Light source device

Abstract

The present invention provides a light source device that can be attached to equipment in a predetermined positional relationship. [Solution] The light source device 1 is a light source device that emits light along a predetermined optical axis, and comprises a housing 2 and a light-emitting unit 7 disposed within the housing 2. The housing 2 includes a wall portion 5 in which a first opening 50 including the optical axis A1 is formed. The wall portion 5 further has a first hole 55 and a second hole 56 that open to at least the outer surface 5a of the wall portion 5. When viewed from a first direction D1 along the optical axis A1, the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 have an asymmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis A1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a flash light source device including a flash lamp, a wiring board provided with a circuit for causing the flash lamp to emit light, and a housing that houses the flash lamp and the wiring board.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a light source device as described above, if the light source device is not attached to the device so as to have a predetermined positional relationship, there is a possibility that desired irradiation conditions cannot be obtained when the light source device is used.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a light source device that can be attached to a device so as to have a predetermined positional relationship.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The light source device of the present invention is [1] "a light source device that emits light on a predetermined optical axis, including a housing and a light emitting portion disposed in the housing, the housing including a wall portion in which a first opening including the optical axis is formed, and the wall portion further having a first hole and a second hole that open at least on an outer surface of the wall portion, and when viewed from a first direction along the optical axis, the first hole and the second hole have an astigmatic positional relationship centered on the optical axis", a light source device.

[0007] In the above light source device, a first aperture including the optical axis of the light source device is formed in the wall of the housing, and a first hole and a second hole opening to at least the outer surface of the wall are formed in the wall of the housing, and when viewed from a first direction along the optical axis, the first hole and the second hole have an asymmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis. As a result, when the first projection and the second projection are provided on the equipment such that the first projection corresponds to the first hole and the second projection corresponds to the second hole, the light source device can be attached to the equipment in a predetermined positional relationship by inserting the first projection into the first hole and the second projection into the second hole. Furthermore, if the light source device is attached to the equipment in an orientation different from the predetermined orientation, for example, even if it is attached to the equipment such that the second projection is inserted into the first hole and the first projection is inserted into the second hole, the optical axis of the light source device will deviate from the optical axis required by the equipment, thus preventing the light source device from being used in the equipment in its original state. Therefore, the above light source device makes it possible to attach it to the equipment in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0008] The light source device of the present invention may also be [2] "the light source device described in [1] above, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the angle formed by the line segment connecting the center of the first hole and the optical axis and the line segment connecting the center of the second hole and the optical axis is 45 degrees or more and 315 degrees or less." With this light source device, the distance between the first hole and the second hole is increased, so that, for example, even if there is a gap between the inner surface of the second hole and the outer surface of the second projection, it is possible to suppress the housing from shifting in the rotational direction around the first projection, and to suppress the optical axis of the light source device from shifting from the optical axis of the equipment.

[0009] The light source device of the present invention may also be [3] "the light source device described in [2] above, wherein the angle is 135 degrees or more and 225 degrees or less." With this light source device, it is possible to more reliably suppress the deviation of the optical axis of the light source device from the optical axis of the equipment.

[0010] The light source device of the present invention may also be [4] "the light source device according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the shape of the first hole when viewed from the first direction is circular, the shape of the second hole when viewed from the first direction is an elongated hole with a major axis, and when viewed from the first direction, the extension of the major axis passes through the center of the first hole." With this light source device, insertion of the first projection into the first hole and insertion of the second projection into the second hole can be easily performed. Furthermore, for example, even if there is a gap between the inner surface of the second hole that is parallel to the major axis and the outer surface of the second projection, it is possible to suppress the housing from shifting in the rotational direction around the first projection, and to suppress the optical axis of the light source device from shifting from the optical axis of the equipment.

[0011] The light source device of the present invention may also be [5] "the light source device according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein each of the first hole and the second hole is a recess opening in the surface." With this light source device, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter into the housing.

