second light-outceasing surface 112b are located on the same surface of the lens array assembly 11, namely the first surface 11a. The first light-outceasing surface 111b and the second light-incident surface 112a are located on the same surface of the lens array assembly 11, namely the second surface 11b. The first surface 11a and the second surface 11b are arranged opposite to each other, and both the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b are perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0028] After the light source module 20 generates a light beam L, the light beam L enters the first array region 111 from the first light-incident surface 111a along the first direction D1 and passes through at least a portion of the plurality of first microlenses 111c. Then, it exits from the first light-exit surface 111b to generate a first light beam L1. The plurality of first microlenses 111c homogenize the light beam L to eliminate the light spot of the light source module 20. The first light beam L1 is a preliminarily homogenized light beam. Next, the first light beam L1 enters the second array region 112 from the second light-incident surface 112a and passes through at least a portion of the plurality of second microlenses 112c. Then, it exits from the second light-exit surface 112b in a light-exit direction opposite to the first direction D1 to generate a second light beam L2.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the second beam L2 exits from the second emitting surface 112b of the second array region 112 and leaves the homogenizing system 10 to become a homogenized beam LM. That is, the second array region 112 is used here to adjust the angular distribution of the first beam L1 to become a second beam L2 (or homogenized beam LM) that meets the design requirements. Thus, the emitting direction of the first beam L1 and the emitting direction of the second beam L2 are parallel to each other and opposite in direction, and the emitting directions of both the first beam L1 and the second beam L2 are parallel to the first direction D1.

[0030] Since the lens array assembly 11 in this embodiment is an integrated structure, the first array region 111 and the second array region 112 are made of the same material. Furthermore, the first array region 111 and the second array region 112 have the same thickness, and the light beam L enters the first array region 111 in a direction perpendicular to the first light-incident surface 111a, while the first light beam L1 also enters the second array region 112 in a direction perpendicular to the second light-incident surface 112a. Therefore, the distance traveled by the light beam L in the first array region 111 is the same as the distance traveled by the first light beam L1 in the second array region 112. Through the homogenization of the first array region 111 and the second array region 112, the light beam L of the light source module 20 ultimately forms a homogenized light beam LM with a two-dimensional light field through the homogenization system 10.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the light-averaging system 10 further includes a first optical path bending component 12 for changing the transmission direction of the first light beam L1. The first optical path bending component 12 is disposed in the optical path between the first light-emitting surface 111b and the second light-incident surface 112a. After the first light beam L1 exits from the first light-emitting surface 111b, the first light beam L1 enters the first optical path bending component 12 in a first transmission direction and exits the first optical path bending component 12 in a second transmission direction, wherein the first transmission direction and the second transmission direction are parallel to each other and opposite in direction, and both the first transmission direction and the second transmission direction are parallel to the first direction D1, such that the optical path of the first light beam L1 between the first light-emitting surface 111b and the second light-incident surface 112a is U-shaped.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the beam equalization system 10 further includes a first beam-concentrating component 13, disposed in the optical path of the first beam L1 between the first light-emitting surface 111b and the second light-incident surface 112a, for converging the first beam L1. Specifically, the first beam-concentrating component 13 includes a first beam-concentrating lens 131 and a second beam-concentrating lens 132. The first optical path bending component 12 includes a first reflector 121 and a second reflector 122. The first beam-concentrating lens 131 is disposed between the first array region 111 and the first reflector 121, and the second beam-concentrating lens 132 is disposed between the second reflector 122 and the second array region 112. In at least one embodiment, the reflecting surface 121a of the first reflector 121 and the reflecting surface 122a of the second reflector 122 are arranged opposite each other and form a 90-degree angle with each other. The reflecting surface 121a of the first reflector 121 forms a 45-degree angle with the first light-emitting surface 111b, and the reflecting surface 122a of the second reflector 122 forms a 45-degree angle with the second light-incident surface 112a, but this is not a limitation. In this process, after the first light beam L1 is emitted from the first light-emitting surface 111b, it is focused by the first condenser lens 131 and enters the first reflector 121 of the first optical path bending assembly 12 in the first transmission direction. The reflective surface 121a of the first reflector 121 transmits the first light beam L1 to the second reflector 122 along the second direction D2. The reflective surface 122a of the second reflector 122 changes the transmission direction of the first light beam L1, so that the first light beam L1 leaves the second reflector 122 in the second transmission direction and enters the second condenser lens 132 and the second array region 112 in sequence.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the light equalization system 10 further includes a first light diffuser 14 disposed between the second reflector 122 and the second array region 112, so that the first light beam L1 is diffused after passing through the first light diffuser 14 and then incident on the second light incident surface 112a.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the light-diffusing system 10 further includes a second light diffuser 15 disposed along a first direction D1 before the first light-incident surface 111a of the first array region 111, so that the light beam L passes through the second light diffuser 15 and then enters the first light-incident surface 111a. The second light diffuser 15 can perform preliminary diffusion of the light beam L.

