Optical devices

Abstract

This suppresses misalignment of optical components due to temperature changes in optical devices. [Solution] The optical device comprises a first optical component, a second optical component arranged on the same optical axis as the first optical component, a holding member for holding the first optical component and the second optical component, a slit for suppressing fluctuations in the relative distance of the second optical component to the first optical component due to the temperature rise of the holding member, and a base material that supports at least the holding member via a plurality of fastening members, wherein the slit is formed in the holding member between the first optical component and the second optical component.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a demand for suppressing positional displacement of optical components inside a housing of an optical device such as a projector, which may occur due to thermal deformation caused by temperature change inside the housing when the optical device is operated. Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of an optical device, a projector having a heat dissipation part on which a plurality of heat-generating components are mounted. In this projector, a plurality of regions for thermally isolating the plurality of heat-generating components from each other are formed in the heat dissipation part, and a heat insulation space for thermally isolating adjacent regions is provided at each boundary between the regions. In addition, each of the plurality of regions is partially connected to at least one of the adjacent regions. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2014-194505 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional situation, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical device that suppresses positional displacement of optical components that may occur due to thermal deformation. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] This disclosure provides an optical device comprising: a first optical component; a second optical component disposed on the same optical axis as the first optical component; a holding member for holding the first optical component and the second optical component; a slit for suppressing fluctuations in the relative distance of the second optical component to the first optical component due to a temperature rise of the holding member; and a base material supporting at least the holding member via a plurality of fastening members, wherein the slit is formed in the holding member between the first optical component and the second optical component.

[0006] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, storage media, computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical device that suppresses misalignment of optical components that may occur due to thermal deformation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the projector according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] A side view from direction A in Figure 1, illustrating the configuration of the projector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A view showing the top surface as seen from direction B in Figure 1, illustrating the configuration of the projector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing a side view from direction A in Figure 1, illustrating the arrangement of slits according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the side view from direction A in Figure 1, illustrating the effect of the slit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] External perspective view showing another example of the slit shape according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the bottom view as seen from direction B in Figure 1, illustrating a first example of the arrangement of the slit, fastening member, and optical component according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the bottom view from direction B in Figure 1, illustrating a second example of the arrangement of the slit, fastening member, and optical component according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing the bottom view from direction B in Figure 1, illustrating a third example of the arrangement of the slit, fastening member, and optical component according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] When using a projector, the temperature inside the projector casing rises when light is projected. This rise in temperature can affect the components placed inside the casing, potentially causing thermal deformation. This thermal deformation can lead to misalignment of optical components, resulting in performance degradation during projection. Therefore, there is a need to mitigate the effects of thermal deformation on optical component misalignment, even when the internal temperature of the casing rises during projection.

[0010] This disclosure aims to provide an optical device that suppresses misalignment of optical components that may occur due to thermal deformation.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below, with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following explanation are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) In the following, a projector will be used as an example of an optical device related to this disclosure. However, the optical device is not limited to a projector; any device that suppresses displacement of optical components due to thermal deformation of materials caused by temperature rise during operation is also acceptable.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of projector 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a side view taken from direction A in Figure 1 to explain the configuration of the projector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a top view taken from direction B in Figure 1 to explain the configuration of the projector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a side view taken from direction A in Figure 1 to explain the arrangement of the slits according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a side view taken from direction A in Figure 1 to explain the effect of the slits according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is an external perspective view showing another example of the slit shape according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the bottom view taken from direction B in Figure 1 to explain a first example of the arrangement of the slits, fastening members and optical components according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the bottom view taken from direction B in Figure 1 to explain a second example of the arrangement of the slits, fastening members and optical components according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the bottom view taken from direction B in Figure 1 to explain a third example of the arrangement of the slits, fastening members and optical components according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] For the sake of explanation, as shown in Figure 1, the axis extending in the height direction of the location where the projector 100 is placed will be defined as the Z-axis. The location where the projector 100 is placed can be any flat surface such as the floor, a desk, or a table. The axis perpendicular to the Z-axis and extending from the front to the back of the projector 100 will be defined as the X-axis. The front of the projector 100 is the surface on which the projection lens 2 is located. The axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis will be defined as the Y-axis. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as "up," the negative direction of the Z-axis as "down," the positive direction of the X-axis as "backward," the negative direction of the X-axis as "forward," the positive direction of the Y-axis as "left," and the negative direction of the Y-axis as "right." Moreover, these directional expressions are used for the sake of explanation and are not intended to limit the orientation of the structure during actual use.