[0012] The light source device of the present invention may also be [6] "the light source device according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting element and a socket holding the light-emitting element, the housing further includes a support portion to which the wall portion is detachably attached, the socket holds the light-emitting element such that the orientation of the light-emitting element relative to the socket is defined in a rotational direction with respect to the optical axis as the centerline, at least a portion of the socket is disposed in a second opening formed in the support portion, and the support portion and the socket are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the socket relative to the support portion is defined in a rotational direction with respect to the optical axis as the centerline." With this light source device, since the socket that holds the light-emitting element in a predetermined orientation can be engaged with the support portion in a predetermined orientation, for example, when replacing the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element can be mounted in the light source device in a predetermined orientation.

[0013] The light source device of the present invention may also be the light source device described in [6] above, wherein the socket and the wall are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall relative to the socket is defined in the rotational direction with the optical axis as the center line. With this light source device, the socket that holds the light-emitting element in a predetermined orientation can be engaged with the wall in a predetermined orientation, so that, for example, when replacing the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element can be mounted in the light source device in a predetermined orientation.

[0014] The light source device of the present invention may also be the light source device described in [6] or [7] above, wherein the support portion and the wall portion are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall portion relative to the support portion is defined in the rotational direction with the optical axis as the center line. With this light source device, for example, when replacing the light-emitting element, the support portion and the wall portion can be separated, and the wall portion can be attached to the support portion in a predetermined orientation.

[0015] The light source device of the present invention may also be [9] "the light source device according to any one of [1] to [8] above, wherein the light-emitting part includes a discharge lamp as a light-emitting element." In that case, the light source device of the present invention may also be

[10] "the light source device according to [9] above, wherein the discharge lamp is a xenon flash lamp." With this light source device, stable lighting can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light source device that can be attached to equipment in a predetermined positional relationship. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an example of a light source device. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device along the line II-II shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a front view of each part of the light source device shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the light source device shown. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the light source device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a front view of the light source device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a front view of the light source device of the modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. [Configuration of Light Source Device]

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source device 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 includes a main body portion 3, a support portion 4, and a wall portion 5, all of which are made of conductive members (metal members). The main body portion 3 is composed of a side wall 31 and a bottom wall 32. The side wall 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape (for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape). The bottom wall 32 is formed in a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The bottom wall 32 closes an opening on one side of the side wall 31. The support portion 4 is attached to the main body portion 3 so as to close an opening 31a on the other side of the side wall 31 (that is, the side opposite to the bottom wall 32). As an example, the support portion 4 is attached to the main body portion 3 by bolts (not shown). The wall portion 5 is detachably attached to the support portion 4. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the outer surface 5a of the wall portion 5 is referred to as "direction D1".

[0020] The light source device 1 further includes a wiring board unit 6 and a discharge lamp unit (light emitting part) 7. The wiring board unit 6 is disposed within the housing 2. The wiring board unit 6 includes a pair of wiring boards 61, 62 and a spacer 63. The wiring board 61 is disposed on the side opposite to the bottom wall 32 with respect to the wiring board 62. The pair of wiring boards 61, 62 are attached to the housing 2 by bolts 64 with the spacer 63 disposed therebetween. A plurality of circuit components (not shown) are mounted on each of the wiring boards 61, 62. The plurality of circuit components constitute a circuit for causing the discharge lamp unit 7 to emit light. Note that an end portion of a cable (not shown) for inputting an electrical signal for causing the discharge lamp unit 7 to emit light is electrically and physically connected to the wiring board 62, and the cable extends to the outside through a hole formed in the bottom wall 32.

