Optical apparatus and method for assembling the same

Abstract

To provide an optical apparatus and a method for assembling the optical apparatus that can reliably place and hold a first prism and a second prism in proximate positions while reducing the risk of damage caused by contact between the prisms.SOLUTION: A first prism 50A has a first plane 51A substantially parallel to a first optical axis AX1 on a second prism 50B side, and a second prism 50B has a second plane 51B substantially parallel to a second optical axis AX2 on a first prism 50A side. The first prism 50A and the second prism 50B are fixed to a prism holder 30 in a state in which the spacing between the first plane 51A and the second plane 51B is defined by the first plane 51A and the second plane 51B being brought into contact with the spacing defining member 37.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device that receives light from an object to be measured, such as a display, and measures color, brightness, etc., and to a method for assembling this optical device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technology called Under Screen Camera (USC) has been developed in the field of displays. USC is a technology that places a camera module on the back of the display. This technology is also sometimes called Under Display Camera.

[0003] Devices that use USC have a configuration that makes it difficult to see the camera through the display. In such devices, the part of the display that overlaps with the camera (called the USC part) has a different structure from the normal part of the display that does not overlap with the camera (hereinafter referred to as the normal part). Therefore, gamma adjustment for the display requires gamma adjustment for both the USC part and the normal part.

[0004] Furthermore, to shorten the takt time, there is a demand for simultaneous measurement of the luminance of both the USC section and the normal section. However, there is a distribution of light emission within the display surface. For this reason, it is desirable for the normal section to be measured as close as possible to the USC section. For these reasons, there is a demand for simultaneous measurement of the luminance of two adjacent sections, such as a 10 mm distance between the USC section and the normal section.

[0005] As a technique that meets the above demand, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical device that uses a prism to measure the luminance of two adjacent portions.

[0006] This optical device includes a photometer, a first optical unit, and a second optical unit. The first optical unit has a first lens closest to the object and a first prism that deflects light from the first portion and guides it to the first lens. The second optical unit has a second lens closest to the object and a second prism that deflects light from the second portion and guides it to the second lens. A first optical axis of the first optical unit extending from the object to the first prism and a second optical axis of the second optical unit extending from the object to the second prism are substantially parallel, and the distance between the first optical axis and the second optical axis is smaller than the distance between the centers of the first lens and the second lens. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 030292 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not describe how to arrange and hold the first and second prisms closely in the optimum position.

[0009] Furthermore, when the first prism and the second prism are disposed close to each other, the opposing acute corners (edges) of the two prisms come into contact with each other, which can easily damage the prisms.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical device and an assembly method thereof that can reliably position and hold a first prism and a second prism in close proximity to each other and reduce the risk of damage to the two prisms due to contact between them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The above object can be achieved by the following means. (1) a first photometric unit for receiving light from a first portion of the object to be measured; a first optical unit including a first lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging light from the first portion onto the first photometry unit, and a first prism that deflects the light from the first portion and guides it to the first lens; a second photometry unit for receiving light from a second portion of the object to be measured; a second optical unit including a second lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging the light from the second portion onto the second photometry unit, and a second prism that deflects the light from the second portion and guides it to the second lens; a prism holder for fixing the first prism and the second prism; an optical device in which a first optical axis of the first optical unit extending from the object to the first prism and a second optical axis of the second optical unit extending from the object to the second prism are substantially parallel to each other, the first prism has a first plane on the second prism side that is substantially parallel to the first optical axis, the second prism has a second plane on the first prism side that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis, An optical device characterized in that the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder with the distance between the first plane and the second plane being determined by the first plane and the second plane being abutted against a distance determining member. (2) The optical device according to the preceding paragraph 1, wherein the length of the first plane in the first optical axis direction and the length of the second plane in the second optical axis direction are each set to 0.5 to 5.0 mm. (3) The optical device according to the preceding paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the spacing defining member is integrally formed with the prism holder. (4) An optical device as described in paragraph 1 or 2 above, wherein the spacing defining member is formed separately from the prism holder and is removed when the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder. (5) The optical device according to the above item 1 or 2, wherein the prism is made of a glass material. (6) The optical device according to the preceding paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the prism holder is made of a metal material. (7) The optical device according to the above item 1 or 2, wherein the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder by a prism holding member. (8) The prism holder is located between the first and second prisms and the first and second lenses, and has a first abutment portion perpendicular to the directions of the first and second optical axes, and a second abutment portion extending from the first surface toward the first and second prisms in parallel with the first and second optical axes, The optical device described in paragraph 7 above, wherein the first and second prisms are fixed to the prism holder in a state where they are in contact with both the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion by the pressure of the prism holding member. (9) The optical device according to the above paragraph 8, wherein the prism holding member presses the inclined surfaces of the first and second prisms. (10) A first lens barrel to which the first lens is fixed and a second lens barrel to which the second lens is fixed are provided, 3. The optical device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are held by a single lens barrel holder. (11) The optical device according to the above item 1 or 2, wherein the prism holder is positioned and fixed to the lens barrel holder. (12) The first and second lens barrels are both substantially cylindrical in shape, 3. The optical device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the optical device is held by the barrel holder at two holding portions near the ends of the substantially cylindrical shape. (13) The two holding portions are fitting holes into which the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are fitted, respectively; 3. The optical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gap between the fitting hole and the first and second barrels is smaller for the fitting of the holding part closer to the prism than for the fitting of the other holding part. (14) The optical device according to the preceding paragraph 10, wherein the lens barrel holder is made of a metal material. (15) The optical device according to the above paragraph 10, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are held by the lens barrel holder in a substantially parallel relationship. (16) The first and second lens barrels are positioned and fixed to the lens barrel holder, a prism cover that covers the first prism and the second prism, the prism cover is provided with a first opening and a second opening that allow light effective for measurement from the object to pass to the first prism and the second prism, respectively; 11. The optical device described in paragraph 10, wherein the portion of the first opening closest to the first plane is on the side away from the first plane, and the portion of the second opening closest to the second plane is on the side away from the second plane. (17) a first photometry unit for receiving light from a first portion of the object to be measured; a first optical unit including a first lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging light from the first portion onto the first photometry unit, and a first prism that deflects the light from the first portion and guides it to the first lens; a second photometry unit for receiving light from a second portion of the object to be measured; a second optical unit including a second lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging the light from the second portion onto the second photometry unit, and a second prism that deflects the light from the second portion and guides it to the second lens; a prism holder for fixing the first prism and the second prism; A method for assembling an optical device, wherein a first optical axis of the first optical unit extending from the object to the first prism and a second optical axis of the second optical unit extending from the object to the second prism are substantially parallel to each other, the first prism has a first plane on the second prism side that is substantially parallel to the first optical axis, the second prism has a second plane on the first prism side that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis, A method for assembling an optical device, characterized in that the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder while the distance between the first plane and the second plane is defined by abutting the first plane and the second plane against a distance defining member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the optical device and its assembly method of the present invention, the first prism has a first flat surface on the second prism side that is approximately parallel to the first optical axis, and the second prism has a second flat surface on the first prism side that is approximately parallel to the second optical axis. The first and second flat surfaces are then abutted against the spacing defining member, thereby defining the spacing between the first and second flat surfaces, and the first and second prisms are fixed to the prism holder. Therefore, by setting the thickness of the spacing defining member to an appropriate spacing between the first and second prisms, the first and second prisms can be positioned close to each other in an optimal position. Furthermore, because the first and second prisms are fixed to the prism holder in this state, the first and second prisms can be reliably held in their optimal positions.