[0035] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,in Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a light-diffusing system according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 4 Display as Figure 3A schematic diagram of the lens array assembly of the light-diffusing system is shown. This embodiment has some of the same structure as the previous embodiment, therefore the same components are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The lens array assembly 11 of the light-diffusing system 10 in this embodiment also includes a third array region 114. The first array region 111, the second array region 112, and the third array region 114 are connected to each other and arranged sequentially along the second direction D2, and the second array region 112 is located between the first array region 111 and the third array region 114. The lens array assembly 11 of this embodiment has two bridging regions 113. One bridging region 113 connects the first array region 111 and the second array region 112, and the other bridging region 113 connects the second array region 112 and the third array region 114.

[0036] The third array region 114 has a third light-incident surface 114a and a third light-exit surface 114b, and a plurality of third microlenses 114c are respectively provided on the third light-incident surface 114a and the third light-exit surface 114b. The third microlenses 114c can be a hexagonal lens array or a square lens array, but are not limited thereto. The first light-incident surface 111a, the second light-exit surface 112b, and the third light-incident surface 114a are all located on the same surface of the lens array assembly 11, namely the first surface 11a. The first light-exit surface 111b, the second light-incident surface 112a, and the third light-exit surface 114b are all located on the same surface of the lens array assembly 11, namely the second surface 11b.

[0037] The second beam L2, after exiting from the second light-emitting surface 112b, enters the third array region 114 through the third light-incident surface 114a. After passing through at least a portion of the plurality of third microlenses 114c, it exits from the third light-emitting surface 114b in the same light-emitting direction as the first direction D1, thereby generating the third beam L3. In this embodiment, the third beam L3 exits from the third light-emitting surface 114b and leaves the homogenizing system 10 to become a homogenized beam LM. The light-emitting direction of the third beam L3 is parallel to and has the same direction as the light-emitting direction of the first beam L1, and both the light-emitting directions of the third beam L3 and the first beam L1 are parallel to the first direction D1.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the light-diffusing system 10 further includes a second optical path bending component 16. The second optical path bending component 16 is located on the optical path of the second beam L2 between the second light-emitting surface 112b and the third light-incident surface 114a, and is used to change the propagation direction of the second beam L2. After the second beam L2 exits from the second light-emitting surface 112b, the second beam L2 enters the second optical path bending component 16 with a second propagation direction and exits the second optical path bending component 16 with a third propagation direction. The second and third propagation directions are parallel to each other and opposite in direction, and both are parallel to the first direction D1, making the optical path of the second beam L2 between the second light-emitting surface 112b and the third light-incident surface 114a U-shaped. Therefore, the overall optical path of the light-diffusing system 10 in this embodiment is S-shaped.

[0039] Specifically, the second optical path bending assembly 16 includes a third reflector 161 and a fourth reflector 162. The third reflector 161 has a reflecting surface 161a, and the fourth reflector 162 has a reflecting surface 162a. The reflecting surfaces 161a and 162a are arranged opposite each other at a 90-degree angle. The reflecting surface 161a forms a 45-degree angle with the second light-emitting surface 112b, and the reflecting surface 162a forms a 45-degree angle with the third light-incident surface 114a, but this is not a limitation. The second light beam L2 leaves the second array region 112 from the second light-emitting surface 112b and is transmitted to the third reflector 161 in a second transmission direction. The reflecting surface 161a of the third reflector 161 transmits the second light beam L2 along the second direction D2 to the fourth reflector 162. The reflecting surface 162a of the fourth reflector 162 changes the transmission direction of the second light beam L2, causing the second light beam L2 to leave the fourth reflector 162 in a third transmission direction and enter the third array region 114.