[0021] The discharge lamp unit 7 is mounted on the wiring board 61 within the housing 2. The discharge lamp unit 7 is supported by the wiring board 61 while being electrically connected to a circuit provided in the wiring board unit 6. The discharge lamp unit 7 includes a discharge lamp (light emitting element) 8 and a socket 9. In the light source device 1, the discharge lamp 8 is a xenon flash lamp. The socket 9 holds the discharge lamp 8. The light source device 1 has an optical axis A1 parallel to the direction D1, and in the light source device 1, the discharge lamp 8 is arranged so as to have the same optical axis A1 as that of the light source device 1. The discharge lamp 8 emits light with the optical axis A1 as the center line from a light emitting surface 8a which is an end face of the discharge lamp 8 on the side opposite to the wiring board 61. Note that in the light source device 1, the light source device 1 and the discharge lamp 8 are configured to have the same optical axis A1, but for example, the optical axis of the discharge lamp 8 may be bent by an optical member such as a mirror and emitted from the light source device 1, and the discharge lamp 8 may have an optical axis different from the optical axis A1 of the light source device 1. Also, since the optical axis A1 is parallel to the direction D1, the direction (first direction) along the optical axis A1 is equal to the direction D1. That is, the directivity defined by the direction D1 can also be defined by the direction along the optical axis A1.

[0022] In the housing 2, a first aperture 50 is formed in the wall portion 5 so as to include the optical axis A1 as its centerline, and a second aperture 40 is formed in the support portion 4 so as to include the optical axis A1 as its centerline. At least a portion of the discharge lamp 8 of the discharge lamp unit 7 is arranged within the first aperture 50. At least a portion of the socket 9 of the discharge lamp unit 7 is arranged within the second aperture 40. Note that at least a portion of the discharge lamp 8 is not required to be arranged within the first aperture 50, as long as the first aperture 50 corresponds to the light-emitting surface 8a of the discharge lamp 8. Here, "the first aperture 50 corresponds to the light-emitting surface 8a of the discharge lamp 8" means that when viewed from direction D1, at least a portion of the first aperture 50 and at least a portion of the light-emitting surface 8a overlap, and when viewed from direction D1, the optical axis A1 is located within the first aperture 50. [Discharge Lamp Unit Configuration]

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the discharge lamp 8 includes a sealed container 81, a cathode 82, an anode 83, a trigger electrode (not shown), a sparker electrode (not shown), a plurality of lead pins 84, and a sealing tube 85. Xenon gas is sealed inside the sealed container 81 as the discharge gas. The sealed container 81 is composed of a side tube 81a, a stem 81b, and a light-transmitting member 81c. The side tube 81a is formed in a circular cylindrical shape from, for example, a metal material. The center line of the side tube 81a coincides with the optical axis A1. The stem 81b is formed in a circular plate shape from, for example, a metal material. The stem 81b closes the opening on one side of the side tube 81a. The light-transmitting member 81c is formed in a circular plate shape from, for example, glass. The light-transmitting member 81c closes the opening on the other side of the side tube 81a (i.e., the side opposite to the stem 81b). In the discharge lamp 8, the outer surface of the light-transmitting member 81c corresponds to the light-emitting surface 8a.

[0024] The cathode 82, anode 83, trigger electrode, and sparker electrode are arranged inside a sealed container 81. The tips of the cathode 82 and anode 83 face each other in a direction intersecting direction D1. In the discharge lamp 8, the tips of the cathode 82 and anode 83 face each other in a direction perpendicular to direction D1, and the optical axis A1 passes through an intermediate position between the tips of the cathode 82 and anode 83. The cathode 82 and anode 83 generate an arc discharge inside the sealed container 81. The sparker electrode generates a pre-discharge prior to the arc discharge. The trigger electrode generates a stable arc discharge. The light generated by the arc discharge passes through the light-transmitting member 81c and is emitted to the outside from the light-emitting surface 8a with the optical axis A1 as the center line.

[0025] The cathode 82, anode 83, trigger electrode, and sparker electrode are each attached to the ends of lead pins 84 located within the sealed container 81. Each lead pin 84 penetrates the stem 81b via an insulating member (not shown) and extends outside the sealed container 81. The sealing tube 85 penetrates the stem 81b and extends outside the sealed container 81. The sealing tube 85 is used to fill the sealed container 81 with xenon gas and is sealed after the xenon gas is filled.