[0013] Furthermore, the opposing portions of the closely-arranged first and second prisms are formed on flat surfaces parallel to the first and second optical axes, respectively. This prevents the prisms from coming into contact with each other during assembly, etc., compared to when the opposing portions are acute-angled corners, reducing the risk of prism damage. As a result, the first and second prisms can be brought closer together, enabling measurement of two adjacent locations on the object to be measured. Furthermore, when the prisms come into contact with the spacing-determining member, the risk of prism damage or accuracy degradation due to denting the spacing-determining member is reduced compared to when the opposing portions are acute-angled corners. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a color luminance meter equipped with an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the color luminance meter. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the prism holder before the prism is set, as seen from below. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the prism holder after the prism is set, as viewed from below. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the prism holder after the prism is set. [Figure 6]6A is a cross-sectional view of the prism holder of FIG. 5 taken along line 6A-6A, and a partially enlarged view thereof. [Figure 7] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the prism holder of FIG. 5 cut along line 6A-6A. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prism holder in a state in which each prism is fixed by a prism holding member. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the color luminance meter before the prism cover is attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the color luminance meter after the prism cover is attached. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first and second openings of the prism cover and the first and second flat surfaces of the prism. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the color luminance meter with the prism cover removed. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams of a method for assembling a color luminance meter equipped with an optical device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of a color luminance meter 100 equipped with an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the color luminance meter 100. As shown in FIG.

[0017] The color luminance meter 100 includes a first probe 10A and a second probe 10B arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, the orientation of the color luminance meter 100 is not limited, but an example is shown in which the first probe 10A and the second probe 10B are arranged in a vertical direction. In this specification, the up-down direction in the front view shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as the up-down direction, the left-right direction is referred to as the left-right direction, the thickness direction of the paper surface is referred to as the front-to-back direction, the near side in the thickness direction is referred to as the front, and the far side is referred to as the rear.

[0018] The first probe 10A includes a rectangular cylindrical first photometer 11A and a cylindrical first lens barrel 12A formed integrally with the first photometer 11A and extending downward from the bottom end of the first photometer 11A. The first photometer 11A includes a built-in first sensor 13A (shown in FIG. 12) that receives light from a first portion 1A of the object 1 (shown in FIG. 12), photoelectrically converts the light, and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal) having an intensity corresponding to the intensity of the light. The first probe 10A also includes a built-in calculation unit (not shown) that processes the electrical signal from the first sensor 13A and calculates a measurement value. The number of first sensors 13A may be one or more; in this embodiment, there are three first sensors 13A.

[0019] The second probe 10B has the same configuration as the first probe 10A. Specifically, the second probe 10B includes a rectangular cylindrical second photometer 11B and a cylindrical second lens barrel 12B that is integral with the second photometer 11B and extends downward from the bottom end of the second photometer 11B. The second photometer 11B incorporates a second sensor 13B (shown in FIG. 12) that receives light from a second portion 1B (shown in FIG. 12) of the object 1 to be measured, photoelectrically converts the light, and outputs an electrical signal having an intensity corresponding to the intensity of the light. The second probe 10B also incorporates a calculation unit (not shown) that processes the electrical signal from the second sensor 13B and calculates a measurement value. The number of second sensors 13B may be one or more; in this embodiment, there are three second sensors 13B.