[0040] and Figure 1 The difference is that in this embodiment, the focusing component 13 is a single focusing lens, disposed in the optical path between the first light-emitting surface 111b and the first reflecting mirror 121. However, in other embodiments, the focusing component 13 may be disposed in the optical path between the second reflecting mirror 122 and the second light-incident surface 112a. Alternatively, a lens such as... Figure 1 The light-gathering assembly 13, which includes a first light-gathering lens 131 and a second light-gathering lens 132, is not limited here.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the light-diffusing system 10 further includes a second light-focusing component 17 disposed in the optical path of the second beam L2 between the second light-emitting surface 112b and the third light-incident surface 114a, for focusing the second beam L2.

[0042] Based on the above, the lens array assembly of the light-diffusing system of this application is not limited to two or three array regions, and in other embodiments it may include four or more array regions.

[0043] The integrated lens array assembly enables the manufacturing process to be realized with a single mold and the optical path adjustment to be realized directly. The integrated lens array assembly not only reduces the number of parts, but also reduces the complexity of the assembly process, thereby enabling the miniaturization of the optical engine, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly process.

[0044] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the configuration of a projection device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A side view of the projection device, but omitting the light-emitting component 22. Figure 7 for Figure 5 The projection device is shown in the rear view, but the light-emitting component 21 is omitted. The projection device in this embodiment includes a light distribution system 10, a light source module 20, a light modulation module 30, and a projection lens 40.

[0045] The light source module 20 emits a light beam L. A homogenizing system 10 is positioned along the transmission path of the light beam L. The light beam L enters the lens array assembly 11 from the first incident surface 111a of the first array region 111 and undergoes multiple homogenization processes in the homogenizing system 10 to emit a homogenized light beam LM. A light modulation module 30 is positioned along the transmission path of the homogenized light beam LM to receive the homogenized light beam LM and convert it into an image beam LI. A projection lens 40 is positioned along the transmission path of the image beam LI to project the image beam LI out of the projection device.

[0046] The light source module 20 includes at least one light-emitting component. The light-emitting component includes, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode (LD), wherein the number of LEDs or laser diodes can be one or more. For example, when the number of LEDs (or laser diodes) included in the light-emitting component is multiple, the LEDs (or laser diodes) can be arranged in a matrix. In one embodiment, each light-emitting component includes, for example, at least one LED (or laser diode) of a single color, such as a laser light source array consisting of one or more blue LEDs (or laser diodes), a laser light source array consisting of one or more red LEDs (or laser diodes), or a laser light source array consisting of one or more green LEDs (or laser diodes). For example, the light-emitting component can use a Qualas or Octolas light source, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a light-combining component can be used to combine the light from multiple light-emitting components having a single color or multiple colors before entering the light-monopolating system 10. The light source module 20 of this embodiment includes multiple laser light-emitting components 21 and 22 capable of emitting different colors of light, and light-combining components 23 and 24 that combine the light beams emitted by the laser light-emitting components 21 and 22 and guide them to enter the light-monopolating system 10 along the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the light beams of different colors emitted by the laser light-emitting components 21 and 22 are respectively incident on the light-combining components 23 and 24 along the third direction D3, and are combined by the light-combining components 23 and 24 and redirected to enter the light-monopolating system 10 along the first direction D1, wherein the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other. In this way, the different color light beams emitted by the light source module 20 are all incident on the light-monopolating system 10 along the first direction D1. In addition, the light-monopolating system 10 is used to disperse the light beam L emitted by the light source module 20, and any light-monopolating system 10 in the aforementioned embodiments can be used, and there is no limitation here.