[0026] The socket 9 is composed of a main body portion 91 and a plurality of protruding portions 92. The main body portion 91 is formed in a circular cylindrical shape from, for example, an electrically insulating material. A notch 91a is formed in the main body portion 91. The notch 91a has a groove-like shape that opens onto the outer surface 91b of the main body portion 91 and extends along the optical axis A1. For example, when viewed from direction D1, the notch 91a has a semicircular shape. The main body portion 91 holds the discharge lamp 8 such that the orientation of the discharge lamp 8 relative to the notch 91a is defined in the rotational direction D2 with the optical axis A1 as the center line, and in particular the orientation of the sealed container 81 and the plurality of lead pins 84.

[0027] Each lead pin 84 extends from the main body portion 91 in the direction D1 toward the side opposite to the light-emitting surface 8a. The end of each lead pin 84 outside the sealed container 81 is inserted into the corresponding through electrode 61a among a plurality of through electrodes 61a provided on the wiring board 61, and is electrically and physically connected to the said through electrode 61a. The sealing tube 85 extends from the main body portion 91 in the direction D1 toward the side opposite to the light-emitting surface 8a. The end of the sealing tube 85 outside the sealed container 81 is located in the opening 61b formed in the wiring board 61. In the discharge lamp 8, each lead pin 84 is bent in a crank shape outside the sealed container 81 such that the end outside the sealed container 81 is located outward (away from the optical axis A1) relative to the end inside the sealed container 81.

[0028] Multiple protruding portions 92 are arranged around the side tube 81a of the sealed container 81, and each protruding portion 92 extends from the main body portion 91 toward the light-emitting surface 8a along direction D1. As a result, multiple slits 92a are formed in the socket 9. Each slit 92a corresponds to the gap between adjacent protruding portions 92. When viewed from direction D1, the multiple slits 92a are not arranged at equal angular intervals around the optical axis A1. [Configuration related to engagement]

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support portion 4 is composed of a main body portion 41 and a protruding portion 42. The main body portion 41 has a recess 43 and the second opening 40 described above. The recess 43 opens to the surface 4a of the support portion 4 opposite to the bottom wall 32. In the light source device 1, when viewed from direction D1, the recess 43 has a rectangular shape with four chamfered corners. However, the shape of one corner 43a is different from the shapes of the other three corners 43b. For example, corner 43a has a larger chamfered shape than each of the other corners 43b. For example, corner 43a has a C-chamfered shape, and each of the corners 43b has an R-chamfered shape. The second opening 40 opens to the bottom surface 43c of the recess 43 and to the surface 4b of the support portion 4 on the bottom wall 32 side. In the light source device 1, when viewed from direction D1, the second aperture 40 has a circular shape centered on the optical axis A1. The protruding portion 42 protrudes from the inner surface 40a of the second aperture 40 toward the optical axis A1. As an example, when viewed from direction D1, the protruding portion 42 has a semicircular shape.

[0030] The wall portion 5 is composed of a main body portion 51, a cylindrical portion 52, and a plurality of protruding portions 53. The main body portion 51 is located within the recess 43 of the support portion 4. In the light source device 1, when viewed from direction D1, the main body portion 51 has a rectangular shape with four chamfered corners. However, the shape of one corner portion 51a is different from the shapes of the other three corner portions 51b. For example, corner portion 51a has a larger chamfered shape than each of the other corner portions 51b. For example, corner portion 51a has a C-chamfered shape, and each of the other corner portions 51b has an R-chamfered shape. The main body portion 51 has the first aperture 50 described above. The first aperture 50 penetrates the main body portion 51 along the optical axis A1. In the light source device 1, when viewed from direction D1, the first aperture 50 has a circular shape centered on the optical axis A1. The cylindrical portion 52 is positioned on the bottom wall 32 side relative to the main body portion 51. When viewed from direction D1, the cylindrical portion 52 surrounds the first opening 50. When viewed from direction D1, the multiple protruding portions 53 are arranged around the first opening 50. Each protruding portion 53 projects from the inner surface 52a of the cylindrical portion 52 toward the optical axis A1. When viewed from direction D1, the multiple protruding portions 53 are not arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the optical axis A1.