[0020] The first lens barrel 12A of the first probe 10A is provided with a first lens 14A (shown in FIG. 12). The first lens 14A is the lens closest to the object and is a lens for focusing light from the first portion 1A of the object 1 onto the first photometry unit 11A. The light beam that passes through the first lens 14A is split into three light beams by an optical waveguide (not shown) and is guided to each of the three first sensors 13A described above.

[0021] The configuration of the second lens barrel 12B of the second probe 10B is the same as the configuration of the first lens barrel 12A of the first probe 10A. That is, the second lens barrel 12B of the second probe 10B is provided with a second lens 14B (shown in FIG. 12). The second lens 14B is the lens closest to the object and is a lens for focusing light from the second portion 1B of the object 1 to the second photometry unit 11B. The light beam transmitted through the second lens 14B is split into three light beams by an optical waveguide (not shown) and guided to each of the three second sensors 13B. Note that one or more additional lenses may be provided on the sensor side of each of the first lens 14A and the second lens 14B.

[0022] 1 and 2, as will be explained below, first probe 10A and second probe 10B are fixed and held by one barrel holder 20. A prism holder 30 is fixed to the bottom of barrel holder 20, and a prism cover 40 that covers prism holder 30 from below is further fixed to barrel holder 20.

[0023] Lens barrel holder 20 comprises two horizontal plate portions 21, 22 spaced apart from one another, a vertical plate portion 23 connecting the rear end faces of horizontal plate portions 21, 22, and a support plate portion 24 connecting the central portions of horizontal plate portions 21, 22 in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) from top to bottom. Lens barrel holder 20 is integrally molded from a metal material such as aluminum.

[0024] Two upper fitting holes 211, 212 are formed in the upper horizontal plate portion 21 of the barrel holder 20, one on each side of the support plate portion 24. Two lower fitting holes 221, 222 are also formed in the lower horizontal plate portion 22, positioned coaxially with the upper fitting holes 211, 212. First barrel 12A of first probe 10A is fitted into one upper fitting hole 211 and one lower fitting hole 221, and second barrel 12B of second probe 10B is fitted into the other upper fitting hole 212 and the other lower fitting hole 222.

[0025] Flanges 15A and 15B protruding horizontally in the front-to-rear direction are formed at the lower ends of photometers 11A and 11B of first probe 10A and second probe 10B, respectively. When first barrel 12A and second barrel 12B are fitted into upper fitting holes 211 and 221 and lower fitting holes 212 and 222, respectively, the lower surfaces of flanges 15A and 15B abut against upper horizontal plate 21 of barrel holder 20. In this state, flanges 15A and 15B are fixed to upper horizontal plate 21 of barrel holder 20 with screws 16. As a result, first probe 10A and second probe 10B are fixed and held in a substantially parallel state on barrel holder 20. Because first probe 10A and second probe 10B are substantially parallel, measurement of object under test 1 can be performed from the same angle, making them less susceptible to the influence of the light distribution characteristics of object under test 1.

[0026] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of lower fitting holes 221, 222 is set smaller than the inner diameter of upper fitting holes 211, 212. Therefore, first lens barrel 12A and second lens barrel 12B are more tightly fitted in lower fitting holes 221, 222. The reason why first lens barrel 12A and second lens barrel 12B are fitted more tightly in lower fitting holes 221, 222 in this way is as follows.

[0027] That is, by tightly fitting the lower fitting holes 221 and 222 close to the prism holder 30, the relative positional accuracy of the prism holder 30 and therefore the relative positional accuracy of the prisms 50A and 50B can be improved.

[0028] In this embodiment, as described above, the two lens barrels 12A and 12B are held by a single component, the lens barrel holder 20. This allows for a higher precision in the positional relationship between the first probe 10A and the second probe 10B compared to when the two lens barrels 12A and 12B are held by two or more components. Furthermore, the absence of connecting parts increases the strength compared to when the two lens barrels 12A and 12B are held by two or more components. Therefore, the precision in the positional relationship between the first probe 10A and the second probe 10B can be ensured even when an impact is applied.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, first barrel 12A and second barrel 12B are fitted together at two locations, upper and lower horizontal plate portions 21 and 22, thereby lengthening the span between the portions that determine the attitude of barrels 12A and 12B. This also increases the precision of the positional relationship between first probe 10A and second probe 10B. Compared to fitting together at one location, the moment applied to barrels 12A and 12B during an impact such as a fall is reduced, and deformation of barrels 12A and 12B is suppressed, thereby ensuring the precision of the positional relationship between first probe 10A and second probe 10B.

[0030] Although the example shows a case where the lens barrel holder 20 is made of metal, it may also be made of resin. However, metal is preferable if you want to increase resistance to impacts such as dropping. Metals with a small linear expansion coefficient are also preferable if you want to ensure positional accuracy when the environmental temperature changes.

[0031] The lens barrel holder 20 used in this embodiment can be metal processed (or mold processed if the lens barrel holder 20 is made of resin) in one chuck, making it possible to increase precision at low cost.

[0032] Prism holder 30 is a one-piece molded product made of a metal material such as aluminum. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, prism holder 30 includes a horizontal base plate 31, a horizontal portion 321 that extends in the width direction (left-right direction) along the front edge of the back surface (lower surface) of base plate 31 and protrudes downward, and a vertical portion 322 that extends front-to-rear and protrudes downward so as to divide base plate 31 into left and right sections. On both left and right sides of vertical portion 322, a first prism holding portion 33A and a second prism holding portion 33B are formed, each concave and surrounded by vertical portion 322 and horizontal portion 321.