[0047] The light modulation module 30 includes an optical component 31, a prism component 32, and at least one light modulation component 33. The uniform light beam LM passes sequentially through the optical component 31, the prism component 32, and the light modulation component 33, and is converted into an image beam LI at the at least one light modulation component 33 before being transmitted to the projection lens 40. The at least one light modulation component 33 may include, for example, a digital micromirror device (DMD), liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), or a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the number of at least one light modulation component 33 is not limited. For example, the projection device of this embodiment may employ a single-chip digital micromirror device or a three-chip digital micromirror device architecture, without further limitation.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the optical component 31 includes a third condenser lens 311, which converges the homogenizing beam LM and then incident it onto the prism component 32. The prism component 32 includes a first prism 321 and a second prism 322. The homogenizing beam LM undergoes total internal reflection at the interface between the first prism 321 and the second prism 322 and then incident onto the light modulation component 33. The light modulation component 33 converts the homogenizing beam LM into an image beam LI. The image beam LI passes through the first prism 321 and the second prism 322 and then enters the projection lens 40 along a first direction D1. The image beam LI is projected from the projection device onto the screen through the projection lens 40.

[0049] The projection lens 40 of this embodiment may include one or more optical lenses, and the refractive powers of the optical lenses may be the same or different from each other. For example, the optical lenses may include various non-planar lenses such as biconcave lenses, biconvex lenses, concave-convex lenses, convex-concave lenses, plano-convex lenses, and plano-concave lenses, or any combination of the above-mentioned non-planar lenses. On the other hand, the projection lens 40 may also include planar optical lenses. This application does not impose many limitations on the specific structure of the projection lens 40.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the projection device further includes a third optical path bending component 50. The third optical path bending component 50 includes a fifth reflector 51, which is located on the transmission path of the homogenizing beam LM and is used to guide the homogenizing beam LM to the optical component 31 of the light modulation module 30.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first plane is defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The projection device is perpendicular to the view viewed from the first plane. Figure 7 for Figure 5The projection device is viewed from a plane parallel to the first plane. The light-diffusing system 10, light source module 20, light modulation module 30, projection lens 40, and third optical path bending assembly 50 are all disposed on the first plane, and their orthogonal projections on the first plane do not overlap. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the first plane can be further defined as a third direction D3. On the second plane defined by the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, the orthogonal projection of the second light-emitting surface 112b of the second array region 112 of the lens array assembly 11 lies between the orthogonal projection of the first light-incident surface 111a of the first array region 111 and the orthogonal projection of the light-emitting surface of the projection lens 40. In this embodiment, the optical path of the light beam L after it enters the homogenizing system 10 along the first direction D1 until the homogenizing beam LM exits the homogenizing system 10 is located on the first plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the optical path of the homogenizing beam LM after it exits the homogenizing system 10 until the image beam LI exits the projection lens 40 is located on the first plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the second direction D2 is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the first plane is a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the beam L at the incident position of the light-diffusing system 10 (or the orthographic projection of the first incident surface 111a), the light-diffusing beam LM at the exit position of the light-diffusing system 10 (or the orthographic projection of the second exit surface 112b), and the image beam LI at the exit position of the projection lens 40 are substantially arranged in a vertical direction. For example, the beam L is located at the lowest point at the incident position of the light-diffusing system 10, followed by the light-diffusing beam LM at the exit position of the light-diffusing system 10, while the image beam LI is located at the highest point from the exit position of the projection lens 40. Under this architecture, the projection device can be reduced in size and designed to have a long, narrow, standing shape.

[0053] In other embodiments, however, the third direction D3 is parallel to the direction of gravity, while the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and the first plane is horizontal. Therefore, the incident position of the beam L in the homogenizing system 10, the exit position of the homogenizing beam LM in the homogenizing system 10, and the exit position of the image beam LI in the projection lens 40 are substantially arranged horizontally. For example, the incident position of beam L in the homogenizing system 10 is at the far right, the exit position of the homogenizing beam LM in the homogenizing system 10 is in the middle, and the exit position of the image beam LI in the projection lens 40 is at the far left. Under this architecture, the projection device can be reduced in size and designed to have a flat, horizontal shape.