[0031] In the configuration described above, the socket 9, support portion 4, and wall portion 5 are engaged with each other as follows. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the support portion 4 and the socket 9 are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the socket 9 relative to the support portion 4 is determined in the rotational direction D2. In other words, the socket 9 is movable along direction D1 and can be positioned in the second opening 40 of the support portion 4 only when the orientation of the socket 9 relative to the support portion 4 in the rotational direction D2 coincides with a predetermined orientation. In the light source device 1, the socket 9 is movable along direction D1 and can be positioned in the second opening 40 of the support portion 4 only when the protruding portion 42 of the support portion 4 is positioned within the notch 91a of the socket 9. In this case, the end of each lead pin 84 outside the sealed container 81 is inserted into the corresponding through electrode 61a among the plurality of through electrodes 61a provided on the wiring board 61.

[0032] The socket 9 and the wall portion 5 are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall portion 5 relative to the socket 9 is defined in the rotational direction D2. In other words, the wall portion 5 is movable along direction D1 and the socket 9 can be positioned within the first opening 50 of the wall portion 5 only when the orientation of the wall portion 5 relative to the socket 9 in the rotational direction D2 coincides with a predetermined orientation. In the light source device 1, the wall portion 5 is movable along direction D1 and the socket 9 can be positioned within the first opening 50 of the wall portion 5 only when each protruding portion 53 of the wall portion 5 is positioned within each slit 92a of the socket 9.

[0033] The support portion 4 and the wall portion 5 are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall portion 5 relative to the support portion 4 is determined in the rotational direction D2. In other words, the wall portion 5 can move along direction D1 and be positioned in the recess 43 of the support portion 4 only when the orientation of the wall portion 5 relative to the support portion 4 in the rotational direction D2 coincides with a predetermined orientation. In the light source device 1, the wall portion 5 can move along direction D1 and be positioned in the recess 43 of the support portion 4 only when the corner portion 51a of the wall portion 5 corresponds to the corner portion 43a of the recess 43 and the corner portion 51b of the wall portion 5 corresponds to each corner portion 43b of the recess 43. In this case, a pair of counterbore holes 54 formed in the wall portion 5 correspond to a pair of screw holes 44 formed in the support portion 4 so as to open to the bottom surface 43c of the recess 43, and the wall portion 5 is attached to the support portion 4 by a pair of bolts 11 that engage with these holes. In the light source device 1, as shown in Figure 2, the surface 4a of the support portion 4, the surface 5a of the wall portion 5, and the light-emitting surface 8a of the discharge lamp 8 are located on the same plane. The surface 5a of the wall portion 5 and the light-emitting surface 8a of the discharge lamp 8 may each be located on a plane that is on the bottom wall 32 side relative to the surface 4a of the support portion 4. [Configuration for mounting to the device]

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, a first hole 55 and a second hole 56 are formed in the wall portion 5. The first hole 55 and the second hole 56 are recesses that open into the surface 5a. When viewed from direction D1, the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 have an asymmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis A1. Here, "when viewed from direction D1, the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 have an asymmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis A1" means that when viewed from direction D1, the center C1 of the first hole 55 and the center C2 of the second hole 56 are not point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis A1 as the center of symmetry. When viewed from direction D1, the line segment S1 connecting the center C1 of the first hole 55 and the optical axis A1 and the line segment S2 connecting the center C2 of the second hole 56 and the optical axis A1 form an angle between 45 degrees and 315 degrees. The angle is more preferably 135 degrees or more and 225 degrees or less, and even more preferably 170 degrees or more and 190 degrees or less. In the light source device 1, the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 are each formed in the main body portion 51 so as to be located inside the respective pair of corners 51a and 51b that are opposite each other on either side of the first opening 50, and the pair of counterbore holes 54 are each formed in the main body portion 51 so as to be located inside the respective pair of other corners 51b that are opposite each other on either side of the first opening 50.