[0033] The first prism housing portion 33A houses the first prism 50A. The second prism housing portion 33B houses the second prism 50B. The upper surfaces (the back surfaces of the substrate 31) of the first prism housing portion 33A and the second prism housing portion 33B serve as first contact portions 34A and 34B that abut against the exit surfaces of the upper surfaces of the prisms 50A and 50B, respectively. The inner surface of the horizontal portion 321 is a vertical surface that is perpendicular to the substrate 31, and this vertical surface serves as second contact portions 35A and 35B that abut against the prisms 50A and 50B, respectively.

[0034] The substrate 31 of the prism holder 30 has a first circular hole 36A and a second circular hole 36B formed therethrough in the first prism housing portion 33A and the second prism housing portion 33B, respectively. When the first prism 50A is housed in the first prism housing portion 33A, the first circular hole 36A serves to pass measurement light that is incident on the first prism 50A from the DUT 1 and reflected by the inner surface of the first prism 50A, and guides it to the first lens 14A. When the second prism 50B is housed in the second prism housing portion 33B, the second circular hole 36B serves to pass measurement light that is incident on the second prism 50B from the DUT 1 and reflected by the inner surface of the second prism 50B, and guides it to the second lens 14B.

[0035] A distance defining member 37 that protrudes downward and extends in the front-rear direction is formed integrally with the vertical portion 322. The length of the distance defining member 37 in the front-rear direction is set to be greater than the lengths of the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B in the front-rear direction. The distance defining member 37 defines the distance between the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B housed in the first prism housing portion 33A and the second prism housing portion 33B. Both surfaces of the distance defining member 37 in the thickness direction are perpendicular to the substrate 31, and these surfaces form third contact portions 38A and 38B.

[0036] That is, the opposing portions of the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B housed in the first and second prism housing portions 33A and 33B, respectively, are brought into contact with the third contact portions 38A and 38B on both sides in the thickness direction of the spacing defining member 37. This sets the spacing between the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B to be the same as the thickness of the spacing defining member 37.

[0037] The first prism 50A and the second prism 50B are both parallelogram prisms made of a transparent glass material, and they totally reflect the light from the object under test 1 twice and guide it to the corresponding lenses 14A and 14B. The first prism 50A and the first lens 14A form a first optical unit 60A (shown in FIG. 12), and the second prism 50B and the second lens 14B form a second optical unit 60B (shown in FIG. 12).

[0038] 3, the opposing portions of the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B, which face each other across the distance defining member 37, are parallel first and second planes 51A and 51B. Specifically, the first plane 51A rises upward at a right angle to the bottom surface of the first prism 50A, and the second plane 50B rises upward at a right angle to the bottom surface of the second prism 50B.

[0039] The reason why the opposing portions of the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B are parallel first and second flat surfaces 51A and 51B is as follows: Contact between the flat surfaces of the prisms 50A and 50B can be avoided during assembly, etc., compared to when the opposing portions have sharp corners, i.e., edge shapes, thereby reducing the risk of breakage of the prisms 50A and 50B. As a result, the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B can be positioned closer together, enabling measurement of two adjacent portions 1A and 1B on the object under test 1. This is particularly effective in preventing breakage when the prisms 50A and 50B are made of a glass material that is easily broken. Furthermore, unlike when the opposing portions have edge shapes, the accuracy of the prism position is not degraded by recessing the spacing defining member 37 when the opposing portions are brought into contact with the spacing defining member 37.

[0040] To effectively achieve this effect, it is desirable that the vertical length LA of the first plane 51A (length in the direction of the first optical axis, which will be described later) be set to 0.5 to 5.0 mm, as shown in Fig. 6, although not limited thereto. Similarly, it is desirable that the vertical length LB of the second plane 51B (length in the direction of the second optical axis, which will be described later) be set to 0.5 to 5.0 mm.

[0041] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the state in which the first and second prisms 50A and 50B are housed in the first and second prism housing portions 33A and 33B. The prisms 50A and 50B are housed in the first and second prism housing portions 33A and 33B as follows.

[0042] First, the first prism 50A is oriented and oriented so that the first flat surface 51A faces the second flat surface 51B of the second prism 50B, and the upper light exit surface is brought into contact with the first abutment portion 34A of the prism holder 30. In this state, the first prism 50A is pushed toward the second abutment portion 35A, so that the front surface of the first prism 50A abuts against the second abutment portion 35A. In this state, the first prism 50A is pushed toward the third abutment portion 38A on one side of the spacing defining member 37, so that the first flat surface 51A of the first prism 50A abuts against the third abutment portion 38A.

[0043] Similarly, the second prism 50B is oriented and oriented so that the second flat surface 51B faces the first flat surface 51A of the first prism 50A, and the upper light exit surface is brought into contact with the first abutment portion 34B of the prism holder 30. In this state, the second prism 50B is pushed toward the second abutment portion 35B, so that the front surface of the second prism 50B abuts against the second abutment portion 35B. In this state, the second prism 50B is pushed toward the third abutment portion 38B on one side of the spacing defining member 37, so that the second flat surface 51B of the second prism 50B abuts against the third abutment portion 38B.

[0044] Since the attachment of each prism 50A, 50B to the prism holder 30 is performed before the prism holder 30 is fixed to the lens barrel holder 20, each prism 50A, 50B can be attached to the prism holder 30 in any orientation.