[0054] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 ,in Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a projection device according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 9 for Figure 8 Side view of the projection device. Figure 10 for Figure 8 The rear view of the projection device, but omitting the light-emitting component 21. Figure 11 for Figure 8 A top view of the projection device. The projection device of this embodiment has some of the same structure as the projection device of the previous embodiment, and the same parts are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0055] In this embodiment, the laser light-emitting component 21 is located in the first direction D1 relative to the light-monopolating system 10, and the laser light-emitting component 22 is located in the third direction D3 relative to the light-monopolating system 10. The beams of different colors emitted by the laser light-emitting component 21 are incident on the light-combining component 23 along the first direction D1, and after being combined by the light-combining component 23, they enter the light-monopolating system 10. The beams of different colors emitted by the laser light-emitting component 22 are incident on the light-combining component 24 along the third direction D3, and after being combined by the light-combining component 24, they are redirected to enter the light-monopolating system 10 in the first direction D1.

[0056] The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the fifth reflector 51 of the third optical path bending component 50 bends the optical path of the homogenizing beam LM so that it travels along the third direction D3 to enter the light modulation module 30, and finally exits from the projection lens 40. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, wherein the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 define a second plane, and the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 define a third plane. Therefore, the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane are orthogonal to each other. Figure 9 for Figure 8 The projection device is perpendicular to the view viewed from the first plane. Figure 10 for Figure 8 The projection device is perpendicular to the view viewed from the second plane. Figure 11 for Figure 8 The projection device is viewed perpendicular to the third plane. In this embodiment, the optical path of the beam L after entering the homogenizing system 10 along the first direction D1 until the homogenizing beam LM exits from the homogenizing system 10 is located on the first plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the optical path of the homogenizing beam LM after exiting the homogenizing system 10 until the image beam LI exits from the projection lens 40 is located on the third plane defined by the first direction D1 and the third direction D3.

[0057] like Figure 9As shown, the light-diffusing system 10 and the light source module 20 are disposed on the first plane, and the orthographic projections of the light-diffusing system 10 and the light source module 20 on the first plane do not overlap with each other. The second array region 112 of the lens array assembly 11 of the light-diffusing system 10 and the orthographic projection of the projection lens 40 on the first plane at least partially overlap.

[0058] like Figure 10 As shown, on the second plane, the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting surface 112b of the second array region 112 of the lens array assembly 11 and the orthographic projection of the light-emitting surface of the projection lens 40 are arranged along the third direction D3, and the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting surface 112b of the second array region 112 of the lens array assembly 11 and the orthographic projection of the first light-incident surface 111a of the first array region 111 are arranged along the second direction D2.

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, the light modulation module 30 and the projection lens 40 are placed on the third plane, and the orthographic projections of the light modulation module 30 and the projection lens 40 on the third plane do not overlap with each other.

[0060] exist Figure 8-11 In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is parallel to the direction of gravity, while the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The first plane is vertical and perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Therefore, on the second plane defined by the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, the beam L at the incident position of the homogenizing system 10 (or the orthographic projection of the first incident surface 111a) and the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the homogenizing system 10 (or the orthographic projection of the second exit surface 112b) are substantially arranged in a vertical direction, and the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the homogenizing system 10 and the image beam LI at the exit position of the projection lens 40 are substantially arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, the beam L is located at the bottom of the incident position of the homogenizing system 10, followed by the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the homogenizing system 10, while the image beam LI is located to the left of the exit position of the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the projection lens 40.

[0061] Please see Figure 12 The diagram shows a perspective view of a projection device according to another embodiment of this application. The projection device of this embodiment has some of the same structure as the projection device of the previous embodiment, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0062] In this embodiment, the beams of different colors of light emitted by the laser light-emitting components 21 and 22 are respectively incident on the light-combining components 23 and 24 along the second direction D2, and are combined by the light-combining components 23 and 24 and redirected to enter the light-averaging system 10 along the first direction D1. Among them, the third direction D3 is parallel to the direction of gravity, while the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and the first plane is a horizontal plane.

[0063] Therefore, on the second plane defined by the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, the beam L at the incident position of the homogenizing system 10 (or the orthographic projection of the first incident surface 111a) and the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the homogenizing system 10 (or the orthographic projection of the second exit surface 112b) are substantially arranged in a horizontal direction, and the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the homogenizing system 10 and the image beam LI at the exit position of the projection lens 40 are substantially arranged in a vertical direction. For example, the beam L at the incident position of the homogenizing system 10 is located at the far right, followed by the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the homogenizing system 10, while the image beam LI is located above the homogenizing beam LM at the exit position of the projection lens 40.