[0035] When viewed from direction D1, the shape of the first hole 55 is circular. When viewed from direction D1, the shape of the second hole 56 is elongated, having a major axis L. Here, an elongated shape is a shape having a pair of circular arcs (outwardly convex semicircular arcs) opposite each other with the center C2 in a predetermined direction, and a pair of sides opposite each other with the center C2 in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and the major axis L is a line parallel to the predetermined direction and passing through the center C2. When viewed from direction D1, the extension line E of the major axis L passes through the center C1 of the first hole 55.

[0036] A pair of screw holes 45 are formed in the support portion 4. Each of the pair of screw holes 45 opens into the surface 4a of the support portion 4. In the light source device 1, as shown in Figure 3, each of the pair of screw holes 45 is formed in the main body portion 41 so as to be located on the outside of each of the pair of corners 43a and 43b that are opposite each other on the second opening 40, and each of the pair of screw holes 44 is formed in the main body portion 41 so as to be located on the inside of each of the other pair of corners 43b that are opposite each other on the second opening 40. [Mechanism of Action and Effects]

[0037] In the light source device 1, a first aperture 50 including the optical axis A1 of the light source device 1 is formed in the wall portion 5 of the housing 2, and a first hole 55 and a second hole 56 opening in the surface 5a of the wall portion 5 are formed in the wall portion 5 of the housing 2. When viewed from a direction D1 along the optical axis A1, the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 have an asymmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis A1. As a result, as shown in Figure 6(a), when the first pin 101 and the second pin 102 are provided in the equipment such that the first pin (first projection) 101 corresponds to the first hole 55 and the second pin (second projection) 102 corresponds to the second hole 56, the light source device 1 can be attached to the equipment in a predetermined orientation (predetermined positional relationship) by inserting the first pin 101 into the first hole 55 and the second pin 102 into the second hole 56. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), if the light source device 1 is mounted on the equipment in an orientation different from the predetermined orientation, for example, if the second pin 102 is inserted into the first hole 55 and the first pin 101 is inserted into the second hole 56, the optical axis A1 of the light source device 1 will deviate from the optical axis A2 required by the equipment. This will at least prevent the light source device 1 from being used in the equipment in its original state. Therefore, the light source device 1 makes it possible to mount it on the equipment in a predetermined orientation.

[0038] For example, when the light source device 1 is mounted on equipment so that the optical axis A1 extends horizontally, a configuration of the light source device 1 that allows use when mounted on equipment in a predetermined orientation is particularly effective. When the light source device 1 is mounted on equipment so that the optical axis A1 extends horizontally, as shown in Figure 6(a), it is preferable from the viewpoint of the stability of the discharge lamp 8's operation for the light source device 1 to be mounted on equipment in an orientation where the anode 83 is positioned above the cathode 82 in the vertical direction. The configuration of the light source device 1 allows use when mounted on equipment in such an orientation, and the desired irradiation conditions in equipment can be met. However, as shown in Figure 6(b), if the light source device 1 is mounted on equipment so that the cathode 82 is positioned above the anode 83 in the vertical direction, the operation of the discharge lamp 8 may become unstable due to the cathode 82 being affected by the thermal convection that occurs inside the sealed container 81.

[0039] In the light source device 1, when viewed from direction D1, the line segment S1 connecting the center C1 of the first hole 55 and the optical axis A1, and the line segment S2 connecting the center C2 of the second hole 56 and the optical axis A1, form an angle of 45 degrees to 315 degrees, more preferably 135 degrees to 225 degrees. As a result, the distance between the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 is increased, so that even if there is a gap between the inner surface of the second hole 56 and the outer surface of the second pin 102, for example, the displacement of the housing 2 in the rotational direction around the first pin 101 can be suppressed, and the displacement of the optical axis A1 from the optical axis A2 of the device can be suppressed.

[0040] In the light source device 1, the shape of the first hole 55 when viewed from direction D1 is circular, and the shape of the second hole 56 when viewed from direction D1 is elongated with a major axis L. This makes it easy to insert the first pin 101 into the first hole 55 and the second pin 102 into the second hole 56. Also, when viewed from direction D1, the extension line E of the major axis L passes through the center C1 of the first hole 55. This makes it possible to suppress the displacement of the housing 2 in the rotational direction around the first pin 101, even if there is a gap between the inner surface of the second hole 56 that is parallel to the major axis L and the outer surface of the second pin 102, and to suppress the optical axis A1 from shifting from the optical axis A2 of the device.