[0015] The projector 100 includes a projection lens 2, a lens holding member 3, a light modulation element 4, a light modulation element holding member 5, a first slit 6, and a fastening member 7 housed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 1. In addition to these components, the projector 100 also includes various other members (e.g., a light source device, lenses, prisms, a power supply, etc.), but illustration and description of these various members are omitted in the present embodiment.

[0016] The light modulation element 4 modulates light emitted from a light source (not shown) into image light. The light modulation element 4 is, for example, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device). The projector 100 may include one light modulation element 4, or may include a plurality of (e.g., three) light modulation elements 4.

[0017] The projection lens 2 is disposed on the same optical axis as the light modulation element 4, receives the image light modulated by the light modulation element 4, and enlarges and projects the incident image light onto, for example, a screen.

[0018] The lens holding member 3 (first holding member) is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and holds the projection lens 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the lens holding member 3 includes a first front member 22 that stands substantially perpendicularly from a first bottom member 21 in contact with the bottom surface of the housing 1 and is provided along the front side of the projector 100. The projection lens 2 is disposed on the first front member 22 so as to protrude toward the outside (e.g., the front side) of the housing 1. The lens holding member 3 is configured to include, for example, a metal member. The lens holding member 3 may be integrated with the light modulation element holding member 5 (second holding member), which is a holding member that holds the light modulation element 4 (second optical component). Further, the lens holding member 3 may be configured of a holding member (third holding member) that supports the projection lens 2 (first optical component), a light modulation element holding member 5 (fourth holding member) that is a holding member supporting the light modulation element 4 (second optical component), and a holding member (fifth holding member) that supports both the third holding member and the fourth holding member.

[0019] The optical modulation element holding member 5 is formed in a substantially L-shape and holds the optical modulation element 4. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the optical modulation element holding member 5 has a second bottom member 23 that contacts the first bottom member 21 of the lens holding member 3, and a second front member 24 that is provided opposite the first front member 22 of the lens holding member 3. The optical modulation element 4 is held by the second front member 24 so as to face the projection lens 2.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the first slit 6 is an elongated hole formed between the projection lens 2 and the light modulation element 4, extending across the bottom surface (Y-axis direction) and a portion of the side surface (upward Z-axis direction) of the lens holding member 3. Specifically, the first slit 6 has a hole portion that extends along the entire length of the bottom surface of the lens holding member 3 in the Y-axis direction, and a hole portion that extends from both ends of the hole portion in the Y-axis direction up to the height of a portion of the side surface of the lens holding member 3.

[0021] The fastening members 7 are, for example, the first screw 7A, the second screw 7B, the third screw 7C, and the fourth screw 7D, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, they fix the lens holding member 3 to the bottom surface of the projector 100 at four points. The fastening members 7 are composed of screws, for example, metal members.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the focus of the image light projected from the projection lens 2 is determined by the distance L between the projection lens 2 and the optical modulation element 4. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance L between the projection lens 2 and the optical modulation element 4 does not change after focusing. However, since there are components that generate heat during operation (e.g., light source, integrated circuit, optical modulation element 4, power supply, etc.) inside the housing 1 of the projector 100, the lens holding member 3 may deform due to this heat. If the lens holding member 3 does not have the first slit 6, as shown in Figure 4, the lens holding member 3 may deform due to heat after focusing, and the distance L between the projection lens 2 and the optical modulation element 4 may change. In other words, misalignment of optical components, which causes focus drift (out of focus), may occur.