[0064] In summary, the homogenization system and the projection device equipped with the homogenization system of this application have at least one of the following advantages: Through the integrated lens array assembly, the lens array assembly of this application can be manufactured using a single mold and the optical path can be directly adjusted. The integrated lens array assembly not only reduces the number of components but also reduces the complexity of the assembly process, thereby enabling miniaturization of the optical engine, reducing manufacturing costs, and simplifying the assembly process. Furthermore, by utilizing a static lens array assembly, this application can effectively eliminate beam speckle phenomena and replace or reduce the use of movable diffusion elements, thereby improving reliability and user experience.

[0065] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of this application needs to achieve all the purposes, advantages, or features disclosed in this application. In addition, the abstract and title of the invention are only used to assist in patent document retrieval and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this specification or claims are only used to name elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

Claims

1. A beam homogenization system for homogenizing a light beam emitted from a light source module, the light beam being incident on the beam homogenization system along a first direction and exiting the beam homogenization system in a direction parallel to the first direction to become a homogenized light beam, characterized in that, The light homogenization system includes: A lens array assembly includes a first array region and a second array region arranged and connected to each other along a second direction. The first array region has a first light-incident surface and a first light-exit surface, and is provided with a plurality of first microlenses. The light beam enters the first array region from the first light-incident surface along the first direction and passes through the plurality of first microlenses, and then exits from the first light-exit surface to generate a first light beam. The second array region has a second light-incident surface and a second light-exit surface, and is provided with a plurality of second microlenses. The first light beam enters the second array region from the second light-incident surface and passes through the plurality of second microlenses, and then exits from the second light-exit surface in a light-exit direction opposite to the first direction to generate a second light beam. The first light-incident surface and the second light-outceasing surface are located on the same surface of the lens array assembly, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

2. The homogenizing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second beam is emitted from the second emitting surface of the second array region and leaves the homogenizing system to become the homogenizing beam; the emitting direction of the first beam and the emitting direction of the second beam are parallel to each other and opposite in direction, and the emitting direction of the first beam and the emitting direction of the second beam are both parallel to the first direction.

3. The light homogenization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lens array assembly further includes a bridging region located between the first array region and the second array region in the second direction, and connecting the first array region and the second array region, wherein the light beam does not pass through the bridging region.

4. The light homogenization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The distance the beam travels in the first array region is the same as the distance the first beam travels in the second array region.

5. The light homogenization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first optical path bending component, which is disposed in the optical path between the first light-emitting surface and the second light-incident surface, for changing the transmission direction of the first light beam, wherein: The first light beam enters the first optical path bending component in a first transmission direction and exits the first optical path bending component in a second transmission direction, wherein the first transmission direction and the second transmission direction are parallel to each other and opposite in direction, and both the first transmission direction and the second transmission direction are parallel to the first direction, such that the optical path of the first light beam between the first light exiting surface and the second light entering surface is U-shaped.

6. The light homogenization system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a first focusing component, which is disposed in the optical path of the first beam between the first light-emitting surface and the second light-incident surface, for converging the first beam.

7. The light homogenization system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first focusing component includes a first focusing lens and a second focusing lens; the first optical path bending component includes a first reflecting mirror and a second reflecting mirror; the first focusing lens is disposed between the first array region and the first reflecting mirror; and the second focusing lens is disposed between the second reflecting mirror and the second array region. The first beam, after being focused by the first condenser lens, enters the first reflector of the first optical path bending component in the first transmission direction. The first reflector causes the first beam to be transmitted to the second reflector in the second direction. The second reflector changes the transmission direction of the first beam, so that the first beam leaves the second reflector in the second transmission direction and sequentially enters the second condenser lens and the second array region.

8. The light homogenization system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a first light diffuser, which is disposed between the second reflector and the second array region, and the first light beam passes through the first light diffuser and is incident on the second light incident surface.

9. The light homogenization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second light diffuser, which is disposed in front of the first light incident surface along the first direction, and the light beam passes through the second light diffuser and then enters the first light incident surface.