[0045] Thus, when each prism 51A, 51B is set in the appropriate position, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first plane 51A and the second plane 51B of each prism 51A, 51B are closely opposed to each other in a parallel state with the thickness of the spacing defining member 37 in between.

[0046] Each of the prisms 50A and 50B set in the appropriate position in the prism holder is fixed to the prism holder 30 by a first prism holding member 70A and a second prism holding member 70B, as shown in FIG.

[0047] The first and second prism holding members 70A and 70B are each made of a leaf spring bent at an obtuse angle. The first and second prism holding members 70A and 70B are fixed to the prism holder 30 with screws 71, respectively, with the biasing force of each leaf spring applying pressure to the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B toward the prism holder 30. With the first and second prism holding members 70A and 70B fixed in place, the first and second prisms 50A and 50B are pressed against the prism holder 30 by the first and second prism holding members 70A and 70B, respectively, and are fixed thereto.

[0048] The contact portion of the first prism 50A, against which the first prism holding member 70A contacts and applies pressure, is formed as an inclined surface 52A, where the corner between the light incident surface on the lower surface of the first prism 50A and the rear surface of the first prism 50A connected to this light incident surface is chamfered. Note that in this embodiment, the corner between the light incident surface on the lower surface of the first prism 50A and the front surface of the first prism 50A connected to this light incident surface is also chamfered to form an inclined surface. Similarly, for the second prism 50B, the contact portion of the second prism 50B, against which the second prism holding member 70B contacts and applies pressure, is formed as an inclined surface 52B, where the corner between the light incident surface on the lower surface of the second prism 50B and the rear surface of the second prism 50B connected to this light incident surface is chamfered. In this embodiment, the corner between the light incident surface on the lower surface of the second prism 50B and the front surface of the second prism 50B, which is continuous with this light incident surface, is also chamfered to form an inclined surface.

[0049] In this way, the first and second prism holding members 70A and 70B apply pressure to the inclined surfaces 52A and 52B of the first and second prisms 50A and 50B, so that the pressure of the first and second prism holding members 70A and 70B can be received by the flat surfaces. This pressure presses the prisms 50A and 50B toward the first contact portions 34A and 34B and the second contact portions 35A and 35B, respectively, and the prisms 50A and 50B are securely fixed to the prism holder 30.

[0050] The first prism 50A and the second prism 50B may be bonded to the prism holder 30 with an adhesive instead of being fixed to the prism holder 30 with the first prism holder 70A and the second prism holder 70B. Alternatively, the first prism holder 70A and the second prism holder 70B may be used in combination with an adhesive.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the prism holder 30 is made of metal, but it may also be made of resin. However, if it is desired to place the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B closer to each other, it is preferable to use a metal member, which allows the thickness of the spacing defining member 37 to be reduced. However, using a metal member increases the risk of damage to the first and second prisms 50A and 50B when they are brought into contact with the third contact portions 38A and 38B of the spacing defining member 37. For this reason, the damage prevention effect achieved by forming the opposing portions of the first and second prisms 50A and 50B as the first flat surface 51A and the second flat surface 51B is more effectively achieved when the prism holder 30 is made of metal.

[0052] The prism holder 30, in which the first and second prisms 50A, 50B are accommodated and held in the first and second prism accommodating portions 33A, 33B, is positioned and fixed to the lower horizontal plate portion 22 of the barrel holder 20 with screws 39, as shown in Figure 9.

[0053] Prism holder 30 has an upper surface 300 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 9) parallel to first contact portions 34A and 34B on the upper surface of base material 31. When fixed to barrel holder 20, upper surface 300 of prism holder 30 contacts the lower surface of lower horizontal plate portion 22 of barrel holder 20.

[0054] Furthermore, when prism holder 30 is fixed to barrel holder 20, the position of first circular hole 36A provided in substrate 31 of prism holder 30 matches the lower end opening of first barrel 12A of first probe 10A. Similarly, the position of second circular hole 36B matches the lower end opening of second barrel 12B of second probe 10B.

[0055] 9 and 10, prism cover 40, which covers prism holder 30 from below, is positioned and fixed to barrel holder 20 with screws 41. Prism cover 40 has a first opening 43A and a second opening 43B, each consisting of a circular hole of a different size, formed near the center of flat bottom plate portion 42. Prism cover 40 has no openings other than first opening 43A and second opening 43B, and unnecessary light is blocked out.

[0056] The first opening 43A and the second opening 43B respectively transmit the measurement light from the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B of the object 1 to be measured and cause it to enter the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B. The sizes of the first opening 43A and the second opening 43B are set to be a certain amount larger than the measurement area. This allows the operator to know the approximate measurement position of the object 1 to be measured.

[0057] 11, the position of edge 44A of first prism 50A at first opening 43A, which is closer to first plane 51A, is located away from position R1 of first plane 51A. Similarly, the position of edge 44B of second prism 50B at second opening 43B, which is closer to second plane 51B, is located away from position R2 of second plane 51B.

[0058] In this embodiment, by providing the prism cover 40, the operator can grasp the approximate measurement position in the optical axis direction (up and down in this embodiment) from the position of the surface of the prism cover 40 facing the object to be measured 1.

[0059] Next, a method for assembling the color luminance meter 100 will be described.