[0023] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 (with slit), a first slit 6 is provided in the lens holding member 3. By providing this first slit 6, even if the temperature inside the housing 1 rises due to the heat generated when the projector 100 is operating, the expanded portion 8 (see Figure 5), which is the thermally expanded part of the lens holding member 3, is formed toward the first slit 6. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, fluctuations in the relative position of the optical modulation element holding member 5 with respect to the first slit 6 and the lens holding member 3 are suppressed, and the distance L between the projection lens 2 and the optical modulation element 4 can be maintained. In other words, misalignment of optical components, which causes focus drift (out of focus), can be suppressed.

[0024] The effect of the first slit 6 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5 (without slit), if the first slit 6 is absent, the lens holding member 3 expands forward and backward in the X-axis direction due to the temperature rise inside the housing 1. In some cases, the lens holding member 3 may even bend. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5 (with slit), by placing the first slit 6 in the lens holding member 3, the expansion of the lens holding member 3 is concentrated at the first slit 6 rather than forward and backward, forming an expanded portion 8, which makes it easier to maintain the distance L between the projection lens 2 and the optical modulation element 4.

[0026] Alternatively, instead of the first slit 6, a second slit 6A may be used, as shown in Figure 6. This second slit 6A is an elongated hole formed between the projection lens 2 and the light modulation element 4, extending across a portion of the bottom surface (in the Y-axis direction) of the lens holding member 3.

[0027] The positional relationship between the fastening member 7, the second slit 6A, the first optical component 9 (e.g., the projection lens 2), and the second optical component 10 (e.g., the light modulation element 4) will be explained below with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the fastening members 7 are arranged in the X-axis direction so as to sandwich the second slit 6A. The first pair of fastening members 7 are designated as the first screw 7A and the second screw 7B, and the second pair as the third screw 7C and the fourth screw 7D. The first pair is positioned in the X-axis direction between the first optical component 9 and the second slit 6A, and in the Y-axis direction outside the width of the first optical component 9 (width of the optical component in the Y-axis direction 11) and inside the width of the second slit 6A (slit width in the Y-axis direction 12). The second pair is positioned in the X-axis direction on the opposite side of the second slit 6A from the perspective of the second optical component 10, and in the Y-axis direction inside the width of the second slit 6A (slit width in the Y-axis direction 12).

[0029] As shown in Figure 8, the fastening members 7 are arranged in the X-axis direction so as to sandwich the second slit 6A. The first pair of fastening members 7 are designated as the first screw 7A and the second screw 7B, and the second pair as the third screw 7C and the fourth screw 7D. The first pair is positioned in the X-axis direction on the opposite side of the second slit 6A from the perspective of the first optical component 9, and in the Y-axis direction inside the width of the second slit 6A (slit width 12 in the Y-axis direction). The second pair is positioned in the X-axis direction between the second optical component 10 and the second slit 6A, and in the Y-axis direction outside the width of the second optical component 10 (width 11 of the optical component in the Y-axis direction), and inside the width of the second slit 6A (slit width 12 in the Y-axis direction).

[0030] As shown in Figure 9, the fastening members 7 are arranged so as to sandwich the second slit 6A in the X-axis direction. The first pair of fastening members 7 are designated as the first screw 7A and the second screw 7B, and the second pair are designated as the third screw 7C and the fourth screw 7D. The first pair is positioned in the X-axis direction on the opposite side of the second slit 6A from the perspective of the first optical component 9, and in the Y-axis direction, inside the width of the second slit 6A (slit width 12 in the Y-axis direction). The second pair is positioned in the X-axis direction on the opposite side of the second slit 6A from the perspective of the second optical component 10, and in the Y-axis direction, inside the width of the second slit 6A (slit width 12 in the Y-axis direction).

[0031] (Summary of Embodiment 1) Based on the description of Embodiment 1 above, the following technology is disclosed.