10. The light homogenization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lens array assembly further includes a third array region having a third light-incident surface and a third light-outceasing surface, and is provided with a plurality of third microlenses. The first array region, the second array region, and the third array region are arranged sequentially along the second direction and connected to each other. The second array region is located between the first array region and the third array region. The second beam enters the third array region from the third light-incident surface and passes through the plurality of third microlenses, and then exits from the third light-outceasing surface in the same light-outceasing direction as the first direction to generate a third beam. The first light-incident surface, the second light-exit surface, and the third light-incident surface are located on the same surface of the lens array assembly.

11. The homogenizing system of claim 10, wherein the third beam is emitted from the third emitting surface and leaves the homogenizing system to become the homogenizing beam, the emitting direction of the third beam is parallel to and has the same direction as the emitting direction of the first beam, and the emitting direction of the third beam and the emitting direction of the first beam are both parallel to the first direction.

12. The light homogenization system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a second optical path bending component, which is disposed in the optical path of the second beam between the second light-emitting surface and the third light-incident surface, for changing the transmission direction of the second beam, wherein: The second beam enters the second optical path bending component in a second transmission direction and exits the second optical path bending component in a third transmission direction, wherein the second transmission direction and the third transmission direction are parallel to each other and opposite in direction, and both the second transmission direction and the third transmission direction are parallel to the first direction, such that the optical path of the second beam between the second light-emitting surface and the third light-incident surface is U-shaped.

13. The light homogenization system as described in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a second focusing component, which is disposed in the optical path of the second beam between the second light-emitting surface and the third light-incident surface, for converging the second beam.

14. The light homogenization system as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second optical path bending component includes a third reflector and a fourth reflector, wherein the second beam leaves the second array region from the second light-emitting surface and is transmitted to the third reflector in the second transmission direction. The third reflector causes the second beam to be transmitted to the fourth reflector in the second direction. The fourth reflector changes the transmission direction of the second beam, so that the second beam leaves the fourth reflector in the third transmission direction and enters the third array region.

15. A projection device, characterized in that, include: Light source module, used to emit a light beam; The homogenizing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 is disposed on the transmission path of the light beam, wherein the light beam enters the lens array assembly from the first incident surface of the first array region and is homogenized multiple times in the homogenizing system to emit the homogenized light beam; An optical modulation module is disposed on the transmission path of the homogenizing beam to receive the homogenizing beam and convert the homogenizing beam into an image beam. A projection lens is positioned in the transmission path of the image beam to project the image beam out of the projection device.

16. The projection device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The light modulation module includes an optical component, a prism component, and at least one light modulation component, wherein the uniform light beam is sequentially transmitted through the optical component, the prism component, and the at least one light modulation component, and is converted into the image beam by the at least one light modulation component and transmitted to the projection lens.

17. The projection device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The light homogenizing system, the light modulation module, and the projection lens are disposed on a first plane defined by the first direction and the second direction, and the orthographic projections of the light homogenizing system, the light modulation module, and the projection lens on the first plane do not overlap with each other.

18. The projection device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The second direction is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the first plane is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

19. The projection device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The direction perpendicular to the first plane is defined as the third direction. On the second plane defined by the second direction and the third direction, the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting surface of the second array region of the lens array assembly is located between the orthographic projection of the first light-incident surface of the first array region and the orthographic projection of the light-emitting surface of the projection lens.

20. The projection device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first direction and the second direction define a first plane, and a direction perpendicular to the first plane is defined as a third direction. The first direction and the third direction define a third plane, wherein: The light-diffusing system is disposed on the first plane, and the orthographic projections of the light source module and the light-diffusing system onto the first plane do not overlap; and The light modulation module and the projection lens are disposed on the third plane, and the orthographic projections of the light modulation module and the projection lens on the third plane do not overlap with each other.

21. The projection device as described in claim 20, characterized in that, On the second plane defined by the second direction and the third direction, the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting surface of the second array region of the lens array assembly and the orthographic projection of the light-emitting surface of the projection lens are arranged along the third direction, and the orthographic projection of the second light-emitting surface of the second array region of the lens array assembly and the orthographic projection of the first light-incident surface of the first array region are arranged along the second direction.

22. The projection device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The light source module includes multiple laser light-emitting components that can emit light of different colors.

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