[0060] First, first barrel 12A of first probe 10A and second barrel 12B of second probe 10B are fitted through fitting holes 211, 212 of upper horizontal plate portion 21 of barrel holder 20 from top to bottom. Next, first barrel 12A and second barrel 12B are fitted into fitting holes 221, 222 of lower horizontal plate portion 22. In this embodiment, first barrel 12A and second barrel 12B are fitted tighter in lower fitting holes 221, 222, which are closer to prism holder 30 than in upper fitting holes 211, 212. This improves the relative positional accuracy of prism holder 30 and, ultimately, the relative positional accuracy of first and second prisms 50A, 50B.

[0061] In this state, the flanges 15A and 15B of the first and second lens barrels 12A and 12B are fixed to the lens barrel holder 20 with screws.

[0062] Next, the prisms 50A and 50B are attached to the prism housing portions 33A and 33B of the prism holder 30. Specifically, the upper light exit surfaces of the first and second prisms 50A and 50B are brought into contact with the first contact portions 34A and 34B of the prism housing portions 33A and 33B. Furthermore, the prisms 50A and 50B are pushed toward the second contact portions 35A and 35B, so that the front surfaces of the prisms 50A and 50B come into contact with the second contact portions 35A and 35B.

[0063] Furthermore, the prisms 50A, 50B are pushed in a direction approaching each other, so that the first plane 51A and the second plane 51B come into contact with the third contact portions 38A, 38B on both sides of the thickness direction of the spacing defining member 37, thereby positioning each prism.

[0064] The opposing portions of first prism 50A and second prism 50B are formed into a planar shape consisting of first plane 51A and second plane 51B. Therefore, compared to when the opposing portions have sharp corners, the risk of the corners being damaged when the prisms come into contact with third contact portions 38A, 38B is reduced. Furthermore, not only when the prisms come into contact with third contact portions 38A, 38B, but also during handling of each prism 50A, 50B, the risk of damage due to contact with other components is reduced.

[0065] After each prism 50A, 50B is positioned by abutting it against the first abutment portions 34A, 34B, the second abutment portions 35A, 35B, and the third abutment portions 38A, 38B, the first prism holder 70A and the second prism holder 70B are screwed to the prism holder 30. When screwed, the first prism holder 70A and the second prism holder 70B press against the inclined surfaces 52A, 52B of each prism 50A, 50B due to their elasticity. This presses each prism 50A, 50B in the directions of the first abutment portions 34A, 34B and the second abutment portions 35A, 35B. The first and second prism holders 70A, 70B securely hold the first and second prisms 50A, 50B in the appropriate positions.

[0066] After the first and second prisms 50A, 50B are attached to the prism holder 30 in this manner, the prism holder 30 is screwed to the lens barrel holder 20. Next, the prism cover 40 is screwed to the lens barrel holder 20 so as to cover the prism holder 30, completing the assembly of the color luminance meter 100.

[0067] When in use, the first and second probes 10A, 10B are oriented vertically, and the underside of the prism cover 40 is oriented horizontally close to the object under test 1. However, the orientation of the color luminance meter 100 when in use is not limited. If necessary, the lens barrel holder 20 may be fixed to a support device (not shown).

[0068] 12, the light to be measured emitted from the first portion 1A of the object to be measured 1 travels along the first optical axis AX1 of the first optical unit 60A and enters the first prism 50A through the first opening 43A of the prism cover 40. The light to be measured that has entered the first prism 50A is polarized by the first prism 50A, exits upward from the first prism 50A, passes through the first circular hole 36A of the prism holder 30, and reaches the first lens 14A of the first lens barrel 12A. The light then passes through the first lens 14A and is received by the first sensor 13A of the first photometric unit 11A.

[0069] Meanwhile, the light to be measured emitted from the second portion 1B of the object to be measured 1 travels along the second optical axis AX2 of the second optical unit 60B and enters the second prism 50B through the second opening 13B of the prism cover 40. The light to be measured that enters the second prism 50B is polarized by the second prism 50B, exits upward from the second prism 50B, passes through the second circular hole 36B of the prism holder 30, and reaches the second lens 14B of the second lens barrel 12B. The light then passes through the second lens 14B and is received by the second sensor 13B of the second photometric unit 11B.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2 are kept substantially parallel and as close as possible to each other. This is because the orientations of the first and second prisms 50A and 50B are precisely positioned. Specifically, as described above, each prism 50A and 50B is positioned and fixed to the prism holder 30, which is a single component. Because the prism holder 30 is a single component, the first abutment portions 34A and 34B, which contact the exit surfaces of each prism 50A and 50B, can be precisely machined. By reliably abutting each prism 50A and 50B against the first abutment portions 34A and 34B of the prism holder 30, the substantially parallel state of the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2 can be ensured.

[0071] In addition, the prism holder 30 has an upper surface 300 on the upper surface of the base material 31 that is parallel to the first abutment portions 34A and 34B, and this upper surface 300 abuts against the lower surface of the lower horizontal plate portion 22 of the barrel holder 20 to be positioned and fixed, thereby ensuring the inclination and position of the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2.

[0072] Furthermore, the first and second prisms 50A and 50B are securely in contact with the second contact portions 35A and 35B of the prism holder 30. If at least one of the prisms 50A and 50B were fixed with one side floating (separated) from the second contact portions 35A and 35B, the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2 would be misaligned in the left-right or front-back directions from their predetermined positions. While the prisms 50A and 50B are securely in contact with the first contact portions 34A and 34B and the second contact portions 35A and 35B of the prism holder 30, the prisms 50A and 50B are also securely in contact with the third contact portions 38A and 38B of the prism holder 30. This ensures that the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2 are spaced apart and parallel to each other.