[0032] (Technology 1) The optical device comprises a first optical component, a second optical component arranged on the same optical axis as the first optical component, a holding member for holding the first and second optical components, a slit for suppressing fluctuations in the relative distance of the second optical component to the first optical component due to temperature rise of the holding member, and a base material that supports at least the holding member via a plurality of fastening members, wherein the slit is formed in the holding member between the first and second optical components.

[0033] This allows the optical device to fix the holding member, and the expansion of the holding member due to temperature rise in the optical component can be guided into the slit, thereby suppressing displacement of the optical component.

[0034] (Technology 2) In the optical device described in Technology 1 (for example, projector 100), the holding member includes a second holding member (for example, an optical modulation element holding member 5) that holds a second optical component (for example, an optical modulation element 4) and a first holding member (for example, a lens holding member 3) that holds the second holding member and a first optical component (for example, a projection lens 2), and a slit (for example, a first slit 6) suppresses fluctuations in relative distance due to temperature rise of the first holding member.

[0035] This allows the optical device to induce expansion due to temperature rise in the holding member that holds the optical components into the slit, thereby suppressing displacement of the optical components.

[0036] (Technology 3) In the optical apparatus described in Technical 1, the holding member includes a third holding member for holding a first optical component, a fourth holding member for holding a second optical component, and a fifth holding member for holding the first and second holding members, and the slit suppresses fluctuations in relative distance due to the temperature rise of the fifth holding member.

[0037] This allows the optical device to induce expansion due to temperature rise in the holding member that holds the optical components into the slit, thereby suppressing displacement of the optical components.

[0038] (Technology 4) In the optical apparatus described in Technical 1, the straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis, the length of the slit in the second axis direction is longer than the width of the first optical component and the second optical component in the second axis direction, and the slit may be formed across the bottom surface of the retaining member and a part of the side surface of the retaining member.

[0039] This allows for the formation of slits to suppress thermal expansion of the retaining member in the forward and backward directions.

[0040] (Technology 5) In the optical apparatus described in Technical 1, the straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis, the length of the slit in the second axis direction is longer than the width of the first optical component and the second optical component in the second axis direction, and the slit may be located only on the bottom surface of the holding member.

[0041] This allows for the formation of slits to suppress thermal expansion of the retaining member in the forward and backward directions.

[0042] (Technology 6) In the optical device described in Technical 1, the straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. Two fastening members are arranged in the direction of the first axis, flanking the slit. The first pair of fastening members may be positioned between the first optical component and the slit in the direction of the first axis, and outside the width of the first optical component and inside the width of the slit in the direction of the second axis. Furthermore, the second pair of fastening members may be positioned on the opposite side of the slit from the second optical component in the direction of the first axis, and inside the width of the slit in the direction of the second axis.

[0043] This allows for the determination of the positional relationship between the fastening member, the slit, and the optical component, and effectively suppresses misalignment of the optical component.

[0044] (Technology 7) In the optical device described in Technical 1, the straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. Two fastening members are arranged in the direction of the first axis, flanking the slit. The first pair of fastening members may be positioned in the direction of the first axis on the opposite side of the slit from the first optical component and in the direction of the second axis, and inside the width of the slit. Furthermore, the second pair of fastening members may be positioned between the second optical component and the slit in the direction of the first axis, and outside the width of the second optical component and inside the width of the slit in the direction of the second axis.

[0045] This allows for the determination of the positional relationship between the fastening member, the slit, and the optical component, and effectively suppresses misalignment of the optical component.

[0046] (Technology 8) In the optical device described in Technical 1, the straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. Two fastening members are arranged in the direction of the first axis, flanking the slit. The first pair of fastening members may be positioned on the opposite side of the slit from the perspective of the first optical component in the direction of the first axis, and inside the width of the slit in the direction of the second axis. Furthermore, the second pair of fastening members may be positioned on the opposite side of the slit from the perspective of the second optical component in the direction of the first axis, and inside the width of the slit in the direction of the second axis.

[0047] This allows for the determination of the positional relationship between the fastening member, the slit, and the optical component, and effectively suppresses misalignment of the optical component.