[0041] In the light source device 1, the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 are recesses that open into the surface 5a. This makes it possible to suppress foreign matter from entering the housing 2 through the first hole 55 and the second hole 56, compared to the case where the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 are both through holes.

[0042] In the light source device 1, the support portion 4 and the socket 9 are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the socket 9 relative to the support portion 4 is defined in the rotational direction D2. This allows the socket 9, which holds the discharge lamp 8 in a predetermined orientation, to be engaged with the support portion 4 in that predetermined orientation. For example, when replacing the discharge lamp 8, the discharge lamp 8 can be mounted in the light source device 1 in the predetermined orientation.

[0043] In the light source device 1, the socket 9 and the wall portion 5 are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall portion 5 relative to the socket 9 is defined in the rotational direction D2. This allows the socket 9, which holds the discharge lamp 8 in a predetermined orientation, to be engaged with the wall portion 5 in that predetermined orientation. For example, when replacing the discharge lamp 8, the discharge lamp 8 can be mounted in the light source device 1 in the predetermined orientation.

[0044] In the light source device 1, the support portion 4 and the wall portion 5 are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall portion 5 relative to the support portion 4 is defined in the rotational direction D2. This allows the wall portion 5 to be attached to the support portion 4 in the predetermined orientation even when the support portion 4 and the wall portion 5 are separated, for example, when replacing the discharge lamp 8. Furthermore, in the light source device 1, the discharge lamp 8 and the socket 9, the support portion 4 and the socket 9, and the socket 9 and the wall portion 5 are engaged with each other such that their orientations are defined. Therefore, the support portion 4, the wall portion 5, the discharge lamp 8, and the socket 9 can only be combined when they are in the predetermined orientation. In other words, the discharge lamp 8 can only be incorporated into the light source device 1 when it is in a predetermined positional relationship with the light source device 1, thus preventing the incorrect orientation from being incorporated when replacing the discharge lamp 8.

[0045] In the light source device 1, the discharge lamp 8 is a xenon flash lamp. In this case, the light source device 1 can be mounted on the equipment in a positional relationship that results in the desirable arrangement of the cathode and anode as described above, thus enabling stable illumination. [Differentiation]

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, as shown in Figure 7, if the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 have an asymmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis A1 of the discharge lamp 8 when viewed from direction D1, the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 may be arranged in close proximity to each other (i.e., without the first opening 50 in between). Furthermore, each of the first hole 55 and the second hole 56 may be a hole that opens into at least the surface 5a of the wall portion 5, or it may be an opening that penetrates the wall portion 5.

[0047] The housing 2 only needs to include at least the wall portion 5. The wiring board unit 6 only needs to include at least the wiring board 61 (i.e., the wiring board on which the discharge lamp unit 7 is mounted). The discharge lamp unit 7 only needs to include at least the discharge lamp 8. The discharge lamp 8 may be a discharge lamp other than a xenon flash lamp (i.e., a discharge lamp in which a discharge gas other than xenon is sealed in a sealed container 81), or a light-emitting element other than a discharge lamp, such as a semiconductor element such as an LED, may be used.

[0048] As a configuration that allows the light source device to be used when mounted on equipment in a predetermined orientation, the following configuration may be adopted. For example, the light source device may have a structure in which an input connector board on which an input connector is mounted and a lamp board on which a discharge lamp is mounted are connected by a connector or the like, so that the boards can only be connected in a predetermined orientation. In such a light source device, instead of a connector connecting the boards, a gear may be used to connect the boards so that they can rotate in the rotational direction about the optical axis of the discharge lamp. Alternatively, the boards may be connected by a cable of sufficient length so that they can rotate in the rotational direction about the optical axis of the discharge lamp. With such a light source device, the orientation of the discharge lamp can be adjusted to the orientation in which lighting is stable (optimized orientation) by rotating the discharge lamp in the rotational direction about the optical axis of the discharge lamp. Furthermore, a similar effect can be obtained if the connection between the discharge lamp and the lamp board, and the connection between the input connector and the input connector board, are connected by a gear or a cable of sufficient length so that they can rotate in the rotational direction about the optical axis of the discharge lamp.