[0073] The fact that the first flat surface 51A of the first prism 50A and the second flat surface 51B of the second prism 50B are substantially parallel to the surfaces of the third abutment portions 38A and 38B is also effective in the following respect. Specifically, this is effective in preventing the prisms 50A and 50B from separating from the first abutment portions 34A and 34B when the first and second flat surfaces 51A and 51B of the prisms 50A and 50B are brought into contact with the third abutment portions 38A and 38B. If the first and second flat surfaces 51A and 51B were inclined relative to the pressing direction (approach direction), the first and second flat surfaces 51A and 51B would ride up onto the third abutment portions 38A and 38B. In this case, the prisms 50A and 50B would separate from the first abutment portions 34A and 34B, leading to a deterioration in accuracy.

[0074] Furthermore, if the first and second flat surfaces 51A and 51B are perpendicular to the bottom surfaces (incident surfaces) of the prisms 50A and 50B, the prisms can be easily processed, which is expected to have the effect of inexpensively improving the shape accuracy of the prisms 50A and 50B. This in turn is expected to improve the accuracy of the spacing between the first optical axis AX1 and the second optical axis AX2, allowing the spacing between the two parts to be measured to be set correctly.

[0075] In the embodiment described above, the first flat surface 51A of the first prism 50A and the second flat surface 51B of the second prism 50B are abutted against the third abutment portions 38A, 38B of the spacing defining member 37 of the prism holder 30, so that the first flat surface 51A and the second flat surface 51B are disposed closely parallel to each other. Because the spacing defining member 37 is provided integrally with the prism holder 30, the spacing defining member 37 remains in place even after the color luminance meter 100 is assembled.

[0076] However, after the distance between the first plane 51A and the second plane 51B in the parallel state is set and the prisms 50A and 50B are fixed, the distance defining member 37 does not need to be present.

[0077] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the process of assembling the color luminance meter 100 when the assembly is performed without using the spacing defining member 37 that is integral with the prism holder 30. FIG.

[0078] 13A, reference numeral 80 denotes an assembly jig having a distance defining member 81. This jig 80 includes a horizontal plate-shaped base 82 and a plurality of upward legs 83 on the upper surface of the base 82. Furthermore, the distance defining member 81, which protrudes upward vertically and extends in the front-to-rear direction, is formed integrally with the base 82 at approximately the center in the left-to-right direction of the base 82. The thickness of the distance defining member 81 is set to the distance between the opposing first flat surface 51A of the first prism 50A and the second flat surface 51B of the second prism 50B.

[0079] Using this jig 80, the first prism 50A and the second prism 50B are attached to the prism holder 30. On the lower surface of the prism holder 30, the distance defining member 37 is not formed.

[0080] First, the tips of the legs 83 are brought into contact with the underside of the prism holder 30, and the base 31 of the prism holder 30 and the base 82 of the jig 80 are made parallel. The jig 80 is positioned so that the position of the spacing defining member 81 is the position of the space formed between the first flat surface 51A of the first prism 50A and the second flat surface 51B of the second prism 50B. In this state, the jig 80 is fixed, and the first prism 50A is accommodated in the first prism accommodation portion 33A of the prism holder 30 in a predetermined orientation, and the second prism 50B is accommodated in the second prism accommodation portion 33B in a predetermined orientation.

[0081] Next, the accommodated first and second prisms 50A, 50B are pressed toward the first contact portions 34A, 34B of the prism holder 30, respectively, until the top surfaces of the prisms 50A, 50B come into contact with the first contact portions 34A, 34B. Furthermore, the prisms 50A, 50B are also pressed toward the second contact portions 35A, 35B, until the rear surfaces of the prisms 50A, 50B come into contact with the second contact portions 35A, 35B.

[0082] Furthermore, each prism 50A, 50B is pushed in a direction approaching each other, so that the first plane 51A and the second plane 51B abut against the third abutment portions 84A, 84B on both sides of the thickness direction of the spacing defining member 81, respectively, thereby positioning each prism 50A, 50B.

[0083] After each prism 50A, 50B is positioned by abutting it against the first abutment portions 34A, 34B, the second abutment portions 35A, 35B, and the third abutment portions 84A, 84B, the first prism retainer 70A and the second prism retainer 70B are screwed to the prism holder 30. When screwed, the first and second prism retainers 70A, 70B press against the inclined surfaces 52A, 52B, which are the pressing surfaces of the first and second prisms 50A, 50B, due to their elasticity. This presses the first and second prisms 50A, 50B in the directions of the first abutment portions 34A, 34B and the second abutment portions 35A, 35B. The first and second prism retainers 70A and 70B securely hold the first and second prisms 50A, 50B in their respective appropriate positions.

[0084] After the first and second prisms 50A and 50B have been attached to the prism holder 30 in this manner, the jig 80 is removed as shown in Fig. 13B. Even after the jig 80 is removed, the first flat surface 51A of the first prism 50A and the second flat surface 51B of the second prism 50B remain opposed to each other at a distance corresponding to the thickness of the distance defining member 81 of the jig 80, and this state is maintained.

[0085] Thereafter, the prism holder 30 is fixed to the lens barrel holder 20 with screws, and the assembly of the color luminance meter 100 is completed.