[0048] (Technology 9) In the optical device described in Technology 2, the second optical component is an optical modulation element that modulates light from a light source located inside the housing (for example, housing 1) into image light, the first optical component is a projection lens that projects the image light, the first holding member is a lens holding member that holds the projection lens, and the second holding member is an optical modulation element holding member that is located on the lens holding member and holds the optical modulation element.

[0049] This allows the optical device to guide the expansion of the retaining member due to the temperature rise inside the housing containing the light source into the slit, thereby suppressing misalignment of the optical components.

[0050] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the embodiments described above can be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0051] The technology disclosed herein is useful as an optical device that suppresses misalignment of optical components that may occur due to thermal deformation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 cabinet 2 projection lenses 3. Lens holding member 4. Optical Modulator 5. Optical modulation element holding member 6. First Slit 6A Second Slit 7 Fastening members 7A First screw 7B Second screw 7C Third screw 7D Fourth screw 8. Expansion section 9. First optical component 10. Second optical component 11. Width of optical components in the Y-axis direction 12. Slit width in the Y-axis direction 13 Width between optical components in the X-axis direction 21 First bottom member 22 First front member 23. Second bottom member 24. Second front member 100 projectors

Claims

1. The first optical component, A second optical component is positioned on the same optical axis as the first optical component, A holding member for holding the first optical component and the second optical component, A slit that suppresses fluctuations in the relative distance between the second optical component and the first optical component due to the temperature rise of the holding member, A base material that supports at least the holding member via a plurality of fastening members, Equipped with, The slit is formed in the holding member between the first optical component and the second optical component in the optical device.

2. The aforementioned retaining member is A second holding member for holding the second optical component, The device comprises the second holding member and the first holding member for holding the first optical component, The aforementioned slit is To suppress the fluctuation of the relative distance due to the temperature rise of the first holding member, The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned retaining member is A third holding member for holding the first optical component, A fourth retaining member for holding the second optical component, It comprises a third retaining member and a fifth retaining member that holds the fourth retaining member, The aforementioned slit is To suppress the fluctuation of the relative distance due to the temperature rise of the fifth holding member, The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. The length of the slit in the second axial direction is longer than the width of the first optical component and the second optical component in the second axial direction, and the slit is formed across the bottom surface of the retaining member and a portion of the side surface of the retaining member. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. The length of the slit in the second axial direction is longer than the width of the first optical component and the second optical component in the second axial direction, and is positioned only on the bottom surface of the holding member. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. The fastening members are arranged in pairs in the direction of the first axis, sandwiching the slit. The first pair of fastening members is positioned between the first optical component and the slit in the direction of the first axis, and outside the width of the first optical component and inside the width of the slit in the direction of the second axis. The second pair of fastening members is positioned in the direction of the first axis on the side opposite to the slit as seen from the second optical component, and in the direction of the second axis inside the width of the slit. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. The fastening members are arranged in pairs in the direction of the first axis, sandwiching the slit. The first pair of fastening members is positioned in the direction of the first axis on the side opposite to the slit as viewed from the first optical component, and in the direction of the second axis inside the width of the slit. The second pair of fastening members is positioned between the second optical component and the slit in the direction of the first axis, and outside the width of the second optical component and inside the width of the slit in the direction of the second axis. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The straight line connecting the first optical component and the second optical component is defined as the first axis, and the straight line perpendicular to the first axis is defined as the second axis. The fastening members are arranged in pairs in the direction of the first axis, sandwiching the slit. The first pair of fastening members is positioned in the direction of the first axis on the side opposite to the slit as viewed from the first optical component, and in the direction of the second axis inside the width of the slit. The second pair of fastening members is positioned in the direction of the first axis on the side opposite to the slit as seen from the second optical component, and in the direction of the second axis inside the width of the slit. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The second optical component is an optical modulation element that modulates light from a light source placed inside the housing into image light. The first optical component is a projection lens that projects the image light, The first holding member is a lens holding member that holds the projection lens, The second holding member is an optical modulation element holding member that is positioned on the lens holding member and holds the optical modulation element. The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

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