[0049] Furthermore, the light source device may have a configuration in which an inertial sensor, such as a gyro sensor, is provided inside the housing. The inertial sensor conducts its internal circuit only when the light source device is mounted on the equipment in a predetermined orientation that allows the discharge lamp to light up stably, thereby enabling the light source device to operate. With such a light source device, if the light source device is mounted on the equipment in an orientation other than the predetermined orientation, the internal circuit will not conduct, and the light source device will not operate, thus preventing the light source device from being used while mounted on the equipment in an orientation other than the predetermined orientation.

[0050] Furthermore, the light source device may have markings, such as "Mount the device with this side facing upwards," on an outer surface of the housing other than the mounting surface to the device. This prevents the light source device from being used while mounted on the device in a orientation other than the predetermined orientation. The markings on the housing are not limited to printing, and may also be marks that allow identification of whether the mounting orientation of the light source device is the predetermined orientation. These configurations may be used in combination with the configuration using the first and second openings in the present invention.

[0051] Furthermore, there may be a clear difference in the diameters of the first hole 55 and the second hole 56. A clear difference means a difference such that a pin corresponding to the larger diameter hole cannot be inserted into the smaller diameter hole. In this case, since the appropriate pin diameters for each hole are clearly different, the pins can only be attached to the corresponding holes, thus preventing the light source device 1 from being attached to the equipment in a direction other than the predetermined orientation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1...Light source device, 2...Housing, 4...Support part, 5...Wall part, 5a...Surface, 7...Discharge lamp unit (light-emitting part), 8...Discharge lamp (light-emitting element), 8a...Light-emitting surface, 9...Socket, 40...Second aperture, 50...First aperture, 55...First hole, 56...Second hole, A1...Optical axis, C1, C2...Center, D1...Direction (first direction), D2...Rotation direction, E...Extension line, L...Major axis, S1, S2...Line segment.

Claims

1. A light source device that emits light along a predetermined optical axis, The casing and The housing comprises a light-emitting unit arranged within the housing, The housing includes a wall portion in which a first opening including the optical axis is formed, The wall portion is further formed with first and second holes that open to at least the outer surface of the wall portion. A light source device in which, when viewed from a first direction along the optical axis, the first hole and the second hole have an asymmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the angle formed by the line segment connecting the center of the first hole and the optical axis and the line segment connecting the center of the second hole and the optical axis is 45 degrees or more and 315 degrees or less.

3. The light source device according to claim 2, wherein the angle is 135 degrees or more and 225 degrees or less.

4. The shape of the first hole when viewed from the first direction is circular. When viewed from the first direction, the shape of the second hole is an elongated hole shape with a major axis. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, the extension of the long axis passes through the center of the first hole.

5. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first hole and the second hole is a recess opening in the surface.

6. The light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting element and a socket that holds the light-emitting element. The housing further includes a support to which the wall portion is detachably attached, The socket holds the light-emitting element such that the orientation of the light-emitting element relative to the socket is defined in a rotational direction with the optical axis as the center line. At least a portion of the socket is positioned within the second opening formed in the support portion. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion and the socket are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the socket relative to the support portion is defined in the rotational direction with the optical axis as the center line.

7. The light source device according to claim 6, wherein the socket and the wall are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall relative to the socket is defined in the rotational direction with respect to the optical axis as the center line.

8. The light source device according to claim 6, wherein the support portion and the wall portion are engaged with each other such that the orientation of the wall portion relative to the support portion is defined in the rotational direction with the optical axis as the center line.

9. The light-emitting unit includes a discharge lamp as a light-emitting element, according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The light source device according to claim 9, wherein the discharge lamp is a xenon flash lamp.

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