[0086] In this way, the first and second prisms 50A, 50B are attached to the prism holder 30 using the jig 80, which has the spacing defining member 81 and whose position and posture are guaranteed relative to the prism holder 30. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to form the spacing defining member 81 integrally with the prism holder 30. As a result, the configuration of the prism holder 30 is simplified.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above as an embodiment, it is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the prism holder 30 and the lens barrel holder 20 are configured as separate components, but they may also be integrated into one unit. However, separate components are preferable because they require smaller handling parts when assembling the prism, making assembly easier. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Object to be measured 1A 1st part 1B 2nd part 100 Colorimeter (optical device) 10A First Probe 10B Second probe 11A 1st photometry section 11B 2nd photometry section 12A First lens barrel 12B Second lens barrel 13A First sensor 13B Second sensor 14A First lens 11B Second lens 20 Lens barrel holder 21 Upper horizontal plate section 22 Lower horizontal plate part 23 Vertical plate section 24 Support plate part 211, 212 Upper fitting holes 221, 222 Lower fitting hole 30 Prism Holder 31 PCB 300 Top of the board 321 Vertical section 322 Yokobe 33A First prism housing 33B Second prism housing section 34A, 34B 1st contact part 35A, 35B 2nd contact part 36A, 36B circular hole 37 Spacing regulation members 38A, 38B 3rd contact part 300 40 Prism Cover 42 Bottom plate part 43A 1st opening 43B 2nd opening 44A First Edge 43B 2nd edge 50A First Prism 50B Second Prism 51A 1st plane 51B 2nd plane 52A, 52B Slope 60A First Optical Unit 60B Second Optical Unit 70A First holding member 70B second holding member 80 Jig 81 Spacing regulation member 84A, 84B 3rd contact part AX1 1st optical axis AX2 2nd optical axis

Claims

1. a first photometry unit for receiving light from a first portion of the object to be measured; a first optical unit including a first lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging light from the first portion onto the first photometry unit, and a first prism that deflects the light from the first portion and guides it to the first lens; a second photometry unit for receiving light from a second portion of the object to be measured; a second optical unit including a second lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging the light from the second portion onto the second photometry unit, and a second prism that deflects the light from the second portion and guides it to the second lens; a prism holder for fixing the first prism and the second prism; an optical device in which a first optical axis of the first optical unit extending from the object to the first prism and a second optical axis of the second optical unit extending from the object to the second prism are substantially parallel to each other, the first prism has a first plane on the second prism side that is substantially parallel to the first optical axis, the second prism has a second plane on the first prism side that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis, An optical device characterized in that the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder with the first plane and the second plane abutting against a spacing-defining member, thereby defining the spacing between the first plane and the second plane.

2. 2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first plane in the first optical axis direction and the length of the second plane in the second optical axis direction are each set to 0.5 to 5.0 mm.

3. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the spacing member is integral with the prism holder.

4. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the spacing member is formed separately from the prism holder and is removed when the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder.

5. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the prism is made of a glass material.

6. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the prism holder is made of a metal material.

7. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder by a prism holding member.

8. the prism holder is located between the first and second prisms and the first and second lenses, and has a first abutment portion perpendicular to the directions of the first and second optical axes, and a second abutment portion extending from the first surface toward the first and second prisms in parallel with the first and second optical axes; 8. The optical device according to claim 7, wherein the first and second prisms are fixed to the prism holder in a state where they are in contact with both the first and second contact portions by the pressure of the prism pressing member.

9. The optical device according to claim 8 , wherein the prism pressing member presses the inclined surfaces of the first and second prisms.

10. a first lens barrel to which the first lens is fixed and a second lens barrel to which the second lens is fixed, 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are held by a single lens barrel holder.

11. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the prism holder is positioned and fixed to the lens barrel holder.

12. the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel both have a substantially cylindrical shape, 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the optical device is held by the lens barrel holder at two holding portions near the ends of the substantially cylindrical shape.

13. the two holding portions are fitting holes into which the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are fitted, respectively; 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the gap between the fitting hole and the first and second lens barrels is smaller for the holding portion closer to the prism than for the other holding portion.

14. 11. The optical device according to claim 10, wherein the lens barrel holder is made of a metal material.

15. 11. The optical device according to claim 10, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are held by the lens barrel holder in a substantially parallel relationship.

16. the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are positioned and fixed to the lens barrel holder; a prism cover that covers the first prism and the second prism, the prism cover is provided with a first opening and a second opening that allow light effective for measurement from the object to pass to the first prism and the second prism, respectively; The optical device according to claim 10 , wherein the portion of the first opening closest to the first plane is on the side away from the first plane, and the portion of the second opening closest to the second plane is on the side away from the second plane.

17. a first photometry unit for receiving light from a first portion of the object to be measured; a first optical unit including a first lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging light from the first portion onto the first photometry unit, and a first prism that deflects the light from the first portion and guides it to the first lens; a second photometry unit for receiving light from a second portion of the object to be measured; a second optical unit including a second lens that is the lens closest to the object side for converging the light from the second portion onto the second photometry unit, and a second prism that deflects the light from the second portion and guides it to the second lens; a prism holder for fixing the first prism and the second prism; A method for assembling an optical device, wherein a first optical axis of the first optical unit extending from the object to the first prism and a second optical axis of the second optical unit extending from the object to the second prism are substantially parallel to each other, the first prism has a first plane on the second prism side that is substantially parallel to the first optical axis, the second prism has a second plane on the first prism side that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis, A method for assembling an optical device, characterized in that the first prism and the second prism are fixed to the prism holder while the distance between the first plane and the second plane is defined by abutting the first plane and the second plane against a distance defining member.

Images